diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp
index fba64e8c..d9ebacb4 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp
@@ -229,6 +229,7 @@ void DataStore::loadPrefsInt(const char *filename, NodePrefs& _prefs, double& no
     file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.gps_enabled, sizeof(_prefs.gps_enabled));                 // 85
     file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.gps_interval, sizeof(_prefs.gps_interval));               // 86
     file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.autoadd_config, sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_config));           // 87
+    file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.autoadd_max_hops, sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_max_hops));       // 88
 
     file.close();
   }
@@ -265,6 +266,7 @@ void DataStore::savePrefs(const NodePrefs& _prefs, double node_lat, double node_
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.gps_enabled, sizeof(_prefs.gps_enabled));                 // 85
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.gps_interval, sizeof(_prefs.gps_interval));               // 86
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.autoadd_config, sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_config));           // 87
+    file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.autoadd_max_hops, sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_max_hops));      // 88
 
     file.close();
   }
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
index c96f7e01..1f71a9bc 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
@@ -318,6 +318,10 @@ bool MyMesh::shouldOverwriteWhenFull() const {
   return (_prefs.autoadd_config & AUTO_ADD_OVERWRITE_OLDEST) != 0;
 }
 
+uint8_t MyMesh::getAutoAddMaxHops() const {
+  return _prefs.autoadd_max_hops;
+}
+
 void MyMesh::onContactOverwrite(const uint8_t* pub_key) {
     _store->deleteBlobByKey(pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE); // delete from storage
   if (_serial->isConnected()) {
@@ -1785,12 +1789,16 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
     }
   } else if (cmd_frame[0] == CMD_SET_AUTOADD_CONFIG) {
     _prefs.autoadd_config = cmd_frame[1];
+    if (len >= 3) {
+      _prefs.autoadd_max_hops = min(cmd_frame[2], (uint8_t)64);
+    }
     savePrefs();
-    writeOKFrame();  
+    writeOKFrame();
   } else if (cmd_frame[0] == CMD_GET_AUTOADD_CONFIG) {
     int i = 0;
     out_frame[i++] = RESP_CODE_AUTOADD_CONFIG;
     out_frame[i++] = _prefs.autoadd_config;
+    out_frame[i++] = _prefs.autoadd_max_hops;
     _serial->writeFrame(out_frame, i);
   } else if (cmd_frame[0] == CMD_GET_ALLOWED_REPEAT_FREQ) {
     int i = 0;
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.h b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.h
index 87e6cf33..fe2c19bf 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.h
@@ -119,6 +119,7 @@ protected:
   bool isAutoAddEnabled() const override;
   bool shouldAutoAddContactType(uint8_t type) const override;
   bool shouldOverwriteWhenFull() const override;
+  uint8_t getAutoAddMaxHops() const override;
   void onContactsFull() override;
   void onContactOverwrite(const uint8_t* pub_key) override;
   bool onContactPathRecv(ContactInfo& from, uint8_t* in_path, uint8_t in_path_len, uint8_t* out_path, uint8_t out_path_len, uint8_t extra_type, uint8_t* extra, uint8_t extra_len) override;
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h b/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h
index ec60c94a..090209c1 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h
@@ -30,4 +30,5 @@ struct NodePrefs {  // persisted to file
   uint8_t autoadd_config;    // bitmask for auto-add contacts config
   uint8_t client_repeat;
   uint8_t path_hash_mode;    // which path mode to use when sending
+  uint8_t autoadd_max_hops;  // 0 = no limit, 1 = direct (0 hops), N = up to N-1 hops (max 64)
 };
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.cpp b/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.cpp
index 5ec678c7..33d7edbe 100644
--- a/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.cpp
@@ -141,6 +141,15 @@ void BaseChatMesh::onAdvertRecv(mesh::Packet* packet, const mesh::Identity& id,
       return;
     }
 
