diff --git a/platformio.ini b/platformio.ini
index 30787a9f..36643c8f 100644
--- a/platformio.ini
+++ b/platformio.ini
@@ -8,12 +8,15 @@
 # Please uncomment one of the lines below to select your board(s)
 # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-# Travis CI binaries (comment this out with a ';' when building for your own board)
-;default_envs = travis_esp8266, travis_esp32
+# Travis CI binaries (use `platformio_override.ini` when building for your own board; see `platformio_override.ini.sample` for an example)
+; default_envs = travis_esp8266, travis_esp32
 
 # Release binaries
 default_envs = nodemcuv2, esp01_1m_full, esp32dev, esp32_eth
 
+# Build everything
+; default_envs = esp32dev, esp8285_4CH_MagicHome, esp8285_4CH_H801, codm-controller-0.6-rev2, codm-controller-0.6, esp32s2_saola, d1_mini_5CH_Shojo_PCB, d1_mini, sp501e, travis_esp8266, travis_esp32, nodemcuv2, esp32_eth, anavi_miracle_controller, esp07, esp01_1m_full, m5atom, h803wf, d1_mini_ota, heltec_wifi_kit_8, esp8285_5CH_H801, d1_mini_debug, wemos_shield_esp32, elekstube_ips
+
 # Single binaries (uncomment your board)
 ; default_envs = elekstube_ips
 ; default_envs = nodemcuv2
@@ -399,7 +402,7 @@ build_flags = ${common.build_flags_esp32}
   -D TEMPERATURE_PIN=23
 lib_deps = ${esp32.lib_deps}
   OneWire@~2.3.5
-  U8g2@~2.28.11
+  olikraus/U8g2 @ ^2.28.8
 
 [env:m5atom]
 board = esp32dev
@@ -482,4 +485,6 @@ build_flags = ${common.build_flags_esp32} -D WLED_DISABLE_BROWNOUT_DET -D WLED_D
   -D SPI_FREQUENCY=40000000
   -D USER_SETUP_LOADED
 monitor_filters = esp32_exception_decoder
-lib_deps = ${esp32.lib_deps} TFT_eSPI
+lib_deps =
+  ${esp32.lib_deps}
+  TFT_eSPI @ ^2.3.70
diff --git a/usermods/Animated_Staircase/Animated_Staircase.h b/usermods/Animated_Staircase/Animated_Staircase.h
index 88aa7793..87b5511d 100644
--- a/usermods/Animated_Staircase/Animated_Staircase.h
+++ b/usermods/Animated_Staircase/Animated_Staircase.h
@@ -306,22 +306,26 @@ class Animated_Staircase : public Usermod {
 
   public:
     void setup() {
+      // standardize invalid pin numbers to -1
+      if (topPIRorTriggerPin    < 0) topPIRorTriggerPin    = -1;
+      if (topEchoPin            < 0) topEchoPin            = -1;
+      if (bottomPIRorTriggerPin < 0) bottomPIRorTriggerPin = -1;
+      if (bottomEchoPin         < 0) bottomEchoPin         = -1;
       // allocate pins
-      if (topPIRorTriggerPin >= 0) {
-        if (!pinManager.allocatePin(topPIRorTriggerPin,useUSSensorTop))
-          topPIRorTriggerPin = -1;
-      }
-      if (topEchoPin >= 0) {
-        if (!pinManager.allocatePin(topEchoPin,false))
-          topEchoPin = -1;
-      }
-      if (bottomPIRorTriggerPin >= 0) {
-        if (!pinManager.allocatePin(bottomPIRorTriggerPin,useUSSensorBottom))
-          bottomPIRorTriggerPin = -1;
-      }
-      if (bottomEchoPin >= 0) {
-        if (!pinManager.allocatePin(bottomEchoPin,false))
-          bottomEchoPin = -1;
+      PinManagerPinType pins[4] = {
+        { topPIRorTriggerPin, useUSSensorTop },
+        { topEchoPin, false },
+        { bottomPIRorTriggerPin, useUSSensorBottom },
+        { bottomEchoPin, false },
+      };
+      // NOTE: this *WILL* return TRUE if all the pins are set to -1.
+      //       this is *BY DESIGN*.
+      if (!pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pins, 4, PinOwner::UM_AnimatedStaircase)) {
+        topPIRorTriggerPin = -1;
+        topEchoPin = -1;
+        bottomPIRorTriggerPin = -1;
+        bottomEchoPin = -1;
+        enabled = false;
       }
       enable(enabled);
       initDone = true;
@@ -484,10 +488,10 @@ class Animated_Staircase : public Usermod {
             (oldBottomAPin != bottomPIRorTriggerPin) ||
             (oldBottomBPin != bottomEchoPin)) {
           changed = true;
-          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldTopAPin);
-          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldTopBPin);
-          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldBottomAPin);
-          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldBottomBPin);
+          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldTopAPin, PinOwner::UM_AnimatedStaircase);
+          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldTopBPin, PinOwner::UM_AnimatedStaircase);
+          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldBottomAPin, PinOwner::UM_AnimatedStaircase);
+          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldBottomBPin, PinOwner::UM_AnimatedStaircase);
         }
         if (changed) setup();
       }
diff --git a/usermods/EleksTube_IPS/ChipSelect.h b/usermods/EleksTube_IPS/ChipSelect.h
index c58b2854..ced5eb8e 100644
--- a/usermods/EleksTube_IPS/ChipSelect.h
+++ b/usermods/EleksTube_IPS/ChipSelect.h
@@ -58,12 +58,12 @@ public:
   void setMinutesTens()                           { setDigit(MINUTES_TENS); }
   void setHoursOnes()                             { setDigit(HOURS_ONES); }
   void setHoursTens()                             { setDigit(HOURS_TENS); }
-  bool isSecondsOnes()                            { return (digits_map&SECONDS_ONES_MAP > 0); }
-  bool isSecondsTens()                            { return (digits_map&SECONDS_TENS_MAP > 0); }
-  bool isMinutesOnes()                            { return (digits_map&MINUTES_ONES_MAP > 0); }
-  bool isMinutesTens()                            { return (digits_map&MINUTES_TENS_MAP > 0); }
-  bool isHoursOnes()                              { return (digits_map&HOURS_ONES_MAP > 0); }
-  bool isHoursTens()                              { return (digits_map&HOURS_TENS_MAP > 0); }
+  bool isSecondsOnes()                            { return ((digits_map & SECONDS_ONES_MAP) > 0); }
+  bool isSecondsTens()                            { return ((digits_map & SECONDS_TENS_MAP) > 0); }
+  bool isMinutesOnes()                            { return ((digits_map & MINUTES_ONES_MAP) > 0); }
+  bool isMinutesTens()                            { return ((digits_map & MINUTES_TENS_MAP) > 0); }
+  bool isHoursOnes()                              { return ((digits_map & HOURS_ONES_MAP) > 0); }
+  bool isHoursTens()                              { return ((digits_map & HOURS_TENS_MAP) > 0); }
 };
 
