diff --git a/tecs/coc_client.c b/tecs/coc_client.c
index 545a6db4..a52b0c68 100644
--- a/tecs/coc_client.c
+++ b/tecs/coc_client.c
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include <sys/socket.h>
 #include <string.h>
 #include <unistd.h>
diff --git a/tecs/coc_logfile.c b/tecs/coc_logfile.c
index cfe24ca0..802fcfd4 100644
--- a/tecs/coc_logfile.c
+++ b/tecs/coc_logfile.c
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <stdarg.h>
 #include <assert.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "coc_logfile.h"
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
@@ -25,17 +24,19 @@
 static FILE *fil=NULL;
 static char lnam[256]="", filnam[256]="";
 static char ebuf[20000]="";
+static char *statusBuf=NULL;
+static int statusSize;
 static char *eptr=&ebuf[0];
 static int lastStamp=0;
 static int notDated=0;
 static int logMask=0;
 static int wrtMask=0;
-
-int ftime (struct timeb *__timeptr); /* for some reason not defined in timeb.h with flag -std1 */
-
+static int newLine=1;
 static int logfileStd;
 static int dirty, writeAll;
 
+int ftime (struct timeb *__timeptr); /* for some reason not defined in timeb.h with flag -std1 */
+
 void logfileOpen(int first) {
   struct tm *tim;
   struct timeb btim;
@@ -74,6 +75,12 @@ void logfileOpen(int first) {
     fil=fopen(filnam, "a");
   }
 #endif
+  ErrSetOutFile(fil);
+}
+
+void logfileStatusBuffer(char *buffer, int bufsize) {
+  statusBuf=buffer;
+  statusSize=bufsize-1;
 }
 
 void logfileInit(char *path, int nodate, int use_stdout, int write_all) {
@@ -87,10 +94,26 @@ void logfileInit(char *path, int nodate, int use_stdout, int write_all) {
 
 void logfileOut(int mask, const char *fmt, ...)
 { va_list ap;
+  char buf[256], *p;
 
   assert(mask>0 && mask<32);
   va_start(ap, fmt);
 
+  if (mask & LOG_MAIN && statusBuf!=NULL) {
+    if (newLine) {
+      statusBuf[0]='\0';
+      newLine=0;
+    }
+    buf[statusSize]='\0';
+    vsprintf(buf, fmt, ap);
+    assert(buf[statusSize]=='\0'); /* check for overflow */
+    str_ncat(statusBuf, buf, statusSize);
+    p=strchr(statusBuf, '\n');
+    if (p!=NULL) {
+      newLine=1;
+      *p='\0';
+    }
+  }
   if (writeAll) {
 #ifdef __VMS   
     if (fil==NULL) logfileOpen(0);
@@ -203,7 +226,7 @@ void logfileClose()
 #ifdef __VMS   
   if (fil==NULL) logfileOpen(0);
 #endif
-  logfileWrite0(LOG_MAIN+LOG_WARN);
+  logfileWrite0(LOG_MAIN+LOG_INFO);
   lastStamp-=1;
   logfileStamp();
   if (fil!=NULL) { fclose(fil); fil=NULL; }
diff --git a/tecs/coc_logfile.h b/tecs/coc_logfile.h
index fdf9791a..a1c92ea1 100644
--- a/tecs/coc_logfile.h
+++ b/tecs/coc_logfile.h
@@ -6,9 +6,11 @@
 #define LOG_ALL  31
 #define LOG_SER  8
 #define LOG_NET  4
-#define LOG_WARN 2
+#define LOG_INFO 2
 #define LOG_MAIN 1
+#define logfileStatusBuf(B) logfileStatusBuffer(B,sizeof(B))
 
+void logfileStatusBuffer(char *buffer, int bufsize);
 void logfileInit(char *path, int nodate, int use_stdout, int write_all);
 void logfileOut(int mask, const char *fmt, ...);
 void logfileOutBuf(int mask, Str_Buf *buf);
diff --git a/tecs/coc_server.c b/tecs/coc_server.c
index b5e31078..9c8c2578 100644
--- a/tecs/coc_server.c
+++ b/tecs/coc_server.c
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@
 #include "coc_logfile.h"
 #include "coc_server.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
-#include <fortify.h>
 
 static Str_Buf *buf, *bufo;
 
