diff --git a/src/std/dev/devAaiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devAaiSoft.c
index 31626bacb..ab6476ea9 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devAaiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devAaiSoft.c
@@ -78,16 +78,16 @@ static long init_record(aaiRecord *prec)
 static long read_aai(aaiRecord *prec)
 {
     long nRequest = prec->nelm;
+    long status = dbGetLink(prec->simm == menuYesNoYES ? &prec->siol :
+        &prec->inp, prec->ftvl, prec->bptr, 0, &nRequest);
 
-    dbGetLink(prec->simm == menuYesNoYES ? &prec->siol : &prec->inp,
-        prec->ftvl, prec->bptr, 0, &nRequest);
-    if (nRequest > 0) {
+    if (!status && nRequest > 0) {
         prec->nord = nRequest;
-        prec->udf=FALSE;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
-
-    return 0;
+    return status;
 }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devAaoSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devAaoSoft.c
index a88d61140..dd96d10c0 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devAaoSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devAaoSoft.c
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset,devAaoSoft);
 
 static long init_record(aaoRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->out.type == CONSTANT) {
+    if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->out)) {
         prec->nord = 0;
     }
     return 0;
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devAiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devAiSoft.c
index ccd713d75..ba669f4c9 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devAiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devAiSoft.c
@@ -51,10 +51,9 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devAiSoft);
 
 static long init_record(aiRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_DOUBLE, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_DOUBLE, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
     return 0;
 }
 
@@ -62,9 +61,6 @@ static long read_ai(aiRecord *prec)
 {
     double val;
 
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT)
-        return 2;
-
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_DOUBLE, &val, 0, 0)) {
 
         /* Apply smoothing algorithm */
@@ -76,7 +72,7 @@ static long read_ai(aiRecord *prec)
         prec->udf = FALSE;
         prec->dpvt = &devAiSoft;        /* Any non-zero value */
 
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     } else {
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devAiSoftRaw.c b/src/std/dev/devAiSoftRaw.c
index fa9d869ed..1ec289b38 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devAiSoftRaw.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devAiSoftRaw.c
@@ -50,16 +50,15 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devAiSoftRaw);
 
 static long init_record(aiRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_LONG, &prec->rval);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_LONG, &prec->rval);
+
     return 0;
 }
 
 static long read_ai(aiRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_LONG, &prec->rval, 0, 0) &&
-        prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
 
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devBiDbState.c b/src/std/dev/devBiDbState.c
index c0d7120b2..b0670c6db 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devBiDbState.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devBiDbState.c
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ static long read_bi(biRecord *prec)
         prec->udf = FALSE;
     }
 
-    if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+    if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
 
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devBiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devBiSoft.c
index 4b0ee854a..a9364debc 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devBiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devBiSoft.c
@@ -48,19 +48,16 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devBiSoft);
 
 static long init_record(biRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ENUM, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ENUM, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
     return 0;
 }
 
 static long read_bi(biRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_USHORT, &prec->val, 0, 0)) {
-        if (prec->inp.type != CONSTANT)
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devBiSoftRaw.c b/src/std/dev/devBiSoftRaw.c
index 3f40bade8..2d8dc25e5 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devBiSoftRaw.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devBiSoftRaw.c
@@ -48,16 +48,14 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devBiSoftRaw);
 
 static long init_record(biRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ULONG, &prec->rval);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ULONG, &prec->rval);
     return 0;
 }
 
 static long read_bi(biRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_ULONG, &prec->rval, 0, 0) &&
-        prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
 
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devEventSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devEventSoft.c
index 09987cb5b..c9a5f273e 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devEventSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devEventSoft.c
@@ -48,10 +48,8 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devEventSoft);
 
 static long init_record(eventRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_STRING, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_STRING, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
     return 0;
 }
 
@@ -60,7 +58,7 @@ static long read_event(eventRecord *prec)
     long status;
     char newEvent[MAX_STRING_SIZE];
 
-    if (prec->inp.type != CONSTANT) {
+    if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->inp)) {
         status = dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_STRING, newEvent, 0, 0);
         if (status) return status;
         if (strcmp(newEvent, prec->val) != 0) {
@@ -69,7 +67,7 @@ static long read_event(eventRecord *prec)
         }
     }
     prec->udf = FALSE;
-    if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+    if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     return 0;
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devHistogramSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devHistogramSoft.c
index 21a09b52e..60e6e3ddd 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devHistogramSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devHistogramSoft.c
@@ -52,10 +52,9 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset,devHistogramSoft);
 
 static long init_record(histogramRecord	*prec)
 {
-    if (prec->svl.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if(recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->svl,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->sgnl))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->svl,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->sgnl))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
     return 0;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devLiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devLiSoft.c
index 3deea8493..0752b4f30 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devLiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devLiSoft.c
@@ -48,10 +48,9 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devLiSoft);
 
 static long init_record(longinRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_LONG, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_LONG, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
     return 0;
 }
 
