diff --git a/wled00/data/settings_sec.htm b/wled00/data/settings_sec.htm
index 155f9e46..4e3a0556 100644
Binary files a/wled00/data/settings_sec.htm and b/wled00/data/settings_sec.htm differ
diff --git a/wled00/htmls01.h b/wled00/htmls01.h
index 1aa1141a..a96a681d 100644
--- a/wled00/htmls01.h
+++ b/wled00/htmls01.h
@@ -353,6 +353,7 @@ Enable ArduinoOTA: <input type="checkbox" name="AO"><br>
 <a href="https://github.com/Aircoookie/WLED">WLED</a> version 0.7.1<br><br>
 <b>Contributors:</b><br>
 StormPie <i>(Mobile HTML UI)</i><br><br>
+Thank you so much!<br><br>
 (c) 2016-2018 Christian Schwinne <br>
 <i>Licensed under the MIT license</i><br><br>
 <b>Uses libraries:</b><br>
@@ -360,6 +361,7 @@ StormPie <i>(Mobile HTML UI)</i><br><br>
 <i>(ESP32) <a href="https://github.com/bbx10/WebServer_tng">WebServer_tng</a> by bbx10</i><br>
 <i><a href="https://github.com/kitesurfer1404/WS2812FX">WS2812FX</a> by kitesurfer1404 (modified)</i><br>
 <i><a href="https://github.com/JChristensen/Timezone">Timezone</a> library by JChristensen</i><br>
+<i><a href="https://github.com/blynkkk/blynk-library">Blynk</a> library (compacted)</i><br>
 <i><a href="https://github.com/Aircoookie/Espalexa">Espalexa</a> by Aircoookie (modified)</i><br><br>
 <i>UI icons by <a href="https://linearicons.com">Linearicons</a> created by <a href="https://perxis.com">Perxis</a>! (CC-BY-SA 4.0)</i> <br><br>
 Server message: <span class="msg"> Response error! </span><hr>
diff --git a/wled00/wled00.ino b/wled00/wled00.ino
index 2bf18c50..2b6b0343 100644
--- a/wled00/wled00.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled00.ino
@@ -38,12 +38,12 @@
 #include "src/dependencies/blynk/BlynkSimpleEsp.h"
 
 //version in format yymmddb (b = daily build)
-#define VERSION 1807201
+#define VERSION 1807211
 char versionString[] = "0.7.1";
 
 //AP and OTA default passwords (change them!)
-String apPass[65] = "wled1234";
-String otaPass[33] = "wledota";
+char apPass[65] = "wled1234";
+char otaPass[33] = "wledota";
 
 //spiffs FS only useful for debug (only ESP8266)
 //#define USEFS
@@ -59,14 +59,14 @@ byte auxDefaultState = 0; //0: input 1: high 2: low
 byte auxTriggeredState = 0; //0: input 1: high 2: low
 
 //Default CONFIG
-String serverDescription = "WLED Light";
+char serverDescription[33] = "WLED Light";
 byte currentTheme = 0;
 byte uiConfiguration = 0; //0: auto 1: classic 2: mobile
-String clientSSID = "Your_Network";
-String clientPass = "";
-String cmDNS = "led";
+char clientSSID[33] = "Your_Network";
+char clientPass[65] = "";
+char cmDNS[33] = "led";
 uint16_t ledCount = 10; //lowered to prevent accidental overcurrent
-String apSSID = ""; //AP off by default (unless setup)
+char apSSID[65] = ""; //AP off by default (unless setup)
 byte apChannel = 1;
 byte apHide = 0;
 byte apWaitTimeSecs = 32;
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ byte effectSpeedDefault = 75;
 byte effectIntensityDefault = 128;
 //NTP stuff
 bool ntpEnabled = false;
-String ntpServerName = "0.wled.pool.ntp.org";
+char ntpServerName[] = "0.wled.pool.ntp.org";
 //custom chase
 byte ccNumPrimary = 2;
 byte ccNumSecondary = 4;
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ byte ccStart = 0;
 
 //alexa
 bool alexaEnabled = true;
-String alexaInvocationName = "Light";
+char alexaInvocationName[33] = "Light";
 
 byte macroBoot = 0, macroNl = 0;
 byte macroAlexaOn = 0, macroAlexaOff = 0;
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ unsigned long countdownTime = 1514764800L;
 //hue
 bool huePollingEnabled = false, hueAttempt = false;
 uint16_t huePollIntervalMs = 2500;
-String hueApiKey = "api";
+char hueApiKey[65] = "api";
 byte huePollLightId = 1;
 IPAddress hueIP = (0,0,0,0);
 bool notifyHue = true;
@@ -171,8 +171,8 @@ byte effectSpeed = 75;
 byte effectIntensity = 128;
 bool onlyAP = false;
 bool udpConnected = false, udpRgbConnected = false;
-String cssCol[]={"","","","","",""};
-String cssFont="Verdana";
+char cssCol[9][5]={"","","","","",""};
+char cssFont[33]="Verdana";
 String cssColorString="";
 //NTP stuff
 bool ntpConnected = false;
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ time_t local = 0;
 int utcOffsetSecs = 0;
 
 //hue
-String hueError = "Inactive";
+char hueError[25] = "Inactive";
 uint16_t hueFailCount = 0;
 float hueXLast=0, hueYLast=0;
 uint16_t hueHueLast=0, hueCtLast=0;
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ long hueLastRequestSent = 0;
 uint32_t huePollIntervalMsTemp = huePollIntervalMs;
 
