diff --git a/src/file.cpp b/src/file.cpp
index be0f133e6..93d190061 100644
--- a/src/file.cpp
+++ b/src/file.cpp
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
  *
  */
 
+#define PROGRESS_VERTICAL_BAR
 
 #include "gruvin9x.h"
 #include "stdio.h"
@@ -457,7 +458,11 @@ void RlcFile::writeRlc(uint8_t i_fileId, uint8_t typ, uint8_t*buf, uint16_t i_le
   m_rlc_buf = buf;
   m_rlc_len = i_len;
   m_cur_rlc_len = 0;
-  m_ratio = (typ == FILE_TYP_MODEL ? 60 : 7);
+#if defined (PROGRESS_CIRCLE)
+  m_ratio = (typ == FILE_TYP_MODEL ? 60 : 6);
+#elif defined (PROGRESS_VERTICAL_BAR)
+  m_ratio = (typ == FILE_TYP_MODEL ? 100 : 10);
+#endif
 
   do {
     nextRlcWriteStep();
@@ -573,10 +578,9 @@ void RlcFile::flush()
   s_sync_write = false;
 }
 
-#define PROGRESS_CIRCLE
 void RlcFile::DisplayProgressBar(uint8_t x)
 {
-  if (s_eeDirtyMsk || m_rlc_len || eeprom_buffer_size) {
+  if (s_eeDirtyMsk || isWriting() || eeprom_buffer_size) {
 #if defined (PROGRESS_BAR)
     uint8_t len = (s_eeDirtyMsk ? 123 : min((uint8_t)123, (uint8_t)((m_rlc_len) / 5 + eeprom_buffer_size)));
     lcd_filled_rect(2, 1, 125, 5, WHITE);
@@ -585,11 +589,17 @@ void RlcFile::DisplayProgressBar(uint8_t x)
     lcd_filled_rect(x-1, 0, 7, 7, WHITE);
     uint8_t len = s_eeDirtyMsk ? 1 : limit(1, 12 - (uint8_t)(m_rlc_len/m_ratio), 12);
     lcd_hline(x+1, 1, min((uint8_t)3, len));
-    if (len >= 3) lcd_vline(x+4, 2, min(3, len-3));
-    if (len >= 6) lcd_hline(x+4, 1+4, -min(3, len-6));
-    if (len >= 9) lcd_vline(x, 5, -min(3, len-9));
+    if (len >= 3) {
+      lcd_vline(x+4, 2, min(3, len-3));
+      if (len >= 6) {
+        lcd_hline(x+4, 1+4, -min(3, len-6));
+        if (len >= 9) {
+          lcd_vline(x, 5, -min(3, len-9));
+        }
+      }
+    }
 #elif defined (PROGRESS_VERTICAL_BAR)
-    uint8_t len = 6 - (s_eeDirtyMsk ? 5 : min((uint8_t)5, (uint8_t)((m_rlc_len / 100) + (eeprom_buffer_size / 10))));
+    uint8_t len = s_eeDirtyMsk ? 1 : limit((uint8_t)1, (uint8_t)(7 - (m_rlc_len/m_ratio)), (uint8_t)7);
     lcd_filled_rect(x+1, 0, 5, FH, WHITE);
     lcd_filled_rect(x+2, 7-len, 3, len);
 #elif defined (PROGRESS_FIXED_CIRCLE)
diff --git a/src/gruvin9x.cpp b/src/gruvin9x.cpp
index 8efbc93e5..aa14e4f7d 100644
--- a/src/gruvin9x.cpp
+++ b/src/gruvin9x.cpp
@@ -504,7 +504,7 @@ void doSplash()
 
       lcd_clear();
       lcd_img(0, 0, s9xsplash,0,0);
-      refreshDiplay();
+      refreshDisplay();
       lcdSetRefVolt(g_eeGeneral.contrast);
       clearKeyEvents();
 
@@ -554,7 +554,7 @@ void alertMessages( const prog_char * s, const prog_char * t )
   lcd_puts_P(0,4*FH,s);
   lcd_puts_P(0,5*FH,t);
   lcd_puts_P(0,6*FH,  PSTR("Press any key to skip") ) ;
-  refreshDiplay();
+  refreshDisplay();
   lcdSetRefVolt(g_eeGeneral.contrast);
 
   clearKeyEvents();
@@ -638,7 +638,7 @@ void message(const prog_char * s)
   lcd_clear();
   lcd_putsAtt(64-5*FW,0*FH,PSTR("MESSAGE"),DBLSIZE);
   lcd_puts_P(0,4*FW,s);
-  refreshDiplay();
+  refreshDisplay();
   lcdSetRefVolt(g_eeGeneral.contrast);
 }
 