@@ -61,7 +60,7 @@ static long read_longin(longinRecord *prec)
 
     status = dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_LONG, &prec->val, 0, 0);
     if (!status &&
-        prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     return status;
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devLsiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devLsiSoft.c
index a5547cba8..aadd48f0d 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devLsiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devLsiSoft.c
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ static long read_string(lsiRecord *prec)
     long status = dbGetLinkLS(&prec->inp, prec->val, prec->sizv, &prec->len);
 
     if (!status &&
-        prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
 
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoft.c
index ccbc7efe7..27dd2eb1f 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoft.c
@@ -48,19 +48,17 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devMbbiDirectSoft);
 
 static long init_record(mbbiDirectRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ENUM, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ENUM, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
     return 0;
 }
 
 static long read_mbbi(mbbiDirectRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_USHORT, &prec->val, 0, 0)) {
-        if (prec->inp.type != CONSTANT)
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoftRaw.c b/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoftRaw.c
index 3824cdc14..2509ed392 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoftRaw.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devMbbiDirectSoftRaw.c
@@ -48,11 +48,12 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devMbbiDirectSoftRaw);
 
 static long init_record(mbbiDirectRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ULONG, &prec->rval);
-    }
-    /*to preserve old functionality*/
-    if (prec->nobt == 0) prec->mask = 0xffffffff;
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ULONG, &prec->rval);
+
+    /* Preserve old functionality */
+    if (prec->nobt == 0)
+        prec->mask = 0xffffffff;
+
     prec->mask <<= prec->shft;
     return 0;
 }
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ static long read_mbbi(mbbiDirectRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_LONG, &prec->rval, 0, 0)) {
         prec->rval &= prec->mask;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoft.c
index 210699fa6..406e8b6ec 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoft.c
@@ -48,19 +48,18 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devMbbiSoft);
 
 static long init_record(mbbiRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ENUM, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ENUM, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
     return 0;
 }
 
 static long read_mbbi(mbbiRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_USHORT, &prec->val, 0, 0)) {
-        if (prec->inp.type != CONSTANT)
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoftRaw.c b/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoftRaw.c
index 4d5b57cb9..ffe0b00f7 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoftRaw.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devMbbiSoftRaw.c
@@ -48,11 +48,12 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devMbbiSoftRaw);
 
 static long init_record(mbbiRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ULONG, &prec->rval);
-    }
-    /*to preserve old functionality*/
-    if (prec->nobt == 0) prec->mask = 0xffffffff;
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_ULONG, &prec->rval);
+
+    /* Preserve old functionality*/
+    if (prec->nobt == 0)
+        prec->mask = 0xffffffff;
+
     prec->mask <<= prec->shft;
     return 0;
 }
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ static long read_mbbi(mbbiRecord *prec)
 {
     if (!dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_LONG, &prec->rval, 0, 0)) {
         prec->rval &= prec->mask;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devSASoft.c b/src/std/dev/devSASoft.c
index 049fa644e..84c31c5a6 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devSASoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devSASoft.c
@@ -48,10 +48,16 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devSASoft);
 
 static long init_record(subArrayRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        prec->nord = 0;
+    long nelm = prec->nelm;
+    long status = dbLoadLinkArray(&prec->inp, prec->ftvl, prec->bptr, &nelm);
+
+    if (!status && nelm > 0) {
+        prec->nord = nelm;
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
     }
-    return 0;
+    else
+        prec->nord = 0;
+    return status;
 }
 
 static long read_sa(subArrayRecord *prec)
@@ -62,7 +68,7 @@ static long read_sa(subArrayRecord *prec)
     if (nRequest > prec->malm)
         nRequest = prec->malm;
 
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT)
+    if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->inp))
         nRequest = prec->nord;
     else
         dbGetLink(&prec->inp, prec->ftvl, prec->bptr, 0, &nRequest);
@@ -81,7 +87,7 @@ static long read_sa(subArrayRecord *prec)
     prec->nord = ecount;
 
     if (nRequest > 0 &&
-        prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
         prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
         dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
 
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devSiSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devSiSoft.c
index 044a41afb..a969185b7 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devSiSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devSiSoft.c
@@ -50,10 +50,8 @@ epicsExportAddress(dset, devSiSoft);
 
 static long init_record(stringinRecord *prec)
 {
-    if (prec->inp.type == CONSTANT) {
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_STRING, prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->inp, DBF_STRING, prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
     return 0;
 }
 
@@ -63,9 +61,9 @@ static long read_stringin(stringinRecord *prec)
 
     status = dbGetLink(&prec->inp, DBR_STRING, prec->val, 0, 0);
     if (!status) {
-        if (prec->inp.type != CONSTANT)
+        if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->inp))
             prec->udf = FALSE;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/dev/devWfSoft.c b/src/std/dev/devWfSoft.c
index 9093344d7..35ddf73b6 100644
--- a/src/std/dev/devWfSoft.c
+++ b/src/std/dev/devWfSoft.c
@@ -68,7 +68,9 @@ static long read_wf(waveformRecord *prec)
 
     if (!status && nRequest > 0) {
         prec->nord = nRequest;
-        if (prec->tsel.type == CONSTANT &&
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->tsel) &&
             prec->tse == epicsTimeEventDeviceTime)
             dbGetTimeStamp(&prec->inp, &prec->time);
     }
diff --git a/src/std/rec/aSubRecord.c b/src/std/rec/aSubRecord.c
index 2e0785087..02461c135 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/aSubRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/aSubRecord.c
@@ -121,22 +121,17 @@ static long init_record(aSubRecord *prec, int pass)
     }
 
     /* Initialize the Subroutine Name Link */
-    if (prec->subl.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->subl, DBF_STRING, prec->snam);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->subl, DBF_STRING, prec->snam);
 
     /* Initialize Input Links */
     for (i = 0; i < NUM_ARGS; i++) {
         struct link *plink = &(&prec->inpa)[i];
+        short dbr = (&prec->fta)[i];
+        long n = (&prec->noa)[i];
 