 
diff --git a/usermods/PIR_sensor_switch/usermod_PIR_sensor_switch.h b/usermods/PIR_sensor_switch/usermod_PIR_sensor_switch.h
index b36a2891..6682dde3 100644
--- a/usermods/PIR_sensor_switch/usermod_PIR_sensor_switch.h
+++ b/usermods/PIR_sensor_switch/usermod_PIR_sensor_switch.h
@@ -201,12 +201,14 @@ public:
   {
     if (enabled) {
       // pin retrieved from cfg.json (readFromConfig()) prior to running setup()
-      if (PIRsensorPin >= 0 && pinManager.allocatePin(PIRsensorPin,false)) {
+      if (PIRsensorPin >= 0 && pinManager.allocatePin(PIRsensorPin, false, PinOwner::UM_PIR)) {
         // PIR Sensor mode INPUT_PULLUP
         pinMode(PIRsensorPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
         sensorPinState = digitalRead(PIRsensorPin);
       } else {
-        if (PIRsensorPin >= 0) DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("PIRSensorSwitch pin allocation failed."));
+        if (PIRsensorPin >= 0) {
+          DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("PIRSensorSwitch pin allocation failed."));
+        }
         PIRsensorPin = -1;  // allocation failed
         enabled = false;
       }
@@ -367,8 +369,8 @@ public:
         if (oldPin != PIRsensorPin && oldPin >= 0) {
           // if we are changing pin in settings page
           // deallocate old pin
-          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldPin);
-          if (pinManager.allocatePin(PIRsensorPin,false)) {
+          pinManager.deallocatePin(oldPin, PinOwner::UM_PIR);
+          if (pinManager.allocatePin(PIRsensorPin, false, PinOwner::UM_PIR)) {
             pinMode(PIRsensorPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
           } else {
             // allocation failed
diff --git a/usermods/Temperature/usermod_temperature.h b/usermods/Temperature/usermod_temperature.h
index ad55b49e..7c209f47 100644
--- a/usermods/Temperature/usermod_temperature.h
+++ b/usermods/Temperature/usermod_temperature.h
@@ -117,14 +117,19 @@ class UsermodTemperature : public Usermod {
         // config says we are enabled
         DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Allocating temperature pin..."));
         // pin retrieved from cfg.json (readFromConfig()) prior to running setup()
-        if (temperaturePin >= 0 && pinManager.allocatePin(temperaturePin)) {
+        if (temperaturePin >= 0 && pinManager.allocatePin(temperaturePin, true, PinOwner::UM_Temperature)) {
           oneWire = new OneWire(temperaturePin);
-          if (!oneWire->reset())
+          if (!oneWire->reset()) {
             sensorFound = false;   // resetting 1-Wire bus yielded an error
-          else
-            while ((sensorFound=findSensor()) && retries--) delay(25); // try to find sensor
+          } else {
+            while ((sensorFound=findSensor()) && retries--) {
+              delay(25); // try to find sensor
+            }
+          }
         } else {
-          if (temperaturePin >= 0) DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Temperature pin allocation failed."));
+          if (temperaturePin >= 0) {
+            DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Temperature pin allocation failed."));
+          }
           temperaturePin = -1;  // allocation failed
           sensorFound = false;
         }
@@ -275,7 +280,7 @@ class UsermodTemperature : public Usermod {
           DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Re-init temperature."));
           // deallocate pin and release memory
           delete oneWire;
-          pinManager.deallocatePin(temperaturePin);
+          pinManager.deallocatePin(temperaturePin, PinOwner::UM_Temperature);
           temperaturePin = newTemperaturePin;
           // initialise
           setup();
diff --git a/usermods/multi_relay/usermod_multi_relay.h b/usermods/multi_relay/usermod_multi_relay.h
index 0820cac3..52fbd7f9 100644
--- a/usermods/multi_relay/usermod_multi_relay.h
+++ b/usermods/multi_relay/usermod_multi_relay.h
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ class MultiRelay : public Usermod {
       // pins retrieved from cfg.json (readFromConfig()) prior to running setup()
       for (uint8_t i=0; i<MULTI_RELAY_MAX_RELAYS; i++) {
         if (_relay[i].pin<0) continue;
-        if (!pinManager.allocatePin(_relay[i].pin,true)) {
+        if (!pinManager.allocatePin(_relay[i].pin,true, PinOwner::UM_MultiRelay)) {
           _relay[i].pin = -1;  // allocation failed
         } else {
           switchRelay(i, _relay[i].state = (bool)bri);
@@ -381,12 +381,14 @@ class MultiRelay : public Usermod {
         // deallocate all pins 1st
         for (uint8_t i=0; i<MULTI_RELAY_MAX_RELAYS; i++)
           if (oldPin[i]>=0) {
-            pinManager.deallocatePin(oldPin[i]);
+            pinManager.deallocatePin(oldPin[i], PinOwner::UM_MultiRelay);
           }
         // allocate new pins
         for (uint8_t i=0; i<MULTI_RELAY_MAX_RELAYS; i++) {
-          if (_relay[i].pin>=0 && pinManager.allocatePin(_relay[i].pin,true)) {
-            if (!_relay[i].external) switchRelay(i, _relay[i].state = (bool)bri);
+          if (_relay[i].pin>=0 && pinManager.allocatePin(_relay[i].pin, true, PinOwner::UM_MultiRelay)) {
+            if (!_relay[i].external) {
+              switchRelay(i, _relay[i].state = (bool)bri);
+            }
           } else {
             _relay[i].pin = -1;
           }
diff --git a/usermods/rgb-rotary-encoder/rgb-rotary-encoder.h b/usermods/rgb-rotary-encoder/rgb-rotary-encoder.h
index ab680a8f..cde22012 100644
--- a/usermods/rgb-rotary-encoder/rgb-rotary-encoder.h
+++ b/usermods/rgb-rotary-encoder/rgb-rotary-encoder.h
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ class RgbRotaryEncoderUsermod : public Usermod
     BusDigital *ledBus;
     /*
     * Green - eb - Q4 - 32
-    * Red - ea - Q1 - 15
+    * Red   - ea - Q1 - 15
     * Black - sw - Q2 - 12
     */
     ESPRotary *rotaryEncoder;
@@ -39,13 +39,10 @@ class RgbRotaryEncoderUsermod : public Usermod
 
     void initRotaryEncoder()
     {
-      if (!pinManager.allocatePin(eaIo, false)) {
+      PinManagerPinType pins[2] = { { eaIo, false }, { ebIo, false } };
+      if (!pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pins, 2, UM_RGBRotaryEncoder)) {
         eaIo = -1;
-      }
-      if (!pinManager.allocatePin(ebIo, false)) {
         ebIo = -1;
-      }
-      if (eaIo == -1 || ebIo == -1) {
         cleanup();
         return;
       }
@@ -111,10 +108,12 @@ class RgbRotaryEncoderUsermod : public Usermod
     {
       // Only deallocate pins if we allocated them ;)
       if (eaIo != -1) {
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(eaIo);
+        pinManager.deallocatePin(eaIo, PinOwner::UM_RGBRotaryEncoder);
+        eaIo = -1;
       }
       if (ebIo != -1) {
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(ebIo);
+        pinManager.deallocatePin(ebIo, PinOwner::UM_RGBRotaryEncoder);
+        ebIo = -1;
       }
 
       delete rotaryEncoder;
@@ -304,8 +303,8 @@ class RgbRotaryEncoderUsermod : public Usermod
           }
 
           if (eaIo != oldEaIo || ebIo != oldEbIo || stepsPerClick != oldStepsPerClick || incrementPerClick != oldIncrementPerClick) {
-            pinManager.deallocatePin(oldEaIo);
-            pinManager.deallocatePin(oldEbIo);
+            pinManager.deallocatePin(oldEaIo, PinOwner::UM_RGBRotaryEncoder);
+            pinManager.deallocatePin(oldEbIo, PinOwner::UM_RGBRotaryEncoder);
             