@@ -46,7 +45,7 @@ int CocInitServer(int bufsize, int port) {
   ERR_SI(setsockopt(mainFd,SOL_SOCKET,SO_REUSEADDR,&i,sizeof(int))); /* allow quick port reuse */
   ERR_I(CocCreateSockAdr(&sadr, NULL, port));
   ERR_SI(bind(mainFd, (struct sockaddr *)&sadr, sizeof(sadr)));
-  logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "created server on port %d\n", port);
+  logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "created server on port %d\n", port);
   ERR_SI(listen(mainFd, 8));
   FD_ZERO(&mask);
   FD_SET(mainFd, &mask);
@@ -86,9 +85,9 @@ int CocHandle1Request(int tmo_msec, int fd) {
     cList->next=cl;
     h=gethostbyaddr(&cadr.sin_addr, 4, AF_INET);
     if (h==NULL) {
-      logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "(%d) open from %s\n", newfd, "local");
+      logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "(%d) open from %s\n", newfd, "local");
     } else {
-      logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "(%d) open from %s\n", newfd, h->h_name);
+      logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "(%d) open from %s\n", newfd, h->h_name);
     }
   } else {
     cl0=cList; cl=cl0->next;
@@ -96,7 +95,7 @@ int CocHandle1Request(int tmo_msec, int fd) {
       if (FD_ISSET(cl->fd, &rmask)) {
         buf->wrpos=recv(cl->fd, buf->buf, buf->dsize, 0);
         if (buf->wrpos<=0) {
-          logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "(%d) disconnected\n",cl->fd);
+          logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "(%d) disconnected\n",cl->fd);
           close(cl->fd);
           FD_CLR(cl->fd, &mask);
           cl0->next=cl->next;
@@ -113,10 +112,10 @@ int CocHandle1Request(int tmo_msec, int fd) {
           logfileOut(LOG_NET, "(%d) ", cl->fd);
           if (varname[0]=='#') { /* access code */
             if (0==strcmp(varname,"#rdacc")) {
-              logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "set read mode\n");
+              logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "set read mode\n");
               cl->mode=1;
             } else if (0==strcmp(varname,"#rwacs")) {
-              logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "set write mode\n");
+              logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "set write mode\n");
               cl->mode=2;
             } else {
               err="bad access code";
diff --git a/tecs/coc_util.c b/tecs/coc_util.c
index 216ba72c..efce5ded 100644
--- a/tecs/coc_util.c
+++ b/tecs/coc_util.c
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
 #include <netdb.h>
 #include <string.h>
 #include <assert.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
 #include "coc_util.h"
@@ -155,6 +154,7 @@ CocVar *CocDefVar(const char *name, void *var, int type, int *flag) {
   p->var=var;
   p->type=type;
   p->flag=flag;
+/*  printf("define %s %d\n", name, (int)var); */
   return(p);
 }
 
@@ -180,6 +180,7 @@ int CocGetVar(CocVar *varList, Str_Buf *buf, const char *name, int secure) {
   if (secure) { /* we are the server */
     if (var->flag==&CocRD) ERR_MSG("variable is read only");
   }
+  /* printf("get %s %d\n", name, (int)adr); */
   if (var->type==-1) {
     ERR_I(str_get_int(buf, (int *)adr));
   } else if (var->type==-2) {
@@ -208,9 +209,10 @@ int CocPutVar(CocVar *varList, Str_Buf *buf, const char *name, int secure) {
   } else {
     adr=(char *)adr + (int)var->var;
   }
-  if (secure) { /* we are the client */
+  if (secure) { /* check acces */
     if (var->flag==&CocRD) ERR_MSG("variable is read only");
   }
+  /* printf("put %s %d\n", name, (int)adr); */
   if (var->type==-1) {
     ERR_I(str_put_int(buf, *(int *)adr));
   } else if (var->type==-2) {
diff --git a/tecs/err_handling.c b/tecs/err_handling.c
index eafb75e2..e7d06669 100644
--- a/tecs/err_handling.c
+++ b/tecs/err_handling.c
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
 #include <assert.h>
 #include <string.h>
 #include <stdlib.h>
-#include <stdio.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
+
 #include "err_handling.h"
 
 #define SLEN 64
@@ -73,11 +72,16 @@ void ErrSetOutRtn(void (*rtn)(), void *arg) {
   outarg=arg;
 }
 
+void ErrSetOutFile(FILE *arg) {
+  outrtn=ErrOutFil;
+  outarg=arg;
+}
+
 #ifdef __VMS
 
 typedef struct { short size, dummy; char *text; } Desc;
 
-void ErrShowVms(Desc *desc, void (*outrtn)(), void *arg) {
+void ErrShowVms(Desc *desc) {
   char buf[256];
   int l;
 
diff --git a/tecs/err_handling.h b/tecs/err_handling.h
index 75303362..88110dee 100644
--- a/tecs/err_handling.h
+++ b/tecs/err_handling.h
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #ifndef _ERR_HANDLING_H_
 #define _ERR_HANDLING_H_
 
+#include <stdio.h>
 #include <sys/errno.h>
 
 /* ErrHDL Error handling utilities
@@ -76,6 +77,8 @@ void ErrCod(int code);
 void ErrWrite(char *text);
 void ERR_EXIT(char *text);
 void ErrLog(char *text);
+void ErrSetOutRtn(void (*rtn)(), void *arg);
+void ErrSetOutFile(FILE *file);
 
 extern int ErrCode;
 extern char *ErrMessage;
diff --git a/tecs/str_buf.c b/tecs/str_buf.c
index 5c6ae052..aa135d9b 100644
--- a/tecs/str_buf.c
+++ b/tecs/str_buf.c
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <strings.h>
 #include <stdlib.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
 #include "str_buf.h"
diff --git a/tecs/str_util.c b/tecs/str_util.c
index c8f8614a..9d4346ce 100644
--- a/tecs/str_util.c
+++ b/tecs/str_util.c
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
 #include <assert.h>
 #include <string.h>
 #include <ctype.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
 
diff --git a/tecs/tecs.c b/tecs/tecs.c
index 07af6d2d..219832fa 100644
--- a/tecs/tecs.c
+++ b/tecs/tecs.c
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 #include <sys/timeb.h>
 #include <string.h>
 #include <ctype.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "coc_server.h"
 #include "coc_logfile.h"
@@ -13,8 +12,9 @@
 #include "tecs_lsc.h"
 #include "tecs_dlog.h"
 
