feat(patterns): merge pattern styles and add mode support

Consolidate legacy pattern ids into meteor, particles, sparkle, chase,
and colour_cycle with n6/mode style selection; add pattern_modes helper,
self-contained tests/all.py, and preset mode alias on wire.

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

dev.py

@@ -67,27 +67,9 @@ for cmd in sys.argv[1:]:
                 print("Error: Port required for 'db' command")
         case "test":
             if port:
-                if "all" in sys.argv[1:]:
-                    test_files = sorted(
-                        str(path)
-                        for path in Path("test").rglob("*.py")
-                        if path.is_file()
-                    )
-                    failed = []
-                    for test_file in test_files:
-                        print(f"Running {test_file}")
-                        code = subprocess.call(
-                            [*mpremote_base(), "connect", port, "run", test_file]
-                        )
-                        if code != 0:
-                            failed.append((test_file, code))
-                    if failed:
-                        print("Some tests failed:")
-                        for test_file, code in failed:
-                            print(f"  {test_file} (exit {code})")
-                else:
-                    subprocess.call(
-                        [*mpremote_base(), "connect", port, "run", "test/all.py"]
-                    )
+                # Single self-contained suite (tests/all.py); requires ``src`` on device first.
+                subprocess.call(
+                    [*mpremote_base(), "connect", port, "run", "tests/all.py"]
+                )
             else:
                 print("Error: Port required for 'test' command")

docs/patterns.md

@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
+# Patterns and presets on the LED driver
+
+This document describes **how patterns are wired**, how **presets** map to patterns, and what each **shipped pattern** expects. For the JSON wire format (`v`: `"1"`, `presets`, `select`, short keys `p` / `c` / `b`, etc.), see [API.md](API.md).
+
+## End-to-end control
+
+1. The controller sends a **v1 JSON** object (ESP-NOW, serial bridge, or one line per message over TCP WebSocket in Wi-Fi mode).
+2. `controller_messages.process_data()` parses it and applies fields in a fixed order (see `src/controller_messages.py`):
+   - `device_config` — name, LED count, colour order, startup mode; may reload `presets.json` and re-select the previous preset.
+   - `b` — **global** output brightness (0–255), stored in settings and in `presets.b`.
+   - `presets` — merge definitions into the in-memory preset table (`Presets.edit()` per id).
+   - `clear_presets` — optional wipe of all presets.
+   - `select` — pick the active preset (and optional step) for **this** device (matched by `settings["name"]`).
+   - `default` — update saved default preset when `targets` includes this device.
+   - `manifest` — pattern OTA: fetch pattern `.py` files and `reload_patterns()`.
+   - `save` — persist presets and/or settings when combined with the relevant fields.
+3. The main loop calls `presets.tick()` so the active pattern **generator** advances one frame per iteration.
+
+## Presets
+
+- **Class:** `src/preset.py` — `Preset` holds the pattern configuration.
+- **Short keys** (what the driver uses internally after `apply_presets` normalisation):
+
+  | Key | Meaning | Default |
+  |-----|---------|--------|
+  | `p` | Pattern id (string), must match a registered pattern | `"off"` |
+  | `c` | Colours as RGB tuples (after colour-order conversion) | `[(255,255,255)]` |
+  | `d` | Delay (ms); meaning is pattern-specific | `100` |
+  | `b` | Preset brightness 0–255 (combined with global `presets.b`) | `127` |
+  | `a` | Auto: continuous animation; `false` = manual / beat-stepped where supported | `True` |
+  | `bg` | Background colour (hex string or RGB tuple on device) | `(0,0,0)` |
+  | `n1`–`n6` | Pattern-specific integers | `0` |
+
+  Long aliases from the controller (`pattern`, `colors`, `delay`, `brightness`, `auto`, `background`) are converted in `Preset.edit()`.
+
+- **Persistence:** `presets.json` on flash; **`MAX_PRESETS` = 32** (exceptions for auto-created `"on"` / `"off"`).
+- **Activation:** `Presets.select(preset_name, step=None)` loads the preset, looks up **`preset.p`** in the pattern registry, and sets `generator = patterns[preset.p](preset)`, then runs one `tick()` so the first frame appears.
+
+## Brightness
+
+- **Global:** `presets.b` from message `{"v":"1","b":…}` scales every output channel.
+- **Per preset:** `preset.b`; combined in `Presets.apply_brightness(colour, preset.b)` as  
+  `effective = round(preset_channel * presets.b / 255)` with preset level applied first conceptually (`apply_brightness` takes the preset’s `b` as the override for that colour).
+
+## Pattern registry
+
+Built in `Presets.reload_patterns()` (`src/presets.py`):
+
+1. **Built-ins:** `"off"` and `"on"` — methods on the `Presets` instance (not separate files).
+2. **Dynamic modules:** Every `patterns/*.py` on flash (except `__init__.py`), imported as `patterns.<basename>`. The loader takes the **first class** in the module that defines **`run`**, instantiates it with `Presets(self)` (the driver / NeoPixel wrapper), and registers:
+
+   ```text
+   patterns[basename] = PatternClass(driver).run
+   ```
+
+So the **`p` field must equal the file basename without `.py`** (e.g. file `radiate.py` ⇒ pattern `"radiate"`).
+
+### Adding or updating patterns on device
+
+- **OTA:** v1 message with `"manifest"` (URL or inline JSON listing `files` with `name`, `url` or `code`) — see `apply_patterns_ota()` in `controller_messages.py`.
+- **HTTP:** `POST /patterns/upload` on the device (`src/main.py`) with a safe `.py` filename; optional reload of the registry.
+
+After new files land in `patterns/`, call `presets.reload_patterns()` (done automatically by OTA and upload when configured).
+
+## Auto vs manual (`a`)
+
+- **`a: true` (auto):** The main loop keeps calling `tick()`; the generator runs continuously (subject to internal `yield` timing / `utime`).
+- **`a: false` (manual):** Intended for patterns that advance **once per explicit `select`** (or per beat routing from the controller). The driver does **not** call `select()` again when editing a manual preset-only push — manual steps are driven by incoming `select` messages.
+
+Special case in `Presets.select()`: for **manual chase**, if the same preset is re-selected mid-generator, pending frames may be flushed so step indices stay aligned with beats.
+
+## Built-in patterns
+
+### `off`
+
+- **Registration:** built-in method `Presets.off`.
+- **Behaviour:** fills the strip with black (after generator setup, `tick` completes immediately).
+- **Parameters:** ignores preset colours for the strip; optional `preset` argument unused for pixels.
+
+### `on`
+
+- **Registration:** built-in method `Presets.on`.
+- **Behaviour:** solid fill with `preset.c[0]` (or white if no colours), via `apply_brightness(..., preset.b)`.
+- **Parameters:** `c`, `b`; `d` / `n*` not used.
+
+## Dynamic pattern: `radiate`
+
+- **File:** `src/patterns/radiate.py`
+- **Class:** `Radiate` — `run(self, preset)` is a **generator** (must `yield` each frame).
+- **Pattern key:** `p` = `"radiate"`
+
+Concept: repeating **nodes** along the strip every **`n1`** LEDs; from each node a lit region expands outward then contracts (timed by **`n2`** / **`n3`**). In **auto**, a new pulse train starts every **`d`** ms and the active colour index advances. In **manual**, a **single** out-and-back cycle runs, then the generator ends (next colour on the next `select`).
+
+| Field | Role |
+|-------|------|
+| `n1` | Node spacing in LEDs (`>= 1`; half-spacing used for symmetry) |
+| `n2` | Outbound travel time (ms), `>= 1` |
+| `n3` | Return travel time (ms), `>= 1` |
+| `d` | Auto only: interval (ms) between re-triggers; `>= 1` |
+| `c` | Colour list; cycles per retrigger / per manual cycle |
+| `bg` | Off state / gap colour (via `preset.background_or`) |
+| `b` | Preset brightness |
+| `a` | `true` = repeating pulses on a timer; `false` = one shot per select |
+
+Debug: if `presets.debug` is true (from settings), periodic logs print timing and lit LED counts.
+
+## Other pattern names (`blink`, `rainbow`, `pulse`, …)
+
+Those pattern **ids** are valid on the **wire** and in **led-controller** `db/pattern.json`, but they are **not** all present in this repository’s `src/patterns/` tree. On a real device they normally appear as **additional** `patterns/*.py` files delivered by OTA or upload. For the intended **`n1`–`n6`** semantics on the wire, use [API.md](API.md) **Pattern-Specific Parameters**; the implementation must match that contract in each module’s `run(preset)` generator.
+
+## Quick reference: files
+
+| File | Role |
+|------|------|
+| `src/preset.py` | Preset field model and aliases |
+| `src/presets.py` | Registry, `select`, `tick`, `off` / `on`, dynamic load |
+| `src/controller_messages.py` | Parse v1 JSON, apply presets/select/brightness/OTA |
+| `src/patterns/*.py` | One pattern module per dynamic id (basename = `p`) |

src/background_tasks.py

@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
 import asyncio
-import gc
 import utime
 
 from hello import broadcast_hello_udp
+from mem_stats import print_mem
+from wifi_sta import try_reconnect
+
+_UDP_HELLO_ATTEMPT = 0
 
 
 async def presets_loop(presets, wdt):
@@ -13,20 +16,33 @@ async def presets_loop(presets, wdt):
         if bool(getattr(presets, "debug", False)):
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
             if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_mem_log) >= 5000:
-                gc.collect()
-                print("mem runtime:", {"free": gc.mem_free(), "alloc": gc.mem_alloc()})
+                print_mem("runtime")
                 last_mem_log = now
         # tick() does not await; yield so UDP hello and HTTP/WebSocket can run.
         await asyncio.sleep(0)
 
 
 async def udp_hello_loop_after_http_ready(sta_if, settings, wdt, runtime_state):
-    """Broadcast hello at startup-fast cadence, then slower cadence."""
+    """UDP hello on cadence; if STA drops, one reconnect campaign per iteration."""
+    global _UDP_HELLO_ATTEMPT
     await asyncio.sleep(1)
     started_ms = utime.ticks_ms()
     while True:
-        if runtime_state.hello:
-            print("UDP hello: broadcasting...")
+        try:
+            wifi_ok = sta_if.isconnected()
+        except Exception:
+            wifi_ok = False
+        if not wifi_ok:
+            ssid = settings.get("ssid") or ""
+            if ssid:
+                try_reconnect(sta_if, ssid, settings.get("password") or "", wdt)
+            try:
+                wifi_ok = sta_if.isconnected()
+            except Exception:
+                wifi_ok = False
+        if wifi_ok and runtime_state.hello:
+            _UDP_HELLO_ATTEMPT += 1
+            print("UDP hello broadcast attempt", _UDP_HELLO_ATTEMPT)
             try:
                 broadcast_hello_udp(
                     sta_if,
@@ -38,5 +54,5 @@ async def udp_hello_loop_after_http_ready(sta_if, settings, wdt, runtime_state):
             except Exception as ex:
                 print("UDP hello broadcast failed:", ex)
         elapsed_ms = utime.ticks_diff(utime.ticks_ms(), started_ms)
-        interval_s = 5 if elapsed_ms < 60000 else 60
+        interval_s = 10 if elapsed_ms < 120000 else 30
         await asyncio.sleep(interval_s)

src/controller_messages.py

@@ -12,8 +12,37 @@ except ImportError:
     import os
 
 
+def _log_rx(payload) -> None:
+    """Serial log when led-controller sends a message into ``process_data``."""
+    try:
+        if isinstance(payload, (bytes, bytearray)):
+            n = len(payload)
+            if n == 0:
+                print("rx 0 B")
+                return
+            cap = 160
+            chunk = payload if n <= cap else payload[:cap]
+            try:
+                txt = bytes(chunk).decode("utf-8")
+            except Exception:
+                txt = str(chunk)
+            if n > cap:
+                txt = txt + "..."
+            print("rx", n, "B", txt)
+        else:
+            s = str(payload)
+            cap = 200
+            if len(s) <= cap:
+                print("rx", len(s), "C", s)
+            else:
+                print("rx", len(s), "C", s[:cap] + "...")
+    except Exception:
+        print("rx (logging failed)")
+
+
 def process_data(payload, settings, presets, controller_ip=None):
     """Read one controller message; binary v1 envelope or JSON v1, then apply fields."""
+    _log_rx(payload)
     data = None
     if isinstance(payload, (bytes, bytearray)):
         data = parse_binary_envelope(payload)
@@ -27,9 +56,10 @@ def process_data(payload, settings, presets, controller_ip=None):
             data = json.loads(payload)
         except (ValueError, TypeError):
             return
-    print(payload)
     if data.get("v", "") != "1":
         return
+    if "device_config" in data:
+        apply_device_config(data, settings, presets)
     if "b" in data:
         apply_brightness(data, settings, presets)
     if "presets" in data:
@@ -48,6 +78,88 @@ def process_data(payload, settings, presets, controller_ip=None):
         presets.save()
     if "save" in data and "b" in data:
         settings.save()
+    if "save" in data and "device_config" in data:
+        settings.save()
+
+
+_VALID_DEVICE_COLOR_ORDERS = frozenset({"rgb", "rbg", "grb", "gbr", "brg", "bgr"})
+_STARTUP_MODES = frozenset({"default", "last", "off"})
+_MAX_DEVICE_LEDS = 2048
+
+
+def apply_startup_pattern(settings, presets):
+    """Apply power-on behaviour from ``startup_mode`` (default / last / off)."""
+    mode = str(settings.get("startup_mode", "default")).lower().strip()
+    if mode not in _STARTUP_MODES:
+        mode = "default"
+    if mode == "off":
+        if presets.select("off"):
+            return
+        presets.fill((0, 0, 0))
+        return
+    if mode == "last":
+        lp = settings.get("last_preset") or ""
+        if isinstance(lp, str) and lp.strip() and lp.strip() in presets.presets:
+            if presets.select(lp.strip()):
+                return
+    dp = settings.get("default", "")
+    if dp and dp in presets.presets:
+        if not presets.select(dp):
+            print("Startup preset failed (invalid pattern?):", dp)
+
+
+def apply_device_config(data, settings, presets):
+    """Apply fields from v1 ``device_config``; reload presets when strip length or colour order changes."""
+    dc = data.get("device_config")
+    if not isinstance(dc, dict):
+        return
+    strip_changed = False
+    meta_changed = False
+    if "name" in dc:
+        n = dc["name"]
+        if isinstance(n, str) and n.strip():
+            settings["name"] = n.strip()
+            meta_changed = True
+    if "num_leds" in dc:
+        try:
+            n = int(dc["num_leds"])
+            if 1 <= n <= _MAX_DEVICE_LEDS:
+                settings["num_leds"] = n
+                presets.update_num_leds(settings["led_pin"], n)
+                strip_changed = True
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            pass
+    if "color_order" in dc:
+        co = str(dc["color_order"]).lower().strip()
+        if co in _VALID_DEVICE_COLOR_ORDERS:
+            settings["color_order"] = co
+            settings.color_order = settings.get_color_order(co)
+            strip_changed = True
+    if "startup_mode" in dc:
+        sm = str(dc["startup_mode"]).lower().strip()
+        if sm in _STARTUP_MODES:
+            settings["startup_mode"] = sm
+            meta_changed = True
+    if not strip_changed and not meta_changed:
+        return
+    if strip_changed:
+        prev = presets.selected
+        try:
+            presets.load(settings)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("device_config: presets.load failed:", e)
+        if prev and prev in presets.presets:
+            presets.select(prev)
+        elif settings.get("default") and settings["default"] in presets.presets:
+            presets.select(settings["default"])
+
+
+def record_last_preset(settings, preset_name):
+    """Persist the last selected preset id (single entry in flash)."""
+    if not isinstance(preset_name, str) or not preset_name:
+        return
+    settings["last_preset"] = preset_name.strip()
+    settings.save()
 
 
 def apply_brightness(data, settings, presets):
@@ -71,8 +183,14 @@ def apply_presets(data, settings, presets):
                 )
             except (TypeError, ValueError, KeyError):
                 continue
+        if "bg" in preset_data:
+            try:
+                bg_color = convert_and_reorder_colors([preset_data["bg"]], settings)
+                if bg_color:
+                    preset_data["bg"] = bg_color[0]
+            except (TypeError, ValueError, KeyError):
+                pass
         presets.edit(id, preset_data)
-        print(f"Edited preset {id}: {preset_data.get('name', '')}")
 
 
 def apply_select(data, settings, presets):
@@ -83,7 +201,8 @@ def apply_select(data, settings, presets):
         return
     preset_name = select_list[0]
     step = select_list[1] if len(select_list) > 1 else None
-    presets.select(preset_name, step=step)
+    if presets.select(preset_name, step=step):
+        record_last_preset(settings, preset_name)
 
 
 def apply_clear_presets(data, presets):
@@ -99,7 +218,6 @@ def apply_clear_presets(data, presets):
     if not should_clear:
         return
     presets.delete_all()
-    print("Cleared all presets.")
 