             delete rotaryEncoder;
             initRotaryEncoder();
diff --git a/usermods/usermod_v2_four_line_display/usermod_v2_four_line_display.h b/usermods/usermod_v2_four_line_display/usermod_v2_four_line_display.h
index 833ed101..2089db93 100644
--- a/usermods/usermod_v2_four_line_display/usermod_v2_four_line_display.h
+++ b/usermods/usermod_v2_four_line_display/usermod_v2_four_line_display.h
@@ -168,14 +168,12 @@ class FourLineDisplayUsermod : public Usermod {
     // network here
     void setup() {
       if (type == NONE) return;
-      bool allocated = false;
-      byte i;
       if (type == SSD1306_SPI || type == SSD1306_SPI64) {
-        for (i=0; i<5; i++) if (!pinManager.allocatePin(ioPin[i])) { allocated=true; break; }
-        if (i<5 && allocated) { for (byte i=0; i<5; i++) pinManager.deallocatePin(ioPin[i]); type=NONE; return; }
+        PinManagerPinType pins[5] = { { ioPin[0], true }, { ioPin[1], true}, { ioPin[2], true }, { ioPin[3], true}, { ioPin[4], true }};
+        if (!pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pins, 5, PinOwner::UM_FourLineDisplay)) { type=NONE; return; }
       } else {
-        for (i=0; i<2; i++) if (!pinManager.allocatePin(ioPin[i])) { allocated=true; break; }
-        if (i<2 && allocated) { for (byte i=0; i<5; i++) pinManager.deallocatePin(ioPin[i]); type=NONE; return; }
+        PinManagerPinType pins[2] = { { ioPin[0], true }, { ioPin[1], true} };
+        if (!pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pins, 2, PinOwner::UM_FourLineDisplay)) { type=NONE; return; }
       }
       DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Allocating display."));
       switch (type) {
@@ -240,18 +238,17 @@ class FourLineDisplayUsermod : public Usermod {
           break;
         default:
           u8x8 = nullptr;
+      }
+      if (nullptr == u8x8) {
+          DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Display init failed."));
+          for (byte i=0; i<5 && ioPin[i]>=0; i++) pinManager.deallocatePin(ioPin[i], PinOwner::UM_FourLineDisplay);
           type = NONE;
           return;
       }
+
       initDone = true;
-      if (u8x8 != nullptr) {
-        DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Starting display."));
-        (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->begin();
-      } else {
-        DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Display init failed."));
-        type = NONE;
-        return;
-      }
+      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Starting display."));
+      u8x8->begin();
       setFlipMode(flip);
       setContrast(contrast); //Contrast setup will help to preserve OLED lifetime. In case OLED need to be brighter increase number up to 255
       setPowerSave(0);
@@ -277,40 +274,40 @@ class FourLineDisplayUsermod : public Usermod {
      */
     void setFlipMode(uint8_t mode) {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->setFlipMode(mode);
+      u8x8->setFlipMode(mode);
     }
     void setContrast(uint8_t contrast) {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->setContrast(contrast);
+      u8x8->setContrast(contrast);
     }
     void drawString(uint8_t col, uint8_t row, const char *string, bool ignoreLH=false) {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->setFont(u8x8_font_chroma48medium8_r);
-      if (!ignoreLH && lineHeight==2) (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->draw1x2String(col, row, string);
-      else                            (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->drawString(col, row, string);
+      u8x8->setFont(u8x8_font_chroma48medium8_r);
+      if (!ignoreLH && lineHeight==2) u8x8->draw1x2String(col, row, string);
+      else                            u8x8->drawString(col, row, string);
     }
     void draw2x2String(uint8_t col, uint8_t row, const char *string) {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->setFont(u8x8_font_chroma48medium8_r);
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->draw2x2String(col, row, string);
+      u8x8->setFont(u8x8_font_chroma48medium8_r);
+      u8x8->draw2x2String(col, row, string);
     }
     void drawGlyph(uint8_t col, uint8_t row, char glyph, const uint8_t *font, bool ignoreLH=false) {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->setFont(font);
-      if (!ignoreLH && lineHeight==2) (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->draw1x2Glyph(col, row, glyph);
-      else                            (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->drawGlyph(col, row, glyph);
+      u8x8->setFont(font);
+      if (!ignoreLH && lineHeight==2) u8x8->draw1x2Glyph(col, row, glyph);
+      else                            u8x8->drawGlyph(col, row, glyph);
     }
     uint8_t getCols() {
       if (type==NONE) return 0;
-      return (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->getCols();
+      return u8x8->getCols();
     }
     void clear() {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->clear();
+      u8x8->clear();
     }
     void setPowerSave(uint8_t save) {
       if (type==NONE) return;
-      (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8))->setPowerSave(save);
+      u8x8->setPowerSave(save);
     }
 
     void center(String &line, uint8_t width) {
@@ -725,9 +722,9 @@ class FourLineDisplayUsermod : public Usermod {
         bool pinsChanged = false;
         for (byte i=0; i<5; i++) if (ioPin[i] != newPin[i]) { pinsChanged = true; break; }
         if (pinsChanged || type!=newType) {
-          if (type != NONE) delete (static_cast<U8X8*>(u8x8));
+          if (type != NONE) delete u8x8;
           for (byte i=0; i<5; i++) {
-            if (ioPin[i]>=0) pinManager.deallocatePin(ioPin[i]);
+            if (ioPin[i]>=0) pinManager.deallocatePin(ioPin[i], PinOwner::UM_FourLineDisplay);
             ioPin[i] = newPin[i];
           }
           if (ioPin[0]<0 || ioPin[1]<0) { // data & clock must be > -1
diff --git a/usermods/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui.h b/usermods/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui.h
index 5c8dd70e..bf909bdc 100644
--- a/usermods/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui.h
+++ b/usermods/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui/usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui.h
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ private:
   unsigned char Enc_B;
   unsigned char Enc_A_prev = 0;
 
-  bool currentEffectAndPaleeteInitialized = false;
+  bool currentEffectAndPaletteInitialized = false;
   uint8_t effectCurrentIndex = 0;
   uint8_t effectPaletteIndex = 0;
 
@@ -97,9 +97,17 @@ public:
      */
   void setup()
   {
-    if (!pinManager.allocatePin(pinA)) { enabled = false; return;}
-    if (!pinManager.allocatePin(pinB)) { pinManager.deallocatePin(pinA); enabled = false; return; }
-    if (!pinManager.allocatePin(pinC)) { pinManager.deallocatePin(pinA); pinManager.deallocatePin(pinB); enabled = false; return; }
+    PinManagerPinType pins[3] = { { pinA, false }, { pinB, false }, { pinC, false } };
+    if (!pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pins, 3, PinOwner::UM_RotaryEncoderUI)) {
+      // BUG: configuring this usermod with conflicting pins
+      //      will cause it to de-allocate pins it does not own
+      //      (at second config)
+      //      This is the exact type of bug solved by pinManager
+      //      tracking the owner tags....
+      pinA = pinB = pinC = -1;
+      enabled = false;
+      return;
+    }
 
     pinMode(pinA, INPUT_PULLUP);
     pinMode(pinB, INPUT_PULLUP);
@@ -152,7 +160,7 @@ public:
     // Initialize effectCurrentIndex and effectPaletteIndex to
     // current state. We do it here as (at least) effectCurrent
     // is not yet initialized when setup is called.
-    if (!currentEffectAndPaleeteInitialized) {
+    if (!currentEffectAndPaletteInitialized) {
       findCurrentEffectAndPalette();
     }
 
@@ -248,7 +256,7 @@ public:
   }
 
   void findCurrentEffectAndPalette() {
-    currentEffectAndPaleeteInitialized = true;
+    currentEffectAndPaletteInitialized = true;
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i < strip.getModeCount(); i++) {
       //byte value = modes_alpha_indexes[i];
       if (modes_alpha_indexes[i] == effectCurrent) {
@@ -455,9 +463,9 @@ public:
       DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(" config (re)loaded."));
       // changing parameters from settings page
       if (pinA!=newDTpin || pinB!=newCLKpin || pinC!=newSWpin) {
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(pinA);
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(pinB);
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(pinC);
+        pinManager.deallocatePin(pinA, PinOwner::UM_RotaryEncoderUI);
+        pinManager.deallocatePin(pinB, PinOwner::UM_RotaryEncoderUI);
+        pinManager.deallocatePin(pinC, PinOwner::UM_RotaryEncoderUI);
         pinA = newDTpin;
         pinB = newCLKpin;
         pinC = newSWpin;
diff --git a/wled00/FX.h b/wled00/FX.h
index 57d4cf04..cacd3e8d 100644
--- a/wled00/FX.h
+++ b/wled00/FX.h
@@ -916,7 +916,9 @@ const char JSON_palette_names[] PROGMEM = R"=====([
 "Pastel","Sunset 2","Beech","Vintage","Departure","Landscape","Beach","Sherbet","Hult","Hult 64",
 "Drywet","Jul","Grintage","Rewhi","Tertiary","Fire","Icefire","Cyane","Light Pink","Autumn",
 "Magenta","Magred","Yelmag","Yelblu","Orange & Teal","Tiamat","April Night","Orangery","C9","Sakura",
-"Aurora","Atlantica","C9 2","C9 New","Temperature","Aurora 2"
+"Aurora","Atlantica","C9 2","C9 New","Temperature","Aurora 2","Retro Clown","Candy","Toxy Reaf","Fairy Reaf",
+"Semi Blue","Pink Candy","Red Reaf","Aqua Flash","Yelblu Hot","Lite Light","Red Flash","Blink Red","Red Shift","Red Tide",
+"Candy2"
 ])=====";
 
