diff --git a/src/helpers/CLICommandUtils.h b/src/helpers/CLICommandUtils.h
index 83a1bf6ee..b8206d90f 100644
--- a/src/helpers/CLICommandUtils.h
+++ b/src/helpers/CLICommandUtils.h
@@ -8,6 +8,12 @@
 namespace mesh {
 namespace cli {
 
+// Share fixed error prefixes without duplicating their bytes in each message.
+// Formatting keeps the same termination and truncation as other CLI replies.
+inline void formatError(char* reply, size_t capacity, const char* message) {
+  snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: %s", message);
+}
+
 enum class StandaloneWiFiKey : uint8_t {
   None = 0,
   SSID,
diff --git a/src/helpers/MorseCLI.h b/src/helpers/MorseCLI.h
index 4c01dae69..9962eb5e8 100644
--- a/src/helpers/MorseCLI.h
+++ b/src/helpers/MorseCLI.h
@@ -9,6 +9,20 @@
 
 namespace mesh {
 
+enum class MorseAction : uint8_t { None, Stop, Send, Listen, Read, Clear, Stats, Trace };
+
+inline MorseAction parseMorseAction(const char* word, size_t length) {
+  static const char entries[][7] = {"stop", "send", "listen", "read", "clear", "stats"
+#if defined(MESH_MORSE_HIL) && MESH_MORSE_HIL
+  , "trace"
+#endif
+  };
+  if (length > 6) return MorseAction::None;
+  for (unsigned i = 0; i < sizeof(entries) / sizeof(entries[0]); ++i)
+    if (!entries[i][length] && !memcmp(word, entries[i], length)) return MorseAction(i + 1);
+  return MorseAction::None;
+}
+
 inline const char* morseUsageError() {
 #if MESH_ENABLE_MORSE_RX
   return "Error: use morse send <text> | listen <minutes> | read [offset] | stats | clear | stop";
@@ -55,11 +69,10 @@ inline bool handleMorseReplyCommand(MorseReplyHandoff& handoff, Radio* radio,
   const bool base = key_length == 5 && !strncmp(key, "morse", 5);
   const char* action = cli::skipRecentRepeaterSpaces(key + key_length);
   const size_t action_length = strcspn(action, " \t");
+  const auto action_code = parseMorseAction(action, action_length);
   const char* argument = cli::skipRecentRepeaterSpaces(action + action_length);
-  const bool stop = base && !query && !setting && action_length == 4
-      && !strncmp(action, "stop", 4) && !*argument;
-  const bool listen = base && !query && !setting && action_length == 6
-      && !strncmp(action, "listen", 6);
+  const bool stop = base && !query && !setting && action_code == MorseAction::Stop && !*argument;
+  const bool listen = base && !query && !setting && action_code == MorseAction::Listen;
   if (stop && handoff.pending()) {
     handoff.cancel();
     snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - pending Morse RX cancelled; packet radio unchanged");
@@ -72,10 +85,10 @@ inline bool handleMorseReplyCommand(MorseReplyHandoff& handoff, Radio* radio,
     }
     // Prevent a second explicit RF/settings action from replacing the staged
     // request. Read-only capture/status queries remain available.