 
 def apply_default(data, settings, presets):
@@ -244,8 +362,5 @@ def apply_patterns_ota(data, presets, controller_ip=None):
             updated += 1
         if updated > 0:
             presets.reload_patterns()
-            print("patterns_ota: updated", updated, "pattern file(s)")
-        else:
-            print("patterns_ota: no valid files downloaded")
     except Exception as e:
         print("patterns_ota failed:", e)

src/hello.py

@@ -92,7 +92,6 @@ def broadcast_hello_udp(
     """
     ip, mask, _gw, _dns = sta.ifconfig()
     msg = pack_hello_line(sta, device_name)
-    print("hello:", msg)
 
     sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_DGRAM)
     try:
@@ -121,11 +120,9 @@ def broadcast_hello_udp(
     for dest_ip, dest_port in targets:
         if wdt is not None:
             wdt.feed()
-        label = "%s:%s" % (dest_ip, dest_port)
         target = (dest_ip, dest_port)
         try:
             sock.sendto(msg, target)
-            print("sent hello ->", target)
         except OSError as e:
             print("sendto failed:", e)
             continue
@@ -134,20 +131,12 @@ def broadcast_hello_udp(
         if wdt is not None:
             wdt.feed()
         try:
-            data, addr = sock.recvfrom(2048)
-            print("reply from", addr, ":", data)
+            _data, addr = sock.recvfrom(2048)
             remote_ip = addr[0]
-            if data != msg:
-                print("(warning: reply payload differs from hello; still using source IP.)")
             discovered = remote_ip
-            print("Discovered controller at", remote_ip)
             break
-        except OSError as e:
-            print("recv (no reply):", e, "via", label)
-            if dest_ip == "255.255.255.255":
-                print(
-                    "(hint: many APs drop Wi-Fi client broadcast; try wired server or AP without client isolation.)"
-                )
+        except OSError:
+            pass
 
     sock.close()
     return discovered
@@ -171,18 +160,12 @@ def discover_controller_udp(device_name="", wdt=None):
         print("hello: STA has no IP address.")
         raise SystemExit(1)
 
-    print("STA IP:", ip, "mask:", mask)
-
     discovered = broadcast_hello_udp(
         sta,
         device_name,
         wait_reply=True,
         wdt=wdt,
     )
-    if discovered:
-        print("discover done; controller =", repr(discovered))
-    else:
-        print("discover done; controller not found")
     return discovered
 
 

src/http_routes.py

@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@ def register_routes(app, settings, presets, runtime_state):
     @app.route("/ws")
     @with_websocket
     async def ws_handler(request, ws):
-        print("WS client connected")
         runtime_state.ws_connected()
         controller_ip = None
         try:
@@ -34,15 +33,11 @@ def register_routes(app, settings, presets, runtime_state):
                 controller_ip = client_addr
         except Exception:
             controller_ip = None
-        print("WS controller_ip:", controller_ip)
         try:
             while True:
                 data = await ws.receive()
                 if not data:
-                    print("WS client disconnected (closed)")
                     break
-                print("WS recv bytes:", len(data) if isinstance(data, (bytes, bytearray)) else len(str(data)))
-                print(data)
                 process_data(data, settings, presets, controller_ip=controller_ip)
         except WebSocketError as e:
             print("WS client disconnected:", e)
@@ -50,12 +45,6 @@ def register_routes(app, settings, presets, runtime_state):
             print("WS client dropped (OSError):", e)
         finally:
             runtime_state.ws_disconnected()
-            print(
-                "WS client disconnected: hello=",
-                runtime_state.hello,
-                "ws_client_count=",
-                runtime_state.ws_client_count,
-            )
 
     @app.post("/patterns/upload")
     async def upload_pattern(request):
@@ -63,19 +52,15 @@ def register_routes(app, settings, presets, runtime_state):
         raw_name = request.args.get("name")
         reload_raw = request.args.get("reload", "1")
         reload_patterns = str(reload_raw).strip().lower() not in ("0", "false", "no", "off")
-        print("patterns/upload request:", {"name": raw_name, "reload": reload_patterns})
 
         if not isinstance(raw_name, str) or not raw_name.strip():
             return json.dumps({"error": "name is required"}), 400, {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
         body = request.body
         if not isinstance(body, (bytes, bytearray)) or not body:
-            print("patterns/upload rejected: empty body")
             return json.dumps({"error": "code is required"}), 400, {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
-        print("patterns/upload body_bytes:", len(body))
         try:
             code = body.decode("utf-8")
         except UnicodeError:
-            print("patterns/upload rejected: body not utf-8")
             return json.dumps({"error": "body must be utf-8 text"}), 400, {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
         if not code.strip():
             return json.dumps({"error": "code is required"}), 400, {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
@@ -93,16 +78,13 @@ def register_routes(app, settings, presets, runtime_state):
 
         path = "patterns/" + name
         try:
-            print("patterns/upload writing:", path)
             with open(path, "w") as f:
                 f.write(code)
             if reload_patterns:
-                print("patterns/upload reloading patterns")
                 presets.reload_patterns()
         except OSError as e:
             print("patterns/upload failed:", e)
             return json.dumps({"error": str(e)}), 500, {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
-        print("patterns/upload success:", {"name": name, "reloaded": reload_patterns})
 
         return json.dumps(
             {

src/main.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
+import print_timestamp  # noqa: F401 — prefixes every print with [ticks_ms]
 from settings import Settings
 import machine
-import network
 import utime
 import asyncio
 import json
@@ -8,57 +8,50 @@ import gc
 from microdot import Microdot
 from microdot.websocket import WebSocketError, with_websocket
 from presets import Presets
-from controller_messages import process_data
-from hello import broadcast_hello_udp
+from controller_messages import apply_startup_pattern, process_data
+from runtime_state import RuntimeState
+from background_tasks import presets_loop, udp_hello_loop_after_http_ready
+from mem_stats import print_mem
+from wifi_sta import boot_sta
 try:
     import uos as os
 except ImportError:
     import os
 
+wdt = machine.WDT(timeout=10000)
+wdt.feed()
+
 machine.freq(160000000)
 
 
 settings = Settings()
-print(settings)
-
-wdt = machine.WDT(timeout=10000)
-wdt.feed()
 
 gc.collect()
-print("mem before presets:", {"free": gc.mem_free(), "alloc": gc.mem_alloc()})
+sta_if = boot_sta(settings, wdt)
 
 presets = Presets(settings["led_pin"], settings["num_leds"])
 presets.load(settings)
 presets.b = settings.get("brightness", 255)
 presets.debug = bool(settings.get("debug", False))
 gc.collect()
-print("mem after presets:", {"free": gc.mem_free(), "alloc": gc.mem_alloc()})
 
-default_preset = settings.get("default", "")
-if default_preset and default_preset in presets.presets:
-    if presets.select(default_preset):
-        print(f"Selected startup preset: {default_preset}")
-    else:
-        print("Startup preset failed (invalid pattern?):", default_preset)
+apply_startup_pattern(settings, presets)
 
-# On ESP32-C3, soft reboots can leave Wi-Fi driver state allocated.
-# Reset both interfaces and collect before bringing STA up.
-ap_if = network.WLAN(network.AP_IF)
-ap_if.active(False)
-sta_if = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
-if sta_if.active():
-    sta_if.active(False)
-utime.sleep_ms(100)
-gc.collect()
-sta_if.active(True)
-sta_if.config(pm=network.WLAN.PM_NONE)
-sta_if.connect(settings["ssid"], settings["password"])
-while not sta_if.isconnected():
-    print("Connecting")
-    utime.sleep(1)
-    wdt.feed()
 
-print(sta_if.ifconfig())
+def _print_network_ips(controller_ip=None):
+    """Always log STA address and led-controller (WS client) address when known."""
+    try:
+        led_ip = sta_if.ifconfig()[0]
+    except Exception:
+        led_ip = "?"
+    ctrl = controller_ip if controller_ip else "(not connected)"
+    print("led-driver IP:", led_ip, "  led-controller IP:", ctrl)
+
+
+_print_network_ips()
+print_mem("startup")
+
+runtime_state = RuntimeState()
 
 app = Microdot()
 
@@ -76,7 +69,7 @@ def _safe_pattern_filename(name):
 @app.route("/ws")
 @with_websocket
 async def ws_handler(request, ws):
-    print("WS client connected")
+    runtime_state.ws_connected()
     controller_ip = None
     try:
         client_addr = getattr(request, "client_addr", None)
@@ -86,20 +79,20 @@ async def ws_handler(request, ws):
             controller_ip = client_addr
     except Exception:
         controller_ip = None
-    print("WS controller_ip:", controller_ip)
+    _print_network_ips(controller_ip)
+    print_mem("ws connect")
     try:
         while True:
             data = await ws.receive()
             if not data:
-                print("WS client disconnected (closed)")
                 break
-            print("WS recv bytes:", len(data) if isinstance(data, (bytes, bytearray)) else len(str(data)))
-            print(data)
             process_data(data, settings, presets, controller_ip=controller_ip)
     except WebSocketError as e:
         print("WS client disconnected:", e)
     except OSError as e:
         print("WS client dropped (OSError):", e)
+    finally:
+        runtime_state.ws_disconnected()
 
 
 @app.post("/patterns/upload")
@@ -108,7 +101,6 @@ async def upload_pattern(request):
     raw_name = request.args.get("name")
     reload_raw = request.args.get("reload", "1")
     reload_patterns = str(reload_raw).strip().lower() not in ("0", "false", "no", "off")
-    print("patterns/upload request:", {"name": raw_name, "reload": reload_patterns})
 
     if not isinstance(raw_name, str) or not raw_name.strip():
         return json.dumps({"error": "name is required"}), 400, {
@@ -116,15 +108,12 @@ async def upload_pattern(request):
         }
     body = request.body
     if not isinstance(body, (bytes, bytearray)) or not body:
-        print("patterns/upload rejected: empty body")
         return json.dumps({"error": "code is required"}), 400, {
             "Content-Type": "application/json"
         }
-    print("patterns/upload body_bytes:", len(body))
     try:
         code = body.decode("utf-8")
     except UnicodeError:
-        print("patterns/upload rejected: body not utf-8")
         return json.dumps({"error": "body must be utf-8 text"}), 400, {
             "Content-Type": "application/json"
         }
@@ -148,18 +137,15 @@ async def upload_pattern(request):
 
     path = "patterns/" + name
     try:
-        print("patterns/upload writing:", path)
         with open(path, "w") as f:
             f.write(code)
         if reload_patterns:
-            print("patterns/upload reloading patterns")
             presets.reload_patterns()
     except OSError as e:
         print("patterns/upload failed:", e)
         return json.dumps({"error": str(e)}), 500, {
             "Content-Type": "application/json"
         }
-    print("patterns/upload success:", {"name": name, "reloaded": reload_patterns})
 
     return json.dumps({
         "message": "pattern uploaded",
@@ -168,40 +154,11 @@ async def upload_pattern(request):
     }), 201, {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
 
 
-async def presets_loop():
-    last_mem_log = utime.ticks_ms()
-    while True:
-        presets.tick()
-        wdt.feed()
-        if bool(getattr(presets, "debug", False)):
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_mem_log) >= 5000:
-                gc.collect()
-                print("mem runtime:", {"free": gc.mem_free(), "alloc": gc.mem_alloc()})
-                last_mem_log = now
-        # tick() does not await; yield so UDP hello and HTTP/WebSocket can run.
-        await asyncio.sleep(0)
-
-
-async def _udp_hello_after_http_ready():
-    """Hello must run after the HTTP server binds, or discovery clients time out on /ws."""
-    await asyncio.sleep(1)
-    print("UDP hello: broadcasting…")
-    try:
-        broadcast_hello_udp(
-            sta_if,
-            settings.get("name", ""),
-            wait_reply=False,
-            wdt=wdt,
-            dual_destinations=True,
-        )
-    except Exception as ex:
-        print("UDP hello broadcast failed:", ex)
-
-
 async def main(port=80):
-    asyncio.create_task(presets_loop())
-    asyncio.create_task(_udp_hello_after_http_ready())
+    asyncio.create_task(presets_loop(presets, wdt))
+    asyncio.create_task(
+        udp_hello_loop_after_http_ready(sta_if, settings, wdt, runtime_state)
+    )
     await app.start_server(host="0.0.0.0", port=port)
 