 //blynk
-String blynkApiKey = "";
+char blynkApiKey[36] = "";
 bool blynkEnabled = false;
 
 //overlay stuff
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ bool nixiePause;
 byte countdownYear=19, countdownMonth=1, countdownDay=1, countdownHour=0, countdownMin=0, countdownSec=0; //year is actual year -2000
 bool countdownOverTriggered = true;
 //cronixie
-String cronixieDisplay = "HHMMSS";
+char cronixieDisplay[] = "HHMMSS";
 byte dP[]{0,0,0,0,0,0};
 bool useAMPM = false;
 bool cronixieBacklight = true;
@@ -242,7 +242,6 @@ int arlsOffset = -22; //10: -22 assuming arls52
 WiFiUDP UDP;
 IPAddress ipMulti(239, 255, 255, 250);
 unsigned int portMulti = 1900;
-char packetBuffer[255];
 String escapedMac;
 
 //dns server
diff --git a/wled00/wled01_eeprom.ino b/wled00/wled01_eeprom.ino
index 0046d851..74ff413c 100644
--- a/wled00/wled01_eeprom.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled01_eeprom.ino
@@ -38,23 +38,23 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
   
   for (int i = 0; i < 32; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, clientSSID.charAt(i));
+    EEPROM.write(i, clientSSID[i]);
   }
   for (int i = 32; i < 96; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, clientPass.charAt(i-32));
+    EEPROM.write(i, clientPass[i-32]);
   }
   for (int i = 96; i < 128; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, cmDNS.charAt(i-96));
+    EEPROM.write(i, cmDNS[i-96]);
   }
   for (int i = 128; i < 160; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, apSSID.charAt(i-128));
+    EEPROM.write(i, apSSID[i-128]);
   }
   for (int i = 160; i < 224; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, apPass.charAt(i-160));
+    EEPROM.write(i, apPass[i-160]);
   }
   EEPROM.write(224, nightlightDelayMins);
   EEPROM.write(225, nightlightFade);
@@ -66,18 +66,12 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
   EEPROM.write(231, notifyTwice);
   EEPROM.write(232, buttonEnabled);
   //233 reserved for first boot flag
-  EEPROM.write(234, staticIP[0]);
-  EEPROM.write(235, staticIP[1]);
-  EEPROM.write(236, staticIP[2]);
-  EEPROM.write(237, staticIP[3]);
-  EEPROM.write(238, staticGateway[0]);
-  EEPROM.write(239, staticGateway[1]);
-  EEPROM.write(240, staticGateway[2]);
-  EEPROM.write(241, staticGateway[3]);
-  EEPROM.write(242, staticSubnet[0]);
-  EEPROM.write(243, staticSubnet[1]);
-  EEPROM.write(244, staticSubnet[2]);
-  EEPROM.write(245, staticSubnet[3]);
+  for (int i = 0; i<4; i++) //ip addresses
+  {
+    EEPROM.write(234+i, staticIP[i]);
+    EEPROM.write(238+i, staticGateway[i]);
+    EEPROM.write(242+i, staticSubnet[i]);
+  }
   EEPROM.write(246, colS[0]);
   EEPROM.write(247, colS[1]);
   EEPROM.write(248, colS[2]);
@@ -91,7 +85,7 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
   //255,250,231,230,226 notifier bytes
   for (int i = 256; i < 288; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, otaPass.charAt(i-256));
+    EEPROM.write(i, otaPass[i-256]);
   }
   EEPROM.write(288, nightlightTargetBri);
   EEPROM.write(289, otaLock);
@@ -99,7 +93,7 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
   EEPROM.write(291, (udpPort >> 8) & 0xFF);
   for (int i = 292; i < 324; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, serverDescription.charAt(i-292));
+    EEPROM.write(i, serverDescription[i-292]);
   }
   EEPROM.write(324, effectDefault);
   EEPROM.write(325, effectSpeedDefault);
@@ -113,7 +107,7 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
   EEPROM.write(333, alexaEnabled);
   for (int i = 334; i < 366; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, alexaInvocationName.charAt(i-334));
+    EEPROM.write(i, alexaInvocationName[i-334]);
   }
   EEPROM.write(366, alexaNotify);
   EEPROM.write(367, (arlsOffset>=0));
@@ -154,13 +148,13 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
     int in = 900+k*8;
     for (int i=in; i < in+8; ++i)
     {
-      EEPROM.write(i, cssCol[k].charAt(i-in));
+      EEPROM.write(i, cssCol[i-in][k]);
     }}
 
   EEPROM.write(948,currentTheme);
   for (int i = 950; i < 982; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, cssFont.charAt(i-950));
+    EEPROM.write(i, cssFont[i-950]);
   }
 
   EEPROM.write(2048, huePollingEnabled);
@@ -171,7 +165,7 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
   }
   for (int i = 2054; i < 2100; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, hueApiKey.charAt(i-2054));
+    EEPROM.write(i, hueApiKey[i-2054]);
   }
   EEPROM.write(2100, (huePollIntervalMs >> 0) & 0xFF);
   EEPROM.write(2101, (huePollIntervalMs >> 8) & 0xFF);
@@ -197,7 +191,7 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
 
   for (int i = 2165; i < 2171; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, cronixieDisplay.charAt(i-2165));
+    EEPROM.write(i, cronixieDisplay[i-2165]);
   }
   EEPROM.write(2171, cronixieBacklight);
   setCronixie();
@@ -231,7 +225,7 @@ void saveSettingsToEEPROM()
 
   for (int i = 2220; i < 2255; ++i)
   {
-    EEPROM.write(i, blynkApiKey.charAt(i-2220));
+    EEPROM.write(i, blynkApiKey[i-2220]);
   }
   