-    const bool read_only_morse = base && ((action_length == 4 && !strncmp(action, "read", 4))
-        || (action_length == 5 && !strncmp(action, "stats", 5))
+    const bool read_only_morse = base && ((action_code == MorseAction::Read)
+        || (action_code == MorseAction::Stats)
 #if defined(MESH_MORSE_HIL) && MESH_MORSE_HIL
-        || (action_length == 5 && !strncmp(action, "trace", 5))
+        || (action_code == MorseAction::Trace)
 #endif
         );
     const bool cw = (key_length == 2 && !strncmp(key, "cw", 2))
@@ -84,7 +97,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseReplyCommand(MorseReplyHandoff& handoff, Radio* radio,
         || (!query && cw && *action) || !strncmp(key, "tempradio", 9)
         || (!query && key_length == 5 && !strncmp(key, "radio", 5) && *action)
         || (!query && key_length == 6 && !strncmp(key, "radio2", 6) && *action)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse reply handoff pending; use morse stop or retry later");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse reply handoff pending; use morse stop or retry later");
       return true;
     }
   }
@@ -95,12 +108,12 @@ inline bool handleMorseReplyCommand(MorseReplyHandoff& handoff, Radio* radio,
   const uint32_t duration = uint32_t(minutes * 60000.0f + 0.5f);
   if (duration < 1000 || duration > 300000) return false;
   if (radio->isCarrierWaveActive() || radio->isMorseTxActive() || radio->isMorseRxActive()) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio busy; stop Morse/CW or retry when idle");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio busy; stop Morse/CW or retry when idle");
     return true;
   }
   const auto& settings = morseSettings();
   if (!handoff.stage(settings.frequency_khz, settings.wpm, duration, now)) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse reply handoff pending; retry later");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse reply handoff pending; retry later");
     return true;
   }
   snprintf(reply, capacity,
@@ -118,7 +131,7 @@ inline void formatMorseCapturePage(Radio* radio, const char* argument,
                                    char* reply, size_t capacity) {
   uint32_t offset = 0;
   if (*argument && !cli::parseUnsignedIntegerStrict(argument, offset)) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use morse read [character offset]");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use morse read [character offset]");
     return;
   }
   const size_t total = radio->morseCaptureLength();
@@ -131,7 +144,7 @@ inline void formatMorseCapturePage(Radio* radio, const char* argument,
   const int prefix = snprintf(reply, capacity, "> %04u/%04u next=---- truncated=%u ",
       unsigned(offset), unsigned(total), unsigned(radio->morseCaptureTruncated()));
   if (prefix < 0 || size_t(prefix) + 1 >= capacity) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: reply buffer too small for capture page");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "reply buffer too small for capture page");
     return;
   }
   const size_t copied = radio->readMorseCapture(offset, reply + prefix, capacity - prefix);
@@ -148,7 +161,7 @@ inline void formatMorseTracePage(Radio* radio, const char* argument,
                                 char* reply, size_t capacity) {
   uint32_t offset = 0;
   if (*argument && !cli::parseUnsignedIntegerStrict(argument, offset)) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use morse trace [retained entry offset]");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use morse trace [retained entry offset]");
     return;
   }
   const size_t length = radio->morseTraceLength();
@@ -162,14 +175,14 @@ inline void formatMorseTracePage(Radio* radio, const char* argument,
       unsigned(offset), unsigned(length), (unsigned long)radio->morseTraceTotal(),
       unsigned(radio->morseTraceTruncated()));
   if (prefix < 0 || size_t(prefix) + 1 >= capacity) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: reply buffer too small for trace page");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "reply buffer too small for trace page");
     return;
   }
   size_t used = prefix, next = offset;
   for (unsigned count = 0; count < 8 && next < length; ++count) {
     MorseRssiTraceEntry entry{};
     if (!radio->readMorseTrace(next, entry)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: trace changed; retry from offset 0");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "trace changed; retry from offset 0");
       return;
     }
     char row[32];
@@ -182,7 +195,7 @@ inline void formatMorseTracePage(Radio* radio, const char* argument,
     ++next;
   }
   if (next == offset && next < length) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: reply buffer too small for trace entry");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "reply buffer too small for trace entry");
     return;
   }
   char following[4];
@@ -221,7 +234,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
       && !radio->supportsMorseRx()
 #endif
       )) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse unsupported on this radio");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse unsupported on this radio");
     return true;
   }
   const char* args = cli::skipRecentRepeaterSpaces(key + length);