 #endif
diff --git a/wled00/bus_manager.h b/wled00/bus_manager.h
index 2172f667..f607a001 100644
--- a/wled00/bus_manager.h
+++ b/wled00/bus_manager.h
@@ -125,10 +125,10 @@ class BusDigital : public Bus {
   public:
   BusDigital(BusConfig &bc, uint8_t nr) : Bus(bc.type, bc.start) {
     if (!IS_DIGITAL(bc.type) || !bc.count) return;
-    if (!pinManager.allocatePin(bc.pins[0])) return;
+    if (!pinManager.allocatePin(bc.pins[0], true, PinOwner::BusDigital)) return;
     _pins[0] = bc.pins[0];
     if (IS_2PIN(bc.type)) {
-      if (!pinManager.allocatePin(bc.pins[1])) {
+      if (!pinManager.allocatePin(bc.pins[1], true, PinOwner::BusDigital)) {
         cleanup(); return;
       }
       _pins[1] = bc.pins[1];
@@ -208,11 +208,11 @@ class BusDigital : public Bus {
 
   void cleanup() {
     PolyBus::cleanup(_busPtr, _iType);
-    pinManager.deallocatePin(_pins[0]);
-    pinManager.deallocatePin(_pins[1]);
     _iType = I_NONE;
     _valid = false;
     _busPtr = nullptr;
+    pinManager.deallocatePin(_pins[1], PinOwner::BusDigital);
+    pinManager.deallocatePin(_pins[0], PinOwner::BusDigital);
   }
 
   ~BusDigital() {
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ class BusPwm : public Bus {
 
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i < numPins; i++) {
       uint8_t currentPin = bc.pins[i];
-      if (!pinManager.allocatePin(currentPin)) {
+      if (!pinManager.allocatePin(currentPin, true, PinOwner::BusPwm)) {
         deallocatePins(); return;
       }
       _pins[i] = currentPin; // store only after allocatePin() succeeds
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ class BusPwm : public Bus {
   void deallocatePins() {
     uint8_t numPins = NUM_PWM_PINS(_type);
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i < numPins; i++) {
-      pinManager.deallocatePin(_pins[i]);
+      pinManager.deallocatePin(_pins[i], PinOwner::BusPwm);
       if (!pinManager.isPinOk(_pins[i])) continue;
       #ifdef ESP8266
       digitalWrite(_pins[i], LOW); //turn off PWM interrupt
@@ -469,4 +469,4 @@ class BusManager {
   uint8_t numBusses = 0;
   Bus* busses[WLED_MAX_BUSSES];
 };
-#endif
\ No newline at end of file
+#endif
diff --git a/wled00/cfg.cpp b/wled00/cfg.cpp
index 215c3795..4d4b5995 100644
--- a/wled00/cfg.cpp
+++ b/wled00/cfg.cpp
@@ -19,6 +19,13 @@ bool deserializeConfig(JsonObject doc, bool fromFS) {
 
   //long vid = doc[F("vid")]; // 2010020
 
+  #ifdef WLED_USE_ETHERNET
+  JsonObject ethernet = doc[F("eth")];
+  CJSON(ethernetType, ethernet["type"]);
+  // NOTE: Ethernet configuration takes priority over other use of pins
+  WLED::instance().initEthernet();
+  #endif
+
   JsonObject id = doc["id"];
   getStringFromJson(cmDNS, id[F("mdns")], 33);
   getStringFromJson(serverDescription, id[F("name")], 33);
@@ -93,7 +100,7 @@ bool deserializeConfig(JsonObject doc, bool fromFS) {
 
   JsonObject hw = doc[F("hw")];
 
-  // initialize LED pins and lengths prior to other HW
+  // initialize LED pins and lengths prior to other HW (except for ethernet)
   JsonObject hw_led = hw[F("led")];
 
   CJSON(ledCount, hw_led[F("total")]);
@@ -162,7 +169,7 @@ bool deserializeConfig(JsonObject doc, bool fromFS) {
     for (JsonObject btn : hw_btn_ins) {
       CJSON(buttonType[s], btn["type"]);
       int8_t pin = btn["pin"][0] | -1;
-      if (pin > -1 && pinManager.allocatePin(pin,false)) {
+      if (pin > -1 && pinManager.allocatePin(pin, false, PinOwner::Button)) {
         btnPin[s] = pin;
         pinMode(btnPin[s], INPUT_PULLUP);
       } else {
@@ -186,8 +193,10 @@ bool deserializeConfig(JsonObject doc, bool fromFS) {
     // new install/missing configuration (button 0 has defaults)
     if (fromFS) {
       // relies upon only being called once with fromFS == true, which is currently true.
-      uint8_t s=0;
-      if (pinManager.allocatePin(btnPin[0],false)) s++; // do not clear button 0 if pin successfully allocated
+      uint8_t s = 0;
+      if (pinManager.allocatePin(btnPin[0], false, PinOwner::Button)) { // initialized to #define value BTNPIN, or zero if not defined(!)
+        ++s; // do not clear default button if allocated successfully 
+      }
       for (; s<WLED_MAX_BUTTONS; s++) {
         btnPin[s]           = -1;
         buttonType[s]       = BTN_TYPE_NONE;
@@ -202,7 +211,7 @@ bool deserializeConfig(JsonObject doc, bool fromFS) {
 
   int hw_ir_pin = hw["ir"]["pin"] | -2; // 4
   if (hw_ir_pin > -2) {
-    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_ir_pin,false)) {
+    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_ir_pin, false, PinOwner::IR)) {
       irPin = hw_ir_pin;
     } else {
       irPin = -1;
@@ -213,7 +222,7 @@ bool deserializeConfig(JsonObject doc, bool fromFS) {
   JsonObject relay = hw[F("relay")];
   int hw_relay_pin = relay["pin"] | -2;
   if (hw_relay_pin > -2) {
-    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_relay_pin,true)) {
+    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_relay_pin,true, PinOwner::Relay)) {
       rlyPin = hw_relay_pin;
       pinMode(rlyPin, OUTPUT);
     } else {
@@ -469,6 +478,8 @@ void deserializeConfigFromFS() {
     return;
   }
 
+  // NOTE: This routine deserializes *and* applies the configuration
+  //       Therefore, must also initialize ethernet from this function
   deserializeConfig(doc.as<JsonObject>(), true);  
 }
 
diff --git a/wled00/const.h b/wled00/const.h
index 02ca6e21..99174f25 100644
--- a/wled00/const.h
+++ b/wled00/const.h
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@
 #ifdef ESP8266
   #define LEDPIN 2    // GPIO2 (D4) on Wemod D1 mini compatible boards
 #else
-  #define LEDPIN 16   // alligns with GPIO2 (D4) on Wemos D1 mini32 compatible boards
+  #define LEDPIN 16   // aligns with GPIO2 (D4) on Wemos D1 mini32 compatible boards
 #endif
 #endif
 
diff --git a/wled00/overlay.cpp b/wled00/overlay.cpp
index 8917b2a8..98339686 100644
--- a/wled00/overlay.cpp
+++ b/wled00/overlay.cpp
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ void _drawOverlayCronixie()
 }
 
 #else // WLED_DISABLE_CRONIXIE
-byte getSameCodeLength(char code, int index, char const cronixieDisplay[]) {return 0;}
+byte getSameCodeLength(char code, int index, char const cronixieDisplay[]) { return 0; }
 void setCronixie() {}
 void _overlayCronixie() {}
 void _drawOverlayCronixie() {}
diff --git a/wled00/palettes.h b/wled00/palettes.h
index 80b0ea53..c9bdf3f6 100644
--- a/wled00/palettes.h
+++ b/wled00/palettes.h
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 #ifndef PalettesWLED_h
 #define PalettesWLED_h
 
-#define GRADIENT_PALETTE_COUNT 43
+#define GRADIENT_PALETTE_COUNT 58
 
 const byte ib_jul01_gp[] PROGMEM = {
     0, 194,  1,  1,
@@ -631,7 +631,7 @@ const byte temperature_gp[] PROGMEM = {
   240,  80,  3,  3,
   255,  80,  3,  3};
 
-  const byte Aurora2[] PROGMEM = {
+  const byte Aurora2_gp[] PROGMEM = {
       0,  17, 177,  13,    //Greenish
      64, 121, 242,   5,    //Greenish
     128,  25, 173, 121,    //Turquoise
@@ -639,6 +639,213 @@ const byte temperature_gp[] PROGMEM = {
     255, 171, 101, 221     //Purple
   };
 