   EEPROM.commit();
@@ -247,35 +241,34 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
   }
   int lastEEPROMversion = EEPROM.read(377); //last EEPROM version before update
   
-  clientSSID = "";
   for (int i = 0; i < 32; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    clientSSID += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    clientSSID[i] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (clientSSID[i] == 0) break;
   }
-  clientPass = "";
+
   for (int i = 32; i < 96; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    clientPass += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    clientPass[i-32] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (clientPass[i-32] == 0) break;
   }
-  cmDNS = "";
+  
   for (int i = 96; i < 128; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    cmDNS += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    cmDNS[i-96] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (cmDNS[i-96] == 0) break;
   }
-  apSSID = "";
+
   for (int i = 128; i < 160; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    apSSID += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    apSSID[i-128] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (apSSID[i-128] == 0) break;
   }
-  apPass = "";
+
   for (int i = 160; i < 224; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    apPass += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    apPass[i-160] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (apPass[i-160] == 0) break;
   }
   nightlightDelayMins = EEPROM.read(224);
   nightlightFade = EEPROM.read(225);
@@ -315,20 +308,20 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
   transitionDelayDefault = ((EEPROM.read(253) << 0) & 0xFF) + ((EEPROM.read(254) << 8) & 0xFF00);
   transitionDelay = transitionDelayDefault;
   briMultiplier = EEPROM.read(255);
-  otaPass = "";
+
   for (int i = 256; i < 288; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    otaPass += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    otaPass[i-256] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (otaPass[i-256] == 0) break;
   }
   nightlightTargetBri = EEPROM.read(288);
   otaLock = EEPROM.read(289);
   udpPort = ((EEPROM.read(290) << 0) & 0xFF) + ((EEPROM.read(291) << 8) & 0xFF00);
-  serverDescription = "";
+
   for (int i = 292; i < 324; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    serverDescription += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    serverDescription[i-292] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (serverDescription[i-292] == 0) break;
   }
   effectDefault = EEPROM.read(324); effectCurrent = effectDefault;
   effectSpeedDefault = EEPROM.read(325); effectSpeed = effectSpeedDefault;
@@ -339,11 +332,11 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
   useGammaCorrectionRGB = EEPROM.read(331);
   overlayDefault = EEPROM.read(332);
   alexaEnabled = EEPROM.read(333);
-  alexaInvocationName = "";
+
   for (int i = 334; i < 366; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    alexaInvocationName += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    alexaInvocationName[i-334] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (alexaInvocationName[i-334] == 0) break;
   }
   alexaNotify = EEPROM.read(366);
   arlsOffset = EEPROM.read(368);
@@ -378,11 +371,11 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
     aOtaEnabled = EEPROM.read(390);
     receiveNotificationColor = EEPROM.read(391);
     receiveNotificationEffects = EEPROM.read(392);
-    cssFont = "";
+
     for (int i = 950; i < 982; ++i)
     {
-      if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-      cssFont += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+      cssFont[i-950] = EEPROM.read(i);
+      if (cssFont[i-950] == 0) break;
     }
   } else //keep receiving notification behavior from pre0.5.0 after update
   {
@@ -397,11 +390,11 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
     {
       hueIP[i-2050] = EEPROM.read(i);
     }
-    hueApiKey = "";
+
     for (int i = 2054; i < 2100; ++i)
     {
-      if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-      hueApiKey += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+      hueApiKey[i-2054] = EEPROM.read(i);
+      if (hueApiKey[i-2054] == 0) break;
     }
     huePollIntervalMs = ((EEPROM.read(2100) << 0) & 0xFF) + ((EEPROM.read(2101) << 8) & 0xFF00);
     notifyHue = EEPROM.read(2102);
@@ -425,11 +418,9 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
     countdownSec = EEPROM.read(2161);
     setCountdown();
 
-    cronixieDisplay = "";
     for (int i = 2165; i < 2171; ++i)
     {
-      if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-      cronixieDisplay += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+      cronixieDisplay[i-2165] = EEPROM.read(i);
     }
     cronixieBacklight = EEPROM.read(2171);
     
@@ -464,11 +455,10 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
     presetApplyFx = EEPROM.read(2212);
   }
 
-  blynkApiKey = "";
   for (int i = 2220; i < 2255; ++i)
   {
-    if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-    blynkApiKey += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+    blynkApiKey[i-2220] = EEPROM.read(i);
+    if (blynkApiKey[i-2220] == 0) break;
   }
   
   bootPreset = EEPROM.read(389);
@@ -487,7 +477,7 @@ void loadSettingsFromEEPROM(bool first)
     for (int i=in; i < in+8; ++i)
     {
       if (EEPROM.read(i) == 0) break;
-      cssCol[k] += char(EEPROM.read(i));
+      cssCol[i-in][k] =EEPROM.read(i);
     }}
 