-#define TABLE_FILE "lsc.tab"
+#define TABLE_FILE "lsci.tab"
 #define NO_CODE 999
+#define Progress(I) if (configuring) { configuring+=I; }
 
 static SerChannel *ser=NULL;
 static char *serverId=NULL;
@@ -33,13 +33,14 @@ typedef struct {
   int codDefined; /* code is not yet confirmed */
   char ch1[2], ch2[2]; /* channels for high/low T */
   char device[16]; /* device name */
-} Part;
+  char tname[16];
+} Testpoint;
 
-Part /* C standard guarantees initialization to zero */
+Testpoint /* C standard guarantees initialization to zero */
   cryo, /* data for main sensors (on heat exchanger, or the only sensors) */
   samp, /* data for extra sensors of sample stick */
-  *parts[2]={&cryo, &samp},
-  *part=&cryo;
+  *testpoints[2]={&cryo, &samp},
+  *testpoint=&cryo;
 
 static float
   tempC, /* set T */
@@ -68,7 +69,9 @@ static int
   fld, /* field number */
   key, /* key status */
   serialNo,
-  resist,
+  configuring=1,
+  resist, /* heater resistance */
+  readTemp, /* client requested readTemp */
   cod1, cod2, out1, out2, /* codes read from digital input/output */
   iRange, iAmp, /* max. range and max. current code */
   per; /* effective period */
@@ -81,12 +84,12 @@ static time_t
 static int decod[8]={21,20,17,16,5,4,1,0}; /* for code conversion */
 
 static char
+  status[132], /* status buffer */
   device[32], /* concatenated device names */
   buf1[256], buf2[256], buf3[256], buf4[256], /* buffers for temporary use */
   head[64], /* curve header */
   intype[64], /* input configuration */
-  chan[2], /* actual channel */
-  xxxx;
+  chan[2]; /* actual channel */
 
 static char
   *table=NULL, /* environment devices table */
@@ -216,6 +219,7 @@ int instCurve(char *nam, char *channel) {
     logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "download curve %d\n", num);
     /* select sensor type first to display sensor units */
     ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "INTYPE [chan]:[intype];DISPFLD [fld],[chan],3;DISPLAY:[maxfld]"));
+    Progress(1);
 
     n=3;
     do {
@@ -227,11 +231,15 @@ int instCurve(char *nam, char *channel) {
     if (i!=0) ERR_MSG("can not delete curve");
 
     sprintf(lbuf, "CRVPT %d", num);
+    i=0;
     do { /* download curve */
       t=str_split(nbuf, points, '\n');
       if (nbuf[0]!='\0') {
         ERR_I(str_substitute(buf, nbuf, "#0", lbuf));
         ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, buf));
+        i++;
+        if (i%10==0) sprintf(status, "downloading curve at line %d", i);
+        Progress(1);
       }
       points=t;
     } while (t!=NULL);
@@ -239,6 +247,7 @@ int instCurve(char *nam, char *channel) {
     /* write header, select curve */
     str_upcase(head, chead);
     ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "CRVHDR [num]:[head];INCRV [chan]:[num];DISPFLD [fld],[chan],1"));
+    Progress(1);
     logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "curve selected on channel %s\n", chan);
     saveTime=tim+30;
   }
@@ -288,11 +297,11 @@ int configInput() {
   char *ext;
 
   retstat=-2; /* errors in following section are severe */
-  if (part->manual) {
-    sprintf(buf, ".%s.", part->device);
+  if (testpoint->manual) {
+    sprintf(buf, "'%s'", testpoint->device);
   } else {
-    sprintf(buf, "%+d ", part->code);
-    if (part->code==0) return(0);
+    sprintf(buf, "%+d ", testpoint->code);
+    if (testpoint->code==0) return(0);
   }
   if (table!=NULL && tim>tableTime+60) { free(table); table=NULL; }; /* clear old table */
   if (table==NULL) { /* read table */
@@ -305,38 +314,38 @@ int configInput() {
   t=strstr(table, buf);
   if (t==NULL) ERR_MSG("device not found");
   i=sscanf(t, "%79[^\n!]", buf); /* read line */
-  t=strchr(buf, '.');
-  if (t==NULL) ERR_MSG("missing '.' in table file");
+  t=strchr(buf, '\'');
+  if (t==NULL) ERR_MSG("missing ' in table file");
   t++;
   n=1;
-  if (part==&samp) {
+  if (testpoint==&samp) {
     samp.nSens=0;
     i=sscanf(t, "%12s%d%d", nam, &nn, &n);
     if (i<1) ERR_MSG("missing sensor name");
-    ext="s";
+    ext=".s";
   } else {
     cryo.nSens=0;
     tLow=0; tHigh=0;
     controlMode=0;
     i=sscanf(t, "%12s%d%d%d%f%d%f%f%f", nam, &n, &nn, &controlMode, &tLimit, &resist, &power, &tLow, &tHigh);
     if (i<7) ERR_MSG("missing some sensor parameters");
-    ext="x";
+    ext=".x";
   }
   if (n<0 || n>2) ERR_MSG("illegal value for nsensor");
   if (n==0) return(0);
-  if (!part->manual) { /* set device name */
-    str_copy(part->device, nam);
-    part->device[strlen(part->device)-1]='\0'; /* strip off '.' */
+  nam[strlen(nam)-1]='\0'; /* strip off quote */
+  if (!testpoint->manual) { /* set device name */
+    str_copy(testpoint->device, nam);
     concatDevice();
   }
   str_append(nam, ext);
 