 

src/mem_stats.py

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+"""GC / heap snapshot helpers for debug logging."""
+
+import gc
+
+
+def snapshot():
+    """Return a dict of memory stats after ``gc.collect()``."""
+    gc.collect()
+    out = {
+        "free": gc.mem_free(),
+        "alloc": gc.mem_alloc(),
+    }
+    try:
+        import esp32
+
+        blocks = esp32.idf_heap_info(esp32.HEAP_DATA)
+        if blocks:
+            block = blocks[0]
+            if isinstance(block, dict):
+                if "total_free_bytes" in block:
+                    out["idf_free"] = block["total_free_bytes"]
+                largest = block.get("largest_free_block")
+                if largest is None:
+                    largest = block.get("largest_free_block_in_bytes")
+                if largest is not None:
+                    out["idf_largest"] = largest
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    return out
+
+
+def print_mem(label):
+    """Print one timestamped memory line (via ``print_timestamp`` when installed)."""
+    print("mem %s:" % label, snapshot())

src/patterns/aurora.py

@@ -1,12 +1,16 @@
+import math
 import utime
 
+from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+_LEGACY = {"northern_wave": 1}
+
 
 class Aurora:
     def __init__(self, driver):
         self.driver = driver
 
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(40, 200, 140), (80, 120, 255), (160, 80, 220)]
+    def _run_bands(self, preset, colors):
         bands = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 3)
         shimmer = max(0, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 40))
         phase = self.driver.step % 256
@@ -16,11 +20,17 @@ class Aurora:
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
             if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
                 for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    idx = ((i * bands) // max(1, self.driver.num_leds) + (phase // 32)) % len(colors)
+                    idx = (
+                        (i * bands) // max(1, self.driver.num_leds) + (phase // 32)
+                    ) % len(colors)
                     c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[idx], preset.b)
-                    w = (255 - abs(128 - ((i * 8 + phase) & 255)) * 2)
+                    w = 255 - abs(128 - ((i * 8 + phase) & 255)) * 2
                     w = max(0, min(255, w + shimmer))
-                    self.driver.n[i] = ((c[0]*w)//255, (c[1]*w)//255, (c[2]*w)//255)
+                    self.driver.n[i] = (
+                        (c[0] * w) // 255,
+                        (c[1] * w) // 255,
+                        (c[2] * w) // 255,
+                    )
                 self.driver.n.write()
                 phase = (phase + 1) & 255
                 self.driver.step = phase
@@ -29,3 +39,57 @@ class Aurora:
                     yield
                     return
             yield
+
+    def _run_northern(self, preset, colors):
+        period = max(4, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 20)
+        contrast = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 200))
+        drift = max(1, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 2)
+        phase = 0
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+        ncols = len(colors)
+        if ncols < 2:
+            colors = list(colors) + [(120, 180, 255)]
+            ncols = len(colors)
+        twopi = 6.2831853
+
+        def lerp3(a, b, f):
+            return (
+                a[0] + ((b[0] - a[0]) * f) // 255,
+                a[1] + ((b[1] - a[1]) * f) // 255,
+                a[2] + ((b[2] - a[2]) * f) // 255,
+            )
+
+        while True:
+            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
+                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+                    t = (i * twopi / period) + (phase * twopi / 256.0)
+                    w = (math.sin(t) + 1.0) * 0.5
+                    u = w * (ncols - 1) * 256.0
+                    fi = int(u) >> 8
+                    frac = int(u) & 255
+                    if fi >= ncols - 1:
+                        fi = ncols - 2
+                        frac = 255
+                    peak = lerp3(colors[fi], colors[fi + 1], frac)
+                    peak = self.driver.apply_brightness(peak, preset.b)
+                    mixf = min(255, int(w * contrast * 2) >> 1)
+                    self.driver.n[i] = lerp3(bg, peak, mixf)
+                self.driver.n.write()
+                phase = (phase + drift) % 256
+                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
+                if not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+            yield
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        """Aurora bands (n6=0) or sine northern wave (n6=1, legacy northern_wave)."""
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(40, 200, 140), (80, 120, 255), (160, 80, 220)]
+        if style_mode(preset, 0, _LEGACY) == 1:
+            colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(20, 55, 120), (60, 140, 220), (180, 220, 255)]
+            yield from self._run_northern(preset, colors)
+            return
+        yield from self._run_bands(preset, colors)

src/patterns/bar_graph.py

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ class BarGraph:
                 target = (self.driver.num_leds * level) // 100
                 lit = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
                 unlit = self.driver.apply_brightness(
-                    colors[-1],
+                    preset.background_or(colors),
                     preset.b,
                 )
                 for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):

src/patterns/blink.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ class Blink:
         """Blink pattern: toggles LEDs on/off using preset delay, cycling through colors."""
         # Use provided colors, or default to white if none
         colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
         color_index = 0
         state = True  # True = on, False = off
         last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
@@ -25,8 +26,8 @@ class Blink:
                     # Advance to next color for the next "on" phase
                     color_index += 1
                 else:
-                    # "Off" phase should actually be off.
-                    self.driver.fill((0, 0, 0))
+                    # Inactive phase uses the preset background color.
+                    self.driver.fill(bg_color)
                 state = not state
                 last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)
             # Yield once per tick so other logic can run

src/patterns/blizzard.py

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+import random
+import utime
+
+
+class Blizzard:
+    """Dense falling flakes with sideways drift (compare `snowfall` for gentler flakes)."""
+
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255), (200, 230, 255), (180, 210, 255)]
+        # Higher n1 → more spawns (0–255 threshold vs random)
+        density = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 90)
+        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 2)
+        # n3: 128 = no bias; <128 drift one way, >128 the other (scaled to small steps)
+        wraw = int(preset.n3)
+        if wraw <= 0:
+            wind = 0
+        else:
+            wind = max(-4, min(4, (wraw - 128) // 20))
+
+        flakes = []
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+
+        while True:
+            d_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d_ms:
+                nled = self.driver.num_leds
+                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+
+                for i in range(nled):
+                    self.driver.n[i] = bg
+
+                if random.randint(0, 255) < density:
+                    flakes.append(
+                        [
+                            nled - 1,
+                            random.randint(0, len(colors) - 1),
+                            0 if wind == 0 else random.randint(-1, 1),
+                        ]
+                    )
+
+                nf = []
+                for pos, ci, wj in flakes:
+                    p = pos
+                    lateral = wind + (wj if wj else 0)
+                    p -= speed
+                    p += lateral
+                    if p < -2 or p >= nled + 2:
+                        continue
+                    pi = max(0, min(nled - 1, int(p)))
+                    self.driver.n[pi] = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[ci], preset.b)
+                    nf.append([p, ci, wj])
+                flakes = nf
+
+                self.driver.n.write()
+                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d_ms)
+
+                if not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+
+            yield

src/patterns/breathing_dual.py

@@ -1,40 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class BreathingDual:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 140), (0, 120, 255)]
-        phase_offset = max(0, min(255, int(preset.n1)))
-        ease = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
-        phase = self.driver.step % 256
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                p1 = phase
-                p2 = (phase + phase_offset) & 255
-                t1 = 255 - abs(128 - p1) * 2
-                t2 = 255 - abs(128 - p2) * 2
-                if ease > 1:
-                    t1 = (t1 * t1) // 255
-                    t2 = (t2 * t2) // 255
-                c1 = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
-                c2 = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[1 % len(colors)] if len(colors) > 1 else colors[0], preset.b)
-                half = self.driver.num_leds // 2
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    if i < half:
-                        self.driver.n[i] = ((c1[0]*t1)//255, (c1[1]*t1)//255, (c1[2]*t1)//255)
-                    else:
-                        self.driver.n[i] = ((c2[0]*t2)//255, (c2[1]*t2)//255, (c2[2]*t2)//255)
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                phase = (phase + 2) & 255
-                self.driver.step = phase
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/candle_glow.py

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+import random
+import utime
+
+
+class CandleGlow:
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 140, 40), (255, 200, 120), (255, 90, 20)]
+        n_candles = max(1, min(self.driver.num_leds, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 4))
+        width = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 3)
+        flicker = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 90))
+        n_led = self.driver.num_leds
+        centers = tuple(random.randint(0, max(0, n_led - 1)) for _ in range(n_candles))
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+
+        while True:
+            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
+                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+                for i in range(n_led):
+                    self.driver.n[i] = bg
+                base_lo = 180 - flicker // 2
+                if base_lo < 40:
+                    base_lo = 40
+                for ci, c in enumerate(centers):
+                    warmth = colors[ci % len(colors)]
+                    pulse = base_lo + random.randint(0, flicker)
+                    if pulse > 255:
+                        pulse = 255
+                    for off in range(-width, width + 1):
+                        idx = c + off
+                        if 0 <= idx < n_led:
+                            dist = abs(off)
+                            fall = ((width - dist + 1) * 256) // (width + 1)
+                            fac = (fall * pulse) // 256
+                            px = (
+                                (warmth[0] * fac) // 255,
+                                (warmth[1] * fac) // 255,
+                                (warmth[2] * fac) // 255,
+                            )
+                            lit = self.driver.apply_brightness(px, preset.b)
+                            o = self.driver.n[idx]
+                            self.driver.n[idx] = (
+                                max(o[0], lit[0]),
+                                max(o[1], lit[1]),
+                                max(o[2], lit[2]),
+                            )
+                self.driver.n.write()
+                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
+                if not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+            yield

src/patterns/chase.py

@@ -1,13 +1,49 @@
 import utime
 
+from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+_LEGACY = {"marquee": 1}
+
 
 class Chase:
     def __init__(self, driver):
         self.driver = driver
 
+    def _run_marquee(self, preset, colors):
+        on_len = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 3)
+        off_len = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 2)
+        step = max(1, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 1)
+        phase = self.driver.step % (on_len + off_len)
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+        while True:
+            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
+                c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
+                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+                    m = (i + phase) % (on_len + off_len)
+                    self.driver.n[i] = c if m < on_len else bg_color
+                self.driver.n.write()
+                phase = (phase + step) % (on_len + off_len)
+                self.driver.step = phase
+                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
+                if not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+            yield
+
     def run(self, preset):
-        """Chase pattern: n1 LEDs of color0, n2 LEDs of color1, repeating.
-        Moves by n3 on even steps, n4 on odd steps (n3/n4 can be positive or negative)"""
+        """Chase (n6=0) or marquee dashes (n6=1, legacy marquee).
+
+        Chase: n1/n2 segment lengths, n3/n4 step on even/odd beats.
+        Marquee: n1 on length, n2 off length, n3 scroll step.
+        """
+        if style_mode(preset, 0, _LEGACY) == 1:
+            colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
+            yield from self._run_marquee(preset, colors)
+            return
+
         colors = preset.c
         if len(colors) < 1:
             # Need at least 1 color
@@ -26,7 +62,7 @@ class Chase:
 
         color0 = self.driver.apply_brightness(color0, preset.b)
         color1 = self.driver.apply_brightness(color1, preset.b)
-        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
 
         n1 = max(1, int(preset.n1))  # LEDs of color 0
         n2 = max(1, int(preset.n2))  # LEDs of color 1
@@ -36,7 +72,7 @@ class Chase:
         segment_length = n1 + n2
 
         # Calculate position from step_count
-        step_count = self.driver.step
+        step_count = int(self.driver.step) % 2
         # Position alternates: step 0 adds n3, step 1 adds n4, step 2 adds n3, etc.
         if step_count % 2 == 0:
             # Even steps: (step_count//2) pairs of (n3+n4) plus one extra n3
@@ -70,9 +106,10 @@ class Chase:
                     self.driver.n[i] = color1
 
             self.driver.n.write()
+            print("[chase] step", step_count)
 
             # Increment step for next beat
-            self.driver.step = step_count + 1
+            self.driver.step = (step_count + 1) % 2
 
             # Allow tick() to advance the generator once
             yield
@@ -115,9 +152,10 @@ class Chase:
                         self.driver.n[i] = color1
 
                 self.driver.n.write()
+                print("[chase] step", step_count)
 
                 # Increment step
-                step_count += 1
+                step_count = (step_count + 1) % 2
                 self.driver.step = step_count
                 last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, transition_duration)
                 transition_duration = max(10, int(preset.d))

src/patterns/circle.py

@@ -31,10 +31,10 @@ class Circle:
             base0 = base1 = (255, 255, 255)
         elif len(colors) == 1:
             base0 = colors[0]
-            base1 = colors[-1]
+            base1 = preset.background_or(colors)
         else:
             base0 = colors[0]
-            base1 = colors[-1]
+            base1 = preset.background_or(colors)
 
         color0 = self.driver.apply_brightness(base0, preset.b)
         color1 = self.driver.apply_brightness(base1, preset.b)

src/patterns/clock_sweep.py

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ class ClockSweep:
             d = max(1, int(preset.d))
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
             if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
+                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
                 fg = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
                 for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
                     self.driver.n[i] = bg

src/patterns/colour_cycle.py

@@ -1,11 +1,24 @@
 import utime
 
+from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+_LEGACY = {"rainbow": 1, "gradient_scroll": 0}
+
 
 class ColourCycle:
     def __init__(self, driver):
         self.driver = driver
 
-    def _render(self, colors, phase, brightness):
+    def _wheel(self, pos):
+        if pos < 85:
+            return (pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3, 0)
+        if pos < 170:
+            pos -= 85
+            return (255 - pos * 3, 0, pos * 3)
+        pos -= 170
+        return (0, pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3)
+
+    def _render_gradient(self, colors, phase, brightness):
         num_leds = self.driver.num_leds
         color_count = len(colors)
         if num_leds <= 0 or color_count <= 0:
@@ -15,14 +28,11 @@ class ColourCycle:
             return
 
         full_span = color_count * 256
-        # Match rainbow behaviour: phase is 0..255 and maps to one full-strip shift.
         phase_shift = (phase * full_span) // 256
         for i in range(num_leds):
-            # Position around the colour loop, shifted by phase.
             pos = ((i * full_span) // num_leds + phase_shift) % full_span
             idx = pos // 256
             frac = pos & 255
-
             c1 = colors[idx]
             c2 = colors[(idx + 1) % color_count]
             blended = (
@@ -33,23 +43,55 @@ class ColourCycle:
             self.driver.n[i] = self.driver.apply_brightness(blended, brightness)
         self.driver.n.write()
 
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
-        phase = self.driver.step % 256
-        step_amount = max(1, int(preset.n1))
+    def _render_rainbow(self, phase, brightness):
+        num_leds = self.driver.num_leds
+        for i in range(num_leds):
+            rc_index = (i * 256 // max(1, num_leds)) + phase
+            self.driver.n[i] = self.driver.apply_brightness(
+                self._wheel(rc_index & 255), brightness
+            )
+        self.driver.n.write()
 
+    def run(self, preset):
+        """Scroll gradient (n6=0) or fixed spectrum wheel (n6=1, legacy rainbow).
+
+        n1: step rate
+        n6: 0 gradient scroll, 1 rainbow wheel
+        """
+        mode = style_mode(preset, 0, _LEGACY)
+        step_amount = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 1)
+        phase = self.driver.step % 256
+
+        if mode == 1:
+            if not preset.a:
+                self._render_rainbow(phase, preset.b)
+                self.driver.step = (phase + step_amount) % 256
+                yield
+                return
+            last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
+            while True:
+                delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
+                now = utime.ticks_ms()
+                if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) >= delay_ms:
+                    self._render_rainbow(phase, preset.b)
+                    phase = (phase + step_amount) % 256
+                    self.driver.step = phase
+                    last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)
+                yield
+
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)]
         if not preset.a:
-            self._render(colors, phase, preset.b)
+            self._render_gradient(colors, phase, preset.b)
             self.driver.step = (phase + step_amount) % 256
             yield
             return
 
         last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
         while True:
-            current_time = utime.ticks_ms()
             delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            if utime.ticks_diff(current_time, last_update) >= delay_ms:
-                self._render(colors, phase, preset.b)
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) >= delay_ms:
+                self._render_gradient(colors, phase, preset.b)
                 phase = (phase + step_amount) % 256
                 self.driver.step = phase
                 last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)

src/patterns/comet_dual.py

@@ -1,44 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class CometDual:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
-        tail = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 6)
-        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
-        gap = max(0, int(preset.n3))
-        p1 = 0
-        p2 = self.driver.num_leds - 1 - gap
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
-                c1 = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0 % len(colors)], preset.b)
-                c2 = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[1 % len(colors)] if len(colors) > 1 else colors[0], preset.b)
-                for t in range(tail):
-                    i1 = p1 - t
-                    if 0 <= i1 < self.driver.num_leds:
-                        s = (255 * (tail - t)) // max(1, tail)
-                        self.driver.n[i1] = ((c1[0]*s)//255, (c1[1]*s)//255, (c1[2]*s)//255)
-                    i2 = p2 + t
-                    if 0 <= i2 < self.driver.num_leds:
-                        s = (255 * (tail - t)) // max(1, tail)
-                        self.driver.n[i2] = ((c2[0]*s)//255, (c2[1]*s)//255, (c2[2]*s)//255)
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                p1 += speed
-                p2 -= speed
-                if p1 - tail > self.driver.num_leds and p2 + tail < 0:
-                    p1 = 0
-                    p2 = self.driver.num_leds - 1 - gap
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/fireflies.py