+  // Gradient palette "bhw1_01_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_01.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 12 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte retro_clown_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0, 227,101,  3,
+  117, 194, 18, 19,
+  255,  92,  8,192};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw1_04_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_04.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 20 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte candy_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0, 229,227,  1,
+   15, 227,101,  3,
+  142,  40,  1, 80,
+  198,  17,  1, 79,
+  255,   0,  0, 45};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw1_05_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_05.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 8 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte toxy_reaf_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   1,221, 53,
+  255,  73,  3,178};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw1_06_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_06.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 16 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte  fairy_reaf_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0, 184,  1,128,
+  160,   1,193,182,
+  219, 153,227,190,
+  255, 255,255,255};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw1_14_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_14.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 36 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte semi_blue_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   0,  0,  0,
+   12,   1,  1,  3,
+   53,   8,  1, 22,
+   80,   4,  6, 89,
+  119,   2, 25,216,
+  145,   7, 10, 99,
+  186,  15,  2, 31,
+  233,   2,  1,  5,
+  255,   0,  0,  0};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw1_three_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_three.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 32 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte pink_candy_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0, 255,255,255,
+   45,   7, 12,255,
+  112, 227,  1,127,
+  112, 227,  1,127,
+  140, 255,255,255,
+  155, 227,  1,127,
+  196,  45,  1, 99,
+  255, 255,255,255};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw1_w00t_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw1/tn/bhw1_w00t.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 16 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte red_reaf_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   3, 13, 43,
+  104,  78,141,240,
+  188, 255,  0,  0,
+  255,  28,  1,  1};
+
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw2_23_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw2/tn/bhw2_23.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Red & Flash in SR
+// Size: 28 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte aqua_flash_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   0,  0,  0,
+   66,  57,227,233,
+   96, 255,255,  8,
+  124, 255,255,255,
+  153, 255,255,  8,
+  188,  57,227,233,
+  255,   0,  0,  0};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw2_xc_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw2/tn/bhw2_xc.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// YBlue in SR
+// Size: 28 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte yelblu_hot_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   4,  2,  9,
+   58,  16,  0, 47,
+  122,  24,  0, 16,
+  158, 144,  9,  1,
+  183, 179, 45,  1,
+  219, 220,114,  2,
+  255, 234,237,  1};
+
+ // Gradient palette "bhw2_45_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw2/tn/bhw2_45.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 24 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte lite_light_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   0,  0,  0,
+    9,   1,  1,  1,
+   40,   5,  5,  6,
+   66,   5,  5,  6,
+  101,  10,  1, 12,
+  255,   0,  0,  0};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw2_22_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw2/tn/bhw2_22.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Pink Plasma in SR
+// Size: 20 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte red_flash_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   0,  0,  0,
+   99, 227,  1,  1,
+  130, 249,199, 95,
+  155, 227,  1,  1,
+  255,   0,  0,  0};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw3_40_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw3/tn/bhw3_40.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 32 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte blink_red_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,   1,  1,  1,
+   43,   4,  1, 11,
+   76,  10,  1,  3,
+  109, 161,  4, 29,
+  127, 255, 86,123,
+  165, 125, 16,160,
+  204,  35, 13,223,
+  255,  18,  2, 18};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw3_52_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw3/tn/bhw3_52.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Yellow2Blue in SR
+// Size: 28 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte red_shift_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,  31,  1, 27,
+   45,  34,  1, 16,
+   99, 137,  5,  9,
+  132, 213,128, 10,
+  175, 199, 22,  1,
+  201, 199,  9,  6,
+  255,   1,  0,  1};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw4_097_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw4/tn/bhw4_097.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Yellow2Red in SR
+// Size: 44 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte red_tide_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0, 247,  5,  0,
+   28, 255, 67,  1,
+   43, 234, 88, 11,
+   58, 234,176, 51,
+   84, 229, 28,  1,
+  114, 113, 12,  1,
+  140, 255,225, 44,
+  168, 113, 12,  1,
+  196, 244,209, 88,
+  216, 255, 28,  1,
+  255,  53,  1,  1};
+
+// Gradient palette "bhw4_017_gp", originally from
+// http://soliton.vm.bytemark.co.uk/pub/cpt-city/bhw/bhw4/tn/bhw4_017.png.index.html
+// converted for FastLED with gammas (2.6, 2.2, 2.5)
+// Size: 40 bytes of program space.
+
+const byte candy2_gp[] PROGMEM = {
+    0,  39, 33, 34,
+   25,   4,  6, 15,
+   48,  49, 29, 22,
+   73, 224,173,  1,
+   89, 177, 35,  5,
+  130,   4,  6, 15,
+  163, 255,114,  6,
+  186, 224,173,  1,
+  211,  39, 33, 34,
+  255,   1,  1,  1};
+
 // Single array of defined cpt-city color palettes.
 // This will let us programmatically choose one based on
 // a number, rather than having to activate each explicitly
@@ -686,7 +893,22 @@ const byte* const gGradientPalettes[] PROGMEM = {
   C9_2_gp,                      //52-39 C9 2
   C9_new_gp,                    //53-40 C9 New
   temperature_gp,               //54-41 Temperature
-  Aurora2                       //55-42 Aurora 2
+  Aurora2_gp,                   //55-42 Aurora 2
+  retro_clown_gp,               //56-43 Retro Clown
+  candy_gp,                     //57-44 Candy
+  toxy_reaf_gp,                 //58-45 Toxy Reaf
+  fairy_reaf_gp,                //59-46 Fairy Reaf
+  semi_blue_gp,                 //60-47 Semi Blue
+  pink_candy_gp,                //61-48 Pink Candy
+  red_reaf_gp,                  //62-49 Red Reaf
+  aqua_flash_gp,                //63-50 Aqua Flash
+  yelblu_hot_gp,                //64-51 Yelblu Hot
+  lite_light_gp,                //65-52 Lite Light
+  red_flash_gp,                 //66-53 Red Flash
+  blink_red_gp,                 //67-54 Blink Red
+  red_shift_gp,                 //68-55 Red Shift
+  red_tide_gp,                  //69-56 Red Tide
+  candy2_gp                     //70-57 Candy2
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/wled00/pin_manager.cpp b/wled00/pin_manager.cpp
index d260ae95..38e6e162 100644
--- a/wled00/pin_manager.cpp
+++ b/wled00/pin_manager.cpp
@@ -1,35 +1,110 @@
 #include "pin_manager.h"
 #include "wled.h"
 
-void PinManagerClass::deallocatePin(byte gpio)
+static void DebugPrintOwnerTag(PinOwner tag)
 {
-  if (!isPinOk(gpio, false)) return;
+  uint32_t q = static_cast<uint8_t>(tag);
+  if (q) {
+    DEBUG_PRINTF("0x%02x (%d)", q, q);
+  } else {
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F("(no owner)"));
+  }
+}
+
+/// Actual allocation/deallocation routines
+bool PinManagerClass::deallocatePin(byte gpio, PinOwner tag)
+{
+  if (gpio == 0xFF) return true;           // explicitly allow clients to free -1 as a no-op
+  if (!isPinOk(gpio, false)) return false; // but return false for any other invalid pin
+
+  // if a non-zero ownerTag, only allow de-allocation if the owner's tag is provided
+  if ((ownerTag[gpio] != PinOwner::None) && (ownerTag[gpio] != tag)) {
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F("PIN DEALLOC: IO "));
+    DEBUG_PRINT(gpio);
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F(" allocated by "));
+    DebugPrintOwnerTag(ownerTag[gpio]);
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F(", but attempted de-allocation by "));
+    DebugPrintOwnerTag(tag);
+    return false;
+  }
   
   byte by = gpio >> 3;
   byte bi = gpio - 8*by;
   bitWrite(pinAlloc[by], bi, false);
+  ownerTag[gpio] = PinOwner::None;
+  return true;
 }
+bool PinManagerClass::allocateMultiplePins(const managed_pin_type * mptArray, byte arrayElementCount, PinOwner tag)
+{
+  bool shouldFail = false;
+  // first verify the pins are OK and not already allocated
+  for (int i = 0; i < arrayElementCount; i++) {
+    byte gpio = mptArray[i].pin;
+    if (gpio == 0xFF) {
+      // explicit support for io -1 as a no-op (no allocation of pin),
+      // as this can greatly simplify configuration arrays
+      continue;
+    }
+    if (!isPinOk(gpio, mptArray[i].isOutput)) {
+      DEBUG_PRINT(F("PIN ALLOC: Invalid pin attempted to be allocated: "));
+      DEBUG_PRINT(gpio);
+      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(""));
+      shouldFail = true;
+    }
+    if (isPinAllocated(gpio)) {
+      DEBUG_PRINT(F("PIN ALLOC: FAIL: IO ")); 
+      DEBUG_PRINT(gpio);
+      DEBUG_PRINT(F(" already allocated by "));
+      DebugPrintOwnerTag(ownerTag[gpio]);
+      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(""));
+      shouldFail = true;
+    }
+  }
+  if (shouldFail) {
+    return false;
+  }
 