   //custom macro memory (16 slots/ each 64byte)
diff --git a/wled00/wled02_xml.ino b/wled00/wled02_xml.ino
index 31592a98..93568ec4 100644
--- a/wled00/wled02_xml.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled02_xml.ino
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ void XML_response()
    oappend("</wv><md>");
    oappendi(useHSB);
    oappend("</md><ds>");
-   oappend((char*)serverDescription.c_str());
+   oappend(serverDescription);
    oappend("</ds></vs>");
    server.send(200, "text/xml", obuf);
 }
@@ -107,9 +107,9 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
   if (subPage <1 || subPage >6) return;
 
   if (subPage == 1) {
-    sappend('s',"CS",(int)clientSSID.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"CS",(int)clientSSID);
 
-    byte l = clientPass.length();
+    byte l = strlen(clientPass);
     char fpass[l+1]; //fill password field with ***
     fpass[l] = 0;
     memset(fpass,'*',l); 
@@ -124,12 +124,12 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
       k[0] = 'S'; sappend('v',k,staticSubnet[i]);
     }
 
-    sappend('s',"CM",(int)cmDNS.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"CM",(int)cmDNS);
     sappend('v',"AT",apWaitTimeSecs);
-    sappend('s',"AS",(int)apSSID.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"AS",(int)apSSID);
     sappend('c',"AH",apHide);
     
-    l = apPass.length();
+    l = strlen(apPass);
     char fapass[l+1]; //fill password field with ***
     fapass[l] = 0;
     memset(fapass,'*',l); 
@@ -139,7 +139,10 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
 
     if (WiFi.localIP()[0] != 0) //is connected
     {
-      sappend('m',"(\"sip\")[0]",(int)WiFi.localIP().toString().c_str());
+      char s[16];
+      IPAddress localIP = WiFi.localIP();
+      sprintf(s, "%d.%d.%d.%d", localIP[0], localIP[1], localIP[2], localIP[3]);
+      sappend('m',"(\"sip\")[0]",(int)s);
     } else
     {
       sappend('m',"(\"sip\")[0]",(int)"Not connected");
@@ -147,7 +150,10 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
     
     if (WiFi.softAPIP()[0] != 0) //is active
     {
-      sappend('m',"(\"sip\")[1]",(int)WiFi.softAPIP().toString().c_str());
+      char s[16];
+      IPAddress apIP = WiFi.softAPIP();
+      sprintf(s, "%d.%d.%d.%d", apIP[0], apIP[1], apIP[2], apIP[3]);
+      sappend('m',"(\"sip\")[1]",(int)apIP);
     } else
     {
       sappend('m',"(\"sip\")[1]",(int)"Not active");
@@ -192,16 +198,16 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
   if (subPage == 3)
   { 
     sappend('i',"UI",uiConfiguration);
-    sappend('s',"DS",(int)serverDescription.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"DS",(int)serverDescription);
     sappend('c',"MD",useHSBDefault);
     sappend('i',"TH",currentTheme);
     char k[3]; k[0] = 'C'; k[2] = 0; //keys
     for (int i=0; i<6; i++)
     {
       k[1] = 48+i; //ascii 0,1,2,3,4,5
-      sappend('s',k,(int)cssCol[i].c_str());
+      sappend('s',k,(int)cssCol[i]);
     }
-    sappend('s',"CF",(int)cssFont.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"CF",(int)cssFont);
   }
 
   if (subPage == 4)
@@ -218,7 +224,7 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
     sappend('c',"RD",receiveDirect);
     sappend('c',"RU",enableRealtimeUI);
     sappend('c',"AL",alexaEnabled);
-    sappend('s',"AI",(int)alexaInvocationName.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"AI",(int)alexaInvocationName);
     sappend('c',"SA",alexaNotify);
     sappend('s',"BK",(int)((blynkEnabled)?"Hidden":""));
     sappend('v',"H0",hueIP[0]);
@@ -231,7 +237,7 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
     sappend('c',"HO",hueApplyOnOff);
     sappend('c',"HB",hueApplyBri);
     sappend('c',"HC",hueApplyColor);
-    sappend('m',"(\"hms\")[0]",(int)hueError.c_str());
+    sappend('m',"(\"hms\")[0]",(int)hueError);
   }
 