@@ -1,35 +0,0 @@
-import random
-import utime
-
-
-class Fireflies:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 210, 80), (120, 255, 120)]
-        count = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 6)
-        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 8)
-        bugs = [[random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1)), random.randint(0, 255)] for _ in range(count)]
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
-                for b in bugs:
-                    idx, ph = b
-                    tri = 255 - abs(128 - ph) * 2
-                    c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[idx % len(colors)], preset.b)
-                    self.driver.n[idx] = ((c[0]*tri)//255, (c[1]*tri)//255, (c[2]*tri)//255)
-                    b[1] = (ph + speed) & 255
-                    if random.randint(0, 31) == 0:
-                        b[0] = random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1))
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/gradient_scroll.py

@@ -1,57 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class GradientScroll:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def _render(self, colors, phase, brightness):
-        num_leds = self.driver.num_leds
-        color_count = len(colors)
-        if num_leds <= 0 or color_count <= 0:
-            return
-        if color_count == 1:
-            self.driver.fill(self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], brightness))
-            return
-
-        full_span = color_count * 256
-        phase_shift = (phase * full_span) // 256
-        for i in range(num_leds):
-            pos = ((i * full_span) // num_leds + phase_shift) % full_span
-            idx = pos // 256
-            frac = pos & 255
-
-            c1 = colors[idx]
-            c2 = colors[(idx + 1) % color_count]
-            blended = (
-                c1[0] + ((c2[0] - c1[0]) * frac) // 256,
-                c1[1] + ((c2[1] - c1[1]) * frac) // 256,
-                c1[2] + ((c2[2] - c1[2]) * frac) // 256,
-            )
-            self.driver.n[i] = self.driver.apply_brightness(blended, brightness)
-        self.driver.n.write()
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        """Scrolling blended gradient.
-
-        n1: phase step amount (default 1)
-        """
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)]
-        phase = self.driver.step % 256
-        step_amount = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 1)
-        last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
-
-        while True:
-            delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) >= delay_ms:
-                self._render(colors, phase, preset.b)
-                phase = (phase + step_amount) % 256
-                self.driver.step = phase
-                last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)
-
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-
-            yield

src/patterns/heartbeat.py

@@ -1,36 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class Heartbeat:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 40)]
-        phase = 0
-        phase_start = utime.ticks_ms()
-        did_manual_pulse = False
-        while True:
-            p1 = max(20, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 120)
-            p2 = max(20, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 80)
-            pause = max(20, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 500)
-            beat_gap = max(20, int(preset.d))
-            colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 40)]
-            lit_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
-            bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-            phase_durations = (p1, beat_gap, p2, pause)
-            phase_colors = (lit_color, bg_color, lit_color, bg_color)
-
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            while utime.ticks_diff(now, phase_start) >= phase_durations[phase]:
-                phase_start = utime.ticks_add(phase_start, phase_durations[phase])
-                phase = (phase + 1) % 4
-
-            self.driver.fill(phase_colors[phase])
-            yield
-            if not preset.a:
-                if did_manual_pulse or phase == 0:
-                    self.driver.fill(bg_color)
-                    yield
-                    return
-                did_manual_pulse = True

src/patterns/icicles.py

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+import utime
+
+
+class Icicles:
+    """Icicles hanging from anchor points; tips brighten toward max length then shrink."""
+
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(240, 248, 255), (160, 210, 255), (255, 255, 255)]
+        spacing = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 12)
+        nled = self.driver.num_leds
+        max_len = max(
+            2,
+            min(
+                int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else min(14, max(3, nled // 4)),
+                max(2, nled),
+            ),
+        )
+        span = max_len * 2
+        phase_step = max(1, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 1)
+        phase = 0
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+
+        while True:
+            d_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d_ms:
+                bg_rgb = preset.background_or(colors)
+                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(bg_rgb, preset.b)
+
+                for i in range(nled):
+                    self.driver.n[i] = bg
+
+                aidx = 0
+                for anchor in range(0, nled, spacing):
+                    tri_i = (phase + aidx * 5) % span
+                    ic_len = tri_i if tri_i <= max_len else span - tri_i
+                    tip_c = colors[aidx % len(colors)]
+                    tip = self.driver.apply_brightness(tip_c, preset.b)
+                    for k in range(ic_len):
+                        idx = anchor + k
+                        if idx >= nled:
+                            break
+                        br = ((k + 1) * 255) // max(1, ic_len)
+                        self.driver.n[idx] = (
+                            (tip[0] * br + bg[0] * (255 - br)) // 255,
+                            (tip[1] * br + bg[1] * (255 - br)) // 255,
+                            (tip[2] * br + bg[2] * (255 - br)) // 255,
+                        )
+                    aidx += 1
+
+                self.driver.n.write()
+                phase = (phase + phase_step) % span
+                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d_ms)
+
+                if not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+
+            yield

src/patterns/marquee.py

@@ -1,31 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class Marquee:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
-        on_len = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 3)
-        off_len = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 2)
-        step = max(1, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 1)
-        phase = self.driver.step % (on_len + off_len)
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    m = (i + phase) % (on_len + off_len)
-                    self.driver.n[i] = c if m < on_len else bg_color
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                phase = (phase + step) % (on_len + off_len)
-                self.driver.step = phase
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/meteor.py

@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+import utime
+
+from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+_LEGACY = {"comet_dual": 1, "scanner": 2}
+
+
+class Meteor:
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def _fade(self, color, fade_amount):
+        return (
+            (color[0] * fade_amount) // 255,
+            (color[1] * fade_amount) // 255,
+            (color[2] * fade_amount) // 255,
+        )
+
+    def _run_meteor(self, preset, colors, color_index, head, direction, last_update):
+        tail_len = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 8)
+        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
+        fade_amount = int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 192
+        fade_amount = max(1, min(255, fade_amount))
+        delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) < delay_ms:
+            return color_index, head, direction, last_update, False
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            self.driver.n[i] = self._fade(self.driver.n[i], fade_amount)
+        base = colors[color_index % len(colors)]
+        lit = self.driver.apply_brightness(base, preset.b)
+        if 0 <= head < self.driver.num_leds:
+            self.driver.n[head] = lit
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        head += direction * speed
+        if head >= self.driver.num_leds + tail_len:
+            head = self.driver.num_leds - 1
+            direction = -1
+            color_index += 1
+        elif head < -tail_len:
+            head = 0
+            direction = 1
+            color_index += 1
+        return color_index, head, direction, utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms), True
+
+    def _run_comet_dual(self, preset, colors, p1, p2, last):
+        tail = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 6)
+        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
+        gap = max(0, int(preset.n3))
+        d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) < d:
+            return p1, p2, last, False
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
+        c1 = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0 % len(colors)], preset.b)
+        c2 = self.driver.apply_brightness(
+            colors[1 % len(colors)] if len(colors) > 1 else colors[0], preset.b
+        )
+        for t in range(tail):
+            i1 = p1 - t
+            if 0 <= i1 < self.driver.num_leds:
+                s = (255 * (tail - t)) // max(1, tail)
+                self.driver.n[i1] = ((c1[0] * s) // 255, (c1[1] * s) // 255, (c1[2] * s) // 255)
+            i2 = p2 + t
+            if 0 <= i2 < self.driver.num_leds:
+                s = (255 * (tail - t)) // max(1, tail)
+                self.driver.n[i2] = ((c2[0] * s) // 255, (c2[1] * s) // 255, (c2[2] * s) // 255)
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        p1 += speed
+        p2 -= speed
+        if p1 - tail > self.driver.num_leds and p2 + tail < 0:
+            p1 = 0
+            p2 = self.driver.num_leds - 1 - gap
+        return p1, p2, utime.ticks_add(last, d), True
+
+    def _run_scanner(self, preset, colors, color_index, center, direction, pause_frames, last_update):
+        width = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 4)
+        end_pause = max(0, int(preset.n2))
+        delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) < delay_ms:
+            return color_index, center, direction, pause_frames, last_update, False
+        base = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[color_index % len(colors)], preset.b)
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            dist = i - center
+            if dist < 0:
+                dist = -dist
+            if dist > width:
+                self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
+            else:
+                scale = ((width - dist) * 255) // max(1, width)
+                self.driver.n[i] = (
+                    (base[0] * scale) // 255,
+                    (base[1] * scale) // 255,
+                    (base[2] * scale) // 255,
+                )
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        if pause_frames > 0:
+            pause_frames -= 1
+        else:
+            center += direction
+            if center >= self.driver.num_leds - 1:
+                center = self.driver.num_leds - 1
+                direction = -1
+                pause_frames = end_pause
+                color_index += 1
+            elif center <= 0:
+                center = 0
+                direction = 1
+                pause_frames = end_pause
+                color_index += 1
+        return color_index, center, direction, pause_frames, utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms), True
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        """Moving lights: n6 style 0 meteor, 1 dual comet, 2 scanner (legacy ids still work)."""
+        mode = style_mode(preset, 0, _LEGACY)
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
+
+        if mode == 1:
+            gap = max(0, int(preset.n3))
+            p1, p2 = 0, self.driver.num_leds - 1 - gap
+            last = utime.ticks_ms()
+            while True:
+                p1, p2, last, stepped = self._run_comet_dual(preset, colors, p1, p2, last)
+                if stepped and not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+                yield
+
+        if mode == 2:
+            color_index, center, direction, pause_frames = 0, 0, 1, 0
+            last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
+            while True:
+                color_index, center, direction, pause_frames, last_update, stepped = (
+                    self._run_scanner(
+                        preset, colors, color_index, center, direction, pause_frames, last_update
+                    )
+                )
+                if stepped and not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+                yield
+
+        color_index, head, direction = 0, 0, 1
+        last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
+        while True:
+            color_index, head, direction, last_update, stepped = self._run_meteor(
+                preset, colors, color_index, head, direction, last_update
+            )
+            if stepped and not preset.a:
+                yield
+                return
+            yield

src/patterns/meteor_rain.py

@@ -1,62 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class MeteorRain:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def _fade(self, color, fade_amount):
-        return (
-            (color[0] * fade_amount) // 255,
-            (color[1] * fade_amount) // 255,
-            (color[2] * fade_amount) // 255,
-        )
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        """Single meteor with a fading tail.
-
-        n1: tail length (default 8)
-        n2: speed in LEDs per frame (default 1)
-        n3: fade amount per frame, 1..255 (default 192)
-        """
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
-        color_index = 0
-        head = 0
-        direction = 1
-        last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
-
-        while True:
-            delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            tail_len = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 8)
-            speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
-            fade_amount = int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 192
-            fade_amount = max(1, min(255, fade_amount))
-
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) >= delay_ms:
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    self.driver.n[i] = self._fade(self.driver.n[i], fade_amount)
-
-                base = colors[color_index % len(colors)]
-                lit = self.driver.apply_brightness(base, preset.b)
-                if 0 <= head < self.driver.num_leds:
-                    self.driver.n[head] = lit
-                self.driver.n.write()
-
-                head += direction * speed
-                if head >= self.driver.num_leds + tail_len:
-                    head = self.driver.num_leds - 1
-                    direction = -1
-                    color_index += 1
-                elif head < -tail_len:
-                    head = 0
-                    direction = 1
-                    color_index += 1
-
-                last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)
-
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-
-            yield

src/patterns/orbit.py

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ class Orbit:
             d = max(1, int(preset.d))
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
             if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
+                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
                 for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
                     self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
                 for k in range(orbits):

src/patterns/particles.py

@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+import random
+import utime
+
+from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+_LEGACY = {"starfall": 1}
+
+
+class Particles:
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def _run_snowfall(self, preset, colors, flakes, last):
+        density = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 20)
+        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
+        d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) < d:
+            return flakes, last, False
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+        if random.randint(0, 255) < density:
+            flakes.append([self.driver.num_leds - 1, random.randint(0, len(colors) - 1)])
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
+        nf = []
+        for pos, ci in flakes:
+            if 0 <= pos < self.driver.num_leds:
+                self.driver.n[pos] = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[ci], preset.b)
+            pos -= speed
+            if pos >= -1:
+                nf.append([pos, ci])
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        return nf, utime.ticks_add(last, d), True
+
+    def _run_starfall(self, preset, colors, stars, last):
+        rate = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 14))
+        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 2)
+        tail = max(2, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 10)
+        max_stars = 4
+        d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) < d:
+            return stars, last, False
+        bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            self.driver.n[i] = bg
+        if len(stars) < max_stars and random.randint(0, 255) < rate:
+            top = self.driver.num_leds - 1 + random.randint(
+                0, min(8, self.driver.num_leds // 2)
+            )
+            stars.append({"h": float(top), "ci": random.randint(0, len(colors) - 1)})
+        ns = []
+        for s in stars:
+            h = s["h"]
+            ci = s["ci"]
+            ih = int(h)
+            for t in range(tail):
+                idx = ih + t
+                if 0 <= idx < self.driver.num_leds:
+                    fade = 255 - (t * 255 // max(1, tail - 1))
+                    base = colors[ci]
+                    lit = (
+                        (base[0] * fade) // 255,
+                        (base[1] * fade) // 255,
+                        (base[2] * fade) // 255,
+                    )
+                    lit = self.driver.apply_brightness(lit, preset.b)
+                    o = self.driver.n[idx]
+                    self.driver.n[idx] = (
+                        max(o[0], lit[0]),
+                        max(o[1], lit[1]),
+                        max(o[2], lit[2]),
+                    )
+            h -= speed
+            if h >= -tail:
+                s["h"] = h
+                ns.append(s)
+        stars = ns
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        return stars, utime.ticks_add(last, d), True
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        """Falling particles: n6 0 snowfall flakes, 1 starfall streaks."""
+        mode = style_mode(preset, 0, _LEGACY)
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255), (180, 220, 255)]
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+
+        if mode == 1:
+            colors = preset.c if preset.c else [
+                (255, 255, 255),
+                (200, 230, 255),
+                (255, 248, 220),
+            ]
+            stars = []
+            while True:
+                stars, last, stepped = self._run_starfall(preset, colors, stars, last)
+                if stepped and not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+                yield
+
+        flakes = []
+        while True:
+            flakes, last, stepped = self._run_snowfall(preset, colors, flakes, last)
+            if stepped and not preset.a:
+                yield
+                return
+            yield

src/patterns/pattern_modes.py

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+"""Resolve pattern style from n6 or legacy preset pattern id (p)."""
+
+
+def style_mode(preset, default=0, legacy=None):
+    legacy = legacy or {}
+    p = getattr(preset, "p", "") or ""
+    if p in legacy:
+        return legacy[p]
+    mode = getattr(preset, "mode", None)
+    if mode is None and isinstance(preset, dict):
+        mode = preset.get("mode")
+    if mode is not None:
+        try:
+            return int(mode)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            pass
+    n6 = int(getattr(preset, "n6", 0) or 0)
+    return n6 if n6 > 0 else default

src/patterns/pulse.py

@@ -6,19 +6,25 @@ class Pulse:
         self.driver = driver
 
     def run(self, preset):
-        self.driver.off()
-
         # Get colors from preset
         colors = preset.c
         if not colors:
             colors = [(255, 255, 255)]
+        bg_base = preset.background_or(colors)
+        self.driver.fill(self.driver.apply_brightness(bg_base, preset.b))
 