-  ERR_I(retstat=instCurve(nam, part->ch1));
+  ERR_I(retstat=instCurve(nam, testpoint->ch1));
   if (n==2) {
     str_append(nam, "l");
-    ERR_I(retstat=instCurve(nam, part->ch2));
+    ERR_I(retstat=instCurve(nam, testpoint->ch2));
   }
-  part->nSens=n;
+  testpoint->nSens=n;
   return(0);
   OnError: return(retstat);
 }
@@ -363,6 +372,7 @@ int loadCache() {
   bufi[3]=buf4;
   for (i=60; i>21; i-=4) {
     sprintf(buf, "CRVHDR?%d>buf1;CRVHDR?%d>buf2;CRVHDR?%d>buf3;CRVHDR?%d>buf4", i, i-1, i-2, i-3);
+    Progress(1);
     ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, buf));
     k=0;
     for (j=i; j>i-4; j--) {
@@ -434,6 +444,57 @@ int SetTemp(int switchOn) {
 }
 
 int ReadTemp() {
+  char buf[256];
+  int i;
+
+  readTemp=0;
+  buf[0]='\0';
+
+  if (cryo.nSens>0) {
+    str_append(buf, "KRDG?[cryo.ch1]>cryo.t1;");
+    if (cryo.nSens>1) {
+      str_append(buf, "KRDG?[cryo.ch2]>cryo.t2;");
+    } else {
+      cryo.t2=0;
+    }
+  } else {
+    cryo.t1=0;
+    cryo.t2=0;
+  }
+
+  if (samp.nSens>0) {
+    str_append(buf, "KRDG?[samp.ch1]>samp.t1;");
+    if (samp.nSens>1) {
+      str_append(buf, "KRDG?[samp.ch2]>samp.t2;");
+    } else {
+      samp.t2=0;
+    }
+  } else {
+    samp.t1=0;
+    samp.t2=0;
+  }
+
+  i=strlen(buf);
+  if (i>0) {
+    buf[i-1]='\0'; /* strip off ';' */
+    ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, buf));
+  }
+  cryo.temp=WeightedAverage(cryo.nSens, cryo.t1, cryo.t2);
+  samp.temp=WeightedAverage(samp.nSens, samp.t1, samp.t2);
+  if (samp.temp==0.0) samp.temp=cryo.temp;
+  if (!deviceFlag
+      && !samp.dirty && samp.codDefined && !samp.codChanged
+      && !cryo.dirty && cryo.codDefined && !cryo.codChanged) {
+    configuring=0;
+  } else if (configuring==0) {
+    str_copy(status, "configuring");
+    configuring=1;
+  }
+  return(0);
+  OnError: return(-1);
+}
+
+int PeriodicTask() {
   char buf[256], lbuf[16];
   char *res;
   int i, k;
@@ -451,8 +512,12 @@ int ReadTemp() {
     ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "*IDN?>buf1,buf2,serialNo,"));
     if (0!=strcmp(buf1, "LSCI") || 0!=strcmp(buf2, "MODEL340") || serialNo==0) return(0);
     if (k!=serialNo) { 
-      if (cryo.manual || cryo.code!=0) cryo.dirty=1;
-      if (samp.manual || samp.code!=0) samp.dirty=1;
+      if (!configuring) {
+        str_copy(status, "controller connected");
+        configuring=1;
+      }
+      if (cryo.manual || cryo.code!=0) { cryo.dirty=1; }
+      if (samp.manual || samp.code!=0) { samp.dirty=1; }
       ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "RANGE:0")); /* switch off heater */
       /* reload curve cache: */
       if (cache!=NULL) free(cache);
@@ -471,12 +536,8 @@ int ReadTemp() {
     noResp=0;
   }
 
-  ERR_P(LscCmd(ser,
-    "KRDG?[cryo.ch1]>cryo.t1;KRDG?[cryo.ch2]>cryo.t2;KRDG?[samp.ch1]>samp.t1;KRDG?[samp.ch2]>samp.t2"));
+  ERR_I(ReadTemp());
 