   if (subPage == 5)
@@ -247,7 +253,7 @@ void getSettingsJS(byte subPage) //get values for settings form in javascript
     sappend('v',"OM",analogClock12pixel);
     sappend('c',"OS",analogClockSecondsTrail);
     sappend('c',"O5",analogClock5MinuteMarks);
-    sappend('s',"CX",(int)cronixieDisplay.c_str());
+    sappend('s',"CX",(int)cronixieDisplay);
     sappend('c',"CB",cronixieBacklight);
     sappend('c',"CE",countdownMode);
     sappend('v',"CY",countdownYear);
diff --git a/wled00/wled03_set.ino b/wled00/wled03_set.ino
index a0ebaddf..9ddacbfc 100644
--- a/wled00/wled03_set.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled03_set.ino
@@ -21,91 +21,44 @@ void handleSettingsSet(byte subPage)
   //WIFI SETTINGS
   if (subPage == 1)
   {
-    if (server.hasArg("CS")) clientSSID = server.arg("CS");
+    if (server.hasArg("CS")) strcpy(clientSSID,server.arg("CS").c_str());
     if (server.hasArg("CP"))
     {
       if (!server.arg("CP").indexOf('*') == 0)
       {
-        DEBUG_PRINTLN("Setting pass");
-        clientPass = server.arg("CP");
+        strcpy(clientPass,server.arg("CP").c_str());
       }
     }
-    if (server.hasArg("CM")) cmDNS = server.arg("CM");
+    if (server.hasArg("CM")) strcpy(cmDNS,server.arg("CM").c_str());
     if (server.hasArg("AT"))
     {
         int i = server.arg("AT").toInt();
         if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) apWaitTimeSecs = i;
     }
-    if (server.hasArg("AS")) apSSID = server.arg("AS");
+    if (server.hasArg("AS")) strcpy(apSSID,server.arg("AS").c_str());
     apHide = server.hasArg("AH");
     if (server.hasArg("AP"))
     {
-      if (!server.arg("AP").indexOf('*') == 0) apPass = server.arg("AP");
+      if (server.arg("AP").charAt(0) != '*') strcpy(apPass,server.arg("AP").c_str());
     }
     if (server.hasArg("AC"))
     {
       int chan = server.arg("AC").toInt();
       if (chan > 0 && chan < 14) apChannel = chan;
     }
-    if (server.hasArg("I0"))
+    char k[3]; k[2] = 0; int j = 0;
+    for (int i = 0; i<4; i++)
     {
-      int i = server.arg("I0").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticIP[0] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("I1"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("I1").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticIP[1] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("I2"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("I2").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticIP[2] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("I3"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("I3").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticIP[3] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("G0"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("G0").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticGateway[0] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("G1"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("G1").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticGateway[1] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("G2"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("G2").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticGateway[2] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("G3"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("G3").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticGateway[3] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("S0"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("S0").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticSubnet[0] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("S1"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("S1").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticSubnet[1] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("S2"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("S2").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticSubnet[2] = i;
-    }
-    if (server.hasArg("S3"))
-    {
-      int i = server.arg("S3").toInt();
-      if (i >= 0 && i <= 255) staticSubnet[3] = i;
+      k[1] = i+48;
+      k[0] = 'I'; //static IP
+      if (server.hasArg(k)) j = server.arg(k).toInt();
+      if (j >= 0 && j <= 255) staticIP[i] = j;
+      k[0] = 'G'; //gateway
+      if (server.hasArg(k)) j = server.arg(k).toInt();
+      if (j >= 0 && j <= 255) staticGateway[i] = j;
+      k[0] = 'S'; //subnet
+      if (server.hasArg(k)) j = server.arg(k).toInt();
+      if (j >= 0 && j <= 255) staticSubnet[i] = j;
     }
   }
 
@@ -245,15 +198,17 @@ void handleSettingsSet(byte subPage)
   if (subPage == 3)
   {
     if (server.hasArg("UI")) uiConfiguration = server.arg("UI").toInt();
-    if (server.hasArg("DS")) serverDescription = server.arg("DS");
+    if (server.hasArg("DS")) strcpy(serverDescription,server.arg("DS").c_str());
     useHSBDefault = server.hasArg("MD");
     useHSB = useHSBDefault;
     if (server.hasArg("TH")) currentTheme = server.arg("TH").toInt();
+    char k[3]; k[0]='C'; k[2]=0;
     for(int i=0;i<6;i++)
     {
-      if (server.hasArg("C"+String(i))) cssCol[i] = server.arg("C"+String(i));
+      k[1] = i+48;
+      if (server.hasArg(k)) strcpy(cssCol[i],server.arg(k).c_str());
     }
-    if (server.hasArg("CF")) cssFont = server.arg("CF");
+    if (server.hasArg("CF")) strcpy(cssFont,server.arg("CF").c_str());
     buildCssColorString();
   }
 
@@ -276,9 +231,9 @@ void handleSettingsSet(byte subPage)
     receiveDirect = server.hasArg("RD");
     enableRealtimeUI = server.hasArg("RU");
     alexaEnabled = server.hasArg("AL");
-    if (server.hasArg("AI")) alexaInvocationName = server.arg("AI");
+    if (server.hasArg("AI")) strcpy(alexaInvocationName,server.arg("AI").c_str());
     alexaNotify = server.hasArg("SA");
-    if (server.hasArg("BK") && !server.arg("BK").equals("Hidden")) {blynkApiKey = server.arg("BK"); initBlynk(blynkApiKey.c_str());}
+    if (server.hasArg("BK") && !server.arg("BK").equals("Hidden")) {strcpy(blynkApiKey,server.arg("BK").c_str()); initBlynk(blynkApiKey);}
     notifyHue = server.hasArg("SH");
     for (int i=0;i<4;i++){
       String a = "H"+String(i);
@@ -305,7 +260,7 @@ void handleSettingsSet(byte subPage)
     } else
     {
       huePollingEnabled = false;
-      hueError = "Inactive";
+      strcpy(hueError,"Inactive");
     }
   }
 
@@ -329,7 +284,7 @@ void handleSettingsSet(byte subPage)
     analogClock5MinuteMarks = server.hasArg("O5");
     analogClockSecondsTrail = server.hasArg("OS");
     
-    if (server.hasArg("CX")) cronixieDisplay = server.arg("CX");
+    if (server.hasArg("CX")) strcpy(cronixieDisplay,server.arg("CX").c_str());
     bool cbOld = cronixieBacklight;
     cronixieBacklight = server.hasArg("CB");
     if (cbOld != cronixieBacklight && overlayCurrent == 4)
@@ -371,13 +326,13 @@ void handleSettingsSet(byte subPage)
     bool pwdCorrect = !otaLock; //always allow access if ota not locked
     if (server.hasArg("OP"))
     {
-      if (otaLock && otaPass.equals(server.arg("OP")))
+      if (otaLock && strcmp(otaPass,server.arg("OP").c_str()) == 0)
       {
         pwdCorrect = true;
       }
       if (!otaLock && server.arg("OP").length() > 0)
       {
-        otaPass = server.arg("OP");
+        strcpy(otaPass,server.arg("OP").c_str());
       }
     }
     