+    // check hop limit for new contacts (0 = no limit, 1 = direct (0 hops), N = up to N-1 hops)
+    uint8_t max_hops = getAutoAddMaxHops();
+    if (max_hops > 0 && packet->getPathHashCount() >= max_hops) {
+      ContactInfo ci;
+      populateContactFromAdvert(ci, id, parser, timestamp);
+      onDiscoveredContact(ci, true, packet->path_len, packet->path);       // let UI know
+      return;
+    }
+
     from = allocateContactSlot();
     if (from == NULL) {
       ContactInfo ci;
diff --git a/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.h b/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.h
index fd391b98..ab90d581 100644
--- a/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.h
+++ b/src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.h
@@ -98,6 +98,7 @@ protected:
   virtual bool shouldAutoAddContactType(uint8_t type) const { return true; }
   virtual void onContactsFull() {};
   virtual bool shouldOverwriteWhenFull() const { return false; }
+  virtual uint8_t getAutoAddMaxHops() const { return 0; }  // 0 = no limit, 1 = direct (0 hops), N = up to N-1 hops
   virtual void onContactOverwrite(const uint8_t* pub_key) {};
   virtual void onDiscoveredContact(ContactInfo& contact, bool is_new, uint8_t path_len, const uint8_t* path) = 0;
   virtual ContactInfo* processAck(const uint8_t *data) = 0;
diff --git a/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp b/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp
index f2f961b9..fd631273 100644
--- a/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp
@@ -717,6 +717,9 @@ void CommonCLI::handleCommand(uint32_t sender_timestamp, const char* command, ch
       LocationProvider * l = _sensors->getLocationProvider();
       if (l != NULL) {
         l->syncTime();
+        strcpy(reply, "ok");
+      } else {
+        strcpy(reply, "gps provider not found");
       }
     } else if (memcmp(command, "gps setloc", 10) == 0) {
       _prefs->node_lat = _sensors->node_lat;
@@ -746,7 +749,7 @@ void CommonCLI::handleCommand(uint32_t sender_timestamp, const char* command, ch
         _prefs->advert_loc_policy = ADVERT_LOC_SHARE;
         savePrefs();
         strcpy(reply, "ok");
-      } else if (memcmp(command+11, "prefs", 4) == 0) {
+      } else if (memcmp(command+11, "prefs", 5) == 0) {
         _prefs->advert_loc_policy = ADVERT_LOC_PREFS;
         savePrefs();
         strcpy(reply, "ok");
diff --git a/src/helpers/RefCountedDigitalPin.h b/src/helpers/RefCountedDigitalPin.h
index 753f6c30..f30c4c58 100644
--- a/src/helpers/RefCountedDigitalPin.h
+++ b/src/helpers/RefCountedDigitalPin.h
@@ -20,7 +20,10 @@ public:
       digitalWrite(_pin, _active);
     }
   }
+
   void release() {
+    if (_claims == 0) return; // avoid negative _claims
+
     _claims--;
     if (_claims == 0) {
       digitalWrite(_pin, !_active);
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLLCC68Wrapper.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLLCC68Wrapper.h
index f7dd7a9f..9e783a95 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLLCC68Wrapper.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLLCC68Wrapper.h
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include "CustomLLCC68.h"
 #include "RadioLibWrappers.h"
+#include "SX126xReset.h"
 
 class CustomLLCC68Wrapper : public RadioLibWrapper {
 public:
@@ -19,4 +20,6 @@ public:
     int sf = ((CustomLLCC68 *)_radio)->spreadingFactor;
     return packetScoreInt(snr, sf, packet_len);
   }
+
+  void doResetAGC() override { sx126xResetAGC((SX126x *)_radio); }
 };
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110.h
index e4332013..b1f68080 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110.h
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ class CustomLR1110 : public LR1110 {
       return len;
     }
     
