diff --git a/graphics/core.lua b/graphics/core.lua
index 7715f92..d6518ba 100644
--- a/graphics/core.lua
+++ b/graphics/core.lua
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ local flasher = require("graphics.flasher")
 
 local core = {}
 
-core.version = "2.0.0"
+core.version = "2.0.2"
 
 core.flasher = flasher
 core.events = events
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ end
 
 -- extract the custom element assert message, dropping the path to the element file
 function core.extract_assert_msg(msg)
-    return string.sub(msg, (string.find(msg, "@") + 1) or 1)
+    return string.sub(msg, (string.find(msg, "@") or 0) + 1)
 end
 
 -- Interactive Field Manager
diff --git a/graphics/element.lua b/graphics/element.lua
index 41e4c57..dcdccc4 100644
--- a/graphics/element.lua
+++ b/graphics/element.lua
@@ -217,10 +217,10 @@ function element.new(args, child_offset_x, child_offset_y)
         end
 
         -- check frame
-        element.assert(f.x >= 1, "frame x not >= 1", 2)
-        element.assert(f.y >= 1, "frame y not >= 1", 2)
-        element.assert(f.w >= 1, "frame width not >= 1", 2)
-        element.assert(f.h >= 1, "frame height not >= 1", 2)
+        element.assert(f.x >= 1, "frame x not >= 1", 3)
+        element.assert(f.y >= 1, "frame y not >= 1", 3)
+        element.assert(f.w >= 1, "frame width not >= 1", 3)
+        element.assert(f.h >= 1, "frame height not >= 1", 3)
 
         -- create window
         protected.window = window.create(self.p_window, f.x, f.y, f.w, f.h, args.hidden ~= true)
diff --git a/reactor-plc/configure.lua b/reactor-plc/configure.lua
index 7ad98a3..4347a7f 100644
--- a/reactor-plc/configure.lua
+++ b/reactor-plc/configure.lua
@@ -30,6 +30,11 @@ local LEFT = core.ALIGN.LEFT
 local CENTER = core.ALIGN.CENTER
 local RIGHT = core.ALIGN.RIGHT
 
+-- changes to the config data/format to let the user know
+local changes = {
+    {"v1.6.2", { "AuthKey minimum length is now 8 (if set)" } }
+}
+
 ---@class plc_configurator
 local configurator = {}
 
@@ -37,7 +42,6 @@ local style = {}
 
 style.root = cpair(colors.black, colors.lightGray)
 style.header = cpair(colors.white, colors.gray)
-style.label = cpair(colors.gray, colors.lightGray)
 
 style.colors = {
     { c = colors.red,       hex = 0xdf4949 },
@@ -55,6 +59,11 @@ style.colors = {
     { c = colors.gray,      hex = 0x575757 }
 }
 
+local bw_fg_bg = cpair(colors.black, colors.white)
+local g_lg_fg_bg = cpair(colors.gray, colors.lightGray)
+local nav_fg_bg = bw_fg_bg
+local btn_act_fg_bg = cpair(colors.white, colors.gray)
+
 local tool_ctl = {
     ask_config = false,
     has_config = false,
@@ -173,8 +182,6 @@ end
 -- create the config view
 ---@param display graphics_element
 local function config_view(display)
-    local nav_fg_bg = cpair(colors.black,colors.white)
-    local btn_act_fg_bg = cpair(colors.white,colors.gray)
 
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
     local function exit() os.queueEvent("terminate") end
@@ -188,8 +195,9 @@ local function config_view(display)
     local net_cfg = Div{parent=root_pane_div,x=1,y=1}
     local log_cfg = Div{parent=root_pane_div,x=1,y=1}
     local summary = Div{parent=root_pane_div,x=1,y=1}
+    local changelog = Div{parent=root_pane_div,x=1,y=1}
 
-    local main_pane = MultiPane{parent=root_pane_div,x=1,y=1,panes={main_page,plc_cfg,net_cfg,log_cfg,summary}}
+    local main_pane = MultiPane{parent=root_pane_div,x=1,y=1,panes={main_page,plc_cfg,net_cfg,log_cfg,summary,changelog}}
 