@@ -788,7 +743,7 @@ bool handleSet(String req)
    //cronixie
    pos = req.indexOf("NX="); //sets digits to code
    if (pos > 0) {
-      cronixieDisplay = req.substring(pos + 3, pos + 9);
+      strcpy(cronixieDisplay,req.substring(pos + 3, pos + 9).c_str());
       setCronixie();
    }
    pos = req.indexOf("NM="); //mode, 1 countdown
diff --git a/wled00/wled05_init.ino b/wled00/wled05_init.ino
index 9b58affe..dea81ad8 100644
--- a/wled00/wled05_init.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled05_init.ino
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ void wledInit()
   ntpConnected = ntpUdp.begin(ntpLocalPort);
 
   //start captive portal
-  if (onlyAP || apSSID.length() > 0)
+  if (onlyAP || strlen(apSSID) > 0)
   {
     dnsServer.setErrorReplyCode(DNSReplyCode::NoError);
     dnsServer.start(53, "*", WiFi.softAPIP());
@@ -245,21 +245,21 @@ void wledInit()
       #endif
       DEBUG_PRINTLN("Start ArduinoOTA");
     });
-    if (cmDNS.length() > 0) ArduinoOTA.setHostname(cmDNS.c_str());
+    if (strlen(cmDNS) > 0) ArduinoOTA.setHostname(cmDNS);
     ArduinoOTA.begin();
   }
 
   if (!initLedsLast) strip.service();
   // Set up mDNS responder:
-  if (cmDNS.length() > 0 && !onlyAP)
+  if (strlen(cmDNS) > 0 && !onlyAP)
   {
-    MDNS.begin(cmDNS.c_str());
+    MDNS.begin(cmDNS);
     DEBUG_PRINTLN("mDNS responder started");
     // Add service to MDNS
     MDNS.addService("http", "tcp", 80);
   }
 
-  initBlynk(blynkApiKey.c_str());
+  initBlynk(blynkApiKey);
 
   if (initLedsLast) initStrip();
   userBegin();
@@ -286,10 +286,10 @@ void initStrip()
 }
 
 void initAP(){
-  String save = apSSID;
-  if (apSSID.length() <1) apSSID = "WLED-AP";
-  WiFi.softAP(apSSID.c_str(), apPass.c_str(), apChannel, apHide);
-  apSSID = save;
+  bool set = apSSID[0];
+  if (!set) strcpy(apSSID,"WLED-AP");
+  WiFi.softAP(apSSID, apPass, apChannel, apHide);
+  if (!set) apSSID[0] = 0;
 }
 
 void initCon()
@@ -304,10 +304,10 @@ void initCon()
     WiFi.config(0U, 0U, 0U);
   }
 
-  if (apSSID.length()>0)
+  if (strlen(apSSID)>0)
   {
     DEBUG_PRINT("USING AP");
-    DEBUG_PRINTLN(apSSID.length());
+    DEBUG_PRINTLN(strlen(apSSID));
     initAP();
   } else
   {
@@ -315,13 +315,13 @@ void initCon()
     WiFi.softAPdisconnect(true);
   }
   int fail_count = 0;
-  if (clientSSID.length() <1 || clientSSID.equals("Your_Network")) fail_count = apWaitTimeSecs*2;
+  if (strlen(clientSSID) <1 || strcmp(clientSSID,"Your_Network") == 0) fail_count = apWaitTimeSecs*2; //instantly go to ap mode
   #ifndef ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32
   WiFi.hostname(serverDescription);
   #endif
-  WiFi.begin(clientSSID.c_str(), clientPass.c_str());
+  WiFi.begin(clientSSID, clientPass);
   #ifdef ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32
-  WiFi.setHostname(serverDescription.c_str());
+  WiFi.setHostname(serverDescription);
   #endif
   unsigned long lastTry = 0;
   bool con = false;
diff --git a/wled00/wled10_ntp.ino b/wled00/wled10_ntp.ino
index 30eba409..61e0c7f6 100644
--- a/wled00/wled10_ntp.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled10_ntp.ino
@@ -72,8 +72,7 @@ void handleNetworkTime()
 
 void sendNTPPacket()
 {
-  const char* ntpsrv = ntpServerName.c_str();
-  WiFi.hostByName(ntpsrv, ntpServerIP);
+  WiFi.hostByName(ntpServerName, ntpServerIP);
   DEBUG_PRINTLN("send NTP packet");
 
   memset(ntpPacketBuffer, 0, NTP_PACKET_SIZE);
diff --git a/wled00/wled12_alexa.ino b/wled00/wled12_alexa.ino
index 1c0fedb6..8297edad 100644
--- a/wled00/wled12_alexa.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled12_alexa.ino
@@ -27,14 +27,13 @@ void handleAlexa()
     int packetSize = UDP.parsePacket();
       if(packetSize>0) {
         IPAddress remote = UDP.remoteIP();
-        int len = UDP.read(packetBuffer, 254);
+        int len = UDP.read(obuf, 254);
         if (len > 0) {
-            packetBuffer[len] = 0;
+            obuf[len] = 0;
         }
-        String request = packetBuffer;
         