@@ -648,7 +648,7 @@ void alert(const prog_char * s, bool defaults)
   lcd_putsAtt(64-5*FW,0*FH,PSTR("ALERT"),DBLSIZE);
   lcd_puts_P(0,4*FH,s);
   lcd_puts_P(64-6*FW,7*FH,PSTR("press any Key"));
-  refreshDiplay();
+  refreshDisplay();
   lcdSetRefVolt(defaults ? 25 : g_eeGeneral.contrast);
   beepErr();
   clearKeyEvents();
@@ -1708,7 +1708,7 @@ void perMain()
   /////////////////
 
   g_menuStack[g_menuStackPtr](evt);
-  refreshDiplay();
+  refreshDisplay();
 
 #if defined (PCBV4)
   // PPM signal on phono-jack. In or out? ...
@@ -2125,7 +2125,7 @@ void moveTrimsToOffsets() // copy state of 3 primary to subtrim
   s_noStickInputs = false;
 
   for (uint8_t i=0; i<NUM_CHNOUT; i++)
-    g_model.limitData[i].offset = max(min(zero_chans512[i], (int16_t)1000), (int16_t)-1000); // make sure the offset doesn't go haywire
+    g_model.limitData[i].offset = limit((int16_t)-1000, zero_chans512[i], (int16_t)1000); // make sure the offset doesn't go haywire
 
   // reset all trims, except throttle
   for (uint8_t i=0; i<4; i++) {
diff --git a/src/gruvin9x.h b/src/gruvin9x.h
index d34e34a90..8d7a1fcc3 100644
--- a/src/gruvin9x.h
+++ b/src/gruvin9x.h
@@ -508,9 +508,11 @@ extern uint16_t s_traceCnt;
 uint16_t getTmr16KHz();
 uint16_t stack_free();
 
+void doSplash();
 void checkLowEEPROM();
 void checkTHR();
 void checkSwitches();
+void checkAlarm();
 
 #define GETADC_SING = 0
 #define GETADC_OSMP = 1
@@ -547,11 +549,11 @@ extern uint8_t  s_eeDirtyMsk;
 /// liefert Betrag des Arguments
 template<class t> inline t __attribute__ ((always_inline)) abs(t a){ return a>0?a:-a; }
 /// liefert das Minimum der Argumente
-template<class t> inline t min(t a, t b){ return a<b?a:b; }
+template<class t> inline t __attribute__ ((always_inline)) min(t a, t b){ return a<b?a:b; }
 /// liefert das Maximum der Argumente
-template<class t> inline t max(t a, t b){ return a>b?a:b; }
-template<class t> inline int8_t sgn(t a){ return a>0 ? 1 : (a < 0 ? -1 : 0); }
-template<class t> inline t limit(t mi, t x, t ma){ return min(max(mi,x),ma); }
+template<class t> inline t __attribute__ ((always_inline)) max(t a, t b){ return a>b?a:b; }
+template<class t> inline int8_t __attribute__ ((always_inline)) sgn(t a){ return a>0 ? 1 : (a < 0 ? -1 : 0); }
+template<class t> inline t __attribute__ ((always_inline)) limit(t mi, t x, t ma){ return min(max(mi,x),ma); }
 
 /// Markiert einen EEPROM-Bereich als dirty. der Bereich wird dann in
 /// eeCheck ins EEPROM zurueckgeschrieben.
diff --git a/src/lcd.cpp b/src/lcd.cpp
index e656b5864..9bae322f8 100644
--- a/src/lcd.cpp
+++ b/src/lcd.cpp
@@ -29,6 +29,11 @@ uint8_t displayBuf[DISPLAY_W*DISPLAY_H/8];
 #include "font_dblsize.lbm"
 #define font_10x16_x20_x7f (font_dblsize+3)
 
+#ifdef SIMU
+bool lcd_refresh = true;
+uint8_t lcd_buf[DISPLAY_W*DISPLAY_H/8];
+#endif
+
 void lcd_clear()
 {
   memset(displayBuf, 0, sizeof(displayBuf));
@@ -557,8 +562,12 @@ void lcdSetRefVolt(uint8_t val)
   lcdSendCtl(val);
 }
 