     -- MAIN PAGE
 
@@ -198,8 +206,8 @@ local function config_view(display)
     TextBox{parent=main_page,x=2,y=2,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="Welcome to the Reactor PLC configurator! Please select one of the following options."}
 
     if tool_ctl.ask_config then
-        TextBox{parent=main_page,x=2,y=y_start,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="Notice: This device has no valid config. The configurator has been automatically started.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray)}
-        y_start = y_start + 3
+        TextBox{parent=main_page,x=2,y=y_start,height=4,width=49,text_align=CENTER,text="Notice: This device has no valid config so the configurator has been automatically started. If you previously had a valid config, you may want to check the Change Log to see what changed.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray)}
+        y_start = y_start + 5
     end
 
     local function view_config()
@@ -220,6 +228,7 @@ local function config_view(display)
     if not tool_ctl.has_config then tool_ctl.view_cfg.disable() end
 
     PushButton{parent=main_page,x=2,y=17,min_width=6,text="Exit",callback=exit,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.red),active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
+    PushButton{parent=main_page,x=39,y=17,min_width=12,text="Change Log",callback=function()main_pane.set_value(6)end,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
 
     -- PLC CONFIG
 
@@ -233,7 +242,7 @@ local function config_view(display)
     TextBox{parent=plc_cfg,x=1,y=2,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text=" PLC Configuration",fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.orange)}
 
     TextBox{parent=plc_c_1,x=1,y=1,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Would you like to set this PLC as networked?"}
-    TextBox{parent=plc_c_1,x=1,y=3,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="If you have a supervisor, select the box. You will later be prompted to select the network configuration. If you instead want to use this as a standalone safety system, don't select the box.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    TextBox{parent=plc_c_1,x=1,y=3,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="If you have a supervisor, select the box. You will later be prompted to select the network configuration. If you instead want to use this as a standalone safety system, don't select the box.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     local networked = CheckBox{parent=plc_c_1,x=1,y=8,label="Networked",default=ini_cfg.Networked,box_fg_bg=cpair(colors.orange,colors.black)}
 
@@ -246,10 +255,10 @@ local function config_view(display)
     PushButton{parent=plc_c_1,x=44,y=14,min_width=6,text="Next \x1a",callback=submit_networked,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=plc_c_2,x=1,y=1,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Please enter the reactor unit ID for this PLC."}
-    TextBox{parent=plc_c_2,x=1,y=3,height=3,text_align=CENTER,text="If this is a networked PLC, currently only IDs 1 through 4 are acceptable.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    TextBox{parent=plc_c_2,x=1,y=3,height=3,text_align=CENTER,text="If this is a networked PLC, currently only IDs 1 through 4 are acceptable.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=plc_c_2,x=1,y=6,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Unit #"}
-    local u_id = NumberField{parent=plc_c_2,x=7,y=6,width=5,max_digits=3,default=ini_cfg.UnitID,min=1,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
+    local u_id = NumberField{parent=plc_c_2,x=7,y=6,width=5,max_digits=3,default=ini_cfg.UnitID,min=1,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
 
     local u_id_err = TextBox{parent=plc_c_2,x=8,y=14,height=1,width=35,text_align=LEFT,text="Please set a unit ID.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray),hidden=true}
 
@@ -266,7 +275,7 @@ local function config_view(display)
     PushButton{parent=plc_c_2,x=44,y=14,min_width=6,text="Next \x1a",callback=submit_id,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=plc_c_3,x=1,y=1,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="When networked, the supervisor takes care of emergency coolant via RTUs. However, you can configure independent emergency coolant via the PLC. "}
-    TextBox{parent=plc_c_3,x=1,y=6,height=5,text_align=CENTER,text="This independent control can be used with or without a supervisor. To configure, you would next select the interface of the redstone output connected to one or more mekanism pipes.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    TextBox{parent=plc_c_3,x=1,y=6,height=5,text_align=CENTER,text="This independent control can be used with or without a supervisor. To configure, you would next select the interface of the redstone output connected to one or more mekanism pipes.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     local en_em_cool = CheckBox{parent=plc_c_3,x=1,y=11,label="Enable PLC Emergency Coolant Control",default=ini_cfg.EmerCoolEnable,box_fg_bg=cpair(colors.orange,colors.black)}
 
@@ -287,7 +296,7 @@ local function config_view(display)
 