-        if(request.indexOf("M-SEARCH") >= 0) {
-          if(request.indexOf("upnp:rootdevice") > 0 || request.indexOf("device:basic:1") > 0) {
+        if(strstr(obuf,"M-SEARCH") > 0) {
+          if(strstr(obuf,"upnp:rootdevice") > 0 || strstr(obuf,"device:basic:1") > 0) {
               DEBUG_PRINTLN("Responding search req...");
               respondToSearch();
           }
@@ -246,14 +245,14 @@ bool handleAlexaApiCall(String req, String body) //basic implementation of Phili
   if (req.indexOf("lights/1") > 0) //client wants light info
   {
     DEBUG_PRINTLN("l1");
-    server.send(200, "application/json", "{\"manufacturername\":\"OpenSource\",\"modelid\":\"LST001\",\"name\":\""+ alexaInvocationName +"\",\"state\":{\"on\":"+ boolString(bri) +",\"hue\":0,\"bri\":"+ briForHue(bri) +",\"sat\":0,\"xy\":[0.00000,0.00000],\"ct\":500,\"alert\":\"none\",\"effect\":\"none\",\"colormode\":\"hs\",\"reachable\":true},\"swversion\":\"0.1\",\"type\":\"Extended color light\",\"uniqueid\":\"2\"}");
+    server.send(200, "application/json", "{\"manufacturername\":\"OpenSource\",\"modelid\":\"LST001\",\"name\":\""+ String(alexaInvocationName) +"\",\"state\":{\"on\":"+ boolString(bri) +",\"hue\":0,\"bri\":"+ briForHue(bri) +",\"sat\":0,\"xy\":[0.00000,0.00000],\"ct\":500,\"alert\":\"none\",\"effect\":\"none\",\"colormode\":\"hs\",\"reachable\":true},\"swversion\":\"0.1\",\"type\":\"Extended color light\",\"uniqueid\":\"2\"}");
 
     return true;
   }
   if (req.indexOf("lights") > 0) //client wants all lights
   {
     DEBUG_PRINTLN("lAll");
-    server.send(200, "application/json", "{\"1\":{\"type\":\"Extended color light\",\"manufacturername\":\"OpenSource\",\"swversion\":\"0.1\",\"name\":\""+ alexaInvocationName +"\",\"uniqueid\":\""+ WiFi.macAddress() +"-2\",\"modelid\":\"LST001\",\"state\":{\"on\":"+ boolString(bri) +",\"bri\":"+ briForHue(bri) +",\"xy\":[0.00000,0.00000],\"colormode\":\"hs\",\"effect\":\"none\",\"ct\":500,\"hue\":0,\"sat\":0,\"alert\":\"none\",\"reachable\":true}}}");
+    server.send(200, "application/json", "{\"1\":{\"type\":\"Extended color light\",\"manufacturername\":\"OpenSource\",\"swversion\":\"0.1\",\"name\":\""+ String(alexaInvocationName) +"\",\"uniqueid\":\""+ WiFi.macAddress() +"-2\",\"modelid\":\"LST001\",\"state\":{\"on\":"+ boolString(bri) +",\"bri\":"+ briForHue(bri) +",\"xy\":[0.00000,0.00000],\"colormode\":\"hs\",\"effect\":\"none\",\"ct\":500,\"hue\":0,\"sat\":0,\"alert\":\"none\",\"reachable\":true}}}");
     return true;
   }
 
diff --git a/wled00/wled13_cronixie.ino b/wled00/wled13_cronixie.ino
index f1dea952..ae31072a 100644
--- a/wled00/wled13_cronixie.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled13_cronixie.ino
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 /*
  * Support for the Cronixie clock
  */
-byte getSameCodeLength(char code, int index, char const digits[])
+byte getSameCodeLength(char code, int index, char const cronixieDisplay[])
 {
   byte counter = 0;
   
   for (int i = index+1; i < 6; i++)
   {
-    if (digits[i] == code)
+    if (cronixieDisplay[i] == code)
     {
       counter++;
     } else {
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@ byte getSameCodeLength(char code, int index, char const digits[])
 
 void setCronixie()
 {
-  char digits[6]; for (int a=0;a<6;a++) digits[a]=cronixieDisplay.charAt(a);
   /*
    * digit purpose index
    * 0-9 | 0-9 (incl. random)
@@ -84,14 +83,14 @@ void setCronixie()
   //D Day of Week | DD Day Of Month | DDD Day Of Year
 
   DEBUG_PRINT("cset ");
-  DEBUG_PRINTLN(digits);
+  DEBUG_PRINTLN(cronixieDisplay);
 