-        color_index = 0
+        color_index = self.driver.step % max(1, len(colors))
+        if not preset.a:
+            # Manual / beat trigger: each select restarts this generator and resets
+            # cycle_start below. Advancing step here makes each beat the next colour
+            # without requiring a full wall-clock cycle between beats.
+            nclr = max(1, len(colors))
+            self.driver.step = (color_index + 1) % nclr
         cycle_start = utime.ticks_ms()
 
         # State machine based pulse using a single generator loop
         while True:
-            bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
+            bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(bg_base, preset.b)
             # Read current timing parameters from preset
             attack_ms = max(0, int(preset.n1))  # Attack time in ms
             hold_ms = max(0, int(preset.n2))    # Hold time in ms
@@ -52,12 +58,13 @@ class Pulse:
                 # Delay phase: LEDs off between pulses
                 self.driver.fill(bg_color)
             else:
-                # End of cycle, move to next color and restart timing
-                color_index += 1
-                cycle_start = now
+                # End of cycle: auto advances colour and loops; manual already
+                # advanced step at run start for the next beat.
                 if not preset.a:
                     break
-                # Skip drawing this tick, start next cycle
+                color_index = (color_index + 1) % max(1, len(colors))
+                self.driver.step = color_index
+                cycle_start = now
                 yield
                 continue
 

src/patterns/radiate.py

@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
 import utime
 
-_RADIATE_DBG_INTERVAL_MS = 1000
+# When ``driver.debug`` is True (``settings["debug"]``), log at most this often (ms).
+_RADIATE_DBG_INTERVAL_MS = 2500
 
 
 class Radiate:
     def __init__(self, driver):
         self.driver = driver
+        self._color_step = 0
 
     def run(self, preset):
         """Radiate from nodes every n1 LEDs, retriggering every delay (d).
@@ -16,15 +18,14 @@ class Radiate:
         - d: retrigger interval in ms
         """
         colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255)]
-        base_on = colors[0]
-        base_off = colors[-1]
+        base_off = preset.background_or(colors)
 
         spacing = max(1, int(preset.n1))
         outward_ms = max(1, int(preset.n2))
         return_ms = max(1, int(preset.n3))
         max_dist = spacing // 2
 
-        lit_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(base_on, preset.b)
+        lit_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[self._color_step % max(1, len(colors))], preset.b)
         off_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(base_off, preset.b)
 
         now = utime.ticks_ms()
@@ -34,17 +35,73 @@ class Radiate:
         dbg_banner = False
 
         if not preset.a:
-            # Single-step render uses only the first instant pulse.
-            active_pulses = [utime.ticks_ms()]
+            # Manual mode: one-shot pulse using the same ms-based timing as auto.
+            cycle_start = utime.ticks_ms()
+            last_dbg = cycle_start
+            while True:
+                dbg = bool(getattr(self.driver, "debug", False))
+                spacing = max(1, int(preset.n1))
+                outward_ms = max(1, int(preset.n2))
+                return_ms = max(1, int(preset.n3))
+                max_dist = spacing // 2
+                on_color = colors[self._color_step % max(1, len(colors))]
+                lit_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(on_color, preset.b)
+                off_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(base_off, preset.b)
+
+                pulse_lifetime = outward_ms + return_ms
+                now = utime.ticks_ms()
+                age = utime.ticks_diff(now, cycle_start)
+                if age < 1:
+                    age = 1
+                if age <= outward_ms:
+                    front = (age * max_dist + outward_ms - 1) // outward_ms
+                elif age <= outward_ms + return_ms:
+                    back_age = age - outward_ms
+                    remaining = return_ms - back_age
+                    front = (remaining * max_dist + return_ms - 1) // return_ms
+                else:
+                    front = 0
+
+                lit_count = 0
+                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+                    offset = (i + (spacing // 2)) % spacing
+                    dist = min(offset, spacing - offset)
+                    lit = dist <= front
+                    self.driver.n[i] = lit_color if lit else off_color
+                    if lit:
+                        lit_count += 1
+                self.driver.n.write()
+
+                if dbg:
+                    if not dbg_banner:
+                        dbg_banner = True
+                        print(
+                            "[radiate] debug on n1=%s n2=%s n3=%s d=%s auto=%s num_leds=%d"
+                            % (preset.n1, preset.n2, preset.n3, preset.d, preset.a, self.driver.num_leds)
+                        )
+                    if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_dbg) >= _RADIATE_DBG_INTERVAL_MS:
+                        print(
+                            "[radiate] manual frame age=%d/%d front=%d lit=%d"
+                            % (age, pulse_lifetime, front, lit_count)
+                        )
+                        last_dbg = now
+
+                yield
+                if age >= pulse_lifetime:
+                    self._color_step += 1
+                    return
 
         while True:
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            dbg = bool(getattr(self.driver, "debug", False))
             delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
             spacing = max(1, int(preset.n1))
             outward_ms = max(1, int(preset.n2))
             return_ms = max(1, int(preset.n3))
+            pulse_lifetime = outward_ms + return_ms
             max_dist = spacing // 2
-            lit_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(base_on, preset.b)
+            on_color = colors[self._color_step % max(1, len(colors))]
+            lit_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(on_color, preset.b)
             off_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(base_off, preset.b)
 
             if preset.a and utime.ticks_diff(now, last_trigger) >= delay_ms:
@@ -52,33 +109,26 @@ class Radiate:
                 # prevents overlap from keeping color[0] continuously visible.
                 active_pulses = [now]
                 last_trigger = utime.ticks_add(last_trigger, delay_ms)
-                if bool(getattr(self.driver, "debug", False)):
-                    print(
-                        "[radiate] trigger spacing=%d out=%d in=%d delay=%d"
-                        % (spacing, outward_ms, return_ms, delay_ms)
-                    )
+                self._color_step += 1
 
             # Drop pulses once their out-and-back lifetime ends.
-            pulse_lifetime = outward_ms + return_ms
             kept = []
             for start in active_pulses:
                 age = utime.ticks_diff(now, start)
                 if age < pulse_lifetime:
                     kept.append(start)
             active_pulses = kept
-            debug_front = -1
-            lit_count = 0
 
+            lit_count = 0
             for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
                 # Nearest node distance for a repeating node grid every `spacing` LEDs.
-                offset = i % spacing
+                offset = (i + (spacing // 2)) % spacing
                 dist = min(offset, spacing - offset)
 
                 lit = False
                 for start in active_pulses:
                     age = utime.ticks_diff(now, start)
-                    # Do not render on the exact trigger tick; this avoids
-                    # node LEDs appearing "stuck on" between cycles.
+                    # Auto: skip the exact trigger tick (age==0) so nodes are not stuck on.
                     if age <= 0:
                         continue
                     if age <= outward_ms:
@@ -94,8 +144,6 @@ class Radiate:
 
                     if dist <= front:
                         lit = True
-                        if front > debug_front:
-                            debug_front = front
                         break
 
                 self.driver.n[i] = lit_color if lit else off_color
@@ -104,33 +152,21 @@ class Radiate:
 
             self.driver.n.write()
 
-            if bool(getattr(self.driver, "debug", False)):
+            if dbg:
                 if not dbg_banner:
                     dbg_banner = True
                     print(
-                        "[radiate] debug on: spacing=%s out=%s in=%s d=%s num=%d"
-                        % (
-                            preset.n1,
-                            preset.n2,
-                            preset.n3,
-                            preset.d,
-                            self.driver.num_leds,
-                        )
+                        "[radiate] debug on n1=%s n2=%s n3=%s d=%s auto=%s num_leds=%d"
+                        % (preset.n1, preset.n2, preset.n3, preset.d, preset.a, self.driver.num_leds)
                     )
+                pulse_age = -1
+                if active_pulses:
+                    pulse_age = utime.ticks_diff(now, active_pulses[0])
                 if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_dbg) >= _RADIATE_DBG_INTERVAL_MS:
-                    pulse_age = -1
-                    if active_pulses:
-                        pulse_age = utime.ticks_diff(now, active_pulses[0])
                     print(
-                        "[radiate] age=%d front=%d max=%d active=%d lit=%d"
-                        % (pulse_age, debug_front, max_dist, len(active_pulses), lit_count)
+                        "[radiate] pulses=%d first_age=%d lit=%d lifetime=%d"
+                        % (len(active_pulses), pulse_age, lit_count, pulse_lifetime)
                     )
-                    if lit_count == 0:
-                        print("[radiate] fully off")
                     last_dbg = now
 
-            if not preset.a:
-                yield
-                return
-
             yield

src/patterns/rain_drops.py

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ class RainDrops:
             d = max(1, int(preset.d))
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
             if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
+                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
                 for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
                     self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
                 if random.randint(0, 255) < rate:

src/patterns/rainbow.py

@@ -1,51 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class Rainbow:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def _wheel(self, pos):
-        if pos < 85:
-            return (pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3, 0)
-        elif pos < 170:
-            pos -= 85
-            return (255 - pos * 3, 0, pos * 3)
-        else:
-            pos -= 170
-            return (0, pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3)
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        step = self.driver.step % 256
-        step_amount = max(1, int(preset.n1))  # n1 controls step increment
-
-        # If auto is False, run a single step and then stop
-        if not preset.a:
-            for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                rc_index = (i * 256 // self.driver.num_leds) + step
-                self.driver.n[i] = self.driver.apply_brightness(self._wheel(rc_index & 255), preset.b)
-            self.driver.n.write()
-            # Increment step by n1 for next manual call
-            self.driver.step = (step + step_amount) % 256
-            # Allow tick() to advance the generator once
-            yield
-            return
-
-        last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
-
-        while True:
-            current_time = utime.ticks_ms()
-            sleep_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))  # Get delay from preset
-            if utime.ticks_diff(current_time, last_update) >= sleep_ms:
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    rc_index = (i * 256 // self.driver.num_leds) + step
-                    self.driver.n[i] = self.driver.apply_brightness(
-                        self._wheel(rc_index & 255),
-                        preset.b,
-                    )
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                step = (step + step_amount) % 256
-                self.driver.step = step
-                last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, sleep_ms)
-            # Yield once per tick so other logic can run
-            yield

src/patterns/rime.py

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+import random
+import utime
+
+
+class Rime:
+    """Slow frost build-up on a chilly background — gentle random brightening then decay."""
+
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(220, 235, 255), (255, 255, 255), (185, 220, 255)]
+        num = self.driver.num_leds
+        if num <= 0:
+            while True:
+                yield
+            return
+
+        # n1: spawn tendency (like twinkle upper range)
+        chill = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 36))
+        # n2: decay per refresh (subtract from glow buffer)
+        melt = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 12))
+        # n3: how many LEDs can flash brighter per refresh (cap)
+        spark_cap = max(1, min(num, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 3))
+
+        glow = [0] * num
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+
+        while True:
+            d_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
+            now = utime.ticks_ms()
+            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d_ms:
+                base_bg = preset.background_or(colors)
+                bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(base_bg, preset.b)
+
+                for i in range(num):
+                    if glow[i] > melt:
+                        glow[i] -= melt
+                    else:
+                        glow[i] = 0
+
+                spawned = 0
+                tries = spark_cap + num // 8
+                for _ in range(tries):
+                    if spawned >= spark_cap:
+                        break
+                    if random.randint(0, 255) >= chill:
+                        continue
+                    j = random.randint(0, num - 1)
+                    glow[j] = min(255, glow[j] + random.randint(80, 200))
+                    spawned += 1
+
+                palette = colors
+                for i in range(num):
+                    g = glow[i]
+                    fg = palette[i % len(palette)]
+                    hi = self.driver.apply_brightness(fg, preset.b)
+                    mix = max(0, min(255, g))
+                    self.driver.n[i] = (
+                        (hi[0] * mix + bg[0] * (255 - mix)) // 255,
+                        (hi[1] * mix + bg[1] * (255 - mix)) // 255,
+                        (hi[2] * mix + bg[2] * (255 - mix)) // 255,
+                    )
+
+                self.driver.n.write()
+                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d_ms)
+
+                if not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+
+            yield

src/patterns/scanner.py

@@ -1,67 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class Scanner:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        """Classic scanner eye with soft falloff.
-
-        n1: eye width (default 4)
-        n2: end pause in frames (default 0)
-        """
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 0)]
-        color_index = 0
-        center = 0
-        direction = 1
-        pause_frames = 0
-        last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
-
-        while True:
-            delay_ms = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            width = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 4)
-            end_pause = max(0, int(preset.n2))
-
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) >= delay_ms:
-                base = colors[color_index % len(colors)]
-                base = self.driver.apply_brightness(base, preset.b)
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    dist = i - center
-                    if dist < 0:
-                        dist = -dist
-                    if dist > width:
-                        self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
-                    else:
-                        scale = ((width - dist) * 255) // max(1, width)
-                        self.driver.n[i] = (
-                            (base[0] * scale) // 255,
-                            (base[1] * scale) // 255,
-                            (base[2] * scale) // 255,
-                        )
-                self.driver.n.write()
-
-                if pause_frames > 0:
-                    pause_frames -= 1
-                else:
-                    center += direction
-                    if center >= self.driver.num_leds - 1:
-                        center = self.driver.num_leds - 1
-                        direction = -1
-                        pause_frames = end_pause
-                        color_index += 1
-                    elif center <= 0:
-                        center = 0
-                        direction = 1
-                        pause_frames = end_pause
-                        color_index += 1
-
-                last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)
-
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-
-            yield

src/patterns/segment_chase.py

@@ -1,45 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class SegmentChase:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        """Independent moving segments (distinct from classic two-color chase).
-
-        n1: segment size (LEDs per segment)
-        n2: step size (phase increment each frame)
-        n3: per-segment phase offset
-        n4: gap spacing inside segment (0 = solid segment)
-        """
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)]
-        seg = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 4)
-        phase_step = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
-        seg_offset = max(0, int(preset.n3))
-        gap = max(0, int(preset.n4))
-        phase = self.driver.step % 256
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    seg_idx = i // seg
-                    in_seg = i % seg
-                    local_phase = (phase + seg_idx * seg_offset) % seg
-                    lit_idx = (in_seg + local_phase) % seg
-                    if gap > 0 and lit_idx >= max(1, seg - gap):
-                        self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
-                    else:
-                        color_idx = seg_idx % len(colors)
-                        self.driver.n[i] = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[color_idx], preset.b)
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                phase = (phase + phase_step) % seg
-                self.driver.step = phase
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/snowfall.py

@@ -1,37 +0,0 @@
-import random
-import utime
-
-
-class Snowfall:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 255, 255), (180, 220, 255)]
-        density = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 20)
-        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 1)
-        flakes = []
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
-                if random.randint(0, 255) < density:
-                    flakes.append([self.driver.num_leds - 1, random.randint(0, len(colors)-1)])
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
-                nf = []
-                for pos, ci in flakes:
-                    if 0 <= pos < self.driver.num_leds:
-                        self.driver.n[pos] = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[ci], preset.b)
-                    pos -= speed
-                    if pos >= -1:
-                        nf.append([pos, ci])
-                flakes = nf
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/sparkle.py