@@ -229,40 +242,40 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
   if (hil_squelch) {
 #if MESH_ENABLE_MORSE_RX
     if (!radio->supportsMorseRx()) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse RX unsupported on this radio");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse RX unsupported on this radio");
       return true;
     }
     if (query) {
-      if (*args) snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: unexpected argument");
+      if (*args) cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "unexpected argument");
       else if (isnan(morseHilSquelch())) snprintf(reply, capacity, "> auto; volatile HIL RX only");
       else snprintf(reply, capacity, "> %.3f dBm; volatile HIL RX only", morseHilSquelch());
       return true;
     }
     if (!setting) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use get/set morse.hil.squelch auto|-160..0");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use get/set morse.hil.squelch auto|-160..0");
       return true;
     }
     if (radio->isCarrierWaveActive() || radio->isMorseTxActive() || radio->isMorseRxActive()
         || !radio->isInRecvMode() || radio->isReceiving()) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio busy; HIL squelch changes require idle RX");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio busy; HIL squelch changes require idle RX");
       return true;
     }
     float value = NAN;
     if ((strcmp(args, "auto") && (!cli::parseDecimalStrict(args, value)
         || !isfinite(value))) || !setMorseHilSquelch(value)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use morse.hil.squelch auto or -160..0 dBm");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use morse.hil.squelch auto or -160..0 dBm");
       return true;
     }
     if (isnan(value)) snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - HIL Morse squelch auto; volatile RX only");
     else snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - HIL Morse squelch %.3f dBm; volatile RX only", value);
 #else
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse RX unsupported on this radio");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse RX unsupported on this radio");
 #endif
     return true;
   }
   if (hil_timing) {
     if (query) {
-      if (*args) snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: unexpected argument");
+      if (*args) cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "unexpected argument");
       else {
         const auto& timing = morseHilTiming();
         snprintf(reply, capacity, "> jitter=%u%%; drift=%d%%; extraGap=%u%%; seed=%lu; volatile HIL TX only",
@@ -272,17 +285,17 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
       return true;
     }
     if (!setting) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use get/set morse.hil.timing");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use get/set morse.hil.timing");
       return true;
     }
     if (radio->isCarrierWaveActive() || radio->isMorseTxActive() || radio->isMorseRxActive()
         || !radio->isInRecvMode() || radio->isReceiving()) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio busy; HIL timing changes require idle RX");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio busy; HIL timing changes require idle RX");
       return true;
     }
     MorseHilTimingConfig timing;
     if (!parseMorseHilTiming(args, timing) || !setMorseHilTiming(timing)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use jitter0-20,drift-20..20,extraGap0-50,seed1..4294967295");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use jitter0-20,drift-20..20,extraGap0-50,seed1..4294967295");
       return true;
     }
     snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - HIL Morse timing %u,%d,%u,%lu; volatile TX only",
@@ -293,12 +306,12 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
 #endif
   const auto& current = morseSettings();
   if ((query || (base && !*args && !setting)) && !morseSettingsUsable()) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: saved Morse settings unavailable; verify and save morse.freq");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "saved Morse settings unavailable; verify and save morse.freq");
     return true;
   }
   if (frequency || speed) {
     if (query) {
-      if (*args) snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: unexpected argument");
+      if (*args) cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "unexpected argument");
       else if (frequency) snprintf(reply, capacity, "> %.3f", current.frequencyMHz());
       else snprintf(reply, capacity, "> %u", unsigned(current.wpm));
       return true;
@@ -308,7 +321,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
       return true;
     }
     if (speed && !morseSettingsUsable()) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: verify and save morse.freq before changing Morse WPM");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "verify and save morse.freq before changing Morse WPM");
       return true;
     }
     if (radio->isCarrierWaveActive() || radio->isMorseTxActive()
@@ -316,7 +329,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
         || radio->isMorseRxActive()
 #endif
         ) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio busy; stop Morse/CW before changing settings");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio busy; stop Morse/CW before changing settings");