     TextBox{parent=plc_c_4,x=1,y=5,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Bundled Redstone Configuration"}
     local bundled = CheckBox{parent=plc_c_4,x=1,y=6,label="Is Bundled?",default=ini_cfg.EmerCoolColor~=nil,box_fg_bg=cpair(colors.orange,colors.black),callback=function(v)tool_ctl.bundled_emcool(v)end}
-    local color = Radio2D{parent=plc_c_4,x=1,y=8,rows=4,columns=4,default=color_to_idx(ini_cfg.EmerCoolColor),options=color_options,radio_colors=cpair(colors.lightGray,colors.black),color_map=color_options_map,disable_color=colors.gray,disable_fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    local color = Radio2D{parent=plc_c_4,x=1,y=8,rows=4,columns=4,default=color_to_idx(ini_cfg.EmerCoolColor),options=color_options,radio_colors=cpair(colors.lightGray,colors.black),color_map=color_options_map,disable_color=colors.gray,disable_fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
     if ini_cfg.EmerCoolColor == nil then color.disable() end
 
     local function submit_emcool()
@@ -310,14 +319,14 @@ local function config_view(display)
     TextBox{parent=net_cfg,x=1,y=2,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text=" Network Configuration",fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.lightBlue)}
 
     TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=1,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Please set the network channels below."}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=3,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="Each of the 5 uniquely named channels, including the 2 below, must be the same for each device in this SCADA network. For multiplayer servers, it is recommended to not use the default channels.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=3,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="Each of the 5 uniquely named channels, including the 2 below, must be the same for each device in this SCADA network. For multiplayer servers, it is recommended to not use the default channels.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=8,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Supervisor Channel"}
-    local svr_chan = NumberField{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=9,width=7,default=ini_cfg.SVR_Channel,min=1,max=65535,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=9,y=9,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="[SVR_CHANNEL]",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    local svr_chan = NumberField{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=9,width=7,default=ini_cfg.SVR_Channel,min=1,max=65535,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=9,y=9,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="[SVR_CHANNEL]",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
     TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=11,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="PLC Channel"}
-    local plc_chan = NumberField{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=12,width=7,default=ini_cfg.PLC_Channel,min=1,max=65535,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=9,y=12,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="[PLC_CHANNEL]",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    local plc_chan = NumberField{parent=net_c_1,x=1,y=12,width=7,default=ini_cfg.PLC_Channel,min=1,max=65535,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=9,y=12,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="[PLC_CHANNEL]",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     local chan_err = TextBox{parent=net_c_1,x=8,y=14,height=1,width=35,text_align=LEFT,text="",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray),hidden=true}
 
@@ -342,13 +351,13 @@ local function config_view(display)
     PushButton{parent=net_c_1,x=44,y=14,min_width=6,text="Next \x1a",callback=submit_channels,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=1,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Connection Timeout"}
-    local timeout = NumberField{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=2,width=7,default=ini_cfg.ConnTimeout,min=2,max=25,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=9,y=2,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="seconds (default 5)",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=3,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="You generally do not want or need to modify this. On slow servers, you can increase this to make the system wait longer before assuming a disconnection.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    local timeout = NumberField{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=2,width=7,default=ini_cfg.ConnTimeout,min=2,max=25,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=9,y=2,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="seconds (default 5)",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=3,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="You generally do not want or need to modify this. On slow servers, you can increase this to make the system wait longer before assuming a disconnection.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=8,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Trusted Range"}
-    local range = NumberField{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=9,width=10,default=ini_cfg.TrustedRange,min=0,max_digits=20,allow_decimal=true,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=10,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="Setting this to a value larger than 0 prevents connections with devices that many meters (blocks) away in any direction.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    local range = NumberField{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=9,width=10,default=ini_cfg.TrustedRange,min=0,max_digits=20,allow_decimal=true,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=1,y=10,height=4,text_align=CENTER,text="Setting this to a value larger than 0 prevents connections with devices that many meters (blocks) away in any direction.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     local p2_err = TextBox{parent=net_c_2,x=8,y=14,height=1,width=35,text_align=LEFT,text="",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray),hidden=true}
 
@@ -373,10 +382,10 @@ local function config_view(display)
     PushButton{parent=net_c_2,x=44,y=14,min_width=6,text="Next \x1a",callback=submit_ct_tr,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=1,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="Optionally, set the facility authentication key below. Do NOT use one of your passwords."}
-    TextBox{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=4,height=6,text_align=CENTER,text="This enables verifying that messages are authentic, so it is intended for security on multiplayer servers. All devices on the same network MUST use the same key if any device has a key. This does result in some extra compution (can slow things down).",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    TextBox{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=4,height=6,text_align=CENTER,text="This enables verifying that messages are authentic, so it is intended for security on multiplayer servers. All devices on the same network MUST use the same key if any device has a key. This does result in some extra compution (can slow things down).",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     TextBox{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=11,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Facility Auth Key"}
-    local key, _, censor = TextField{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=12,max_len=64,value=ini_cfg.AuthKey,width=32,height=1,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
+    local key, _, censor = TextField{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=12,max_len=64,value=ini_cfg.AuthKey,width=32,height=1,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
 
     local function censor_key(enable) censor(util.trinary(enable, "*", nil)) end
 
@@ -385,9 +394,15 @@ local function config_view(display)
     hide_key.set_value(true)
     censor_key(true)
 