-        if (plink->type == CONSTANT) {
-            short dbr = (&prec->fta)[i];
-            long n = (&prec->noa)[i];
-
-            dbLoadLinkArray(plink, dbr, (&prec->a)[i], &n);
-            if (n > 0)
-                (&prec->nea)[i] = n;
-        }
+        dbLoadLinkArray(plink, dbr, (&prec->a)[i], &n);
+        if (n > 0)
+            (&prec->nea)[i] = n;
     }
 
     /* Call the user initialization routine if there is one */
diff --git a/src/std/rec/aaiRecord.c b/src/std/rec/aaiRecord.c
index 9e1286704..612b2d8c5 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/aaiRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/aaiRecord.c
@@ -140,9 +140,7 @@ static long init_record(aaiRecord *prec, int pass)
         return 0;
     }
     
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
     
     /* must have read_aai function defined */
     if (pdset->number < 5 || pdset->read_aai == NULL) {
diff --git a/src/std/rec/aaoRecord.c b/src/std/rec/aaoRecord.c
index 83a73328e..b547a4c00 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/aaoRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/aaoRecord.c
@@ -140,9 +140,7 @@ static long init_record(aaoRecord *prec, int pass)
         return 0;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
 
     /* must have write_aao function defined */
     if (pdset->number < 5 || pdset->write_aao == NULL) {
diff --git a/src/std/rec/aiRecord.c b/src/std/rec/aiRecord.c
index b13c856f8..9d20cab0d 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/aiRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/aiRecord.c
@@ -111,13 +111,8 @@ static long init_record(void *precord,int pass)
 
     if (pass==0) return(0);
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
-
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->sval);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->sval);
 
     if(!(pdset = (aidset *)(prec->dset))) {
 	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"ai: init_record");
diff --git a/src/std/rec/aoRecord.c b/src/std/rec/aoRecord.c
index 28b0c3c0c..a32c5bb55 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/aoRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/aoRecord.c
@@ -110,19 +110,15 @@ static long init_record(aoRecord *prec, int pass)
 
     if (pass==0) return(0);
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
 
     if(!(pdset = (struct aodset *)(prec->dset))) {
 	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"ao: init_record");
 	return(S_dev_noDSET);
     }
     /* get the initial value if dol is a constant*/
-    if (prec->dol.type == CONSTANT) {
-	if(recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->val))
-	    prec->udf = isnan(prec->val);
-    }
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->val))
+        prec->udf = isnan(prec->val);
 
     /* must have write_ao function defined */
     if ((pdset->number < 6) || (pdset->write_ao ==NULL)) {
@@ -189,8 +185,8 @@ static long process(aoRecord *prec)
 
 	/* fetch value and convert*/
 	if (prec->pact == FALSE) {
-                if ((prec->dol.type != CONSTANT)
-                && (prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop)) {
+                if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
+                    prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
                     status = fetch_value(prec, &value);
                 }
                 else {
diff --git a/src/std/rec/boRecord.c b/src/std/rec/boRecord.c
index d0ed38146..24b842d87 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/boRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/boRecord.c
@@ -132,43 +132,40 @@ static void myCallbackFunc(CALLBACK *arg)
 
 static long init_record(boRecord *prec,int pass)
 {
-    struct bodset *pdset;
-    long status=0;
+    struct bodset *pdset = (struct bodset *) prec->dset;
+    unsigned short ival = 0;
+    long status = 0;
     myCallback *pcallback;
 
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
+    if (pass == 0)
+        return 0;
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+
+    if (!pdset) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET, prec, "bo: init_record");
+        return S_dev_noDSET;
     }
 
-    if(!(pdset = (struct bodset *)(prec->dset))) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"bo: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_noDSET);
-    }
     /* must have  write_bo functions defined */
-    if( (pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->write_bo == NULL) ) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup,(void *)prec,"bo: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_missingSup);
+    if ((pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->write_bo == NULL)) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup, prec, "bo: init_record");
+        return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
+
     /* get the initial value */
-    if (prec->dol.type == CONSTANT) {
-	unsigned short ival = 0;
-
-	if(recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol,DBF_USHORT,&ival)) {
-	    if (ival  == 0)  prec->val = 0;
-	    else  prec->val = 1;
-	    prec->udf = FALSE;
-	}
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_USHORT, &ival)) {
+        prec->val = !!ival;
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
     }
 
-    pcallback = (myCallback *)(calloc(1,sizeof(myCallback)));
-    prec->rpvt = (void *)pcallback;
-    callbackSetCallback(myCallbackFunc,&pcallback->callback);
-    callbackSetUser(pcallback,&pcallback->callback);
-    pcallback->precord = (struct dbCommon *)prec;
+    pcallback = (myCallback *) calloc(1, sizeof(myCallback));
+    prec->rpvt = pcallback;
+    callbackSetCallback(myCallbackFunc, &pcallback->callback);
+    callbackSetUser(pcallback, &pcallback->callback);
+    pcallback->precord = (struct dbCommon *) prec;
 