       return true;
     }
     auto candidate = current;
@@ -325,7 +338,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
       if (!cli::parseDecimalStrict(args, value)
           || value < MorseMinFrequencyKHz / 1000.0f
           || value > MorseMaxFrequencyKHz / 1000.0f) {
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: morse.freq must be 100-1000 MHz");
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "morse.freq must be 100-1000 MHz");
         return true;
       }
       candidate.frequency_khz = uint32_t(value * 1000.0f + 0.5f);
@@ -340,7 +353,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
       candidate.wpm = uint8_t(value);
     }
     if (!saveMorseSettings(candidate)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse settings could not be saved");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse settings could not be saved");
     } else if (frequency) {
       snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - morse.freq %.3f MHz", candidate.frequencyMHz());
     } else snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - morse.wpm %u", unsigned(candidate.wpm));
@@ -385,15 +398,16 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
     return true;
   }
   const size_t action_length = strcspn(args, " \t");
+  const auto action_code = parseMorseAction(args, action_length);
   const char* text = cli::skipRecentRepeaterSpaces(args + action_length);
-  const bool stop = action_length == 4 && !strncmp(args, "stop", 4) && !*text;
-  const bool send = action_length == 4 && !strncmp(args, "send", 4) && *text;
-  const bool listen = action_length == 6 && !strncmp(args, "listen", 6);
-  const bool read = action_length == 4 && !strncmp(args, "read", 4);
-  const bool clear = action_length == 5 && !strncmp(args, "clear", 5) && !*text;
-  const bool stats = action_length == 5 && !strncmp(args, "stats", 5) && !*text;
+  const bool stop = action_code == MorseAction::Stop && !*text;
+  const bool send = action_code == MorseAction::Send && *text;
+  const bool listen = action_code == MorseAction::Listen;
+  const bool read = action_code == MorseAction::Read;
+  const bool clear = action_code == MorseAction::Clear && !*text;
+  const bool stats = action_code == MorseAction::Stats && !*text;
 #if defined(MESH_MORSE_HIL) && MESH_MORSE_HIL
-  const bool trace = action_length == 5 && !strncmp(args, "trace", 5);
+  const bool trace = action_code == MorseAction::Trace;
 #else
   const bool trace = false;
 #endif
@@ -406,7 +420,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
       && !radio->supportsMorseRx()
 #endif
       ) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse RX unsupported on this radio");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse RX unsupported on this radio");
     return true;
   }
 #if MESH_ENABLE_MORSE_RX
@@ -432,7 +446,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
   }
   if (clear) {
     if (radio->isMorseRxActive() || radio->isMorseTxActive())
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: stop Morse before clearing capture");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "stop Morse before clearing capture");
     else { radio->clearMorseCapture(); snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - Morse capture cleared"); }
     return true;
   }
@@ -440,7 +454,7 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
     const auto result = radio->stopMorseRx();
     if (result == MorseRxResult::Stopped) snprintf(reply, capacity,
         "OK - Morse RX stopped; capture retained%s", radio->isInRecvMode() ? "; receive resumed" : "");
-    else snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse RX stop/receive recovery pending; capture retained");
+    else cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse RX stop/receive recovery pending; capture retained");
     return true;
   }
 #endif  // MESH_ENABLE_MORSE_RX
@@ -450,19 +464,19 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
     return true;
   }
   if ((send || listen) && !morseSettingsUsable()) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: saved Morse settings unavailable; verify and save morse.freq");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "saved Morse settings unavailable; verify and save morse.freq");
     return true;
   }
 #if MESH_ENABLE_MORSE_RX
   if (listen) {
     float minutes = 0;
     if (!cli::parseDecimalStrict(text, minutes) || minutes <= 0 || minutes > 5) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use morse listen <minutes: 1 second to 5 minutes>");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use morse listen <minutes: 1 second to 5 minutes>");
       return true;
     }
     const uint32_t duration = uint32_t(minutes * 60000.0f + 0.5f);
     if (duration < 1000 || duration > 300000) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse listening must last 1-300 seconds");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse listening must last 1-300 seconds");
       return true;
     }
     const auto result = radio->startMorseRx(current.frequencyMHz(), current.wpm, duration);
@@ -472,25 +486,25 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
             current.frequencyMHz(), radio->morseRxBandwidthKHz(), minutes);