+    local key_err = TextBox{parent=net_c_3,x=8,y=14,height=1,width=35,text_align=LEFT,text="Key must be at least 8 characters.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray),hidden=true}
+
     local function submit_auth()
-        tmp_cfg.AuthKey = key.get_value()
-        main_pane.set_value(4)
+        local v = key.get_value()
+        if string.len(v) == 0 or string.len(v) >= 8 then
+            tmp_cfg.AuthKey = key.get_value()
+            main_pane.set_value(4)
+            key_err.hide(true)
+        else key_err.show() end
     end
 
     PushButton{parent=net_c_3,x=1,y=14,min_width=6,text="\x1b Back",callback=function()net_pane.set_value(2)end,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
@@ -405,10 +420,10 @@ local function config_view(display)
     local mode = RadioButton{parent=log_c_1,x=1,y=4,default=ini_cfg.LogMode+1,options={"Append on Startup","Replace on Startup"},callback=function()end,radio_colors=cpair(colors.lightGray,colors.black),select_color=colors.pink}
 
     TextBox{parent=log_c_1,x=1,y=7,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text="Log File Path"}
-    local path = TextField{parent=log_c_1,x=1,y=8,width=49,height=1,value=ini_cfg.LogPath,max_len=128,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white)}
+    local path = TextField{parent=log_c_1,x=1,y=8,width=49,height=1,value=ini_cfg.LogPath,max_len=128,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
 
     local en_dbg = CheckBox{parent=log_c_1,x=1,y=10,default=ini_cfg.LogDebug,label="Enable Logging Debug Messages",box_fg_bg=cpair(colors.pink,colors.black)}
-    TextBox{parent=log_c_1,x=3,y=11,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="This results in much larger log files. It is best to only use this when there is a problem.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray)}
+    TextBox{parent=log_c_1,x=3,y=11,height=2,text_align=CENTER,text="This results in much larger log files. It is best to only use this when there is a problem.",fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg}
 
     local path_err = TextBox{parent=log_c_1,x=8,y=14,height=1,width=35,text_align=LEFT,text="Please provide a log file path.",fg_bg=cpair(colors.red,colors.lightGray),hidden=true}
 
@@ -444,7 +459,7 @@ local function config_view(display)
 
     TextBox{parent=summary,x=1,y=2,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text=" Summary",fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.green)}
 
-    local setting_list = ListBox{parent=sum_c_1,x=1,y=1,height=12,width=51,scroll_height=100,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.white),nav_fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray),nav_active=cpair(colors.black,colors.gray)}
+    local setting_list = ListBox{parent=sum_c_1,x=1,y=1,height=12,width=51,scroll_height=100,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg,nav_fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg,nav_active=cpair(colors.black,colors.gray)}
 
     local function back_from_settings()
         if tool_ctl.viewing_config or tool_ctl.importing_legacy then
@@ -526,6 +541,25 @@ local function config_view(display)
     PushButton{parent=sum_c_4,x=1,y=14,min_width=6,text="Home",callback=go_home,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
     PushButton{parent=sum_c_4,x=44,y=14,min_width=6,text="Exit",callback=exit,fg_bg=cpair(colors.black,colors.red),active_fg_bg=cpair(colors.white,colors.gray)}
 
+    -- CONFIG CHANGE LOG
+
+    local cl = Div{parent=changelog,x=2,y=4,width=49}
+
+    TextBox{parent=changelog,x=1,y=2,height=1,text_align=CENTER,text=" Config Change Log",fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
+
+    local c_log = ListBox{parent=cl,x=1,y=1,height=12,width=51,scroll_height=100,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg,nav_fg_bg=g_lg_fg_bg,nav_active=cpair(colors.black,colors.gray)}
+
+    for _, change in ipairs(changes) do
+        TextBox{parent=c_log,text=change[1],height=1,fg_bg=bw_fg_bg}
+        for _, v in ipairs(change[2]) do
+            local e = Div{parent=c_log,height=#util.strwrap(v,46)}
+            TextBox{parent=e,y=1,x=1,text="- ",height=1,fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.white)}
+            TextBox{parent=e,y=1,x=3,text=v,height=e.get_height(),fg_bg=cpair(colors.gray,colors.white)}
+        end
+    end
+
+    PushButton{parent=cl,x=1,y=14,min_width=6,text="\x1b Back",callback=function()main_pane.set_value(1)end,fg_bg=nav_fg_bg,active_fg_bg=btn_act_fg_bg}
+
     -- set tool functions now that we have the elements
 
     function tool_ctl.set_networked(enable)
@@ -596,7 +630,7 @@ local function config_view(display)
             if f[1] == "EmerCoolColor" and raw ~= nil then val = color_name_map[raw] end
             if val == "nil" then val = "n/a" end
 