+    float getFreqMHz() const { return freqMHz; }
+
     bool isReceiving() {
       uint16_t irq = getIrqStatus();
       bool detected = ((irq & RADIOLIB_LR11X0_IRQ_SYNC_WORD_HEADER_VALID) || (irq & RADIOLIB_LR11X0_IRQ_PREAMBLE_DETECTED));
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110Wrapper.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110Wrapper.h
index 947bb51d..a1e0a493 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110Wrapper.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomLR1110Wrapper.h
@@ -2,11 +2,13 @@
 
 #include "CustomLR1110.h"
 #include "RadioLibWrappers.h"
+#include "LR11x0Reset.h"
 
 class CustomLR1110Wrapper : public RadioLibWrapper {
 public:
   CustomLR1110Wrapper(CustomLR1110& radio, mesh::MainBoard& board) : RadioLibWrapper(radio, board) { }
-  bool isReceivingPacket() override { 
+  void doResetAGC() override { lr11x0ResetAGC((LR11x0 *)_radio, ((CustomLR1110 *)_radio)->getFreqMHz()); }
+  bool isReceivingPacket() override {
     return ((CustomLR1110 *)_radio)->isReceiving();
   }
   float getCurrentRSSI() override {
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSTM32WLxWrapper.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSTM32WLxWrapper.h
index 9e2d0441..e3e52029 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSTM32WLxWrapper.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSTM32WLxWrapper.h
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include "CustomSTM32WLx.h"
 #include "RadioLibWrappers.h"
+#include "SX126xReset.h"
 #include <math.h>
 
 class CustomSTM32WLxWrapper : public RadioLibWrapper {
@@ -20,4 +21,6 @@ public:
     int sf = ((CustomSTM32WLx *)_radio)->spreadingFactor;
     return packetScoreInt(snr, sf, packet_len);
   }
+
+  void doResetAGC() override { sx126xResetAGC((SX126x *)_radio); }
 };
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1262Wrapper.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1262Wrapper.h
index 1afee5e8..5856720b 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1262Wrapper.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1262Wrapper.h
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include "CustomSX1262.h"
 #include "RadioLibWrappers.h"
+#include "SX126xReset.h"
 
 class CustomSX1262Wrapper : public RadioLibWrapper {
 public:
@@ -22,4 +23,6 @@ public:
   virtual void powerOff() override {
     ((CustomSX1262 *)_radio)->sleep(false);
   }
+
+  void doResetAGC() override { sx126xResetAGC((SX126x *)_radio); }
 };
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1268Wrapper.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1268Wrapper.h
index 5d7106b4..5149fc43 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1268Wrapper.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1268Wrapper.h
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include "CustomSX1268.h"
 #include "RadioLibWrappers.h"
+#include "SX126xReset.h"
 
 class CustomSX1268Wrapper : public RadioLibWrapper {
 public:
@@ -19,4 +20,6 @@ public:
     int sf = ((CustomSX1268 *)_radio)->spreadingFactor;
     return packetScoreInt(snr, sf, packet_len);
   }
+
+  void doResetAGC() override { sx126xResetAGC((SX126x *)_radio); }
 };
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/LR11x0Reset.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/LR11x0Reset.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d06ffc53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/LR11x0Reset.h
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <RadioLib.h>
+
+// Full receiver reset for LR11x0-family chips (LR1110, LR1120, LR1121).
+// Warm sleep powers down analog, calibrate(0x3F) refreshes all calibration blocks,
+// then re-applies RX settings that calibration may reset.
+inline void lr11x0ResetAGC(LR11x0* radio, float freqMHz) {
+  radio->sleep(true, 0);
+  radio->standby(RADIOLIB_LR11X0_STANDBY_RC, true);
+
+  radio->calibrate(RADIOLIB_LR11X0_CALIBRATE_ALL);
+
+  // calibrate(0x3F) defaults image calibration to 902-928MHz band.
+  // Re-calibrate for the actual operating frequency (band=4MHz matches RadioLib default).
+  radio->calibrateImageRejection(freqMHz - 4.0f, freqMHz + 4.0f);
+
+#ifdef RX_BOOSTED_GAIN
+  radio->setRxBoostedGainMode(RX_BOOSTED_GAIN);
+#endif
+}
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.cpp b/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.cpp
index cf3e1266..2216ca8f 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.cpp
@@ -53,13 +53,24 @@ void RadioLibWrapper::triggerNoiseFloorCalibrate(int threshold) {
   }
 }
 