-bool PinManagerClass::allocatePin(byte gpio, bool output)
+  // all pins are available .. track each one
+  for (int i = 0; i < arrayElementCount; i++) {
+    byte gpio = mptArray[i].pin;
+    if (gpio == 0xFF) {
+      // allow callers to include -1 value as non-requested pin
+      // as this can greatly simplify configuration arrays
+      continue;
+    }
+    byte by = gpio >> 3;
+    byte bi = gpio - 8*by;
+    bitWrite(pinAlloc[by], bi, true);
+    ownerTag[gpio] = tag;
+  }
+  return true;
+}
+bool PinManagerClass::allocatePin(byte gpio, bool output, PinOwner tag)
 {
   if (!isPinOk(gpio, output)) return false;
   if (isPinAllocated(gpio)) {
-    DEBUG_PRINT(F("Attempted duplicate allocation of pin "));
-    DEBUG_PRINTLN(gpio);
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F("PIN ALLOC: Pin ")); 
+    DEBUG_PRINT(gpio);
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F(" already allocated by "));
+    DebugPrintOwnerTag(ownerTag[gpio]);
+    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(""));
     return false;
   }
 
   byte by = gpio >> 3;
   byte bi = gpio - 8*by;
   bitWrite(pinAlloc[by], bi, true);
+  ownerTag[gpio] = tag;
   
   return true;
 }
 
-bool PinManagerClass::isPinAllocated(byte gpio)
+// if tag is set to PinOwner::None, checks for ANY owner of the pin.
+// if tag is set to any other value, checks if that tag is the current owner of the pin.
+bool PinManagerClass::isPinAllocated(byte gpio, PinOwner tag)
 {
   if (!isPinOk(gpio, false)) return true;
-  
+  if ((tag != PinOwner::None) && (ownerTag[gpio] != tag)) return false;
   byte by = gpio >> 3;
   byte bi = gpio - 8*by;
   return bitRead(pinAlloc[by], bi);
@@ -46,7 +121,7 @@ bool PinManagerClass::isPinOk(byte gpio, bool output)
   if (gpio < 34) return true;
   if (gpio < 40 && !output) return true; //34-39 input only
   #endif
-  
+
   return false;
 }
 
@@ -88,4 +163,4 @@ void PinManagerClass::deallocateLedc(byte pos, byte channels)
 }
 #endif
 
-PinManagerClass pinManager = PinManagerClass();
\ No newline at end of file
+PinManagerClass pinManager = PinManagerClass();
diff --git a/wled00/pin_manager.h b/wled00/pin_manager.h
index 601c4be3..aba1ae9d 100644
--- a/wled00/pin_manager.h
+++ b/wled00/pin_manager.h
@@ -4,21 +4,92 @@
  * Registers pins so there is no attempt for two interfaces to use the same pin
  */
 #include <Arduino.h>
+#include "const.h" // for USERMOD_* values
+
+typedef struct PinManagerPinType {
+  int8_t  pin;
+  uint8_t isOutput;
+} managed_pin_type;
+
+/*
+ * Allows PinManager to "lock" an allocation to a specific
+ * owner, so someone else doesn't accidentally de-allocate
+ * a pin it hasn't allocated.  Also enhances debugging.
+ * 
+ * RAM Cost:
+ *     17 bytes on ESP8266
+ *     40 bytes on ESP32
+ */
+enum struct PinOwner : uint8_t {
+  None          = 0,            // default == legacy == unspecified owner
+  // High bit is set for all built-in pin owners
+  Ethernet      = 0x81,
+  BusDigital    = 0x82,
+  BusDigital2   = 0x83,
+  BusPwm        = 0x84,   // 'BusP' == PWM output using BusPwm
+  Button        = 0x85,   // 'Butn' == button from configuration
+  IR            = 0x86,   // 'IR'   == IR receiver pin from configuration
+  Relay         = 0x87,   // 'Rly'  == Relay pin from configuration
+  SPI_RAM       = 0x88,   // 'SpiR' == SPI RAM
+  DebugOut      = 0x89,   // 'Dbg'  == debug output always IO1
+  DMX           = 0x8A,   // 'DMX'  == hard-coded to IO2
+  // Use UserMod IDs from const.h here
+  UM_Unspecified       = USERMOD_ID_UNSPECIFIED,        // 0x01
+  UM_RGBRotaryEncoder  = USERMOD_ID_UNSPECIFIED,        // 0x01 // No define in const.h for this user module -- consider adding?
+  UM_Example           = USERMOD_ID_EXAMPLE,            // 0x02 // Usermod "usermod_v2_example.h"
+  UM_Temperature       = USERMOD_ID_TEMPERATURE,        // 0x03 // Usermod "usermod_temperature.h"
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_FIXNETSERVICES                  // 0x04 // Usermod "usermod_Fix_unreachable_netservices.h" -- Does not allocate pins
+  UM_PIR               = USERMOD_ID_PIRSWITCH,          // 0x05 // Usermod "usermod_PIR_sensor_switch.h"
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_IMU                             // 0x06 // Usermod "usermod_mpu6050_imu.h" -- Uses "standard" I2C pins ... TODO -- enable shared I2C bus use
+  UM_FourLineDisplay   = USERMOD_ID_FOUR_LINE_DISP,     // 0x07 // Usermod "usermod_v2_four_line_display.h
+  UM_RotaryEncoderUI   = USERMOD_ID_ROTARY_ENC_UI,      // 0x08 // Usermod "usermod_v2_rotary_encoder_ui.h"
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_AUTO_SAVE                       // 0x09 // Usermod "usermod_v2_auto_save.h" -- Does not allocate pins
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_DHT                             // 0x0A // Usermod "usermod_dht.h" -- Statically allocates pins, not compatible with pinManager?
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_MODE_SORT                       // 0x0B // Usermod "usermod_v2_mode_sort.h" -- Does not allocate pins
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_VL53L0X                         // 0x0C // Usermod "usermod_vl53l0x_gestures.h" -- Uses "standard" I2C pins ... TODO -- enable shared I2C bus use
+  UM_MultiRelay        = USERMOD_ID_MULTI_RELAY,        // 0x0D // Usermod "usermod_multi_relay.h"
+  UM_AnimatedStaircase = USERMOD_ID_ANIMATED_STAIRCASE, // 0x0E // Usermod "Animated_Staircase.h"
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_RTC                             // 0x0F // Usermod "usermod_rtc.h" -- Uses "standard" I2C pins ... TODO -- enable shared I2C bus use
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_ELEKSTUBE_IPS                   // 0x10 // Usermod "usermod_elekstube_ips.h" -- Uses quite a few pins ... see Hardware.h and User_Setup.h
+  // #define USERMOD_ID_SN_PHOTORESISTOR                // 0x11 // Usermod "usermod_sn_photoresistor.h" -- Uses hard-coded pin (PHOTORESISTOR_PIN == A0), but could be easily updated to use pinManager
+};
+static_assert(0u == static_cast<uint8_t>(PinOwner::None), "PinOwner::None must be zero, so default array initialization works as expected");
 
 class PinManagerClass {
   private:
   #ifdef ESP8266
   uint8_t pinAlloc[3] = {0x00, 0x00, 0x00}; //24bit, 1 bit per pin, we use first 17bits
+  PinOwner ownerTag[17] = { PinOwner::None };
   #else
   uint8_t pinAlloc[5] = {0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00}; //40bit, 1 bit per pin, we use all bits
   uint8_t ledcAlloc[2] = {0x00, 0x00}; //16 LEDC channels
+  PinOwner ownerTag[40] = { PinOwner::None };
   #endif
 