         break;
       case MorseRxResult::Busy:
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio busy; stop Morse/CW or retry when idle"); break;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio busy; stop Morse/CW or retry when idle"); break;
       case MorseRxResult::Unsupported:
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse RX unsupported on this radio"); break;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse RX unsupported on this radio"); break;
       case MorseRxResult::InvalidFrequency:
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse frequency unsupported by this radio"); break;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse frequency unsupported by this radio"); break;
       case MorseRxResult::Overlap:
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse frequency overlaps radio or radio2; change morse.freq"); break;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse frequency overlaps radio or radio2; change morse.freq"); break;
       case MorseRxResult::InvalidSpeed:
         snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: morse.wpm must be %u-%u", unsigned(MorseMinWpm), unsigned(MorseMaxWpm)); break;
       case MorseRxResult::InvalidDuration:
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse listening must last 1-300 seconds"); break;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse listening must last 1-300 seconds"); break;
       default:
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse RX transition failed; check radio recovery"); break;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse RX transition failed; check radio recovery"); break;
     }
     return true;
   }
 #endif
   if (send && !radio->supportsMorseTx()) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse TX unsupported on this radio");
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse TX unsupported on this radio");
     return true;
   }
   const auto result = stop ? radio->stopMorseTx()
@@ -505,28 +519,28 @@ inline bool handleMorseCommand(Radio* radio, const char* command,
           radio->isInRecvMode() ? "; receive resumed" : "");
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::Busy:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio busy; stop Morse/CW or retry when idle");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio busy; stop Morse/CW or retry when idle");
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::Unsupported:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse TX unsupported on this radio");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse TX unsupported on this radio");
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::InvalidFrequency:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse frequency unsupported by this radio");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse frequency unsupported by this radio");
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::Overlap:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse frequency overlaps radio or radio2; change morse.freq");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse frequency overlaps radio or radio2; change morse.freq");
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::InvalidText:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: supported Morse ASCII only (80 characters max)");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "supported Morse ASCII only (80 characters max)");
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::InvalidSpeed:
       snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: morse.wpm must be %u-%u", unsigned(MorseMinWpm), unsigned(MorseMaxWpm));
       break;
     case MorseTxResult::TooLong:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: limit 80 characters/180 seconds; shorten text or raise WPM");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "limit 80 characters/180 seconds; shorten text or raise WPM");
       break;
     default:
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: Morse failed; check radio recovery");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "Morse failed; check radio recovery");
       break;
   }
   return true;
diff --git a/src/helpers/MorseRx.h b/src/helpers/MorseRx.h
index 6a5ecb724..859646be3 100644
--- a/src/helpers/MorseRx.h
+++ b/src/helpers/MorseRx.h
@@ -435,14 +435,7 @@ private:
   void flushLetter() {
     if (!_symbols && !_bad_pattern) return;
     char decoded = '?';
-    if (!_bad_pattern) {
-      for (char c = '!'; c <= 'Z'; ++c) {
-        const uint8_t code = MorseTx::codeFor(c);
-        if (code && code == _code) { decoded = c; break; }
-      }
-      // The printable loop ends at Z; '_' is also an ITU punctuation code.
-      if (MorseTx::codeFor('_') == _code) decoded = '_';
-    }
+    if (!_bad_pattern) decoded = MorseTx::characterFor(_code);
     append(decoded);
     _code = 1;
     _symbols = 0;
diff --git a/src/helpers/MorseTx.h b/src/helpers/MorseTx.h
index 33c9aeacf..d7b71234f 100644
--- a/src/helpers/MorseTx.h
+++ b/src/helpers/MorseTx.h
@@ -125,15 +125,14 @@ public:
     // A single flash-resident ASCII table avoids a punctuation switch/jump
     // table and keeps the complete alphabet on compact targets. Zero entries
     // remain unsupported; lowercase still uses its uppercase ITU code.