-            local c = util.trinary(alternate, cpair(colors.gray,colors.lightGray), cpair(colors.gray,colors.white))
+            local c = util.trinary(alternate, g_lg_fg_bg, cpair(colors.gray,colors.white))
             alternate = not alternate
 
             if string.len(val) > val_max_w then
diff --git a/reactor-plc/plc.lua b/reactor-plc/plc.lua
index 02d7c3d..9ad9c69 100644
--- a/reactor-plc/plc.lua
+++ b/reactor-plc/plc.lua
@@ -54,13 +54,22 @@ function plc.load_config()
     cfv.assert_type_bool(config.Networked)
     cfv.assert_type_int(config.UnitID)
     cfv.assert_type_bool(config.EmerCoolEnable)
-    cfv.assert_channel(config.SVR_Channel)
-    cfv.assert_channel(config.PLC_Channel)
-    cfv.assert_type_int(config.ConnTimeout)
-    cfv.assert_min(config.ConnTimeout, 2)
-    cfv.assert_type_num(config.TrustedRange)
-    cfv.assert_min(config.TrustedRange, 0)
-    cfv.assert_type_str(config.AuthKey)
+
+    if config.Networked == true then
+        cfv.assert_channel(config.SVR_Channel)
+        cfv.assert_channel(config.PLC_Channel)
+        cfv.assert_type_int(config.ConnTimeout)
+        cfv.assert_min(config.ConnTimeout, 2)
+        cfv.assert_type_num(config.TrustedRange)
+        cfv.assert_min(config.TrustedRange, 0)
+        cfv.assert_type_str(config.AuthKey)
+
+        if type(config.AuthKey) == "string" then
+            local len = string.len(config.AuthKey)
+            cfv.assert_eq(len == 0 or len >= 8, true)
+        end
+    end
+
     cfv.assert_type_int(config.LogMode)
     cfv.assert_type_str(config.LogPath)
     cfv.assert_type_bool(config.LogDebug)
diff --git a/reactor-plc/startup.lua b/reactor-plc/startup.lua
index 7ad0d27..9f6a8a9 100644
--- a/reactor-plc/startup.lua
+++ b/reactor-plc/startup.lua
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ local plc       = require("reactor-plc.plc")
 local renderer  = require("reactor-plc.renderer")
 local threads   = require("reactor-plc.threads")
 
-local R_PLC_VERSION = "v1.6.0"
+local R_PLC_VERSION = "v1.6.2"
 
 local println = util.println
 local println_ts = util.println_ts
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ log.info("BOOTING reactor-plc.startup " .. R_PLC_VERSION)
 log.info("========================================")
 println(">> Reactor PLC " .. R_PLC_VERSION .. " <<")
 
-crash.set_env("plc", R_PLC_VERSION)
+crash.set_env("reactor-plc", R_PLC_VERSION)
 
 ----------------------------------------
 -- main application
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ local function main()
     ppm.mount_all()
 
     -- message authentication init
-    if string.len(config.AuthKey) > 0 then
+    if type(config.AuthKey) == "string" and string.len(config.AuthKey) > 0 then
         network.init_mac(config.AuthKey)
     end
 
diff --git a/scada-common/comms.lua b/scada-common/comms.lua
index 1e3373f..07abdb8 100644
--- a/scada-common/comms.lua
+++ b/scada-common/comms.lua
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ function comms.authd_packet()
         self.valid = false
         self.raw = self.modem_msg_in.msg
 
-        if (type(max_distance) == "number") and (type(distance) == "number") and (distance > max_distance) then
+        if (type(max_distance) == "number") and ((type(distance) ~= "number") or (distance > max_distance)) then
             -- outside of maximum allowable transmission distance
             -- log.debug("comms.authd_packet.receive(): discarding packet with distance " .. distance .. " (outside trusted range)")
         else
diff --git a/scada-common/util.lua b/scada-common/util.lua
index 637d92a..eb3fdab 100644
--- a/scada-common/util.lua
+++ b/scada-common/util.lua
@@ -4,19 +4,26 @@
 
 local cc_strings = require("cc.strings")
 