-  cryo.temp=WeightedAverage(cryo.nSens, cryo.t1, cryo.t2);
-  samp.temp=WeightedAverage(samp.nSens, samp.t1, samp.t2);
-  if (samp.temp==0.0) samp.temp=cryo.temp;
   if (cryo.dirty==0 && samp.dirty==0 && noResp==0 && tim>logTime) {
     t2[0]=cryo.temp;
     t2[1]=samp.temp;
@@ -512,24 +573,25 @@ int ReadTemp() {
       cryo.code1=3*decod[cod2 % 8] ^ 2*decod[cod1 % 8]; /* ^ is exclusive OR */
       samp.code1=-(3*decod[cod2 / 8] ^ 2*decod[cod1 / 8]);
       for (i=0; i<2; i++) {
-        part=parts[i];
-        if (part->code1!=part->code) {
-          part->code=part->code1;
-          part->codChanged=1;
+        testpoint=testpoints[i];
+        if (testpoint->code1!=testpoint->code) {
+          testpoint->code=testpoint->code1;
+          testpoint->codChanged=1;
         } else {
-          if (part->codChanged) {
-            part->codChanged=0;
-            if (part->code1==0) {
-              logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "unplugged X\n");
+          if (testpoint->codChanged) {
+            testpoint->codChanged=0;
+            if (testpoint->code1==0) {
+              logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "%s unplugged\n", testpoint->tname);
             } else {
-              logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "plugged (%d)\n", part->code1);
+              logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "plugged %d on %s\n", testpoint->code1, testpoint->tname);
             }
-            if (part->codDefined) {
-              part->manual=0;
+            if (testpoint->codDefined) {
+              testpoint->manual=0;
             }
-            part->dirty=1;
+            testpoint->dirty=1;
+            if (!configuring) configuring=1;
           }
-          part->codDefined=1;
+          testpoint->codDefined=1;
         }
       }
     }
@@ -550,31 +612,34 @@ int ReadTemp() {
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
 
-int inputSettings(Part *this) {
+int inputSettings(Testpoint *this) {
 
-  part=this;
-  if (part->dirty && samp.codDefined) {
-    if (busy==0 || cryo.dirty>=0 && part->dirty>=0) { /* do not enter when busy and cryo.dirty/P indicates error on last time */
-      logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"configure inputs for ");
-      if (part->manual) {
-        logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"%s\n", part->device);
+  testpoint=this;
+  if (testpoint->dirty && samp.codDefined) {
+    if (busy==0 || cryo.dirty>=0 && testpoint->dirty>=0) { /* do not enter when busy and cryo.dirty/P indicates error on last time */
+      if (testpoint->manual) {
+        logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"configure %s inputs for %s\n", testpoint->tname, testpoint->device);
       } else {
-        logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"%+d\n", part->code);
-      }
-      if (part->dirty>0) part->try=0;
-      part->nSens=0;
-      if (!part->manual) { part->device[0]='\0'; concatDevice(); }
-      part->dirty=configInput();
-      if (part->dirty<0) {
-        part->try++;
-        if (part->dirty!=-1 || part->try>3) {
-          logfileShowErr("fatal error P");
-          part->dirty=0; part->device[0]='\0'; concatDevice();
+        if (testpoint->code==0) {
+          logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"reset %s inputs\n", testpoint->tname);
         } else {
-          logfileShowErr("try again P");
+          logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"configure %s inputs for code %+d\n", testpoint->tname, testpoint->code);
+        }
+      }
+      if (testpoint->dirty>0) testpoint->try=0;
+      testpoint->nSens=0;
+      if (!testpoint->manual) { testpoint->device[0]='\0'; concatDevice(); }
+      testpoint->dirty=configInput();
+      if (testpoint->dirty<0) {
+        testpoint->try++;
+        if (testpoint->dirty!=-1 || testpoint->try>3) {
+          logfileShowErr("fatal error");
+          testpoint->dirty=0; testpoint->device[0]='\0'; concatDevice();
+        } else {
+          logfileShowErr("try again");
         }
       } else {
-        ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "ALARM [part.ch1]:[part.nSens],1,[tLimit],0,0,1;ALARM [part.ch2]:0;RELAY 1:1;BEEP:0"));
+        ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "ALARM [testpoint.ch1]:[testpoint.nSens],1,[tLimit],0,0,1;ALARM [testpoint.ch2]:0;RELAY 1:1;BEEP:0"));
       }
     }
   }
@@ -589,9 +654,9 @@ int Settings() {
   if (cryo.dirty && cryo.codDefined || samp.dirty && samp.codDefined) {
     
     for (i=0; i<2; i++) {
-      part=parts[i];
-      if (part->dirty) {
-        ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "DISPFLD 2,[part.ch1],1;DISPFLD 4,[part.ch2],1"));
+      testpoint=testpoints[i];
+      if (testpoint->dirty) {
+        ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "DISPFLD 2,[testpoint.ch1],1;DISPFLD 4,[testpoint.ch2],1"));
       }
     }
     inputSettings(&cryo);
@@ -618,7 +683,7 @@ int Settings() {
         }
       }
       power=pw;
-      logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "power %f\n", power, iAmp, iRange);
+      logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "power %f\n", power, iAmp, iRange);
       ERR_P(LscCmd(ser, "CLIMIT 1:[tLimit],0,0,[iAmp],[iRange]"));
       tempC=0.001; tShift=0;
       ERR_I(SetTemp(1));
@@ -654,6 +719,7 @@ int ExecuteRequest() {
   char *t, *res;
   struct CocClient *client;
 