-void refreshDiplay()
+void refreshDisplay()
 {
+#ifdef SIMU
+  memcpy(lcd_buf, displayBuf, sizeof(displayBuf));
+  lcd_refresh = true;
+#else
   uint8_t *p=displayBuf;
   for(uint8_t y=0; y < 8; y++) {
     lcdSendCtl(0x04);
@@ -578,4 +587,5 @@ void refreshDiplay()
     PORTC_LCD_CTRL |=  (1<<OUT_C_LCD_A0);
     PORTC_LCD_CTRL |=  (1<<OUT_C_LCD_CS1);
   }
+#endif
 }
diff --git a/src/lcd.h b/src/lcd.h
index 624854a9e..7d187654a 100644
--- a/src/lcd.h
+++ b/src/lcd.h
@@ -129,11 +129,15 @@ extern void lcdSetRefVolt(unsigned char val);
 extern void lcd_init();
 extern void lcd_clear();
 
-extern void refreshDiplay();
+extern void refreshDisplay();
 
 #define BLINK_ON_PHASE (g_blinkTmr10ms & (1<<6))
 #define BLINK_SYNC      g_blinkTmr10ms = (3<<5)
 
+#ifdef SIMU
+extern bool lcd_refresh;
+extern uint8_t lcd_buf[DISPLAY_W*DISPLAY_H/8];
+#endif
 
 #endif
 /*eof*/
diff --git a/src/model_menus.cpp b/src/model_menus.cpp
index e3abd9477..48954501d 100644
--- a/src/model_menus.cpp
+++ b/src/model_menus.cpp
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ void displayPopup(const prog_char * pstr)
   s_warning = pstr;
   displayBox();
   s_warning = 0;
-  refreshDiplay();
+  refreshDisplay();
 }
 
 void displayWarning(uint8_t event)
@@ -240,6 +240,7 @@ void menuProcModelSelect(uint8_t event)
           s_copyMode = 0; // TODO only this one?
           s_copySrcRow = -1;
           s_copyTgtOfs = 0;
+          return;
         }
         else if (_event == EVT_KEY_LONG(KEY_MENU)) {
           displayPopup(PSTR("Loading model..."));
@@ -249,6 +250,7 @@ void menuProcModelSelect(uint8_t event)
             STORE_GENERALVARS;
             eeLoadModel(sub);
           }
+          s_copyMode = 0;
           killEvents(event);
           return;
         }
@@ -497,9 +499,8 @@ void menuProcModel(uint8_t event)
     }
     else if (sub==subN) {
       m_posHorz = 0;
-      CHECK_INCDEC_MODELVAR(event,g_model.protocol,0,PROT_MAX);
     }
-    if(sub==subN && (s_editMode || p1valdiff)) {
+    if (sub==subN && (s_editMode || p1valdiff || !g_model.protocol)) {
       switch (m_posHorz) {
         case 0:
             CHECK_INCDEC_MODELVAR(event,g_model.protocol,0,PROT_MAX);
diff --git a/src/pulses.cpp b/src/pulses.cpp
index 679b670fb..fdebaf352 100644
--- a/src/pulses.cpp
+++ b/src/pulses.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,6 @@
 
 #include "gruvin9x.h"
 
-#ifndef SIMU
-
 #ifdef CTP1009
 uint16_t pulses2MHz[50] = {0};
 #else
@@ -37,6 +35,8 @@ uint16_t *pulses2MHzWPtr = pulses2MHz;
 #define CTRL_REP_1CMD -3
 #define CTRL_REP_2CMD -6
 
+#ifndef SIMU
+
 ISR(TIMER1_COMPA_vect) //2MHz pulse generation
 {
   static uint8_t   pulsePol; // TODO strange, it's always 0 at first, shouldn't it be initialized properly in setupPulses?
@@ -44,8 +44,6 @@ ISR(TIMER1_COMPA_vect) //2MHz pulse generation
   // Latency -- how far further on from interrupt trigger has the timer counted?
   // (or -- how long did it take to get to this function)
   uint8_t dt = TCNT1L;
-  if (dt > g_tmr1Latency_max) g_tmr1Latency_max = dt;
-  if (dt < g_tmr1Latency_min) g_tmr1Latency_min = dt;
 
   // vinceofdrink@gmail harwared ppm
   // Orginal bitbang for PPM
@@ -83,6 +81,9 @@ ISR(TIMER1_COMPA_vect) //2MHz pulse generation
                       // much change in the code not optimum but will not alter ppm precision
 #endif
 