-    if( pdset->init_record ) {
+    if (pdset->init_record) {
 	status=(*pdset->init_record)(prec);
 	if(status==0) {
 		if(prec->rval==0) prec->val = 0;
@@ -202,7 +199,8 @@ static long process(boRecord *prec)
 		return(S_dev_missingSup);
 	}
         if (!prec->pact) {
-		if ((prec->dol.type != CONSTANT) && (prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop)){
+                if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
+                    prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
 			unsigned short val;
 
 			prec->pact = TRUE;
diff --git a/src/std/rec/calcRecord.c b/src/std/rec/calcRecord.c
index a83ee073a..b479b779b 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/calcRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/calcRecord.c
@@ -100,9 +100,7 @@ static long init_record(calcRecord *prec, int pass)
     plink = &prec->inpa;
     pvalue = &prec->a;
     for (i = 0; i < CALCPERFORM_NARGS; i++, plink++, pvalue++) {
-        if (plink->type == CONSTANT) {
-            recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
-        }
+        recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
     }
     if (postfix(prec->calc, prec->rpcl, &error_number)) {
         recGblRecordError(S_db_badField, (void *)prec,
diff --git a/src/std/rec/calcoutRecord.c b/src/std/rec/calcoutRecord.c
index c62b3f446..217c2abf0 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/calcoutRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/calcoutRecord.c
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 #include "dbDefs.h"
 #include "dbAccess.h"
 #include "dbEvent.h"
+#include "dbLink.h"
 #include "dbScan.h"
 #include "cantProceed.h"
 #include "epicsMath.h"
@@ -141,42 +142,57 @@ static long init_record(calcoutRecord *prec, int pass)
     epicsEnum16 *plinkValid;
     short error_number;
     calcoutDSET *pcalcoutDSET;
-
-    DBADDR     dbaddr;
-    DBADDR     *pAddr = &dbaddr;
     rpvtStruct *prpvt;
 
     if (pass == 0) {
         prec->rpvt = (rpvtStruct *) callocMustSucceed(1, sizeof(rpvtStruct), "calcoutRecord");
         return 0;
     }
+
     if (!(pcalcoutDSET = (calcoutDSET *)prec->dset)) {
         recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET, (void *)prec, "calcout:init_record");
         return S_dev_noDSET;
     }
+
     /* must have write defined */
     if ((pcalcoutDSET->number < 5) || (pcalcoutDSET->write ==NULL)) {
         recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup, (void *)prec, "calcout:init_record");
         return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
+
     prpvt = prec->rpvt;
     plink = &prec->inpa;
     pvalue = &prec->a;
     plinkValid = &prec->inav;
+
     for (i = 0; i <= CALCPERFORM_NARGS; i++, plink++, pvalue++, plinkValid++) {
-        if (plink->type == CONSTANT) {
-            /* Don't InitConstantLink the .OUT link */
-            if (i < CALCPERFORM_NARGS) {
-                recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
-            }
+        /* Don't InitConstantLink the .OUT link */
+        if (i < CALCPERFORM_NARGS) {
+            recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
+        }
+
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(plink)) {
             *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_CON;
-        } else if (!dbNameToAddr(plink->value.pv_link.pvname, pAddr)) {
-            /* PV resides on this ioc */
+        }
+        else if (dbLinkIsVolatile(plink)) {
+            int conn = dbIsLinkConnected(plink);
+
+            if (conn)
+                *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_EXT;
+            else {
+                /* Monitor for connection */
+                *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_EXT_NC;
+                 prpvt->caLinkStat = CA_LINKS_NOT_OK;
+            }
+        }
+        else {
+            /* PV must reside on this ioc */
             *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_LOC;
-        } else {
-            /* pv is not on this ioc. Callback later for connection stat */
-            *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_EXT_NC;
-             prpvt->caLinkStat = CA_LINKS_NOT_OK;
+
+            if (!dbIsLinkConnected(plink)) {
+                errlogPrintf("calcout: %s.INP%c in no-vo disco state\n",
+                    prec->name, i+'A');
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -298,8 +314,6 @@ static long special(DBADDR *paddr, int after)
 {
     calcoutRecord *prec = (calcoutRecord *)paddr->precord;
     rpvtStruct  *prpvt = prec->rpvt;
-    DBADDR      dbaddr;
-    DBADDR      *pAddr = &dbaddr;
     short       error_number;
     int         fieldIndex = dbGetFieldIndex(paddr);
     int         lnkIndex;
@@ -347,23 +361,35 @@ static long special(DBADDR *paddr, int after)
         plink   = &prec->inpa + lnkIndex;
         pvalue  = &prec->a    + lnkIndex;
         plinkValid = &prec->inav + lnkIndex;
-        if (plink->type == CONSTANT) {
-            if (fieldIndex != calcoutRecordOUT) {
-                recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
-                db_post_events(prec, pvalue, DBE_VALUE);
-            }
+
+        if (fieldIndex != calcoutRecordOUT)
+            recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
+        if (dbLinkIsConstant(plink)) {
+            db_post_events(prec, pvalue, DBE_VALUE);
             *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_CON;
-        } else if (!dbNameToAddr(plink->value.pv_link.pvname, pAddr)) {
-            /* if the PV resides on this ioc */
+        } else if (dbLinkIsVolatile(plink)) {
+            int conn = dbIsLinkConnected(plink);
+
+            if (conn)
+                *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_EXT;
+            else {
+                /* Monitor for connection */
+                *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_EXT_NC;
+                /* DO_CALLBACK, if not already scheduled */
+                if (!prpvt->cbScheduled) {
+                    callbackRequestDelayed(&prpvt->checkLinkCb, .5);
+                    prpvt->cbScheduled = 1;
+                    prpvt->caLinkStat = CA_LINKS_NOT_OK;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        else {
+            /* PV must reside on this ioc */
             *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_LOC;
-        } else {
-            /* pv is not on this ioc. Callback later for connection stat */
-            *plinkValid = calcoutINAV_EXT_NC;
-            /* DO_CALLBACK, if not already scheduled */
-            if (!prpvt->cbScheduled) {
-                callbackRequestDelayed(&prpvt->checkLinkCb, .5);
-                prpvt->cbScheduled = 1;
-                prpvt->caLinkStat = CA_LINKS_NOT_OK;
+
+            if (!dbIsLinkConnected(plink)) {
+                errlogPrintf("calcout: %s.INP%c in no-vo diso state\n",
+                    prec->name, lnkIndex);
             }
         }
         db_post_events(prec, plinkValid, DBE_VALUE);
@@ -706,9 +732,9 @@ static void checkLinks(calcoutRecord *prec)
     plinkValid = &prec->inav;
 