@@ -0,0 +1,147 @@
+import random
+import utime
+
+from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+_LEGACY = {"sparkle_trail": 0, "ice_sparkle": 1, "fireflies": 2}
+
+
+class Sparkle:
+    def __init__(self, driver):
+        self.driver = driver
+
+    def _run_trail(self, preset, colors, last):
+        density = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 24)
+        decay = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 210))
+        d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) < d:
+            return last, False
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            r, g, b = self.driver.n[i]
+            self.driver.n[i] = ((r * decay) // 255, (g * decay) // 255, (b * decay) // 255)
+        sparks = max(1, self.driver.num_leds * density // 255)
+        for _ in range(sparks):
+            idx = random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1))
+            c = self.driver.apply_brightness(
+                colors[random.randint(0, len(colors) - 1)], preset.b
+            )
+            self.driver.n[idx] = c
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        return utime.ticks_add(last, d), True
+
+    def _run_ice(self, preset, colors, sparks, last):
+        rate = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 55))
+        decay = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 140))
+        halo = max(0, min(3, int(preset.n3)))
+        cap = 28
+        d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) < d:
+            return sparks, last, False
+        bg = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            self.driver.n[i] = bg
+        ns = []
+        for s in sparks:
+            lv = s["lv"] - decay
+            if lv > 0:
+                s["lv"] = lv
+                ns.append(s)
+        sparks = ns
+        if len(sparks) < cap and random.randint(0, 255) < rate:
+            sparks.append(
+                {
+                    "p": random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1)),
+                    "lv": 255,
+                    "ci": random.randint(0, len(colors) - 1),
+                }
+            )
+        for s in sparks:
+            p = s["p"]
+            lv = s["lv"]
+            ci = s["ci"]
+            base = colors[ci]
+            for off in range(-halo, halo + 1):
+                idx = p + off
+                if 0 <= idx < self.driver.num_leds:
+                    dist = abs(off)
+                    fac = lv if dist == 0 else (lv * (halo - dist + 1)) // (halo + 1)
+                    lit = self.driver.apply_brightness(
+                        (
+                            (base[0] * fac) // 255,
+                            (base[1] * fac) // 255,
+                            (base[2] * fac) // 255,
+                        ),
+                        preset.b,
+                    )
+                    o = self.driver.n[idx]
+                    self.driver.n[idx] = (
+                        min(255, o[0] + lit[0]),
+                        min(255, o[1] + lit[1]),
+                        min(255, o[2] + lit[2]),
+                    )
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        return sparks, utime.ticks_add(last, d), True
+
+    def _run_fireflies(self, preset, colors, bugs, last):
+        count = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 6)
+        speed = max(1, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 8)
+        d = max(1, int(preset.d))
+        now = utime.ticks_ms()
+        if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) < d:
+            return bugs, last, False
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
+        for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
+            self.driver.n[i] = bg_color
+        for b in bugs:
+            idx, ph = b
+            tri = 255 - abs(128 - ph) * 2
+            c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[idx % len(colors)], preset.b)
+            self.driver.n[idx] = ((c[0] * tri) // 255, (c[1] * tri) // 255, (c[2] * tri) // 255)
+            b[1] = (ph + speed) & 255
+            if random.randint(0, 31) == 0:
+                b[0] = random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1))
+        self.driver.n.write()
+        return bugs, utime.ticks_add(last, d), True
+
+    def run(self, preset):
+        """Sparkles: n6 0 trail decay, 1 ice burst+halo, 2 fireflies."""
+        mode = style_mode(preset, 0, _LEGACY)
+        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(120, 120, 255)]
+        last = utime.ticks_ms()
+
+        if mode == 2:
+            colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(255, 210, 80), (120, 255, 120)]
+            count = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 6)
+            bugs = [
+                [random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1)), random.randint(0, 255)]
+                for _ in range(count)
+            ]
+            while True:
+                bugs, last, stepped = self._run_fireflies(preset, colors, bugs, last)
+                if stepped and not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+                yield
+
+        if mode == 1:
+            colors = preset.c if preset.c else [
+                (240, 248, 255),
+                (200, 235, 255),
+                (255, 255, 255),
+            ]
+            sparks = []
+            while True:
+                sparks, last, stepped = self._run_ice(preset, colors, sparks, last)
+                if stepped and not preset.a:
+                    yield
+                    return
+                yield
+
+        while True:
+            last, stepped = self._run_trail(preset, colors, last)
+            if stepped and not preset.a:
+                yield
+                return
+            yield

src/patterns/sparkle_trail.py

@@ -1,31 +0,0 @@
-import random
-import utime
-
-
-class SparkleTrail:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(120, 120, 255)]
-        density = max(1, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 24)
-        decay = max(1, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 210))
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    r,g,b = self.driver.n[i]
-                    self.driver.n[i] = ((r*decay)//255, (g*decay)//255, (b*decay)//255)
-                sparks = max(1, self.driver.num_leds * density // 255)
-                for _ in range(sparks):
-                    idx = random.randint(0, max(0, self.driver.num_leds - 1))
-                    c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[random.randint(0, len(colors)-1)], preset.b)
-                    self.driver.n[idx] = c
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/patterns/strobe_burst.py

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ class StrobeBurst:
             cooldown = max(1, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 400)
             on_ms = max(1, int(preset.d) // 2)
             c = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
-            bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[-1], preset.b)
+            bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(colors), preset.b)
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
 
             if state == "flash_on":

src/patterns/twinkle.py

@@ -2,9 +2,6 @@ import random
 import utime
 
 # Default cool palette (icy blues, violet, mint) when preset has no colours.
-# When `driver.debug` is True, print stats every N twinkle ticks (serial can be slow).
-_TWINKLE_DBG_INTERVAL = 40
-
 _DEFAULT_COOL = (
     (120, 200, 255),
     (80, 140, 255),
@@ -39,7 +36,7 @@ class Twinkle:
         """Twinkle: n1 activity, n2 density; n3/n4 min/max length of adjacent on/off runs."""
         palette = self._palette(preset)
         num = self.driver.num_leds
-        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(palette[-1], preset.b)
+        bg_color = self.driver.apply_brightness(preset.background_or(palette), preset.b)
         if num <= 0:
             while True:
                 yield
@@ -93,32 +90,6 @@ class Twinkle:
         on = [random.randint(0, 255) < dens for _ in range(num)]
         colour_i = [random.randint(0, len(palette) - 1) for _ in range(num)]
         last_update = utime.ticks_ms()
-        dbg_tick = 0
-        dbg_banner = False
-
-        def on_run_min_max(bits):
-            """Smallest and largest contiguous run of True in bits (0,0 if all off)."""
-            best_min = num + 1
-            best_max = 0
-            cur = 0
-            for j in range(num):
-                if bits[j]:
-                    cur += 1
-                else:
-                    if cur:
-                        if cur < best_min:
-                            best_min = cur
-                        if cur > best_max:
-                            best_max = cur
-                    cur = 0
-            if cur:
-                if cur < best_min:
-                    best_min = cur
-                if cur > best_max:
-                    best_max = cur
-            if best_min == num + 1:
-                return 0, 0
-            return best_min, best_max
 
         if not preset.a:
             for i in range(num):
@@ -137,15 +108,12 @@ class Twinkle:
             if utime.ticks_diff(now, last_update) >= delay_ms:
                 rate = activity_rate()
                 dens = density255()
-                dbg = bool(getattr(self.driver, "debug", False))
-                dbg_tick += 1
                 # Snapshot for decisions; apply all darks then all lights so
                 # overlaps in the same tick favour lit runs (lights win).
                 prev_on = on[:]
                 prev_ci = colour_i[:]
                 next_on = list(prev_on)
                 next_ci = list(prev_ci)
-                dbg_ops = {"L": 0, "D": 0}
 
                 light_i = []
                 dark_i = []
@@ -160,7 +128,6 @@ class Twinkle:
                                 dark_i.append(i)
 
                 def light_adjacent(start):
-                    dbg_ops["L"] += 1
                     k = random_cluster_len()
                     b = cluster_base_index(start, k)
                     for dj in range(k):
@@ -169,7 +136,6 @@ class Twinkle:
                         next_ci[idx] = random.randint(0, len(palette) - 1)
 
                 def dark_adjacent(start):
-                    dbg_ops["D"] += 1
                     k = random_cluster_len()
                     b = cluster_base_index(start, k)
                     for dj in range(k):
@@ -191,38 +157,4 @@ class Twinkle:
                 on = next_on
                 colour_i = next_ci
                 last_update = utime.ticks_add(last_update, delay_ms)
-
-                if dbg:
-                    lo, hi = cluster_len_bounds()
-                    if not dbg_banner:
-                        dbg_banner = True
-                        print(
-                            "[twinkle] debug on: n1=%s n2=%s n3=%s n4=%s d=%s -> lo=%d hi=%d num=%d"
-                            % (
-                                preset.n1,
-                                preset.n2,
-                                preset.n3,
-                                preset.n4,
-                                preset.d,
-                                lo,
-                                hi,
-                                num,
-                            )
-                        )
-                    rmin, rmax = on_run_min_max(on)
-                    bad = lo > 0 and rmin > 0 and rmin < lo and num >= lo
-                    if bad or (dbg_tick % _TWINKLE_DBG_INTERVAL == 0):
-                        print(
-                            "[twinkle] tick=%d rate=%d dens=%d L=%d D=%d on_runs min=%d max=%d%s"
-                            % (
-                                dbg_tick,
-                                rate,
-                                dens,
-                                dbg_ops["L"],
-                                dbg_ops["D"],
-                                rmin,
-                                rmax,
-                                " **run<lo**" if bad else "",
-                            )
-                        )
             yield

src/patterns/wave.py

@@ -1,32 +0,0 @@
-import utime
-
-
-class Wave:
-    def __init__(self, driver):
-        self.driver = driver
-
-    def run(self, preset):
-        colors = preset.c if preset.c else [(0, 180, 255)]
-        wavelength = max(2, int(preset.n1) if int(preset.n1) > 0 else 12)
-        amp = max(0, min(255, int(preset.n2) if int(preset.n2) > 0 else 180))
-        drift = max(1, int(preset.n3) if int(preset.n3) > 0 else 1)
-        phase = self.driver.step % 256
-        last = utime.ticks_ms()
-        while True:
-            d = max(1, int(preset.d))
-            now = utime.ticks_ms()
-            if utime.ticks_diff(now, last) >= d:
-                base = self.driver.apply_brightness(colors[0], preset.b)
-                for i in range(self.driver.num_leds):
-                    x = (i * 256 // wavelength + phase) & 255
-                    tri = 255 - abs(128 - x) * 2
-                    s = (tri * amp) // 255
-                    self.driver.n[i] = ((base[0]*s)//255, (base[1]*s)//255, (base[2]*s)//255)
-                self.driver.n.write()
-                phase = (phase + drift) % 256
-                self.driver.step = phase
-                last = utime.ticks_add(last, d)
-                if not preset.a:
-                    yield
-                    return
-            yield

src/preset.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ class Preset:
         self.n4 = 0
         self.n5 = 0
         self.n6 = 0
+        self.bg = (0, 0, 0)
 
         # Override defaults with provided data
         self.edit(data)
@@ -25,9 +26,11 @@ class Preset:
             "delay": "d",
             "brightness": "b",
             "auto": "a",
+            "background": "bg",
+            "mode": "n6",
         }
         int_fields = {"d", "b", "n1", "n2", "n3", "n4", "n5", "n6"}
-        allowed_fields = {"p", "c", "d", "b", "a", "n1", "n2", "n3", "n4", "n5", "n6"}
+        allowed_fields = {"p", "c", "d", "b", "a", "bg", "n1", "n2", "n3", "n4", "n5", "n6"}
         for key, value in data.items():
             key = aliases.get(key, key)
             if key not in allowed_fields:
@@ -56,6 +59,21 @@ class Preset:
             elif key == "c":
                 if isinstance(value, (list, tuple)):
                     self.c = value
+            elif key == "bg":
+                if isinstance(value, str) and value.startswith("#") and len(value) == 7:
+                    try:
+                        self.bg = (
+                            int(value[1:3], 16),
+                            int(value[3:5], 16),
+                            int(value[5:7], 16),
+                        )
+                    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                        continue
+                elif isinstance(value, (list, tuple)) and len(value) == 3:
+                    try:
+                        self.bg = tuple(max(0, min(255, int(x))) for x in value)
+                    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                        continue
             else:
                 setattr(self, key, value)
         return True
@@ -100,6 +118,15 @@ class Preset:
     def auto(self, value):
         self.a = value
 
+    def background_or(self, colors=None, default=(0, 0, 0)):
+        bg = getattr(self, "bg", None)
+        if isinstance(bg, (list, tuple)) and len(bg) == 3:
+            try:
+                return tuple(max(0, min(255, int(x))) for x in bg)
+            except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                return default
+        return default
+
     def to_dict(self):
         return {
             "p": self.p,
@@ -107,6 +134,7 @@ class Preset:
             "b": self.b,
             "c": self.c,
             "a": self.a,
+            "bg": self.bg,
             "n1": self.n1,
             "n2": self.n2,
             "n3": self.n3,

src/presets.py

@@ -70,8 +70,29 @@ class Presets:
             except Exception as e:
                 print("Pattern init failed:", module_name, e)
 
+        self._apply_pattern_aliases(loaded)
         return loaded
 
+    def _apply_pattern_aliases(self, loaded):
+        """Legacy pattern ids -> merged implementations (same generator)."""
+        aliases = (
+            ("rainbow", "colour_cycle"),
+            ("gradient_scroll", "colour_cycle"),
+            ("meteor_rain", "meteor"),
+            ("comet_dual", "meteor"),
+            ("scanner", "meteor"),
+            ("snowfall", "particles"),
+            ("starfall", "particles"),
+            ("sparkle_trail", "sparkle"),
+            ("ice_sparkle", "sparkle"),
+            ("fireflies", "sparkle"),
+            ("marquee", "chase"),
+            ("northern_wave", "aurora"),
+        )
+        for old, new in aliases:
+            if new in loaded and old not in loaded:
+                loaded[old] = loaded[new]
+
     def save(self):
         """Save the presets to a file."""
         with open("presets.json", "w") as f:
@@ -106,17 +127,30 @@ class Presets:
                     preset_data[color_key], order
                 )
             self.presets[name] = Preset(preset_data)
-        if self.presets:
-            print("Loaded presets:")
-            #for name in sorted(self.presets.keys()):
-            #    print(f"  {name}: {self.presets[name].to_dict()}")
         return True
        
     def edit(self, name, data):
         """Create or update a preset with the given name."""
         if name in self.presets:
             # Update existing preset
+            was_auto = self.presets[name].a
             self.presets[name].edit(data)
+            # Editing the live preset: auto still re-selects (one tick) so the strip
+            # restarts without a separate select message (controller often sends both).
+            # Manual must NOT call select() here — presets-only pushes (e.g. zone sequence
+            # arming the first step) would otherwise run select's first tick and consume a
+            # beat/step. Manual advances only on explicit select from the controller.
+            if self.selected == name:
+                preset = self.presets[name]
+                if preset.a:
+                    self.step = 0
+                    self.generator = None
+                    self.fill((0, 0, 0))
+                    self.select(name)
+                elif was_auto:
+                    self.step = 0
+                    self.generator = None
+                    self.fill((0, 0, 0))
         else:
             if len(self.presets) >= MAX_PRESETS and name not in ("on", "off"):
                 print("Preset limit reached:", MAX_PRESETS)
@@ -159,6 +193,16 @@ class Presets:
         if preset_name in self.presets:
             preset = self.presets[preset_name]
             if preset.p in self.patterns:
+                # Manual single-shot patterns: if this select arrives before the main loop has
+                # tick()'d the previous frame, completing it first keeps step in sync with beats.
+                if (
+                    preset_name == self.selected
+                    and not preset.a
+                    and preset.p == "chase"
+                    and self.generator is not None
+                ):
+                    while self.generator is not None:
+                        self.tick()
                 # Set step value if explicitly provided
                 if step is not None:
                     self.step = step
@@ -166,6 +210,7 @@ class Presets:
                     self.step = 0
                 self.generator = self.patterns[preset.p](preset)
                 self.selected = preset_name  # Store the preset name, not the object
+                self.tick()
                 return True
             print("select failed: pattern not found for preset", preset_name, "pattern=", preset.p)
             return False

src/print_timestamp.py

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+"""Install a builtins.print wrapper that prefixes each line with uptime (ms).
+
+Import this module before other led-driver imports that print (e.g. first in main).
+"""
+
+import builtins
+import utime
+
+_original_print = builtins.print
+
+
+def _timestamped_print(*args, **kwargs):
+    ts = utime.ticks_ms()
+    return _original_print("[%d]" % ts, *args, **kwargs)
+
+
+builtins.print = _timestamped_print

src/settings.py

@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ class Settings(dict):
        
         self["debug"] = False
         self["default"] = "on"
+        self["last_preset"] = ""
+        # Power-on: "default" | "last" | "off"
+        self["startup_mode"] = "default"
         self["brightness"] = 32
         self["transport_type"] = "espnow"
         self["wifi_channel"] = 1
@@ -39,7 +42,6 @@ class Settings(dict):
             j = json.dumps(self)
             with open(self.SETTINGS_FILE, 'w') as file:
                 file.write(j)
-            print("Settings saved successfully.")
         except Exception as e:
             print(f"Error saving settings: {e}")
 