+void RadioLibWrapper::doResetAGC() {
+  _radio->sleep();  // warm sleep to reset analog frontend
+}
+
 void RadioLibWrapper::resetAGC() {
   // make sure we're not mid-receive of packet!
   if ((state & STATE_INT_READY) != 0 || isReceivingPacket()) return;
 
-  // NOTE: according to higher powers, just issuing RadioLib's startReceive() will reset the AGC.
-  //      revisit this if a better impl is discovered.
+  doResetAGC();
   state = STATE_IDLE;   // trigger a startReceive()
+
+  // Reset noise floor sampling so it reconverges from scratch.
+  // Without this, a stuck _noise_floor of -120 makes the sampling threshold
+  // too low (-106) to accept normal samples (~-105), self-reinforcing the
+  // stuck value even after the receiver has recovered.
+  _noise_floor = 0;
+  _num_floor_samples = 0;
+  _floor_sample_sum = 0;
 }
 
 void RadioLibWrapper::loop() {
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.h
index 9ac1bbae..b338b03a 100644
--- a/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.h
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.h
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ protected:
   void startRecv();
   float packetScoreInt(float snr, int sf, int packet_len);
   virtual bool isReceivingPacket() =0;
+  virtual void doResetAGC();
 
 public:
   RadioLibWrapper(PhysicalLayer& radio, mesh::MainBoard& board) : _radio(&radio), _board(&board) { n_recv = n_sent = 0; }
diff --git a/src/helpers/radiolib/SX126xReset.h b/src/helpers/radiolib/SX126xReset.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..39ddb73e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/helpers/radiolib/SX126xReset.h
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <RadioLib.h>
+
+// Full receiver reset for all SX126x-family chips (SX1262, SX1268, LLCC68, STM32WLx).
+// Warm sleep powers down analog, Calibrate(0x7F) refreshes ADC/PLL/image calibration,
+// then re-applies RX settings that calibration may reset.
+inline void sx126xResetAGC(SX126x* radio) {
+  radio->sleep(true);
+  radio->standby(RADIOLIB_SX126X_STANDBY_RC, true);
+
+  uint8_t calData = RADIOLIB_SX126X_CALIBRATE_ALL;
+  radio->mod->SPIwriteStream(RADIOLIB_SX126X_CMD_CALIBRATE, &calData, 1, true, false);
+  radio->mod->hal->delay(5);
+  uint32_t start = millis();
+  while (radio->mod->hal->digitalRead(radio->mod->getGpio())) {
+    if (millis() - start > 50) break;
+    radio->mod->hal->yield();
+  }
+
+  // Calibrate(0x7F) defaults image calibration to 902-928MHz band.
+  // Re-calibrate for the actual operating frequency.
+  radio->calibrateImage(radio->freqMHz);
+
+#ifdef SX126X_DIO2_AS_RF_SWITCH
+  radio->setDio2AsRfSwitch(SX126X_DIO2_AS_RF_SWITCH);
+#endif
+#ifdef SX126X_RX_BOOSTED_GAIN
+  radio->setRxBoostedGainMode(SX126X_RX_BOOSTED_GAIN);
+#endif
+#ifdef SX126X_REGISTER_PATCH
+  uint8_t r_data = 0;
+  radio->readRegister(0x8B5, &r_data, 1);
+  r_data |= 0x01;
+  radio->writeRegister(0x8B5, &r_data, 1);
+#endif
+}
diff --git a/src/helpers/sensors/EnvironmentSensorManager.cpp b/src/helpers/sensors/EnvironmentSensorManager.cpp
index a75d378c..f7b08508 100644
--- a/src/helpers/sensors/EnvironmentSensorManager.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/sensors/EnvironmentSensorManager.cpp
@@ -707,7 +707,9 @@ void EnvironmentSensorManager::loop() {
   static long next_gps_update = 0;
 