     for (i = 0; i<CALCPERFORM_NARGS+1; i++, plink++, plinkValid++) {
-        if (plink->type == CA_LINK) {
+        if (dbLinkIsVolatile(plink) == 1) {
             caLink = 1;
-            stat = dbCaIsLinkConnected(plink);
+            stat = dbIsLinkConnected(plink);
             if (!stat && (*plinkValid == calcoutINAV_EXT_NC)) {
                 caLinkNc = 1;
             }
diff --git a/src/std/rec/dfanoutRecord.c b/src/std/rec/dfanoutRecord.c
index 15d06fb3c..d25093d4f 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/dfanoutRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/dfanoutRecord.c
@@ -95,24 +95,27 @@ static void push_values(dfanoutRecord *);
 
 static long init_record(dfanoutRecord *prec, int pass)
 {
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
+    if (pass==0)
+        return 0;
+
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->sell, DBF_USHORT, &prec->seln);
 
-    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->sell,DBF_USHORT,&prec->seln);
     /* get the initial value dol is a constant*/
-    if(recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol,DBF_DOUBLE,&prec->val))
-	    prec->udf = isnan(prec->val);
-    return(0);
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_DOUBLE, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = isnan(prec->val);
+
+    return 0;
 }
 
 static long process(dfanoutRecord *prec)
 {
     long status=0;
 
-    if (!prec->pact
-    && (prec->dol.type != CONSTANT)
-    && (prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop)){
-	status = dbGetLink(&(prec->dol),DBR_DOUBLE,&(prec->val),0,0);
-	if(prec->dol.type!=CONSTANT && RTN_SUCCESS(status))
+    if (!prec->pact &&
+        !dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
+        prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
+        status = dbGetLink(&prec->dol, DBR_DOUBLE, &prec->val, 0, 0);
+        if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) && !status)
             prec->udf = isnan(prec->val);
     }
     prec->pact = TRUE;
diff --git a/src/std/rec/eventRecord.c b/src/std/rec/eventRecord.c
index a7f9c82a9..35fd32192 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/eventRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/eventRecord.c
@@ -100,13 +100,8 @@ static long init_record(eventRecord *prec, int pass)
 
     if (pass==0) return(0);
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
-
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol,DBF_STRING,&prec->sval);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_STRING, &prec->sval);
 
     prec->epvt = eventNameToHandle(prec->val);
 
diff --git a/src/std/rec/fanoutRecord.c b/src/std/rec/fanoutRecord.c
index e2bec291c..7897fbc6f 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/fanoutRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/fanoutRecord.c
@@ -106,8 +106,7 @@ static long process(fanoutRecord *prec)
     case fanoutSELM_All:
         plink = &prec->lnk0;
         for (i = 0; i < NLINKS; i++, plink++) {
-            if (plink->type != CONSTANT)
-                dbScanFwdLink(plink);
+            dbScanFwdLink(plink);
         }
         break;
 
@@ -134,7 +133,7 @@ static long process(fanoutRecord *prec)
             break;
         plink = &prec->lnk0;
         for (i = 0; i < NLINKS; i++, seln >>= 1, plink++) {
-            if (seln & 1 && plink->type != CONSTANT)
+            if (seln & 1)
                 dbScanFwdLink(plink);
         }
         break;
diff --git a/src/std/rec/histogramRecord.c b/src/std/rec/histogramRecord.c
index 74b2fcd17..643c4fa68 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/histogramRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/histogramRecord.c
@@ -183,13 +183,8 @@ static long init_record(histogramRecord *prec, int pass)
 
     wdogInit(prec);
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
-    }
-
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_DOUBLE, &prec->sval);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_DOUBLE, &prec->sval);
 
     /* must have device support defined */
     pdset = (struct histogramdset *) prec->dset;
diff --git a/src/std/rec/longinRecord.c b/src/std/rec/longinRecord.c
index bd224ac1d..91d7e2193 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/longinRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/longinRecord.c
@@ -98,35 +98,36 @@ static long readValue(longinRecord *prec);
 
 static long init_record(longinRecord *prec, int pass)
 {
-    struct longindset *pdset;
-    long status;
+    struct longindset *pdset = (struct longindset *) prec->dset;
 
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
+    if (pass==0)
+        return(0);
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_LONG, &prec->sval);
+
+    if (!pdset) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET, prec, "longin: init_record");
+        return S_dev_noDSET;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol,DBF_LONG,&prec->sval);
-    }
-
-    if(!(pdset = (struct longindset *)(prec->dset))) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"longin: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_noDSET);
-    }
     /* must have read_longin function defined */
-    if( (pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->read_longin == NULL) ) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup,(void *)prec,"longin: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_missingSup);
+    if ((pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->read_longin == NULL)) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup, prec, "longin: init_record");
+        return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
-    if( pdset->init_record ) {
-	if((status=(*pdset->init_record)(prec))) return(status);
+
+    if (pdset->init_record) {
+        long status = pdset->init_record(prec);
+
+        if (status)
+            return status;
     }
+
     prec->mlst = prec->val;
     prec->alst = prec->val;
     prec->lalm = prec->val;
-    return(0);
+    return 0;
 }
 
 static long process(longinRecord *prec)
diff --git a/src/std/rec/longoutRecord.c b/src/std/rec/longoutRecord.c
index afdf90ea8..5d35df634 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/longoutRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/longoutRecord.c
@@ -95,33 +95,38 @@ static void convert(longoutRecord *prec, epicsInt32 value);
 
 static long init_record(longoutRecord *prec, int pass)
 {
-    struct longoutdset *pdset;
-    long status=0;
+    struct longoutdset *pdset = (struct longoutdset *) prec->dset;
 