+  if (readTemp) ReadTemp();
   if (tim>auto_remote_time || setFlag) ERR_I(Settings());
   if (setFlag) {
     if (cryo.nSens>0) {
@@ -674,6 +740,10 @@ int ExecuteRequest() {
     client->cmd[0]='\0';
   }
   if (deviceFlag) {
+    if (!configuring) {
+      str_copy(status, "configuring");
+      configuring=1;
+    }
     t=strchr(device, '/');
     if (t==NULL) {
       if (0==strcmp(device, "0")) {
@@ -710,8 +780,7 @@ int mainBody(void)
   int i, iret, tdif;
   struct timeb tim1;
 
-  /* read & control temp */
-  ERR_I(ReadTemp());
+  ERR_I(PeriodicTask());
   if (tim>=auto_remote_time) ERR_I(Settings());
   logfileWrite(logMask);
 
@@ -731,7 +800,7 @@ int mainBody(void)
   tim0.time+=i / 1000;
   tim0.millitm=i % 1000;
   if (tdif>1) {
-    logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"%d cycles lost\n", tdif-1);
+    logfileOut(LOG_INFO ,"%d cycles lost\n", tdif-1);
   }
   return(0);
   OnError:
@@ -751,21 +820,23 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
   char buf[256], opt;
   int port, msecTmo;
 
+  str_copy(cryo.tname,"main");
   str_copy(cryo.ch1,"A");
   str_copy(cryo.ch2,"B");
+  str_copy(samp.tname,"sample stick");
   str_copy(samp.ch1,"C");
   str_copy(samp.ch2,"D");
   cryo.codChanged=1;
   samp.codChanged=1;
 
-  logMask=LOG_MAIN+LOG_WARN;
+  logMask=LOG_MAIN+LOG_INFO;
   binDir="bin/";
   logDir="log/";
   serverId="tecs";
   host="lnsp26";
   port=0;
   msecTmo=0;
-  logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"%s ", argv[0]);
+  logfileOut(LOG_INFO ,"%s ", argv[0]);
   for (i=1;i<argc;i++) {
     if (argv[i]!=NULL) {
       if (argv[i][0]=='-') {
@@ -799,10 +870,10 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
         i++;
         port=atoi(argv[i]);
       } else {
-        logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"?");
+        logfileOut(LOG_INFO ,"?");
       }
-      if (opt!=' ') logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"-%c ", opt);
-      logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"%s ", argv[i]);
+      if (opt!=' ') logfileOut(LOG_INFO ,"-%c ", opt);
+      logfileOut(LOG_INFO ,"%s ", argv[i]);
     }
   }
   if (port==0) port=9753;
@@ -811,22 +882,24 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
   str_copy(buf, logDir);
   str_append(buf, serverId);
 
+  str_copy(status, "starting up");
+  logfileStatusBuf(status);
   logfileInit(buf, logIt, use_stdout, logIt);
-  logfileOut(LOG_MAIN ,"\n");
+  logfileOut(LOG_INFO ,"\n");
   logfileWrite(logMask);
 
   ERR_I(CocInitServer(1024, port));
 
-  CocDefStruct(cryo, Part);
-  CocDefStruct(samp, Part);
-  CocDefPtr(part, Part);
+  CocDefStruct(cryo, Testpoint);
+  CocDefStruct(samp, Testpoint);
+  CocDefPtr(testpoint, Testpoint);
 
-  CocFltFld(Part, temp, CocRD);
-  CocFltFld(Part, t1, CocRD);
-  CocFltFld(Part, t2, CocRD);
+  CocFltFld(Testpoint, temp, CocRD);
+  CocFltFld(Testpoint, t1, CocRD);
+  CocFltFld(Testpoint, t2, CocRD);
 
-  CocStrFld(Part, ch1, CocRD);
-  CocStrFld(Part, ch2, CocRD);
+  CocStrFld(Testpoint, ch1, CocRD);
+  CocStrFld(Testpoint, ch2, CocRD);
 
   CocDefFlt(htr, CocRD);
   CocDefFlt(tempC, setFlag);
@@ -845,6 +918,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
   CocDefStr(head, CocRD);
   CocDefStr(chan, CocRD);
   CocDefStr(intype, CocRD);
+  CocDefStr(status, CocRD);
 
   CocDefInt(cod1, CocRD);
   CocDefInt(cod2, CocRD);
@@ -859,9 +933,11 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
   CocDefInt(iRange, CocRD);
   CocDefInt(mode, CocRD);
 
+  CocDefInt(readTemp, CocWR);
   CocDefInt(controlMode, CocWR);
   CocDefInt(busy, CocRD);
   CocDefInt(serialNo, CocRD);
+  CocDefInt(configuring, CocRD);
   CocDefInt(quit, CocWR);
 