   overlayRefreshMs = 1997; //Only refresh every 2secs if no seconds are displayed
   
   for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++)
   {
     dP[i] = 10;
-    switch (digits[i])
+    switch (cronixieDisplay[i])
     {
       case '_': dP[i] = 10; break; 
       case '-': dP[i] = 11; break; 
@@ -99,24 +98,24 @@ void setCronixie()
       case 'R': dP[i] = random(0,10); break; //random btw. 0-9
       case 't': break; //Test upw.
       case 'T': break; //Test dnw.
-      case 'b': dP[i] = 14 + getSameCodeLength('b',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-14; break; 
-      case 'B': dP[i] = 14 + getSameCodeLength('B',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-14; break;
-      case 'h': dP[i] = 70 + getSameCodeLength('h',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-70; break;
-      case 'H': dP[i] = 20 + getSameCodeLength('H',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-20; break;
+      case 'b': dP[i] = 14 + getSameCodeLength('b',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-14; break; 
+      case 'B': dP[i] = 14 + getSameCodeLength('B',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-14; break;
+      case 'h': dP[i] = 70 + getSameCodeLength('h',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-70; break;
+      case 'H': dP[i] = 20 + getSameCodeLength('H',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-20; break;
       case 'A': dP[i] = 108; i++; break;
       case 'a': dP[i] = 58; i++; break;
-      case 'm': dP[i] = 74 + getSameCodeLength('m',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-74; break;
-      case 'M': dP[i] = 24 + getSameCodeLength('M',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-24; break;
-      case 's': dP[i] = 80 + getSameCodeLength('s',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-80; overlayRefreshMs = 497; break; //refresh more often bc. of secs
-      case 'S': dP[i] = 30 + getSameCodeLength('S',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-30; overlayRefreshMs = 497; break;
-      case 'Y': dP[i] = 36 + getSameCodeLength('Y',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-36; break; 
-      case 'y': dP[i] = 86 + getSameCodeLength('y',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-86; break; 
-      case 'I': dP[i] = 39 + getSameCodeLength('I',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-39; break;  //Month. Don't ask me why month and minute both start with M.
-      case 'i': dP[i] = 89 + getSameCodeLength('i',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-89; break; 
+      case 'm': dP[i] = 74 + getSameCodeLength('m',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-74; break;
+      case 'M': dP[i] = 24 + getSameCodeLength('M',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-24; break;
+      case 's': dP[i] = 80 + getSameCodeLength('s',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-80; overlayRefreshMs = 497; break; //refresh more often bc. of secs
+      case 'S': dP[i] = 30 + getSameCodeLength('S',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-30; overlayRefreshMs = 497; break;
+      case 'Y': dP[i] = 36 + getSameCodeLength('Y',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-36; break; 
+      case 'y': dP[i] = 86 + getSameCodeLength('y',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-86; break; 
+      case 'I': dP[i] = 39 + getSameCodeLength('I',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-39; break;  //Month. Don't ask me why month and minute both start with M.
+      case 'i': dP[i] = 89 + getSameCodeLength('i',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-89; break; 
       case 'W': break;
       case 'w': break;
-      case 'D': dP[i] = 43 + getSameCodeLength('D',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-43; break;
-      case 'd': dP[i] = 93 + getSameCodeLength('d',i,digits); i = i+dP[i]-93; break;
+      case 'D': dP[i] = 43 + getSameCodeLength('D',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-43; break;
+      case 'd': dP[i] = 93 + getSameCodeLength('d',i,cronixieDisplay); i = i+dP[i]-93; break;
       case '0': dP[i] = 0; break;
       case '1': dP[i] = 1; break;
       case '2': dP[i] = 2; break;
diff --git a/wled00/wled15_hue.ino b/wled00/wled15_hue.ino
index 68793d20..b7f56545 100644
--- a/wled00/wled15_hue.ino
+++ b/wled00/wled15_hue.ino
@@ -17,18 +17,18 @@ bool setupHue()
 {
   if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) //setup needed
   {
-    if (hueApiKey.length()>20) //api key is probably ok
+    if (strlen(hueApiKey)>20) //api key is probably ok
     {
       if (sendHuePoll(false))
       {
         huePollingEnabled = true;
         return true;
       }
-      if (hueError.charAt(0) == 'R' || hueError.charAt(0) == 'I') return false; //can't connect
+      if (hueError[0] == 'R' || hueError[0] == 'I') return false; //can't connect
       delay(20);
     }
     sendHuePoll(true); //new API key
-    if (hueError.charAt(0) != 'C') return false; //still some error
+    if (hueError[0] != 'C') return false; //still some error
     delay(20);
     if (sendHuePoll(false))
     {
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ bool sendHuePoll(bool sAuth)
   if (httpCode>0){
     st = handleHueResponse(hueClient.getString(),sAuth);
   } else {
-    hueError = "Request timed out";
+    strcpy(hueError,"Request timed out");
     st = false;
   }
   if (!st){ //error
@@ -81,10 +81,13 @@ bool handleHueResponse(String hueResp, bool isAuth)
     int hueErrorCode = getJsonValue(&hueResp,"type").toInt();
     switch (hueErrorCode)
     {
-      case 1: hueError = "Unauthorized"; break;
-      case 3: hueError = "Invalid light ID"; break;
-      case 101: hueError = "Link button not pressed"; break;
-      default: hueError = "Bridge Error " + String(hueErrorCode);
+      case 1: strcpy(hueError,"Unauthorized"); break;
+      case 3: strcpy(hueError,"Invalid light ID"); break;
+      case 101: strcpy(hueError,"Link button not pressed"); break;
+      default:
+        char coerr[18];
+        sprintf(coerr,"Bridge Error %i",hueErrorCode);
+        strcpy(hueError,coerr);
     }
     return false;
   }
@@ -94,10 +97,10 @@ bool handleHueResponse(String hueResp, bool isAuth)
     String tempApi = getJsonValue(&hueResp,"username");
     if (tempApi.length()>0)
     {
-      hueApiKey = tempApi;
+      strcpy(hueApiKey,tempApi.c_str());
       return true;
     }
-    hueError = "Invalid response";
+    strcpy(hueError,"Invalid response");
     return false;
   }
 
@@ -157,7 +160,7 @@ bool handleHueResponse(String hueResp, bool isAuth)
   }
   hueFailCount = 0;
   huePollIntervalMsTemp = huePollIntervalMs;
-  hueError = "Connected";
+  strcpy(hueError,"Connected");
   //applying vals
   if (hueBri != hueBriLast)
   {