@@ -48,7 +50,17 @@ class Settings(dict):
             with open(self.SETTINGS_FILE, 'r') as file:
                 loaded_settings = json.load(file)
             self.update(loaded_settings)
-            print("Settings loaded successfully.")
+            old_recent = self.pop("recent_presets", None)
+            if isinstance(old_recent, list) and old_recent and not self.get("last_preset"):
+                for x in reversed(old_recent):
+                    if isinstance(x, str) and x.strip():
+                        self["last_preset"] = x.strip()
+                        break
+                    if x is not None:
+                        s = str(x).strip()
+                        if s:
+                            self["last_preset"] = s
+                            break
         except Exception as e:
             print(f"Error loading settings")
             self.set_defaults()

src/startup.py

@@ -5,33 +5,26 @@ import utime
 
 from presets import Presets
 from settings import Settings
+from controller_messages import apply_startup_pattern
 
 
 def initialize_runtime():
     machine.freq(160000000)
 
     settings = Settings()
-    print(settings)
 
     wdt = machine.WDT(timeout=10000)
     wdt.feed()
 
     gc.collect()
-    print("mem before presets:", {"free": gc.mem_free(), "alloc": gc.mem_alloc()})
 
     presets = Presets(settings["led_pin"], settings["num_leds"])
     presets.load(settings)
     presets.b = settings.get("brightness", 255)
     presets.debug = bool(settings.get("debug", False))
     gc.collect()
-    print("mem after presets:", {"free": gc.mem_free(), "alloc": gc.mem_alloc()})
 
-    default_preset = settings.get("default", "")
-    if default_preset and default_preset in presets.presets:
-        if presets.select(default_preset):
-            print("Selected startup preset:", default_preset)
-        else:
-            print("Startup preset failed (invalid pattern?):", default_preset)
+    apply_startup_pattern(settings, presets)
 
     # On ESP32-C3, soft reboots can leave Wi-Fi driver state allocated.
     # Reset both interfaces and collect before bringing STA up.
@@ -49,5 +42,10 @@ def initialize_runtime():
         utime.sleep(1)
         wdt.feed()
 
-    print(sta_if.ifconfig())
+    try:
+        led_ip = sta_if.ifconfig()[0]
+    except Exception:
+        led_ip = "?"
+    print("led-driver IP:", led_ip, "  led-controller IP:", "(not connected)")
+
     return settings, presets, wdt, sta_if

src/wifi_sta.py

@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+"""STA connect helpers aligned with tests/test_wifi.py (status polling, fatal codes)."""
+
+import gc
+import machine
+import utime
+import network
+
+_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_S = 45
+_RETRY_DELAY_S = 2
+
+
+def _wifi_status_label(code):
+    names = {
+        getattr(network, "STAT_IDLE", 0): "idle",
+        getattr(network, "STAT_CONNECTING", 1): "connecting",
+        getattr(network, "STAT_WRONG_PASSWORD", -3): "wrong_password",
+        getattr(network, "STAT_NO_AP_FOUND", -2): "no_ap_found",
+        getattr(network, "STAT_CONNECT_FAIL", -1): "connect_fail",
+        getattr(network, "STAT_GOT_IP", 3): "got_ip",
+    }
+    return names.get(code, str(code))
+
+
+# Only abort the wait loop immediately on wrong password. NO_AP_FOUND / CONNECT_FAIL are often
+# transient while the radio is still scanning (ESP32-C3 may report them before the AP appears).
+_ABORT_WAIT_IMMEDIATE = (
+    getattr(network, "STAT_WRONG_PASSWORD", -3),
+)
+
+
+def _one_association_campaign(sta_if, ssid, password, wdt):
+    """disconnect → connect → wait until connected, wrong password, or timeout. Returns True if connected."""
+    try:
+        sta_if.disconnect()
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    utime.sleep_ms(200)
+    try:
+        sta_if.connect(ssid, password)
+    except Exception as ex:
+        print("wifi_sta: connect raised:", ex)
+        return False
+
+    start = utime.time()
+    last_status = None
+    while not sta_if.isconnected():
+        status = sta_if.status()
+        if status != last_status:
+            print("wifi_sta: status", status, _wifi_status_label(status))
+            last_status = status
+        if status in _ABORT_WAIT_IMMEDIATE:
+            return False
+        if utime.time() - start >= _CONNECT_TIMEOUT_S:
+            print("wifi_sta: association timeout")
+            return False
+        utime.sleep(1)
+        if wdt is not None:
+            wdt.feed()
+    return True
+
+
+def boot_sta(settings, wdt):
+    """Tear down and bring up STA. Call before large heap users (NeoPixel, patterns).
+
+    On ESP32-C3, soft reboots can leave the Wi-Fi driver allocated; init while the
+    heap is still free. If re-init fails after a soft reboot, hard-reset once.
+    """
+    sta_if = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
+    try:
+        if sta_if.active():
+            try:
+                sta_if.disconnect()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            sta_if.active(False)
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    utime.sleep_ms(100)
+    gc.collect()
+    try:
+        sta_if.active(True)
+    except OSError as e:
+        err = str(e)
+        if "Out of Memory" in err or "WiFi" in err:
+            if machine.reset_cause() == machine.SOFT_RESET:
+                print("wifi_sta: init failed after soft reboot, hard reset:", err)
+                machine.reset()
+        raise
+    sta_if.config(pm=network.WLAN.PM_NONE)
+    ssid = settings.get("ssid") or ""
+    if ssid:
+        connect_until_up(sta_if, ssid, settings.get("password") or "", wdt)
+    return sta_if
+
+
+def connect_until_up(sta_if, ssid, password, wdt):
+    """Boot: repeat campaigns until STA has a route (same strategy as tests/test_wifi.py)."""
+    if not ssid:
+        print("wifi_sta: no ssid in settings")
+        return False
+    attempt = 0
+    while True:
+        attempt += 1
+        print("wifi_sta: boot attempt", attempt, "ssid=", repr(ssid))
+        if _one_association_campaign(sta_if, ssid, password, wdt):
+            try:
+                print("wifi_sta: connected", sta_if.ifconfig()[0])
+            except Exception:
+                print("wifi_sta: connected")
+            return True
+        print("wifi_sta: retry in", _RETRY_DELAY_S, "s")
+        for _ in range(_RETRY_DELAY_S):
+            utime.sleep(1)
+            if wdt is not None:
+                wdt.feed()
+
+
+def try_reconnect(sta_if, ssid, password, wdt):
+    """Runtime: single association campaign after link loss; non-looping."""
+    if not ssid:
+        return False
+    print("wifi_sta: reconnect")
+    ok = _one_association_campaign(sta_if, ssid, password, wdt)
+    if ok:
+        try:
+            print("wifi_sta: connected", sta_if.ifconfig()[0])
+        except Exception:
+            print("wifi_sta: connected")
+    return ok

tests/all.py

@@ -1,14 +1,50 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
-"""Self-contained led-driver test runner for MicroPython/mpremote."""
+"""Self-contained led-driver test runner for MicroPython/mpremote.
+
+Run on device (from led-driver repo root)::
+
+    mpremote connect <port> run tests/all.py
+
+Or via dev helper::
+
+    python dev.py <port> test
+"""
 
 import json
-import os
+import sys
 import utime
 from machine import WDT
 
-from settings import Settings
-from presets import Presets, run_tick
-from utils import convert_and_reorder_colors
+
+def _bootstrap_import_path():
+    """Find ``settings`` / ``presets`` whether this file lives in ``tests/`` or ``:/``."""
+    try:
+        import uos as os
+    except ImportError:
+        import os
+
+    candidates = []
+    try:
+        here = __file__.rsplit("/", 1)[0]
+        if here:
+            candidates.append(here)
+            parent = here.rsplit("/", 1)[0]
+            if parent:
+                candidates.append(parent)
+    except NameError:
+        pass
+    candidates.extend([".", "..", "/"])
+    for p in candidates:
+        if p and p not in sys.path:
+            sys.path.insert(0, p)
+
+
+_bootstrap_import_path()
+
+from settings import Settings  # noqa: E402
+from presets import Presets, run_tick  # noqa: E402
+from preset import Preset  # noqa: E402
+from utils import convert_and_reorder_colors  # noqa: E402
 
 
 class _TestContext:
@@ -27,6 +63,20 @@ class _TestContext:
             utime.sleep_ms(sleep_ms)
 
 
+def _pattern_loaded(ctx, pattern_id):
+    return pattern_id in ctx.presets.patterns
+
+
+def _smoke_preset(ctx, name, data, ms=80):
+    pattern_id = data.get("p") or data.get("pattern")
+    if not _pattern_loaded(ctx, pattern_id):
+        raise AssertionError("pattern not loaded: %s" % pattern_id)
+    ctx.presets.edit(name, data)
+    if not ctx.presets.select(name):
+        raise AssertionError("select failed: %s" % name)
+    ctx.tick_for_ms(ms)
+
+
 def _process_message(ctx, payload):
     """Small test helper that mirrors the main message handling logic."""
     try:
@@ -93,8 +143,7 @@ def _process_message(ctx, payload):
                 should_apply_default = this_device_name_norm in normalized_targets
         if (
             should_apply_default
-            and
-            isinstance(default_name, str)
+            and isinstance(default_name, str)
             and default_name
             and default_name in ctx.presets.presets
         ):
@@ -145,6 +194,40 @@ def test_preset_edit_sanitization():
     assert not hasattr(p, "unknown_field")
 
 
+def test_preset_mode_alias_maps_to_n6():
+    ctx = _TestContext()
+    ctx.presets.edit(
+        "rainbow_mode",
+        {"pattern": "colour_cycle", "mode": 1, "d": 50, "n1": 2, "a": True},
+    )
+    p = ctx.presets.presets["rainbow_mode"]
+    assert p.p == "colour_cycle"
+    assert p.n6 == 1
+
+
+def test_style_mode_and_legacy_aliases():
+    from patterns.pattern_modes import style_mode
+
+    p = Preset({"p": "colour_cycle", "mode": 0, "d": 50, "c": [(255, 0, 0)]})
+    assert style_mode(p, 0, {"rainbow": 1}) == 0
+
+    legacy = Preset({"p": "rainbow", "d": 50, "c": [(255, 0, 0)]})
+    assert style_mode(legacy, 0, {"rainbow": 1}) == 1
+
+    ctx = _TestContext()
+    legacy_ids = (
+        "rainbow",
+        "meteor_rain",
+        "snowfall",
+        "sparkle_trail",
+        "marquee",
+        "northern_wave",
+    )
+    for lid in legacy_ids:
+        if not _pattern_loaded(ctx, lid):
+            raise AssertionError("legacy alias not registered: %s" % lid)
+
+
 def test_colour_conversion_and_transition():
     ctx = _TestContext()
     msg = {
@@ -162,7 +245,6 @@ def test_colour_conversion_and_transition():
     result = _process_message(ctx, msg)
     assert result == "ok"
     assert ctx.presets.selected == "fade"
-    # Smoke-run the generator to ensure math runs without type errors.
     ctx.tick_for_ms(250)
 
 
@@ -172,19 +254,54 @@ def test_pattern_smoke():
         "t_on": {"p": "on", "c": [(16, 8, 4)]},
         "t_off": {"p": "off"},
         "t_blink": {"p": "blink", "c": [(255, 0, 0)], "d": 20},
-        "t_rainbow": {"p": "rainbow", "d": 5, "n1": 2},
-        "t_pulse": {"p": "pulse", "c": [(255, 0, 0)], "n1": 20, "n2": 10, "n3": 20, "d": 10},
-        "t_transition": {"p": "transition", "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)], "d": 30},
+        "t_colour_cycle": {"p": "colour_cycle", "n6": 0, "d": 5, "n1": 2, "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 255, 0)]},
         "t_chase": {"p": "chase", "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)], "n1": 3, "n2": 2, "n3": 1, "n4": 1, "d": 20},
-        "t_circle": {"p": "circle", "c": [(255, 255, 0), (0, 0, 8)], "n1": 5, "n2": 10, "n3": 5, "n4": 2},
     }
     for name, data in cases.items():
-        ctx.presets.edit(name, data)
-        assert ctx.presets.select(name), "select failed: %s" % name
-        ctx.tick_for_ms(120)
+        _smoke_preset(ctx, name, data, ms=100)
+
+
+def test_merged_pattern_modes():
+    """Smoke each style (``n6`` / ``mode``) for merged multi-mode patterns."""
+    ctx = _TestContext()
+    colors = [(200, 220, 255), (255, 180, 80)]
+    cases = (
+        ("mc_grad", "colour_cycle", {"p": "colour_cycle", "n6": 0, "n1": 2, "d": 8, "c": colors}),
+        ("mc_wheel", "colour_cycle", {"p": "colour_cycle", "mode": 1, "n1": 2, "d": 8}),
+        ("chase_std", "chase", {"p": "chase", "n6": 0, "n1": 2, "n2": 2, "n3": 1, "n4": 1, "d": 15, "c": colors}),
+        ("chase_marq", "chase", {"p": "chase", "n6": 1, "n1": 3, "n2": 2, "n3": 1, "d": 15, "c": colors}),
+        ("meteor_0", "meteor", {"p": "meteor", "n6": 0, "n1": 4, "n2": 2, "n3": 8, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("meteor_1", "meteor", {"p": "meteor", "n6": 1, "n1": 3, "n2": 2, "n3": 4, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("part_0", "particles", {"p": "particles", "n6": 0, "n1": 4, "n2": 1, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("part_1", "particles", {"p": "particles", "mode": 1, "n1": 3, "n2": 1, "n3": 4, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("spark_0", "sparkle", {"p": "sparkle", "n6": 0, "n1": 4, "n2": 6, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("spark_1", "sparkle", {"p": "sparkle", "n6": 1, "n1": 3, "n2": 4, "n3": 2, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("aurora_0", "aurora", {"p": "aurora", "n6": 0, "n1": 3, "n2": 2, "n3": 0, "d": 12, "c": colors}),
+        ("aurora_1", "aurora", {"p": "aurora", "mode": 1, "n1": 8, "n2": 2, "n3": 1, "d": 12, "c": colors}),
+    )
+    for name, pattern_id, data in cases:
+        if not _pattern_loaded(ctx, pattern_id):
+            continue
+        _smoke_preset(ctx, name, data, ms=60)
+
+    legacy_smoke = (
+        ("leg_rainbow", "rainbow", {"p": "rainbow", "d": 8, "n1": 2}),
+        ("leg_ice", "ice_sparkle", {"p": "ice_sparkle", "n1": 3, "n2": 2, "n3": 2, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+        ("leg_wave", "northern_wave", {"p": "northern_wave", "n1": 6, "n2": 2, "n3": 1, "d": 12, "c": colors}),
+        ("leg_star", "starfall", {"p": "starfall", "n1": 3, "n2": 1, "n3": 3, "d": 10, "c": colors}),
+    )
+    for name, pattern_id, data in legacy_smoke:
+        if not _pattern_loaded(ctx, pattern_id):
+            continue
+        _smoke_preset(ctx, name, data, ms=60)
 
 
 def test_patterns_do_not_use_blocking_sleep():
+    try:
+        import uos as os
+    except ImportError:
+        import os
+
     pattern_dir = "patterns"
     offenders = []
     try:
@@ -192,8 +309,9 @@ def test_patterns_do_not_use_blocking_sleep():
     except OSError:
         raise AssertionError("patterns directory is missing")
 