+  if (dt > g_tmr1Latency_max) g_tmr1Latency_max = dt;
+  if (dt < g_tmr1Latency_min) g_tmr1Latency_min = dt;
+
   ++pulses2MHzRPtr;
 
   if (pulses2MHzRPtr == pulses2MHzWPtr) {
@@ -91,7 +92,6 @@ ISR(TIMER1_COMPA_vect) //2MHz pulse generation
     //    channel = 0 ;
     //    PulseTotal = 0 ;
 
-    // cli(); // TODO I remove this cli, we are in a blocking interrupt
 #if defined (PCBV3)
     TIMSK1 &= ~(1<<OCIE1A); //stop reentrance
 #else
@@ -114,11 +114,13 @@ ISR(TIMER1_COMPA_vect) //2MHz pulse generation
 #else
     TIMSK |= (1<<OCIE1A);
 #endif
-    // sei(); TODO I remove this sei
+    sei();
   }
   heartbeat |= HEART_TIMER2Mhz;
 }
 
+#endif
+
 //inline int16_t reduceRange(int16_t x)  // for in case we want to have room for subtrims
 //{
 //    return x-(x/4);  //512+128 =? 640,  640 - 640/4  == 640 * 3/4 => 480 (just below 500msec - it can still reach 500 with offset)
@@ -146,7 +148,7 @@ inline void __attribute__ ((always_inline)) setupPulsesPPM() // changed 10/05/20
     rest += (int16_t(g_model.ppmFrameLength))*1000;
     if(p>9) rest=p*(1720u*2 + q) + 4000u*2; //for more than 9 channels, frame must be longer
     for (uint8_t i=0; i<p; i++) {
-      int16_t v = max(min(g_chans512[i], PPM_range), -PPM_range) + PPM_CENTER;
+      int16_t v = limit(-PPM_range, g_chans512[i], PPM_range) + PPM_CENTER;
       rest -= (v+q);
       *ptr++ = q;
       *ptr++ = v - q + 600; /* as Pat MacKenzie suggests */
@@ -441,5 +443,4 @@ void setupPulses()
 #endif
   }
 }
-#endif
 
diff --git a/src/simpgmspace.cpp b/src/simpgmspace.cpp
index ee18b09d4..59013ae05 100644
--- a/src/simpgmspace.cpp
+++ b/src/simpgmspace.cpp
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ extern uint16_t eeprom_pointer;
 extern const char* eeprom_buffer_data;
 uint8_t eeprom[EESIZE];
 sem_t eeprom_write_sem;
-pthread_t write_thread_pid = 0;
+pthread_t eeprom_thread_pid = 0;
 
 void *eeprom_write_function(void *)
 {
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ void *eeprom_write_function(void *)
 void InitEepromThread()
 {
   sem_init(&eeprom_write_sem, 0, 0);
-  assert(!pthread_create(&write_thread_pid, NULL, &eeprom_write_function, NULL));
+  assert(!pthread_create(&eeprom_thread_pid, NULL, &eeprom_write_function, NULL));
 }
 
 void eeprom_read_block (void *pointer_ram,
diff --git a/src/simpgmspace.h b/src/simpgmspace.h
index ee4a14e4e..efad16c06 100644
--- a/src/simpgmspace.h
+++ b/src/simpgmspace.h
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@
  *
  */
 
+#ifndef simpgmspace_h
+#define simpgmspace_h
+
 #include <assert.h>
 #include <inttypes.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
@@ -90,3 +93,5 @@ void eeprom_read_block (void *pointer_ram,
 #undef offsetof
 #define offsetof(st, m) ((size_t) ( (char *)&((st *)(0))->m - (char *)0 ))
 #define wdt_reset()
+
+#endif
diff --git a/src/simu.cpp b/src/simu.cpp
index 4684e2c9c..fbfac1d39 100644
--- a/src/simu.cpp
+++ b/src/simu.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@
 #include "FXPNGImage.h"
 #include <unistd.h>
 #include "simpgmspace.h"
-#include "lcd.h"
 #include "fxkeys.h"
 #include "gruvin9x.h"
 #include "menus.h"
@@ -46,7 +45,6 @@ public:
   Gruvin9xSim(FXApp* a);
   long onKeypress(FXObject*,FXSelector,void*);
   long onArrowPress(FXObject*,FXSelector,void*);
-  long onChore(FXObject*,FXSelector,void*);
   long onTimeout(FXObject*,FXSelector,void*);
   void makeSnapshot(const FXDrawable* drawable);
   void doEvents();
@@ -71,7 +69,6 @@ public:
 FXDEFMAP(Gruvin9xSim) Gruvin9xSimMap[]={
 