   ERR_P(ser=SerOpen(host, msecTmo, idleHdl));
@@ -873,10 +949,10 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
   str_append(buf, ".dlog");
   iret=DlogOpen(&dset, buf, 1);
   if (iret<0) {
-    logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "create data log file: %s\n", buf);
+    logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "create data log file: %s\n", buf);
     ERR_I(DlogCreate(&dset, buf, tim0.time, 2, 7*24*60*60/logPeriod, logPeriod, 0.0));
   } else {
-    logfileOut(LOG_MAIN, "opened data log file: %s\n", buf);
+    logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "opened data log file: %s\n", buf);
   }
   logfileWrite(logMask);
   per=period;
diff --git a/tecs/tecs_cli.c b/tecs/tecs_cli.c
index e9feb642..c2ec1c83 100644
--- a/tecs/tecs_cli.c
+++ b/tecs/tecs_cli.c
@@ -1,12 +1,11 @@
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include <string.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
 #include "tecs_cli.h"
 
-static char device[80], command[80];
-static int quit;
+static char device[80], command[80], buffer[132];
+static int quit, readTemp, configuring;
 static float tempX, tempP, tempC;
 
 pTecsClient TeccInit(char *startcmd, int port) {
@@ -18,7 +17,10 @@ pTecsClient TeccInit(char *startcmd, int port) {
   CocDefFlt(tempP, CocRD);
   CocDefFlt(tempX, CocRD);
   CocDefStr(device, CocWR);
+  CocDefStr(buffer, CocWR);
+  CocDefInt(configuring, CocRD);
   CocDefInt(quit, CocWR);
+  CocDefInt(readTemp, CocWR);
   CocDefCmd(command);
 
   return((pTecsClient)conn);
@@ -39,17 +41,37 @@ char *TeccGetDev(pTecsClient conn) {
 }
 
 int TeccGet3(pTecsClient conn, float *tC, float *tX, float *tP) {
-  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "tempC,tempX,tempP"));
+  readTemp=1;
+  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "tempC,tempX,tempP,[readTemp],configuring"));
   *tC=tempC;
   *tX=tempX;
   *tP=tempP;
-  return(0);
+  return(configuring);
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
 
 int TeccGet(pTecsClient conn, float *temp) {
-  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "tempP"));
+  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "tempP,[readTemp],configuring"));
   *temp=tempP;
+  return(configuring);
+  OnError: return(-1);
+}
+
+int TeccWait(pTecsClient conn) {
+  int last, cnt;
+  last=0;
+  cnt=0;
+  do {
+    CocDelay(100);
+    ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "configuring"));  
+    if (configuring==last || configuring>1000) {
+      cnt++;
+      if (cnt>50) ERR_MSG("configuring timeout");
+    } else {
+      cnt=0;
+      last=configuring;
+    }
+  } while (configuring>0);
   return(0);
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
@@ -61,6 +83,26 @@ int TeccSet(pTecsClient conn, float temp) {
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
 
+char *TeccGetPar(pTecsClient conn, const char *name) {
+  CocDefVar(name, buffer, sizeof(buffer), &CocWR);
+  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, name));
+  return(buffer);
+  OnError: return(NULL);
+}
+
+int TeccSetPar(pTecsClient conn, const char *name, const char *value) {
+  char nbuf[80];
+
+  str_copy(buffer, value);
+  CocDefVar(name, buffer, sizeof(buffer), &CocWR);
+  str_copy(nbuf, "[");
+  str_append(nbuf, name);
+  str_append(nbuf, "]");
+  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, nbuf));
+  return(0);
+  OnError: return(-1);
+}
+
 int TeccSend(pTecsClient conn, char *cmd, char *reply, int replyLen) {
   char *res;
   int cnt;
@@ -99,46 +141,62 @@ void TeccClose(pTecsClient conn) {
 
 #ifdef __VMS
 
-int TeccSetDevVms(pTecsClient conn, char **dev) {
+typedef struct { short size, dummy; char *text; } Desc;
+
+int TeccSetParVms(pTecsClient conn, Desc *name, Desc *par) {
+  char nbuf[80];
   int l;
 
-  l=*(short *)dev;
-  if (l>=sizeof(device)) l=sizeof(device)-1;
-  strncpy(device, dev[1], l);
-  while (l>0 && device[l-1]==' ') l--; /* trim */
-  device[l]='\0';
-  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "[device]"));
+  l=par->size;
+  if (l>=sizeof(nbuf)) l=sizeof(nbuf)-3;
+  strcpy(nbuf, "[");
+  strncat(nbuf, par->text, l);
+  while (l>0 && nbuf[l-1]==' ') l--; /* trim */
+  strcat(nbuf, "]");
+
+  CocDefVar(nbuf, buffer, sizeof(buffer), &CocWR);
+  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, nbuf));
+
   return(0);
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
 
-int TeccGetDevVms(pTecsClient conn, char **dev) {
+int TeccGetParVms(pTecsClient conn, Desc *name, Desc *par) {
   int l, ld;
+  char nbuf[64];
 
-  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, "device"));
-  ld=strlen(device);
-  l=*(short *)dev;
+  l=par->size;
+  if (l>=sizeof(nbuf)) l=sizeof(nbuf)-1;
+  strncpy(nbuf, par->text, l);
+  while (l>0 && nbuf[l-1]==' ') l--; /* trim */
+
+  CocDefVar(nbuf, buffer, sizeof(buffer), &CocWR);
+  ERR_I(CocCmd(conn, nbuf));
+
+  ld=strlen(buffer);
+  l=par->size;
   if (ld>=l) ld=l;
-  strncpy(dev[1], device, ld);
+  strncpy(par->text, buffer, ld);
   return(ld);
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
 