+local math = math
+local string = string
+local table = table
+local os = os
+
+local getmetatable = getmetatable
+local print = print
+local tostring = tostring
+local type = type
+
 ---@class util
 local util = {}
 
 -- scada-common version
-util.version = "1.1.3"
-
--- ENVIRONMENT CONSTANTS --
+util.version = "1.1.5"
 
 util.TICK_TIME_S = 0.05
 util.TICK_TIME_MS = 50
 
--- OPERATORS --
---#region
+--#region OPERATORS
 
 -- trinary operator
 ---@nodiscard
@@ -30,37 +37,29 @@ end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- PRINT --
---#region
+--#region PRINT
+
+local p_time = "[%H:%M:%S] "
 
 -- print
 ---@param message any
-function util.print(message)
-    term.write(tostring(message))
-end
+function util.print(message) term.write(tostring(message)) end
 
 -- print line
 ---@param message any
-function util.println(message)
-    print(tostring(message))
-end
+function util.println(message) print(tostring(message)) end
 
 -- timestamped print
 ---@param message any
-function util.print_ts(message)
-    term.write(os.date("[%H:%M:%S] ") .. tostring(message))
-end
+function util.print_ts(message) term.write(os.date(p_time) .. tostring(message)) end
 
 -- timestamped print line
 ---@param message any
-function util.println_ts(message)
-    print(os.date("[%H:%M:%S] ") .. tostring(message))
-end
+function util.println_ts(message) print(os.date(p_time) .. tostring(message)) end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- STRING TOOLS --
---#region
+--#region STRING TOOLS
 
 -- get a value as a string
 ---@nodiscard
@@ -68,21 +67,18 @@ end
 ---@return string
 function util.strval(val)
     local t = type(val)
+    if t == "string" then return val end
     -- this depends on Lua short-circuiting the or check for metatables (note: metatables won't have metatables)
     if (t == "table" and (getmetatable(val) == nil or getmetatable(val).__tostring == nil)) or t == "function" then
-        return "[" .. tostring(val) .. "]"
-    else
-        return tostring(val)
-    end
+        return table.concat{"[", tostring(val), "]"}
+    else return tostring(val) end
 end
 
 -- repeat a space n times
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param n integer
 ---@return string
-function util.spaces(n)
-    return string.rep(" ", n)
-end
+function util.spaces(n) return string.rep(" ", n) end
 
 -- pad text to a minimum width
 ---@nodiscard
@@ -94,7 +90,7 @@ function util.pad(str, n)
     local lpad = math.floor((n - len) / 2)
     local rpad = (n - len) - lpad
 
-    return util.spaces(lpad) .. str .. util.spaces(rpad)
+    return table.concat{util.spaces(lpad), str, util.spaces(rpad)}
 end
 
 -- wrap a string into a table of lines
@@ -112,11 +108,9 @@ function util.strwrap(str, limit) return cc_strings.wrap(str, limit) end
 ---@return string
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: unused-vararg
 function util.concat(...)
-    local str = ""
-
-    for _, v in ipairs(arg) do str = str .. util.strval(v) end
-
-    return str
+    local strings = {}
+    for i = 1, #arg do strings[i] = util.strval(arg[i]) end
+    return table.concat(strings)
 end
 
 -- alias
@@ -127,9 +121,7 @@ util.c = util.concat
 ---@param format string
 ---@vararg any
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: unused-vararg
-function util.sprintf(format, ...)
-    return string.format(format, table.unpack(arg))
-end
+function util.sprintf(format, ...) return string.format(format, table.unpack(arg)) end
 
 -- luacheck: unused args
 
@@ -144,7 +136,7 @@ function util.comma_format(num)
     local i = 1
 
     while i > 0 do
-        formatted, i = formatted:gsub("^(%s-%d+)(%d%d%d)", '%1,%2')
+        formatted, i = formatted:gsub("^(%s-%d+)(%d%d%d)", "%1,%2")
         if i > 0 then commas = commas + 1 end
     end
 
@@ -158,31 +150,24 @@ end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- MATH --
---#region
+--#region MATH
 
 -- is a value an integer
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param x any value
----@return boolean is_integer if the number is an integer
-function util.is_int(x)
-    return type(x) == "number" and x == math.floor(x)
-end
+---@return boolean is_integer
+function util.is_int(x) return type(x) == "number" and x == math.floor(x) end
 