-    static const uint8_t codes[] = {
-      107,82,0,137,0,40,94,54,109,0,42,115,97,85,50, // ! through /
-      63,47,39,35,33,32,48,56,60,62,                // 0 through 9
-      120,106,0,49,0,76,90,                        // : through @
-      5,24,26,12,2,18,14,16,4,23,13,20,7,6,15,22,29,10,8,3,9,17,11,25,27,28,
-      0,0,0,0,77                                  // [ through _
-    };
     const uint8_t index = uint8_t(uint8_t(character) - uint8_t('!'));
-    return index < sizeof(codes) ? codes[index] : 0;
+    return index < CodeCount ? codeTable()[index] : 0;
+  }
+
+  static char characterFor(uint8_t code) {
+    for (uint8_t index = 0; index < CodeCount; ++index)
+      if (code && codeTable()[index] == code) return char('!' + index);
+    return '?';
   }
 
   static uint8_t symbolCount(uint8_t code) {
@@ -157,14 +156,13 @@ public:
     for (; length <= MaxTextLength && text[length]; ++length) {
       const char character = text[length];
       if (character == ' ') { if (have_character) have_space = true; continue; }
-      const uint8_t code = codeFor(character);
+      uint8_t code = codeFor(character);
       if (!code) return MorseTxResult::InvalidText;
       if (have_character) units += have_space ? 7 : 3;
-      const uint8_t count = symbolCount(code);
-      for (uint8_t bit = count; bit; --bit) {
-        units += (code & (1U << (bit - 1))) ? 3 : 1;
-        if (bit > 1) ++units;
-      }
+      // Each symbol contributes its mark plus one unit of following space.
+      // Remove the final space; the leading sentinel is not a Morse symbol.
+      do { units += (code & 1U) ? 4 : 2; code >>= 1; } while (code > 1);
+      --units;
       have_character = true;
       have_space = false;
     }
@@ -294,6 +292,17 @@ public:
   }
 
 private:
+  static constexpr uint8_t CodeCount = '_' - '!' + 1;
+  static const uint8_t* codeTable() {
+    static const uint8_t codes[CodeCount] = {
+      107,82,0,137,0,40,94,54,109,0,42,115,97,85,50, // ! through /
+      63,47,39,35,33,32,48,56,60,62,                // 0 through 9
+      120,106,0,49,0,76,90,                        // : through @
+      5,24,26,12,2,18,14,16,4,23,13,20,7,6,15,22,29,10,8,3,9,17,11,25,27,28,
+      0,0,0,0,77                                  // [ through _
+    };
+    return codes;
+  }
   char _text[MaxTextLength + 1] = {};
   uint32_t _next = 0, _hard_end = 0, _remaining = 0;
   uint16_t _unit = 0, _phase_ms = 0;
diff --git a/src/helpers/RadioProfileCLI.cpp b/src/helpers/RadioProfileCLI.cpp
index 5c4ba93bf..e63a191ac 100644
--- a/src/helpers/RadioProfileCLI.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/RadioProfileCLI.cpp
@@ -792,14 +792,14 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
   const bool scan = !strcmp(key, "radio2.scan");
   const bool timing = !strcmp(key, "radio2.timing") || !strcmp(key, "radio.timing");
   if (!base && !temporary && !scheduled && !crossing && !replies && !status && !scan && !timing) return false;
-  if (!radio_ || !radio_->profiles()) { snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio profiles unsupported"); return true; }
+  if (!radio_ || !radio_->profiles()) { cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio profiles unsupported"); return true; }
   if (command == text && *args && verb == Get && (temporary || base)) verb = Set;
   if (remote_origin && !remote_command_
       && (((base || temporary) && verb == Set) || (scheduled_temp && verb == Delete))) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: this role requires local USB for radio2 changes"); return true;
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "this role requires local USB for radio2 changes"); return true;
   }
   if (hasReplyMutation() && verb != Get) {
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio acknowledgement pending"); return true;
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio acknowledgement pending"); return true;
   }
   if (replies) {
     const auto* p = radio_->profiles();
@@ -820,14 +820,14 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     if (verb != Set || length >= sizeof(mode) || !parseRadioTxPolicy(mode, policy)
         || (*suffix && !force)
         || (force && policy != RADIO_TX_BOTH && policy != RADIO_TX_SECONDARY)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use get/set tx.reply auto|radio|radio2|both|off [force for radio2/both]");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use get/set tx.reply auto|radio|radio2|both|off [force for radio2/both]");
       return true;
     }
     const uint8_t previous = reply_setting_;
     reply_setting_ = 0xb0 | policy | (force ? 8 : 0);
     if (!save(saved_, primary_preamble_, cross_)) {
       reply_setting_ = previous;