   #if ENV_INCLUDE_GPS
-  _location->loop();
+  if (gps_active) {
+    _location->loop();
+  }
   if (millis() > next_gps_update) {
 
     if(gps_active){
diff --git a/src/helpers/sensors/MicroNMEALocationProvider.h b/src/helpers/sensors/MicroNMEALocationProvider.h
index 574570a3..1de75327 100644
--- a/src/helpers/sensors/MicroNMEALocationProvider.h
+++ b/src/helpers/sensors/MicroNMEALocationProvider.h
@@ -79,7 +79,10 @@ public :
         if (_pin_en != -1) {
             digitalWrite(_pin_en, !PIN_GPS_EN_ACTIVE);
         }
-        if (_peripher_power) _peripher_power->release();  
+        if (_pin_reset != -1) {
+            digitalWrite(_pin_reset, GPS_RESET_FORCE);
+        }
+        if (_peripher_power) _peripher_power->release();
     }
 
     bool isEnabled() override {
diff --git a/variants/heltec_tracker/platformio.ini b/variants/heltec_tracker/platformio.ini
index dba05dcf..1dbda126 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_tracker/platformio.ini
+++ b/variants/heltec_tracker/platformio.ini
@@ -32,6 +32,11 @@ build_flags =
   -D PIN_TFT_LEDA_CTL=21     ; LEDK (switches on/off via mosfet to create the ground)
   -D PIN_GPS_RX=33
   -D PIN_GPS_TX=34
+  -D PIN_GPS_EN=35              ; N-ch MOSFET Q2 drives P-ch high-side switch → active HIGH (default)
+  -D PIN_GPS_RESET=36
+  -D PIN_GPS_RESET_ACTIVE=LOW
+  -D GPS_BAUD_RATE=115200
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_GPS=1
   -D SX126X_DIO2_AS_RF_SWITCH=true
   -D SX126X_DIO3_TCXO_VOLTAGE=1.8
   -D SX126X_CURRENT_LIMIT=140
diff --git a/variants/heltec_tracker/target.cpp b/variants/heltec_tracker/target.cpp
index 25c2634b..f801bacb 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_tracker/target.cpp
+++ b/variants/heltec_tracker/target.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,8 @@ WRAPPER_CLASS radio_driver(radio, board);
 
 ESP32RTCClock fallback_clock;
 AutoDiscoverRTCClock rtc_clock(fallback_clock);
-MicroNMEALocationProvider nmea = MicroNMEALocationProvider(Serial1);
+// GPS_EN (GPIO35) drives N-ch MOSFET → P-ch high-side switch; GPS_RESET (GPIO36) active LOW
+MicroNMEALocationProvider nmea = MicroNMEALocationProvider(Serial1, &rtc_clock, GPS_RESET, GPS_EN, &board.periph_power);
 HWTSensorManager sensors = HWTSensorManager(nmea);
 
 #ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
@@ -58,18 +59,16 @@ mesh::LocalIdentity radio_new_identity() {
 
 void HWTSensorManager::start_gps() {
   if (!gps_active) {
-    board.periph_power.claim();
-
+    _location->begin();  // Claims periph_power via RefCountedDigitalPin
     gps_active = true;
-    Serial1.println("$CFGSYS,h35155*68");
+    Serial1.println("$CFGSYS,h35155*68");  // Configure GPS for all constellations
   }
 }
 
 void HWTSensorManager::stop_gps() {
   if (gps_active) {
     gps_active = false;
-
-    board.periph_power.release();
+    _location->stop();  // Releases periph_power via RefCountedDigitalPin
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/variants/heltec_tracker/target.h b/variants/heltec_tracker/target.h
index 5296fb2c..29099f46 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_tracker/target.h
+++ b/variants/heltec_tracker/target.h
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ public:
   const char* getSettingName(int i) const override;
   const char* getSettingValue(int i) const override;
   bool setSettingValue(const char* name, const char* value) override;
+  LocationProvider* getLocationProvider() override { return _location; }
 };
 