   public:
-  void deallocatePin(byte gpio);
-  bool allocatePin(byte gpio, bool output = true);
-  bool isPinAllocated(byte gpio);
+  // De-allocates a single pin
+  bool deallocatePin(byte gpio, PinOwner tag);
+  // Allocates a single pin, with an owner tag.
+  // De-allocation requires the same owner tag (or override)
+  bool allocatePin(byte gpio, bool output, PinOwner tag);
+  // Allocates all the pins, or allocates none of the pins, with owner tag.
+  // Provided to simplify error condition handling in clients 
+  // using more than one pin, such as I2C, SPI, rotary encoders,
+  // ethernet, etc..
+  bool allocateMultiplePins(const managed_pin_type * mptArray, byte arrayElementCount, PinOwner tag );
+
+  #if !defined(ESP8266) // ESP8266 compiler doesn't understand deprecated attribute
+  [[deprecated("Replaced by three-parameter allocatePin(gpio, output, ownerTag), for improved debugging")]]
+  #endif
+  inline bool allocatePin(byte gpio, bool output = true) { return allocatePin(gpio, output, PinOwner::None); }
+  #if !defined(ESP8266) // ESP8266 compiler doesn't understand deprecated attribute
+  [[deprecated("Replaced by three-parameter deallocatePin(gpio, output, ownerTag), for improved debugging")]]
+  #endif
+  inline void deallocatePin(byte gpio) { deallocatePin(gpio, PinOwner::None); }
+
+  bool isPinAllocated(byte gpio, PinOwner tag = PinOwner::None);
   bool isPinOk(byte gpio, bool output = true);
+
   #ifdef ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32
   byte allocateLedc(byte channels);
   void deallocateLedc(byte pos, byte channels);
@@ -26,4 +97,4 @@ class PinManagerClass {
 };
 
 extern PinManagerClass pinManager;
-#endif
\ No newline at end of file
+#endif
diff --git a/wled00/set.cpp b/wled00/set.cpp
index 99579122..94fcec12 100644
--- a/wled00/set.cpp
+++ b/wled00/set.cpp
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ void handleSettingsSet(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, byte subPage)
 
     #ifdef WLED_USE_ETHERNET
     ethernetType = request->arg(F("ETH")).toInt();
+    WLED::instance().initEthernet();
     #endif
 
     char k[3]; k[2] = 0;
@@ -77,11 +78,17 @@ void handleSettingsSet(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, byte subPage)
   {
     int t = 0;
 
-    if (rlyPin>=0 && pinManager.isPinAllocated(rlyPin)) pinManager.deallocatePin(rlyPin);
-    if (irPin>=0 && pinManager.isPinAllocated(irPin)) pinManager.deallocatePin(irPin);
-    for (uint8_t s=0; s<WLED_MAX_BUTTONS; s++)
-      if (btnPin[s]>=0 && pinManager.isPinAllocated(btnPin[s]))
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(btnPin[s]);
+    if (rlyPin>=0 && pinManager.isPinAllocated(rlyPin, PinOwner::Relay)) {
+       pinManager.deallocatePin(rlyPin, PinOwner::Relay);
+    }
+    if (irPin>=0 && pinManager.isPinAllocated(irPin, PinOwner::IR)) {
+       pinManager.deallocatePin(irPin, PinOwner::IR);
+    }
+    for (uint8_t s=0; s<WLED_MAX_BUTTONS; s++) {
+      if (btnPin[s]>=0 && pinManager.isPinAllocated(btnPin[s], PinOwner::Button)) {
+        pinManager.deallocatePin(btnPin[s], PinOwner::Button);
+      }
+    }
 
     uint8_t colorOrder, type, skip;
     uint16_t length, start;
@@ -126,7 +133,7 @@ void handleSettingsSet(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, byte subPage)
 
     // upate other pins
     int hw_ir_pin = request->arg(F("IR")).toInt();
-    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_ir_pin,false)) {
+    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_ir_pin,false, PinOwner::IR)) {
       irPin = hw_ir_pin;
     } else {
       irPin = -1;
@@ -134,7 +141,7 @@ void handleSettingsSet(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, byte subPage)
     irEnabled = request->arg(F("IT")).toInt();
 
     int hw_rly_pin = request->arg(F("RL")).toInt();
-    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_rly_pin,true)) {
+    if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_rly_pin,true, PinOwner::Relay)) {
       rlyPin = hw_rly_pin;
     } else {
       rlyPin = -1;
@@ -145,7 +152,7 @@ void handleSettingsSet(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, byte subPage)
       char bt[4] = "BT"; bt[2] = 48+i; bt[3] = 0; // button pin
       char be[4] = "BE"; be[2] = 48+i; be[3] = 0; // button type
       int hw_btn_pin = request->arg(bt).toInt();
-      if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_btn_pin,false)) {
+      if (pinManager.allocatePin(hw_btn_pin,false,PinOwner::Button)) {
         btnPin[i] = hw_btn_pin;
         pinMode(btnPin[i], INPUT_PULLUP);
         buttonType[i] = request->arg(be).toInt();
diff --git a/wled00/wled.cpp b/wled00/wled.cpp
index 4a4f9136..f8fd6482 100644
--- a/wled00/wled.cpp
+++ b/wled00/wled.cpp
@@ -177,6 +177,11 @@ void WiFiEvent(WiFiEvent_t event)
       break;
     case SYSTEM_EVENT_ETH_DISCONNECTED:
       DEBUG_PRINT(F("ETH Disconnected"));
+      // This doesn't really affect ethernet per se,
+      // as it's only configured once.  Rather, it
+      // may be necessary to reconnect the WiFi when
+      // ethernet disconnects, as a way to provide
+      // alternative access to the device.
       forceReconnect = true;
       break;
 #endif
@@ -351,20 +356,21 @@ void WLED::setup()
   registerUsermods();
 
   #if defined(ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32) && defined(WLED_USE_PSRAM)
-    if (psramFound()) {
-      pinManager.allocatePin(16); // GPIO16 reserved for SPI RAM
-      pinManager.allocatePin(17); // GPIO17 reserved for SPI RAM
-    }
+  if (psramFound()) {
+    // GPIO16/GPIO17 reserved for SPI RAM
+    managed_pin_type pins[2] = { {16, true}, {17, true} };
+    pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pins, 2, PinOwner::SPI_RAM);
+  }
   #endif
 
   //DEBUG_PRINT(F("LEDs inited. heap usage ~"));
   //DEBUG_PRINTLN(heapPreAlloc - ESP.getFreeHeap());
 
 #ifdef WLED_DEBUG
-  pinManager.allocatePin(1,true); // GPIO1 reserved for debug output
+  pinManager.allocatePin(1, true, PinOwner::DebugOut); // GPIO1 reserved for debug output
 #endif
 #ifdef WLED_USE_DMX //reserve GPIO2 as hardcoded DMX pin
-  pinManager.allocatePin(2);
+  pinManager.allocatePin(2, true, PinOwner::DMX);
 #endif
 
   for (uint8_t i=1; i<WLED_MAX_BUTTONS; i++) btnPin[i] = -1;
@@ -509,72 +515,97 @@ void WLED::initAP(bool resetAP)
   apActive = true;
 }
 
+bool WLED::initEthernet()
+{
+#if defined(ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32) && defined(WLED_USE_ETHERNET)
+
+  static bool successfullyConfiguredEthernet = false;
+
+  if (successfullyConfiguredEthernet) {
+    // DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("initE: ETH already successfully configured, ignoring"));
+    return false;
+  }
+  if (ethernetType == WLED_ETH_NONE) {
+    return false;
+  }
+  if (ethernetType >= WLED_NUM_ETH_TYPES) {
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F("initE: Ignoring attempt for invalid ethernetType ")); DEBUG_PRINTLN(ethernetType);
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  DEBUG_PRINT(F("initE: Attempting ETH config: ")); DEBUG_PRINTLN(ethernetType);
+
+  // Ethernet initialization should only succeed once -- else reboot required
+  ethernet_settings es = ethernetBoards[ethernetType];
+  managed_pin_type pinsToAllocate[10] = {
+    // first six pins are non-configurable
+    esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[0],
+    esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[1],
+    esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[2],
+    esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[3],
+    esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[4],
+    esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[5],
+    { (int8_t)es.eth_mdc,   true },  // [6] = MDC  is output and mandatory
+    { (int8_t)es.eth_mdio,  true },  // [7] = MDIO is bidirectional and mandatory
+    { (int8_t)es.eth_power, true },  // [8] = optional pin, not all boards use
+    { ((int8_t)0xFE),       false }, // [9] = replaced with eth_clk_mode, mandatory
+  };
+  // update the clock pin....
+  if (es.eth_clk_mode == ETH_CLOCK_GPIO0_IN) {
+    pinsToAllocate[9].pin = 0;
+    pinsToAllocate[9].isOutput = false;
+  } else if (es.eth_clk_mode == ETH_CLOCK_GPIO0_OUT) {
+    pinsToAllocate[9].pin = 0;
+    pinsToAllocate[9].isOutput = true;
+  } else if (es.eth_clk_mode == ETH_CLOCK_GPIO16_OUT) {
+    pinsToAllocate[9].pin = 16;
+    pinsToAllocate[9].isOutput = true;
+  } else if (es.eth_clk_mode == ETH_CLOCK_GPIO17_OUT) {
+    pinsToAllocate[9].pin = 17;
+    pinsToAllocate[9].isOutput = true;
+  } else {
+    DEBUG_PRINT(F("initE: Failing due to invalid eth_clk_mode ("));
+    DEBUG_PRINT(es.eth_clk_mode);
+    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(")"));
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  if (!pinManager.allocateMultiplePins(pinsToAllocate, 10, PinOwner::Ethernet)) {
+    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("initE: Failed to allocate ethernet pins"));
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  if (!ETH.begin(
+                (uint8_t) es.eth_address, 
+                (int)     es.eth_power, 
+                (int)     es.eth_mdc, 
+                (int)     es.eth_mdio, 
+                (eth_phy_type_t)   es.eth_type,
+                (eth_clock_mode_t) es.eth_clk_mode
+                )) {
+    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("initC: ETH.begin() failed"));
+    // de-allocate the allocated pins
+    for (managed_pin_type mpt : pinsToAllocate) {
+      pinManager.deallocatePin(mpt.pin, PinOwner::Ethernet);
+    }
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  successfullyConfiguredEthernet = true;
+  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("initC: *** Ethernet successfully configured! ***"));
+  return true;
+#else
+  return false; // Ethernet not enabled for build
+#endif
+
+}
+
 void WLED::initConnection()
 {
   #ifdef WLED_ENABLE_WEBSOCKETS
   ws.onEvent(wsEvent);
   #endif
 