+    skip = frozenset(("__init__.py", "main.py", "pattern_modes.py"))
     for filename in files:
-        if not filename.endswith(".py") or filename in ("__init__.py", "main.py"):
+        if not filename.endswith(".py") or filename in skip:
             continue
         path = pattern_dir + "/" + filename
         try:
@@ -223,6 +341,7 @@ def test_default_requires_existing_preset():
     _process_message(ctx, {"v": "1", "default": "exists"})
     assert ctx.settings.get("default") == "exists"
 
+
 def test_default_targets_gate_by_device_name():
     ctx = _TestContext()
     ctx.settings["name"] = "a"
@@ -243,6 +362,11 @@ def test_default_targets_gate_by_device_name():
 
 
 def test_save_and_load_roundtrip():
+    try:
+        import uos as os
+    except ImportError:
+        import os
+
     ctx = _TestContext()
     ctx.presets.edit(
         "persist",
@@ -270,8 +394,11 @@ def run_all():
     tests = [
         test_invalid_messages_do_not_crash,
         test_preset_edit_sanitization,
+        test_preset_mode_alias_maps_to_n6,
+        test_style_mode_and_legacy_aliases,
         test_colour_conversion_and_transition,
         test_pattern_smoke,
+        test_merged_pattern_modes,
         test_patterns_do_not_use_blocking_sleep,
         test_default_requires_existing_preset,
         test_default_targets_gate_by_device_name,

tests/patterns/auto_manual.py

@@ -1,190 +0,0 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python3
-import utime
-from machine import WDT
-from settings import Settings
-from presets import Presets, run_tick
-
-
-def run_for(p, wdt, duration_ms):
-    """Run pattern for specified duration."""
-    start = utime.ticks_ms()
-    while utime.ticks_diff(utime.ticks_ms(), start) < duration_ms:
-        wdt.feed()
-        run_tick(p)
-        utime.sleep_ms(10)
-
-
-def main():
-    s = Settings()
-    pin = s.get("led_pin", 10)
-    num = s.get("num_leds", 30)
-
-    p = Presets(pin=pin, num_leds=num)
-    wdt = WDT(timeout=10000)
-    
-    print("=" * 50)
-    print("Testing Auto and Manual Modes")
-    print("=" * 50)
-    
-    # Test 1: Rainbow in AUTO mode (continuous)
-    print("\nTest 1: Rainbow pattern in AUTO mode (should run continuously)")
-    p.edit("rainbow_auto", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 50,
-        "n1": 2,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow_auto")
-    print("Running rainbow_auto for 3 seconds...")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 3000)
-    print("✓ Auto mode: Pattern ran continuously")
-    
-    # Test 2: Rainbow in MANUAL mode (one step per tick)
-    print("\nTest 2: Rainbow pattern in MANUAL mode (one step per tick)")
-    p.edit("rainbow_manual", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 50,
-        "n1": 2,
-        "a": False,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow_manual")
-    print("Calling tick() 5 times (should advance 5 steps)...")
-    for i in range(5):
-        run_tick(p)
-        utime.sleep_ms(100)  # Small delay to see changes
-        print(f"  Tick {i+1}: generator={'active' if p.generator is not None else 'stopped'}")
-    
-    # Check if generator stopped after one cycle
-    if p.generator is None:
-        print("✓ Manual mode: Generator stopped after one step (as expected)")
-    else:
-        print("⚠ Manual mode: Generator still active (may need multiple ticks)")
-    
-    # Test 3: Pulse in AUTO mode (continuous cycles)
-    print("\nTest 3: Pulse pattern in AUTO mode (should pulse continuously)")
-    p.edit("pulse_auto", {
-        "p": "pulse",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 100,
-        "n1": 500,  # Attack
-        "n2": 200,  # Hold
-        "n3": 500,  # Decay
-        "c": [(255, 0, 0)],
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("pulse_auto")
-    print("Running pulse_auto for 3 seconds...")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 3000)
-    print("✓ Auto mode: Pulse ran continuously")
-    
-    # Test 4: Pulse in MANUAL mode (one cycle then stop)
-    print("\nTest 4: Pulse pattern in MANUAL mode (one cycle then stop)")
-    p.edit("pulse_manual", {
-        "p": "pulse",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 100,
-        "n1": 300,  # Attack
-        "n2": 200,  # Hold
-        "n3": 300,  # Decay
-        "c": [(0, 255, 0)],
-        "a": False,
-    })
-    p.select("pulse_manual")
-    print("Running pulse_manual until generator stops...")
-    tick_count = 0
-    max_ticks = 200  # Safety limit
-    while p.generator is not None and tick_count < max_ticks:
-        run_tick(p)
-        tick_count += 1
-        utime.sleep_ms(10)
-    
-    if p.generator is None:
-        print(f"✓ Manual mode: Pulse completed one cycle after {tick_count} ticks")
-    else:
-        print(f"⚠ Manual mode: Pulse still running after {tick_count} ticks")
-    
-    # Test 5: Transition in AUTO mode (continuous transitions)
-    print("\nTest 5: Transition pattern in AUTO mode (continuous transitions)")
-    p.edit("transition_auto", {
-        "p": "transition",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 500,
-        "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 255, 0), (0, 0, 255)],
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("transition_auto")
-    print("Running transition_auto for 3 seconds...")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 3000)
-    print("✓ Auto mode: Transition ran continuously")
-    
-    # Test 6: Transition in MANUAL mode (one transition then stop)
-    print("\nTest 6: Transition pattern in MANUAL mode (one transition then stop)")
-    p.edit("transition_manual", {
-        "p": "transition",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 500,
-        "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 255, 0)],
-        "a": False,
-    })
-    p.select("transition_manual")
-    print("Running transition_manual until generator stops...")
-    tick_count = 0
-    max_ticks = 200
-    while p.generator is not None and tick_count < max_ticks:
-        run_tick(p)
-        tick_count += 1
-        utime.sleep_ms(10)
-    
-    if p.generator is None:
-        print(f"✓ Manual mode: Transition completed after {tick_count} ticks")
-    else:
-        print(f"⚠ Manual mode: Transition still running after {tick_count} ticks")
-    
-    # Test 7: Switching between auto and manual modes
-    print("\nTest 7: Switching between auto and manual modes")
-    p.edit("switch_test", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 128,
-        "d": 50,
-        "n1": 2,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("switch_test")
-    print("Running in auto mode for 1 second...")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 1000)
-    
-    # Switch to manual mode by editing the preset
-    print("Switching to manual mode...")
-    p.edit("switch_test", {"a": False})
-    p.select("switch_test")  # Re-select to apply changes
-    
-    print("Calling tick() 3 times in manual mode...")
-    for i in range(3):
-        run_tick(p)
-        utime.sleep_ms(100)
-        print(f"  Tick {i+1}: generator={'active' if p.generator is not None else 'stopped'}")
-    
-    # Switch back to auto mode
-    print("Switching back to auto mode...")
-    p.edit("switch_test", {"a": True})
-    p.select("switch_test")
-    print("Running in auto mode for 1 second...")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 1000)
-    print("✓ Successfully switched between auto and manual modes")
-    
-    # Cleanup
-    print("\nCleaning up...")
-    p.edit("cleanup_off", {"p": "off"})
-    p.select("cleanup_off")
-    run_tick(p)
-    utime.sleep_ms(100)
-    
-    print("\n" + "=" * 50)
-    print("All tests completed!")
-    print("=" * 50)
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    main()

tests/patterns/rainbow.py

@@ -1,151 +0,0 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python3
-import utime
-from machine import WDT
-from settings import Settings
-from presets import Presets, run_tick
-
-
-def run_for(p, wdt, ms):
-    """Helper: run current pattern for given ms using tick()."""
-    start = utime.ticks_ms()
-    while utime.ticks_diff(utime.ticks_ms(), start) < ms:
-        wdt.feed()
-        run_tick(p)
-        utime.sleep_ms(10)
-
-
-def main():
-    s = Settings()
-    pin = s.get("led_pin", 10)
-    num = s.get("num_leds", 30)
-
-    p = Presets(pin=pin, num_leds=num)
-    wdt = WDT(timeout=10000)
-    
-    # Test 1: Basic rainbow with auto=True (continuous)
-    print("Test 1: Basic rainbow (auto=True, n1=1)")
-    p.edit("rainbow1", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 255,
-        "d": 100,
-        "n1": 1,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow1")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 3000)
-
-    # Test 2: Fast rainbow
-    print("Test 2: Fast rainbow (low delay, n1=1)")
-    p.edit("rainbow2", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "d": 50,
-        "n1": 1,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow2")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 2000)
-
-    # Test 3: Slow rainbow
-    print("Test 3: Slow rainbow (high delay, n1=1)")
-    p.edit("rainbow3", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "d": 500,
-        "n1": 1,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow3")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 3000)
-
-    # Test 4: Low brightness rainbow
-    print("Test 4: Low brightness rainbow (n1=1)")
-    p.edit("rainbow4", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 64,
-        "d": 100,
-        "n1": 1,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow4")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 2000)
-
-    # Test 5: Single-step rainbow (auto=False)
-    print("Test 5: Single-step rainbow (auto=False, n1=1)")
-    p.edit("rainbow5", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 255,
-        "d": 100,
-        "n1": 1,
-        "a": False,
-    })
-    p.step = 0
-    for i in range(10):
-        p.select("rainbow5")
-        # One tick advances the generator one frame when auto=False
-        run_tick(p)
-        utime.sleep_ms(100)
-        wdt.feed()
-
-    # Test 6: Verify step updates correctly
-    print("Test 6: Verify step updates (auto=False, n1=1)")
-    p.edit("rainbow6", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "n1": 1,
-        "a": False,
-    })
-    initial_step = p.step
-    p.select("rainbow6")
-    run_tick(p)
-    final_step = p.step
-    print(f"Step updated from {initial_step} to {final_step} (expected increment: 1)")
-
-    # Test 7: Fast step increment (n1=5)
-    print("Test 7: Fast rainbow (n1=5, auto=True)")
-    p.edit("rainbow7", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "b": 255,
-        "d": 100,
-        "n1": 5,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow7")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 2000)
-
-    # Test 8: Very fast step increment (n1=10)
-    print("Test 8: Very fast rainbow (n1=10, auto=True)")
-    p.edit("rainbow8", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "n1": 10,
-        "a": True,
-    })
-    p.select("rainbow8")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 2000)
-
-    # Test 9: Verify n1 controls step increment (auto=False)
-    print("Test 9: Verify n1 step increment (auto=False, n1=5)")
-    p.edit("rainbow9", {
-        "p": "rainbow",
-        "n1": 5,
-        "a": False,
-    })
-    p.step = 0
-    initial_step = p.step
-    p.select("rainbow9")
-    run_tick(p)
-    final_step = p.step
-    expected_step = (initial_step + 5) % 256
-    print(f"Step updated from {initial_step} to {final_step} (expected: {expected_step})")
-    if final_step == expected_step:
-        print("✓ n1 step increment working correctly")
-    else:
-        print(f"✗ Step increment mismatch! Expected {expected_step}, got {final_step}")
-
-    # Cleanup
-    print("Test complete, turning off")
-    p.edit("cleanup_off", {"p": "off"})
-    p.select("cleanup_off")
-    run_for(p, wdt, 100)
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    main()
-

tests/patterns/twinkle.py

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+import utime
+from machine import WDT
+from settings import Settings
+from presets import Presets
+
+
+def main():
+    print("[test] twinkle: start")
+    s = Settings()
+    p = Presets(pin=s.get("led_pin", 10), num_leds=s.get("num_leds", 30))
+    p.debug = True
+    wdt = WDT(timeout=10000)
+
+    print("[test] twinkle: auto phase begin")
+    p.edit("test_pattern", {"p": "twinkle", "b": 64, "a": True, "d": 3000, "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)]})
+    if not p.select("test_pattern"):
+        raise Exception("twinkle select failed in auto phase")
+    auto_start = utime.ticks_ms()
+    while utime.ticks_diff(utime.ticks_ms(), auto_start) < 2500:
+        wdt.feed()
+        p.run_step()
+        utime.sleep_ms(20)
+    remaining_ms = utime.ticks_diff(p.next_tick_ms, utime.ticks_ms())
+    if p.next_tick_ms == 0 or remaining_ms <= 0:
+        raise Exception("twinkle delay scheduling invalid")
+    print("[test] twinkle: auto phase end")
+
+    print("[test] twinkle: manual phase begin")
+    p.edit("test_pattern", {"p": "twinkle", "b": 64, "a": False, "d": 3000, "c": [(255, 0, 0), (0, 0, 255)]})
+    if not p.select("test_pattern", step=0):
+        raise Exception("twinkle select failed in manual phase")
+    for _ in range(6):
+        current_step = int(p.step)
+        if not p.select("test_pattern", step=current_step):
+            raise Exception("twinkle external select failed")
+        p.run_step()
+        wdt.feed()
+        if int(p.step) == current_step:
+            raise Exception("twinkle external step did not advance")
+        if p.generator is not None:
+            raise Exception("twinkle manual mode rescheduled generator")
+        hold_start = utime.ticks_ms()
+        while utime.ticks_diff(utime.ticks_ms(), hold_start) < 700:
+            wdt.feed()
+            utime.sleep_ms(20)
+    print("[test] twinkle: manual phase end")
+    print("[test] twinkle: pass")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()