 extern HeltecV3Board board;
diff --git a/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/HeltecTrackerV2Board.cpp b/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/HeltecTrackerV2Board.cpp
index 4975d5cd..bd7f680e 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/HeltecTrackerV2Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/HeltecTrackerV2Board.cpp
@@ -6,18 +6,26 @@ void HeltecTrackerV2Board::begin() {
     pinMode(PIN_ADC_CTRL, OUTPUT);
     digitalWrite(PIN_ADC_CTRL, LOW); // Initially inactive
 
+    // Set up digital GPIO registers before releasing RTC hold. The hold latches
+    // the pad state including function select, so register writes accumulate
+    // without affecting the pad. On hold release, all changes apply atomically
+    // (IO MUX switches to digital GPIO with output already HIGH — no glitch).
     pinMode(P_LORA_PA_POWER, OUTPUT);
     digitalWrite(P_LORA_PA_POWER,HIGH);
+    rtc_gpio_hold_dis((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_PA_POWER);
 
-    rtc_gpio_hold_dis((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_PA_EN);
     pinMode(P_LORA_PA_EN, OUTPUT);
     digitalWrite(P_LORA_PA_EN,HIGH);
+    rtc_gpio_hold_dis((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_PA_EN);
     pinMode(P_LORA_PA_TX_EN, OUTPUT);
     digitalWrite(P_LORA_PA_TX_EN,LOW);
 
-    periph_power.begin();
-
     esp_reset_reason_t reason = esp_reset_reason();
+    if (reason != ESP_RST_DEEPSLEEP) {
+      delay(1);  // GC1109 startup time after cold power-on
+    }
+
+    periph_power.begin();
     if (reason == ESP_RST_DEEPSLEEP) {
       long wakeup_source = esp_sleep_get_ext1_wakeup_status();
       if (wakeup_source & (1 << P_LORA_DIO_1)) {  // received a LoRa packet (while in deep sleep)
@@ -48,7 +56,9 @@ void HeltecTrackerV2Board::begin() {
 
     rtc_gpio_hold_en((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_NSS);
 
-    rtc_gpio_hold_en((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_PA_EN); //It also needs to be enabled in receive mode
+    // Hold GC1109 FEM pins during sleep to keep LNA active for RX wake
+    rtc_gpio_hold_en((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_PA_POWER);
+    rtc_gpio_hold_en((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_PA_EN);
 
     if (pin_wake_btn < 0) {
       esp_sleep_enable_ext1_wakeup( (1L << P_LORA_DIO_1), ESP_EXT1_WAKEUP_ANY_HIGH);  // wake up on: recv LoRa packet
diff --git a/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/platformio.ini b/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/platformio.ini
index 25d16f2f..af41b4f5 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/platformio.ini
+++ b/variants/heltec_tracker_v2/platformio.ini
@@ -17,11 +17,11 @@ build_flags =
   -D P_LORA_SCLK=9
   -D P_LORA_MISO=11
   -D P_LORA_MOSI=10
-  -D P_LORA_PA_POWER=7 ;power en
-  -D P_LORA_PA_EN=4
-  -D P_LORA_PA_TX_EN=46  ;enable tx
-  -D LORA_TX_POWER=10 ;If it is configured as 10 here, the final output will be 22 dbm.
-  -D MAX_LORA_TX_POWER=22 ;Max SX1262 output
+  -D P_LORA_PA_POWER=7   ; VFEM_Ctrl - GC1109 LDO power enable
+  -D P_LORA_PA_EN=4      ; CSD - GC1109 chip enable (HIGH=on)
+  -D P_LORA_PA_TX_EN=46  ; CPS - GC1109 PA mode (HIGH=full PA, LOW=bypass)
+  -D LORA_TX_POWER=10    ; 10dBm + ~11dB GC1109 gain = ~21dBm output
+  -D MAX_LORA_TX_POWER=22 ; Max SX1262 output -> ~28dBm at antenna
   -D SX126X_DIO2_AS_RF_SWITCH=true
   -D SX126X_DIO3_TCXO_VOLTAGE=1.8
   -D SX126X_CURRENT_LIMIT=140
diff --git a/variants/heltec_v4/HeltecV4Board.cpp b/variants/heltec_v4/HeltecV4Board.cpp
index 6cad79ab..ce27cfe4 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_v4/HeltecV4Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/heltec_v4/HeltecV4Board.cpp
@@ -10,8 +10,6 @@ void HeltecV4Board::begin() {
     loRaFEMControl.init();
 