-#if defined(ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32) && defined(WLED_USE_ETHERNET)
-  // Only initialize ethernet board if not NONE
-  if (ethernetType != WLED_ETH_NONE && ethernetType < WLED_NUM_ETH_TYPES) {
-    ethernet_settings es = ethernetBoards[ethernetType];
-    // Use PinManager to ensure pins are available for
-    // ethernet AND to prevent other uses of these pins.
-    bool s = true;
-    byte pinsAllocated[4] { 255, 255, 255, 255 };
-
-    if (s && (s = pinManager.allocatePin((byte)es.eth_power))) {
-      pinsAllocated[0] = (byte)es.eth_power;
-    }
-    if (s && (s = pinManager.allocatePin((byte)es.eth_mdc))) {
-      pinsAllocated[1] = (byte)es.eth_mdc;
-    }
-    if (s && (s = pinManager.allocatePin((byte)es.eth_mdio))) {
-      pinsAllocated[2] = (byte)es.eth_mdio;
-    }
-    switch(es.eth_clk_mode) {
-      case ETH_CLOCK_GPIO0_IN:
-        s = pinManager.allocatePin(0, false);
-        pinsAllocated[3] = 0;
-        break;
-      case ETH_CLOCK_GPIO0_OUT:
-        s = pinManager.allocatePin(0);
-        pinsAllocated[3] = 0;
-        break;
-      case ETH_CLOCK_GPIO16_OUT:
-        s = pinManager.allocatePin(16);
-        pinsAllocated[3] = 16;
-        break;
-      case ETH_CLOCK_GPIO17_OUT:
-        s = pinManager.allocatePin(17);
-        pinsAllocated[3] = 17;
-        break;
-      default:
-        s = false;
-        break;
-    }
-
-    if (s) {
-      s = ETH.begin(
-        (uint8_t) es.eth_address, 
-        (int)     es.eth_power, 
-        (int)     es.eth_mdc, 
-        (int)     es.eth_mdio, 
-        (eth_phy_type_t)   es.eth_type,
-        (eth_clock_mode_t) es.eth_clk_mode
-      );
-    }
-    
-    if (!s) {
-      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Ethernet init failed"));
-      // de-allocate only those pins allocated before the failure
-      for (byte p : pinsAllocated) {
-        pinManager.deallocatePin(p);
-      }
-    }
-  }
-#endif
 
   WiFi.disconnect(true);        // close old connections
 #ifdef ESP8266
@@ -582,7 +613,7 @@ void WLED::initConnection()
 #endif
 
   if (staticIP[0] != 0 && staticGateway[0] != 0) {
-    WiFi.config(staticIP, staticGateway, staticSubnet, IPAddress(8, 8, 8, 8));
+    WiFi.config(staticIP, staticGateway, staticSubnet, IPAddress(1, 1, 1, 1));
   } else {
     WiFi.config(0U, 0U, 0U);
   }
diff --git a/wled00/wled.h b/wled00/wled.h
index d9e96800..91705289 100644
--- a/wled00/wled.h
+++ b/wled00/wled.h
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 // version code in format yymmddb (b = daily build)
-#define VERSION 2108251
+#define VERSION 2108261
 
 //uncomment this if you have a "my_config.h" file you'd like to use
 //#define WLED_USE_MY_CONFIG
@@ -599,13 +599,6 @@ WLED_GLOBAL bool doInitBusses _INIT(false);
 // Usermod manager
 WLED_GLOBAL UsermodManager usermods _INIT(UsermodManager());
 
-// Status LED
-#if STATUSLED
-  WLED_GLOBAL unsigned long ledStatusLastMillis _INIT(0);
-  WLED_GLOBAL unsigned short ledStatusType _INIT(0); // current status type - corresponds to number of blinks per second
-  WLED_GLOBAL bool ledStatusState _INIT(0); // the current LED state
-#endif
-
 // enable additional debug output
 #ifdef WLED_DEBUG
   #ifndef ESP8266
@@ -668,6 +661,7 @@ public:
 
   void beginStrip();
   void handleConnection();
+  bool initEthernet(); // result is informational
   void initAP(bool resetAP = false);
   void initConnection();
   void initInterfaces();
diff --git a/wled00/wled_ethernet.h b/wled00/wled_ethernet.h
index c8001aa1..52bdb2a1 100644
--- a/wled00/wled_ethernet.h
+++ b/wled00/wled_ethernet.h
@@ -2,7 +2,32 @@
 #define WLED_ETHERNET_H
 
 #ifdef WLED_USE_ETHERNET
-// settings for various ethernet boards
+#include "pin_manager.h"
+
+// The following six pins are neither configurable nor
+// can they be re-assigned through IOMUX / GPIO matrix.
+// See https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/latest/esp32/hw-reference/esp32/get-started-ethernet-kit-v1.1.html#ip101gri-phy-interface
+const managed_pin_type esp32_nonconfigurable_ethernet_pins[6] = {
+    { 21, true  }, // RMII EMAC TX EN  == When high, clocks the data on TXD0 and TXD1 to transmitter
+    { 19, true  }, // RMII EMAC TXD0   == First bit of transmitted data
+    { 22, true  }, // RMII EMAC TXD1   == Second bit of transmitted data
+    { 25, false }, // RMII EMAC RXD0   == First bit of received data
+    { 26, false }, // RMII EMAC RXD1   == Second bit of received data
+    { 27, true  }, // RMII EMAC CRS_DV == Carrier Sense and RX Data Valid
+};
+
+// For ESP32, the remaining five pins are at least somewhat configurable.
+// eth_address  is in range [0..31], indicates which PHY (MAC?) address should be allocated to the interface
+// eth_power    is an output GPIO pin used to enable/disable the ethernet port (and/or external oscillator)
+// eth_mdc      is an output GPIO pin used to provide the clock for the management data
+// eth_mdio     is an input/output GPIO pin used to transfer management data
+// eth_type     is the physical ethernet module's type (ETH_PHY_LAN8720, ETH_PHY_TLK110)
+// eth_clk_mode defines the GPIO pin and GPIO mode for the clock signal
+//              However, there are really only four configurable options on ESP32:
+//              ETH_CLOCK_GPIO0_IN    == External oscillator, clock input  via GPIO0
+//              ETH_CLOCK_GPIO0_OUT   == ESP32 provides 50MHz clock output via GPIO0
+//              ETH_CLOCK_GPIO16_OUT  == ESP32 provides 50MHz clock output via GPIO16
+//              ETH_CLOCK_GPIO17_OUT  == ESP32 provides 50MHz clock output via GPIO17
 typedef struct EthernetSettings {
   uint8_t        eth_address;
   int            eth_power;