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: settings could not be saved");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "settings could not be saved");
     } else {
       publish();
       snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - tx.reply=%s%s", radioTxPolicyName(policy), force ? " force" : "");
@@ -835,7 +835,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     return true;
   }
   if (timing) {
-    if (verb != Get || *args) { snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio timing is read-only"); return true; }
+    if (verb != Get || *args) { cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio timing is read-only"); return true; }
     const auto& p = *radio_->profiles();
     const auto t = p.chirpTiming();
     if (!p.enabled()) snprintf(reply, capacity, "> off");
@@ -846,7 +846,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
         (unsigned long)((p.recommendationRemainingMs(millis()) + 999) / 1000),
         (unsigned long)p.switchBudgetUs(),
         radio_->profilePreamble(0), radio_->profilePreamble(1));
-    else if (!t.valid) snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: timing unavailable");
+    else if (!t.valid) cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "timing unavailable");
     else {
       snprintf(reply, capacity, "> chirps=%.2f,%.2f; need=%.0f,%.0f; switch=%luus; loop=%luus%s",
           t.listen_us[0] / t.symbol_us[0], t.listen_us[1] / t.symbol_us[1],
@@ -866,12 +866,12 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     } else if (verb == Set && (!strcmp(args, "auto") || !strcmp(args, "on") || !strcmp(args, "off"))) {
       auto mode = !strcmp(args, "auto") ? RadioCrossMode::Auto : !strcmp(args, "on") ? RadioCrossMode::On : RadioCrossMode::Off;
       if (save(saved_, primary_preamble_, mode)) { cross_ = mode; publish(); snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK"); }
-      else snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: settings could not be saved");
-    } else snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: use get/set radio2.cross [auto|on|off]");
+      else cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "settings could not be saved");
+    } else cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "use get/set radio2.cross [auto|on|off]");
     return true;
   }
   if (scan) {
-    if (verb != Get || *args) { snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio2.scan is read-only"); return true; }
+    if (verb != Get || *args) { cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio2.scan is read-only"); return true; }
     const auto& p = *radio_->profiles();
     if (!p.enabled()) snprintf(reply, capacity, "> off");
     else {
@@ -885,7 +885,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     return true;
   }
   if (status) {
-    if (verb != Get || *args) { snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio2.status is read-only"); return true; }
+    if (verb != Get || *args) { cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio2.status is read-only"); return true; }
     if (hasReplyMutation()) {
       snprintf(reply, capacity, "> radio2 change pending %s; previous channel retained",
           remote_delivered_ ? "storage commit (retrying)" : "reply transmission");
@@ -929,11 +929,11 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     if (remote_command_ || temp_pending_ || temp_active_ || hasSecondarySchedule()
         || hasReplyMutation() || publish_pending_ || radio_->profiles()->primary_temporary
         || radio_->profiles()->secondary_temporary) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: automatic radio2 requires no pending change, lease or schedule");
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "automatic radio2 requires no pending change, lease or schedule");
       return true;
     }
     if (!save({}, primary_preamble_, cross_, 0)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: settings could not be saved"); return true;
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "settings could not be saved"); return true;
     }
     noteSecondaryManualChange();
     saved_ = {}; manual_secondary_ = false;
@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
   if ((base || temporary) && verb == Set && !strcmp(args, "off")) {
     if (base && !(remote_command_ ? prepareSavedImage(ReplyPath, {}, primary_preamble_, cross_, true)
                                  : save({}, primary_preamble_, cross_, true))) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: settings could not be saved"); return true;
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "settings could not be saved"); return true;
     }
     if (remote_command_) {
       stageRemoteMutation(base ? RemoteMutation::Off : RemoteMutation::TempOff);