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
-    if(!(pdset = (struct longoutdset *)(prec->dset))) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"longout: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_noDSET);
+    if (pass==0)
+        return 0;
+
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+
+    if (!pdset) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET, prec, "longout: init_record");
+        return S_dev_noDSET;
     }
+
     /* must have  write_longout functions defined */
-    if( (pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->write_longout == NULL) ) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup,(void *)prec,"longout: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_missingSup);
+    if ((pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->write_longout == NULL)) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup, prec, "longout: init_record");
+        return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
-    if (prec->dol.type == CONSTANT) {
-	if(recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol,DBF_LONG,&prec->val))
-	    prec->udf=FALSE;
-    }
-    if( pdset->init_record ) {
-	if((status=(*pdset->init_record)(prec))) return(status);
+
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_LONG, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf=FALSE;
+
+    if (pdset->init_record) {
+        long status = pdset->init_record(prec);
+
+        if (status)
+            return status;
     }
+
     prec->mlst = prec->val;
     prec->alst = prec->val;
     prec->lalm = prec->val;
-    return(0);
+    return 0;
 }
 
 static long process(longoutRecord *prec)
@@ -137,11 +142,10 @@ static long process(longoutRecord *prec)
 		return(S_dev_missingSup);
 	}
 	if (!prec->pact) {
-		if((prec->dol.type != CONSTANT)
-                && (prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop)) {
-			status = dbGetLink(&(prec->dol),DBR_LONG,
-				&value,0,0);
-			if (prec->dol.type!=CONSTANT && RTN_SUCCESS(status))
+		if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
+                    prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
+                        status = dbGetLink(&prec->dol, DBR_LONG, &value, 0, 0);
+			if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) && !status)
 				prec->udf=FALSE;
 		}
 		else {
diff --git a/src/std/rec/mbbiDirectRecord.c b/src/std/rec/mbbiDirectRecord.c
index 1d603ab5a..cc1170b7e 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/mbbiDirectRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/mbbiDirectRecord.c
@@ -114,11 +114,8 @@ static long init_record(mbbiDirectRecord *prec, int pass)
         return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
-
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->sval);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->sval);
 
     /* Initialize MASK if the user set NOBT instead */
     if (prec->mask == 0 && prec->nobt <= 32)
diff --git a/src/std/rec/mbbiRecord.c b/src/std/rec/mbbiRecord.c
index bfc4fdba6..bd344f307 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/mbbiRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/mbbiRecord.c
@@ -131,11 +131,8 @@ static long init_record(mbbiRecord *prec, int pass)
         return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
-
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->sval);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->sval);
 
     /* Initialize MASK if the user set NOBT instead */
     if (prec->mask == 0 && prec->nobt <= 32)
diff --git a/src/std/rec/mbboDirectRecord.c b/src/std/rec/mbboDirectRecord.c
index ae43bdcf2..fb36a0a3b 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/mbboDirectRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/mbboDirectRecord.c
@@ -116,12 +116,9 @@ static long init_record(mbboDirectRecord *prec, int pass)
         return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
-
-    if (prec->dol.type == CONSTANT)
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
 
     /* Initialize MASK if the user set NOBT instead */
     if (prec->mask == 0 && prec->nobt <= 32)
@@ -175,7 +172,7 @@ static long process(mbboDirectRecord *prec)
     }
 
     if (!pact) {
-        if (prec->dol.type != CONSTANT &&
+        if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
             prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
             epicsUInt16 val;
 
diff --git a/src/std/rec/mbboRecord.c b/src/std/rec/mbboRecord.c
index ffb6f1eed..9d00a6d5e 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/mbboRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/mbboRecord.c
@@ -136,12 +136,9 @@ static long init_record(mbboRecord *prec, int pass)
         return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
-
-    if (prec->dol.type == CONSTANT)
-        if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->val))
-            prec->udf = FALSE;
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_USHORT, &prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
 
     /* Initialize MASK if the user set NOBT instead */
     if (prec->mask == 0 && prec->nobt <= 32)
@@ -206,7 +203,7 @@ static long process(mbboRecord *prec)
     }
 
     if (!pact) {
-        if (prec->dol.type != CONSTANT &&
+        if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
             prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
             epicsUInt16 val;
 
diff --git a/src/std/rec/printfRecord.c b/src/std/rec/printfRecord.c
index 977349ae8..f8419e4ad 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/printfRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/printfRecord.c
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
     VALTYPE val; \
     int ok; \
 \
-    if (plink->type == CONSTANT) \
+    if (dbLinkIsConstant(plink)) \
         ok = recGblInitConstantLink(plink++, DBRTYPE, &val); \
     else \
         ok = ! dbGetLink(plink++, DBRTYPE, &val, 0, 0); \
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ static void doPrintf(printfRecord *prec)
                         epicsInt16 i;
                         int ok;
 