 -- get the sign of a number
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param x number value
 ---@return integer sign (-1 for < 0, 1 otherwise)
-function util.sign(x)
-    return util.trinary(x < 0, -1, 1)
-end
+function util.sign(x) return util.trinary(x < 0, -1, 1) end
 
 -- round a number to an integer
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@return integer rounded
-function util.round(x)
-    return math.floor(x + 0.5)
-end
+function util.round(x) return math.floor(x + 0.5) end
 
 -- get a new moving average object
 ---@nodiscard
@@ -191,7 +176,7 @@ end
 function util.mov_avg(length, default)
     local data = {}
     local index = 1
-    local last_t = 0    ---@type number|nil
+    local last_t = 0 ---@type number|nil
 
     ---@class moving_average
     local public = {}
@@ -207,9 +192,7 @@ function util.mov_avg(length, default)
     ---@param x number new value
     ---@param t number? optional last update time to prevent duplicated entries
     function public.record(x, t)
-        if type(t) == "number" and last_t == t then
-            return
-        end
+        if type(t) == "number" and last_t == t then return end
 
         data[index] = x
         last_t = t
@@ -232,23 +215,21 @@ function util.mov_avg(length, default)
     return public
 end
 
--- TIME --
+--#endregion
+
+--#region TIME
 
 -- current time
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@return integer milliseconds
-function util.time_ms()
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
-    return os.epoch('local')
-end
+function util.time_ms() return os.epoch("local") end
 
 -- current time
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@return number seconds
-function util.time_s()
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
-    return os.epoch('local') / 1000.0
-end
+function util.time_s() return os.epoch("local") / 1000.0 end
 
 -- current time
 ---@nodiscard
@@ -257,17 +238,14 @@ function util.time() return util.time_ms() end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- OS --
---#region
+--#region OS
 
 -- OS pull event raw wrapper with types
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param target_event? string event to wait for
 ---@return os_event event, any param1, any param2, any param3, any param4, any param5
-function util.pull_event(target_event)
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
-    return os.pullEventRaw(target_event)
-end
+function util.pull_event(target_event) return os.pullEventRaw(target_event) end
 
 -- OS queue event raw wrapper with types
 ---@param event os_event
@@ -285,30 +263,23 @@ end
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param t number timer duration in seconds
 ---@return integer timer ID
-function util.start_timer(t)
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
-    return os.startTimer(t)
-end
+function util.start_timer(t) return os.startTimer(t) end
 
 -- cancel an OS timer
 ---@param timer integer timer ID
-function util.cancel_timer(timer)
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
-    os.cancelTimer(timer)
-end
+function util.cancel_timer(timer) os.cancelTimer(timer) end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- PARALLELIZATION --
---#region
+--#region PARALLELIZATION
 
 -- protected sleep call so we still are in charge of catching termination
 ---@param t integer seconds
 --- EVENT_CONSUMER: this function consumes events
-function util.psleep(t)
 ---@diagnostic disable-next-line: undefined-field
-    pcall(os.sleep, t)
-end
+function util.psleep(t) pcall(os.sleep, t) end
 
 -- no-op to provide a brief pause (1 tick) to yield<br>
 --- EVENT_CONSUMER: this function consumes events
@@ -330,8 +301,7 @@ end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- TABLE UTILITIES --
---#region
+--#region TABLE UTILITIES
 
 -- delete elements from a table if the passed function returns false when passed a table element<br>
 -- put briefly: deletes elements that return false, keeps elements that return true
@@ -371,8 +341,7 @@ end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- MEKANISM POWER --
---#region
+--#region MEKANISM POWER
 
 -- convert Joules to FE
 ---@nodiscard
@@ -401,8 +370,7 @@ local function ZFE(fe) return fe / 1000000000000000000000.0 end -- how & why did
 ---@param format? string format override
 ---@return string str, string? unit
 function util.power_format(fe, combine_label, format)
-    local unit
-    local value
+    local unit, value
 
     if type(format) ~= "string" then format = "%.2f" end
 
@@ -441,8 +409,7 @@ end
 
 --#endregion
 
--- UTILITY CLASSES --
---#region
+--#region UTILITY CLASSES
 
 -- WATCHDOG --
 
@@ -451,32 +418,25 @@ end
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param timeout number timeout duration
 function util.new_watchdog(timeout)
-    local self = {
-        timeout = timeout,
-        wd_timer = util.start_timer(timeout)
-    }
+    local self = { timeout = timeout, wd_timer = util.start_timer(timeout) }
 
     ---@class watchdog
     local public = {}
 
     -- check if a timer is this watchdog
     ---@nodiscard
-    ---@param timer number timer event timer ID
+    ---@param timer number event timer ID
     function public.is_timer(timer) return self.wd_timer == timer end
 