@@ -965,7 +965,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
   if (scheduled && (verb == Get || verb == Delete)) {
     uint32_t index = 0;
     if (*args && strcmp(args, "all") && (!cli::parseUnsignedIntegerStrict(args, index) || index < 1 || index > 4)) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: slot must be 1-4 or all"); return true;
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "slot must be 1-4 or all"); return true;
     }
     const unsigned first = scheduled_temp ? 4 : 0;
     if (verb == Delete) {
@@ -1004,9 +1004,9 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     }
     return true;
   }
-  if (verb != Set) { snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: invalid radio2 command"); return true; }
+  if (verb != Set) { cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "invalid radio2 command"); return true; }
   char local[140];
-  if (strlen(args) >= sizeof(local)) { snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: params too long"); return true; }
+  if (strlen(args) >= sizeof(local)) { cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "params too long"); return true; }
   strcpy(local, args);
   char* parts[8];
   const unsigned count = split(local, parts, 8);
@@ -1033,7 +1033,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
   if (scheduled) {
     if (!epoch || start <= epoch || (uint64_t)(start-epoch) * 1000 > 0x7fffffffULL
         || (scheduled_temp && (end <= start || (uint64_t)(end-epoch) * 1000 > 0x7fffffffULL))) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: future UTC start/end required, within 24 days"); return true;
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "future UTC start/end required, within 24 days"); return true;
     }
     if (scheduled_temp) {
       const uint64_t pending_left = temp_pending_
@@ -1041,10 +1041,10 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
           : 0;
       const uint64_t session_left = pending_left > temp_remaining_ms_ ? pending_left : temp_remaining_ms_;
       if ((temp_active_ || temp_pending_) && (uint64_t)(start-epoch)*1000 < session_left) {
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: temporary schedule overlaps active session"); return true;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "temporary schedule overlaps active session"); return true;
       }
       for (const auto& s : schedules_) if (s.active && s.temporary && start < s.end && end > s.start) {
-        snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: temporary schedules overlap"); return true;
+        cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "temporary schedules overlap"); return true;
       }
     }
     const unsigned first = scheduled_temp ? 4 : 0;
@@ -1059,7 +1059,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
 #if MESH_ENABLE_FLEET_CONTROL
       if (remote_command_) {
         if (!stageRemoteSchedule(i, s)) {
-          snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: radio acknowledgement pending"); return true;
+          cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "radio acknowledgement pending"); return true;
         }
       } else { schedules_[first+i] = s; noteSecondaryManualChange(); publish(); }
 #else
@@ -1068,11 +1068,11 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
       snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - %s %u queued, preamble=%u", key, i+1, preview.preamble(1, 32));
       appendSecondaryWarnings(reply, capacity, preview); return true;
     }
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: all four schedule slots occupied"); return true;
+    cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "all four schedule slots occupied"); return true;
   }
   if (temporary) {
     for (const auto& s : schedules_) if (s.active && s.temporary) {
-      snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: clear tempradioat2 schedules first"); return true;
+      cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "clear tempradioat2 schedules first"); return true;
     }
     if (remote_command_) stageRemoteMutation(RemoteMutation::Temporary, config, minutes * 60000UL);
     else {
@@ -1099,7 +1099,7 @@ bool RadioProfileCLI::handle(const char* command, char* reply, size_t capacity,
     }
     snprintf(reply, capacity, "OK - radio2 %s%s; preamble=%u", modeName(config.mode),
         remote_command_ ? " pending after reply" : "", preview.preamble(1, 32));
-  } else snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: settings could not be saved");
+  } else cli::formatError(reply, capacity, "settings could not be saved");
   if (!strncmp(reply, "OK", 2)) appendSecondaryWarnings(reply, capacity, preview);
   return true;
 }