-int TeccSendVms(pTecsClient conn, char **cmd, char **reply) {
+int TeccSendVms(pTecsClient conn, Desc *cmd, Desc *reply) {
   int l, lr;
   char cbuf[80], rbuf[80];
 
-  l=*(short *)cmd;
+  l=cmd->size;
   if (l>=sizeof(cbuf)) l=sizeof(cbuf)-1;
-  strncpy(cbuf, cmd[1], l);
+  strncpy(cbuf, cmd->text, l);
   while (l>0 && cbuf[l-1]==' ') l--; /* trim */
   cbuf[l]='\0';
   ERR_I(TeccSend(conn, cbuf, rbuf, sizeof(rbuf)));
   lr=strlen(rbuf);
-  l=*(short *)reply;
+  l=reply->size;
   if (lr>=l) lr=l;
-  strncpy(reply[1], rbuf, lr);
+  strncpy(reply->text, rbuf, lr);
   return(lr);
   OnError: return(-1);
 }
+
 #endif
diff --git a/tecs/tecs_cli.h b/tecs/tecs_cli.h
index 3ae8072d..9008a0e8 100644
--- a/tecs/tecs_cli.h
+++ b/tecs/tecs_cli.h
@@ -15,14 +15,6 @@ pTecsClient TeccInit(char *server, int port);
 /*  init tecs client (connect to server)
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
-int TeccSetDev(pTecsClient conn, char *dev);
-/*  set device type
-------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
-
-char *TeccGetDev(pTecsClient conn);
-/*  get device type
-------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
-
 int TeccGet(pTecsClient conn, float *temp);
 /*  set temperature
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
@@ -31,6 +23,18 @@ int TeccSet(pTecsClient conn, float temp);
 /*  get temperature
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
+char *TeccGetPar(pTecsClient conn, const char *name);
+/*  get any parameter from tecs
+------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
+
+int TeccSetPar(pTecsClient conn, const char *name, const char *value);
+/*  set any parameter of tecs
+------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
+
+int TeccWait(pTecsClient conn);
+/* wait until the controller is configured
+------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
+
 int TeccSend(pTecsClient conn, char *cmd, char *reply, int replyLen);
 /*  send a command transparently to the controller
     replyLen is the maximal length of reply
diff --git a/tecs/tecs_dlog.c b/tecs/tecs_dlog.c
index df72ec09..ddca50cf 100644
--- a/tecs/tecs_dlog.c
+++ b/tecs/tecs_dlog.c
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
 #include <stdarg.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <assert.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "str_util.h"
 #include "tecs_dlog.h"
diff --git a/tecs/tecs_lsc.c b/tecs/tecs_lsc.c
index f2ce8d95..8e18a8f1 100644
--- a/tecs/tecs_lsc.c
+++ b/tecs/tecs_lsc.c
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 #include <stdarg.h>
 #include <string.h>
 #include <assert.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "err_handling.h"
 #include "coc_logfile.h"
 #include "coc_util.h"
@@ -32,7 +31,7 @@ int LscEqPar(char *par, char *res) {
       i1=sscanf(pbuf, "%f", &f1);
       i2=sscanf(rbuf, "%f", &f2);
       if (i1!=1 || i2!=1 || abs(f1-f2)>1e-4+abs(f1)*5e-6) {
-        logfileOut(LOG_WARN, "%s#%s\n", pbuf, rbuf);
+        logfileOut(LOG_INFO, "%s#%s\n", pbuf, rbuf);
         return(0);
       }
     }
@@ -71,7 +70,7 @@ char *LscCmd(SerChannel *ser, const char *cmds) {
     ERR_I(str_put_str(&sbuf, seg));
     while (p!=NULL) { /* substitute variables */
       p=str_split(varname, p, ']');
-      if (p==NULL) ERR_MSG("missing '\'");
+      if (p==NULL) ERR_MSG("missing ']'");
       ERR_I(CocPutVar(serverVarList, &sbuf, varname, 0));
       p=str_split(seg, p, '[');
       ERR_I(str_put_str(&sbuf, seg));
@@ -116,7 +115,7 @@ char *LscCmd(SerChannel *ser, const char *cmds) {
     buf[sbuf.wrpos-1]='\0'; /* strip off trailing ";" */
   }
   ERR_P(res=SerCmd(ser, buf));
-  if (0==strcmp("?TMO", res)) ERR_MSG("timeout");
+  if (0==strncmp("?TMO", res, 4)) ERR_MSG("timeout");
   /*
      list[0..nres-1] contains a now:
        for a command with return request:
diff --git a/tecs/tecs_serial.c b/tecs/tecs_serial.c
index 9ed02006..6b0049b6 100644
--- a/tecs/tecs_serial.c
+++ b/tecs/tecs_serial.c
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 #include <stdlib.h>
 
 #include <string.h>
-#include <fortify.h>
 #include "rs232c_def.h"
 #include "asynsrv_def.h"
 #include "sinq_prototypes.h"