-                        if (plink->type == CONSTANT)
+                        if (dbLinkIsConstant(plink))
                             ok = recGblInitConstantLink(plink++, DBR_SHORT, &i);
                         else
                             ok = ! dbGetLink(plink++, DBR_SHORT, &i, 0, 0);
@@ -203,8 +203,8 @@ static void doPrintf(printfRecord *prec)
                     }
                     break;
 
-                case 's':
-                    if (flags & F_LONG && plink->type != CONSTANT) {
+                case 's':   /* FIXME: const strings are now supported */
+                    if (flags & F_LONG && !dbLinkIsConstant(plink)) {
                         long n = vspace + 1;
 
                         if (precision && n > precision)
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ static void doPrintf(printfRecord *prec)
                         char val[MAX_STRING_SIZE];
                         int ok;
 
-                        if (plink->type == CONSTANT)
+                        if (dbLinkIsConstant(plink))
                             ok = recGblInitConstantLink(plink++, DBR_STRING, val);
                         else
                             ok = ! dbGetLink(plink++, DBR_STRING, val, 0, 0);
diff --git a/src/std/rec/selRecord.c b/src/std/rec/selRecord.c
index b9f385173..37456feff 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/selRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/selRecord.c
@@ -92,22 +92,19 @@ static long init_record(selRecord *prec, int pass)
     int i;
     double *pvalue;
 
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
+    if (pass==0)
+        return 0;
 
     /* get seln initial value if nvl is a constant*/
-    if (prec->nvl.type == CONSTANT ) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->nvl,DBF_USHORT,&prec->seln);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->nvl, DBF_USHORT, &prec->seln);
 
     plink = &prec->inpa;
     pvalue = &prec->a;
-    for(i=0; i<SEL_MAX; i++, plink++, pvalue++) {
-	*pvalue = epicsNAN;
-	if (plink->type==CONSTANT) {
-	    recGblInitConstantLink(plink,DBF_DOUBLE,pvalue);
-	}
+    for (i=0; i<SEL_MAX; i++, plink++, pvalue++) {
+        *pvalue = epicsNAN;
+        recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
     }
-    return(0);
+    return 0;
 }
 
 static long process(selRecord *prec)
diff --git a/src/std/rec/seqRecord.c b/src/std/rec/seqRecord.c
index 5986f827c..eae156fb9 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/seqRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/seqRecord.c
@@ -118,13 +118,11 @@ static long init_record(seqRecord *prec, int pass)
     callbackSetUser(pseqRecPvt, &pseqRecPvt->callback);
     prec->dpvt = pseqRecPvt;
 
-    if (prec->sell.type == CONSTANT)
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->sell, DBF_USHORT, &prec->seln);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->sell, DBF_USHORT, &prec->seln);
 
     grp = (linkGrp *) &prec->dly0;
     for (index = 0; index < NUM_LINKS; index++, grp++) {
-        if (grp->dol.type == CONSTANT)
-            recGblInitConstantLink(&grp->dol, DBF_DOUBLE, &grp->dov);
+        recGblInitConstantLink(&grp->dol, DBF_DOUBLE, &grp->dov);
     }
 
     prec->oldn = prec->seln;
@@ -150,8 +148,7 @@ static long process(seqRecord *prec)
         lmask = (1 << NUM_LINKS) - 1;
     else {
         /* Get SELN value */
-        if (prec->sell.type != CONSTANT)
-            dbGetLink(&prec->sell, DBR_USHORT, &prec->seln, 0, 0);
+        dbGetLink(&prec->sell, DBR_USHORT, &prec->seln, 0, 0);
 
         if (prec->selm == seqSELM_Specified) {
             int grpn = prec->seln + prec->offs;
@@ -185,7 +182,8 @@ static long process(seqRecord *prec)
     pgrp = (linkGrp *) &prec->dly0;
     for (i = 0; lmask; lmask >>= 1) {
         if ((lmask & 1) &&
-            (pgrp->lnk.type != CONSTANT || pgrp->dol.type != CONSTANT)) {
+            (!dbLinkIsConstant(&pgrp->lnk) ||
+             !dbLinkIsConstant(&pgrp->dol))) {
             pcb->grps[i++] = pgrp;
         }
         pgrp++;
diff --git a/src/std/rec/stringinRecord.c b/src/std/rec/stringinRecord.c
index 00988223c..474b24324 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/stringinRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/stringinRecord.c
@@ -95,33 +95,33 @@ static long readValue(stringinRecord *);
 static long init_record(stringinRecord *prec, int pass)
 {
     STATIC_ASSERT(sizeof(prec->oval)==sizeof(prec->val));
-    struct stringindset *pdset;
-    long status;
+    struct stringindset *pdset = (struct stringindset *) prec->dset;
 
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
+    if (pass==0)
+        return 0;
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol, DBF_STRING, prec->sval);
+
+    if (!pdset) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET, prec, "stringin: init_record");
+        return S_dev_noDSET;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siol.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siol,DBF_STRING,prec->sval);
-    } 
-
-    if(!(pdset = (struct stringindset *)(prec->dset))) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"stringin: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_noDSET);
-    }
     /* must have read_stringin function defined */
-    if( (pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->read_stringin == NULL) ) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup,(void *)prec,"stringin: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_missingSup);
+    if ((pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->read_stringin == NULL)) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup, prec, "stringin: init_record");
+        return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
-    if( pdset->init_record ) {
-	if((status=(*pdset->init_record)(prec))) return(status);
+
+    if (pdset->init_record) {
+        long status = pdset->init_record(prec);
+
+        if (status)
+            return status;
     }
-    strcpy(prec->oval,prec->val);
-    return(0);
+    strcpy(prec->oval, prec->val);
+    return 0;
 }
 