   //________Message_Type_________ID_____________________Message_Handler_______
-  FXMAPFUNC(SEL_CHORE,     1,    Gruvin9xSim::onChore),
   FXMAPFUNC(SEL_TIMEOUT,   2,    Gruvin9xSim::onTimeout),
   FXMAPFUNC(SEL_COMMAND,   1000,    Gruvin9xSim::onArrowPress),
   FXMAPFUNC(SEL_KEYPRESS,  0,    Gruvin9xSim::onKeypress),
@@ -237,35 +234,38 @@ long Gruvin9xSim::onTimeout(FXObject*,FXSelector,void*)
   }
 
   per10ms();
-  getApp()->addChore(this,1);
+  refreshDiplay();
   getApp()->addTimeout(this,2,10);
   return 0;
 }
 
 void Gruvin9xSim::refreshDiplay()
 {
-  if(portb & 1<<OUT_B_LIGHT)  bmf->setOffColor(FXRGB(150,200,152));
-  else                        bmf->setOffColor(FXRGB(200,200,200));
+  if (lcd_refresh) {
+    lcd_refresh = false;
+    if(portb & 1<<OUT_B_LIGHT)  bmf->setOffColor(FXRGB(150,200,152));
+    else                        bmf->setOffColor(FXRGB(200,200,200));
 
-  for(int x=0;x<W;x++){
-    for(int y=0;y<H;y++)
-    {
-      int o2 = x/4 + y*W*2*2/8;
-      if( displayBuf[x+(y/8)*W] & (1<<(y%8))) {
-        buf2[o2]      |=   3<<(x%4*2);
-        buf2[o2+W2/8] |=   3<<(x%4*2);
-      }
-      else {
-        buf2[o2]      &= ~(3<<(x%4*2));
-        buf2[o2+W2/8] &= ~(3<<(x%4*2));
-        //buf2[x2/8+y2*W2/8] &= ~(3<<(x%8));
+    for(int x=0;x<W;x++){
+      for(int y=0;y<H;y++)
+      {
+        int o2 = x/4 + y*W*2*2/8;
+        if( lcd_buf[x+(y/8)*W] & (1<<(y%8))) {
+          buf2[o2]      |=   3<<(x%4*2);
+          buf2[o2+W2/8] |=   3<<(x%4*2);
+        }
+        else {
+          buf2[o2]      &= ~(3<<(x%4*2));
+          buf2[o2+W2/8] &= ~(3<<(x%4*2));
+          //buf2[x2/8+y2*W2/8] &= ~(3<<(x%8));
+        }
       }
     }
+
+    bmp->setData (buf2,0);
+    bmp->render();
+    bmf->setBitmap( bmp );
   }
-     
-  bmp->setData (buf2,0);
-  bmp->render(); 
-  bmf->setBitmap( bmp );  
 
   if(hasFocus()) {
     static FXuint keys1[]={
@@ -351,34 +351,22 @@ void Gruvin9xSim::refreshDiplay()
   }
 }
 
-int state = 0;
-void *init_function(void *) {
+void *main_thread(void *)
+{
   g_menuStack[0] = menuMainView;
   g_menuStack[1] = menuProcModelSelect;
+
   eeReadAll(); //load general setup and selected model
-  checkLowEEPROM(); //enough eeprom free?
+  doSplash();
+  checkLowEEPROM();
   checkTHR();
-  checkSwitches(); //must be last
-  state = 2;
-  return 0;
-}
+  checkSwitches();
+  checkAlarm();
 
-long Gruvin9xSim::onChore(FXObject*,FXSelector,void*)
-{
-  pthread_t pid;
-
-  refreshDiplay();
-
-  switch (state) {
-    case 0:
-      state = 1;
-      pthread_create(&pid, NULL, &init_function, NULL);
-      break;
-    case 2:
-      perMain();
-      break;
+  while(1) {
+    perMain();
+    usleep(1000);
   }
-
   return 0;
 }
 
@@ -397,8 +385,6 @@ int main(int argc,char **argv)
   }
   printf("eeprom = %s\n", eepromFile);
 
-  InitEepromThread();
-
   // Each FOX GUI program needs one, and only one, application object.
   // The application objects coordinates some common stuff shared between
   // all the widgets; for example, it dispatches events, keeps track of
@@ -431,6 +417,11 @@ int main(int argc,char **argv)
   th9xSim->show(); // Otherwise the main window gets centred across my two monitors, split down the middle.
 #endif
 
+  InitEepromThread();
+
+  pthread_t pid;
+  pthread_create(&pid, NULL, &main_thread, NULL);
+
   return application.run();
 }