     -- satiate the beast
     function public.feed()
-        if self.wd_timer ~= nil then
-            util.cancel_timer(self.wd_timer)
-        end
+        public.cancel()
         self.wd_timer = util.start_timer(self.timeout)
     end
 
     -- cancel the watchdog
     function public.cancel()
-        if self.wd_timer ~= nil then
-            util.cancel_timer(self.wd_timer)
-        end
+        if self.wd_timer ~= nil then util.cancel_timer(self.wd_timer) end
     end
 
     return public
@@ -489,10 +449,7 @@ end
 ---@nodiscard
 ---@param period number clock period
 function util.new_clock(period)
-    local self = {
-        period = period,
-        timer = nil
-    }
+    local self = { period = period, timer = nil }
 
     ---@class clock
     local public = {}
@@ -533,7 +490,7 @@ function util.new_validator()
     function public.assert_range(check, min, max) valid = valid and check >= min and check <= max end
     function public.assert_range_ex(check, min, max) valid = valid and check > min and check < max end
 
-    function public.assert_channel(channel) valid = valid and type(channel) == "number" and channel >= 0 and channel <= 65535 end
+    function public.assert_channel(channel) valid = valid and util.is_int(channel) and channel >= 0 and channel <= 65535 end
 
     -- check if all assertions passed successfully
     ---@nodiscard
diff --git a/supervisor/session/plc.lua b/supervisor/session/plc.lua
index 85a6534..5bb097e 100644
--- a/supervisor/session/plc.lua
+++ b/supervisor/session/plc.lua
@@ -590,6 +590,9 @@ function plc.new_session(id, s_addr, reactor_id, in_queue, out_queue, timeout, f
         end
     end
 
+    -- check if the manual lockout for automatic control is active
+    function public.is_auto_locked() return self.auto_lock end
+
     -- set the burn rate on behalf of automatic control
     ---@param rate number burn rate
     ---@param ramp boolean true to ramp, false to not
diff --git a/supervisor/startup.lua b/supervisor/startup.lua
index a1327f1..ec27930 100644
--- a/supervisor/startup.lua
+++ b/supervisor/startup.lua
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ local supervisor = require("supervisor.supervisor")
 
 local svsessions = require("supervisor.session.svsessions")
 
-local SUPERVISOR_VERSION = "v1.0.8"
+local SUPERVISOR_VERSION = "v1.0.9"
 
 local println = util.println
 local println_ts = util.println_ts
diff --git a/supervisor/unit.lua b/supervisor/unit.lua
index e0fe65e..ad6c3b0 100644
--- a/supervisor/unit.lua
+++ b/supervisor/unit.lua
@@ -498,7 +498,6 @@ function unit.new(reactor_id, num_boilers, num_turbines)
             self.plc_s = nil
             self.plc_i = nil
             self.db.control.br100 = 0
-            self.db.control.lim_br100 = 0
         end
 
         -- unlink RTU unit sessions if they are closed
@@ -525,12 +524,14 @@ function unit.new(reactor_id, num_boilers, num_turbines)
             end
         end
 
-        -- check plc formed/faulted
+        -- plc instance checks
         if self.plc_i ~= nil then
+            -- check if degraded
             local rps = self.plc_i.get_rps()
-            if rps.fault or rps.sys_fail then
-                self.db.control.degraded = true
-            end
+            if rps.fault or rps.sys_fail then self.db.control.degraded = true end
+
+            -- re-engage auto lock if it reconnected without it
+            if self.auto_engaged and not self.plc_i.is_auto_locked() then self.plc_i.auto_lock(true) end
         end
 
         -- update deltas
diff --git a/supervisor/unitlogic.lua b/supervisor/unitlogic.lua
index eb7fa27..f16f197 100644
--- a/supervisor/unitlogic.lua
+++ b/supervisor/unitlogic.lua
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ function logic.update_annunciator(self)
                     (next(self.plc_i.get_status()) ~= nil) and (next(self.plc_i.get_struct()) ~= nil)
 
         -- update auto control limit
-        if (self.db.control.lim_br100 == 0) or ((self.db.control.lim_br100 / 100) > plc_db.mek_struct.max_burn) then
+        if (plc_db.mek_struct.max_burn > 0) and ((self.db.control.lim_br100 / 100) > plc_db.mek_struct.max_burn) then
             self.db.control.lim_br100 = math.floor(plc_db.mek_struct.max_burn * 100)
         end