 /*
diff --git a/src/std/rec/stringoutRecord.c b/src/std/rec/stringoutRecord.c
index 1bd376176..dbb368a59 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/stringoutRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/stringoutRecord.c
@@ -97,34 +97,37 @@ static long writeValue(stringoutRecord *);
 static long init_record(stringoutRecord *prec, int pass)
 {
     STATIC_ASSERT(sizeof(prec->oval)==sizeof(prec->val));
-    struct stringoutdset *pdset;
-    long status=0;
+    struct stringoutdset *pdset = (struct stringoutdset *) prec->dset;
 
-    if (pass==0) return(0);
+    if (pass==0)
+        return 0;
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-	recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml, DBF_USHORT, &prec->simm);
+
+    if (!pdset) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET, prec, "stringout: init_record");
+        return S_dev_noDSET;
     }
 
-    if(!(pdset = (struct stringoutdset *)(prec->dset))) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_noDSET,(void *)prec,"stringout: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_noDSET);
-    }
     /* must have  write_stringout functions defined */
-    if( (pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->write_stringout == NULL) ) {
-	recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup,(void *)prec,"stringout: init_record");
-	return(S_dev_missingSup);
+    if ((pdset->number < 5) || (pdset->write_stringout == NULL)) {
+        recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup, prec, "stringout: init_record");
+        return S_dev_missingSup;
     }
+
     /* get the initial value dol is a constant*/
-    if (prec->dol.type == CONSTANT){
-	if(recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol,DBF_STRING,prec->val))
-	    prec->udf=FALSE;
+    if (recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->dol, DBF_STRING, prec->val))
+        prec->udf = FALSE;
+
+    if (pdset->init_record) {
+        long status = pdset->init_record(prec);
+
+        if(status)
+            return status;
     }
-    if( pdset->init_record ) {
-	if((status=(*pdset->init_record)(prec))) return(status);
-    }
-    strcpy(prec->oval,prec->val);
-    return(0);
+
+    strcpy(prec->oval, prec->val);
+    return 0;
 }
 
 static long process(stringoutRecord *prec)
@@ -138,13 +141,13 @@ static long process(stringoutRecord *prec)
 		recGblRecordError(S_dev_missingSup,(void *)prec,"write_stringout");
 		return(S_dev_missingSup);
 	}
-        if (!prec->pact
-        && (prec->dol.type != CONSTANT)
-        && (prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop)) {
-		status = dbGetLink(&(prec->dol),
-			DBR_STRING,prec->val,0,0);
-		if(prec->dol.type!=CONSTANT && RTN_SUCCESS(status)) prec->udf=FALSE;
-	}
+        if (!prec->pact &&
+            !dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) &&
+            prec->omsl == menuOmslclosed_loop) {
+                status = dbGetLink(&prec->dol, DBR_STRING, prec->val, 0, 0);
+                if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->dol) && !status)
+                    prec->udf=FALSE;
+        }
 
         if(prec->udf == TRUE ){
                 recGblSetSevr(prec,UDF_ALARM,prec->udfs);
diff --git a/src/std/rec/subRecord.c b/src/std/rec/subRecord.c
index f8808a849..9cb3ae683 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/subRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/subRecord.c
@@ -101,9 +101,7 @@ static long init_record(subRecord *prec, int pass)
     plink = &prec->inpa;
     pvalue = &prec->a;
     for (i = 0; i < INP_ARG_MAX; i++, plink++, pvalue++) {
-        if (plink->type == CONSTANT) {
-            recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
-        }
+        recGblInitConstantLink(plink, DBF_DOUBLE, pvalue);
     }
 
     if (prec->inam[0]) {
diff --git a/src/std/rec/waveformRecord.c b/src/std/rec/waveformRecord.c
index c6ca2a04a..71e19014a 100644
--- a/src/std/rec/waveformRecord.c
+++ b/src/std/rec/waveformRecord.c
@@ -111,9 +111,7 @@ static long init_record(waveformRecord *prec, int pass)
         return 0;
     }
 
-    if (prec->siml.type == CONSTANT) {
-        recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
-    }
+    recGblInitConstantLink(&prec->siml,DBF_USHORT,&prec->simm);
 
     /* must have dset defined */
     if (!(pdset = (struct wfdset *)(prec->dset))) {
@@ -313,7 +311,7 @@ static long readValue(waveformRecord *prec)
         return (*pdset->read_wf)(prec);
     }
 
-    status = dbGetLink(&(prec->siml), DBR_ENUM, &(prec->simm),0,0);
+    status = dbGetLink(&prec->siml, DBR_ENUM, &prec->simm, 0, 0);
     if (status)
         return status;
 
@@ -329,9 +327,9 @@ static long readValue(waveformRecord *prec)
     if (prec->simm == menuYesNoYES){
         long nRequest = prec->nelm;
 
-        status = dbGetLink(&(prec->siol), prec->ftvl, prec->bptr, 0, &nRequest);
+        status = dbGetLink(&prec->siol, prec->ftvl, prec->bptr, 0, &nRequest);
         /* nord set only for db links: needed for old db_access */
-        if (prec->siol.type != CONSTANT) {
+        if (!dbLinkIsConstant(&prec->siol)) {
             prec->nord = nRequest;
             db_post_events(prec, &prec->nord, DBE_VALUE | DBE_LOG);
             if (status == 0)