     periph_power.begin();
-
-    esp_reset_reason_t reason = esp_reset_reason();
     if (reason == ESP_RST_DEEPSLEEP) {
       long wakeup_source = esp_sleep_get_ext1_wakeup_status();
       if (wakeup_source & (1 << P_LORA_DIO_1)) {  // received a LoRa packet (while in deep sleep)
diff --git a/variants/heltec_v4/platformio.ini b/variants/heltec_v4/platformio.ini
index 3bec19f5..68000657 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_v4/platformio.ini
+++ b/variants/heltec_v4/platformio.ini
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ build_flags =
   -D P_LORA_KCT8103L_PA_CTX=5
   -D PIN_USER_BTN=0
   -D PIN_VEXT_EN=36
-  -D PIN_VEXT_EN_ACTIVE=LOW
+  -D PIN_VEXT_EN_ACTIVE=HIGH
   -D LORA_TX_POWER=10 ;If it is configured as 10 here, the final output will be 22 dbm.
   -D MAX_LORA_TX_POWER=22 ; Max SX1262 output
   -D SX126X_REGISTER_PATCH=1       ; Patch register 0x8B5 for improved RX
@@ -56,8 +56,6 @@ build_flags =
   -D PIN_BOARD_SDA=17
   -D PIN_BOARD_SCL=18
   -D PIN_OLED_RESET=21
-  -D ENV_PIN_SDA=4
-  -D ENV_PIN_SCL=3
 build_src_filter= ${Heltec_lora32_v4.build_src_filter}
 lib_deps = ${Heltec_lora32_v4.lib_deps}
 
diff --git a/variants/heltec_v4/target.cpp b/variants/heltec_v4/target.cpp
index f971cc60..54fc05e8 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_v4/target.cpp
+++ b/variants/heltec_v4/target.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ AutoDiscoverRTCClock rtc_clock(fallback_clock);
 #endif
 
 #ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
-  DISPLAY_CLASS display(&(board.periph_power));
+  DISPLAY_CLASS display(NULL);
   MomentaryButton user_btn(PIN_USER_BTN, 1000, true);
 #endif
 
diff --git a/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.cpp b/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.cpp
index b9431c92..33e1de42 100644
--- a/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.cpp
@@ -20,13 +20,29 @@ void RAK3401Board::begin() {
 
   Wire.begin();
 
+  // PIN_3V3_EN (WB_IO2, P0.34) controls the 3V3_S switched peripheral rail
+  // AND the 5V boost regulator (U5) on the RAK13302 that powers the SKY66122 PA.
+  // Must stay HIGH during radio operation — do not toggle for power saving.
   pinMode(PIN_3V3_EN, OUTPUT);
   digitalWrite(PIN_3V3_EN, HIGH);
 
-#ifdef P_LORA_PA_EN
-  // Initialize RAK13302 1W LoRa transceiver module PA control pin
-  pinMode(P_LORA_PA_EN, OUTPUT);
-  digitalWrite(P_LORA_PA_EN, LOW);  // Start with PA disabled
-  delay(10);  // Allow PA module to initialize
+  // Enable SKY66122-11 FEM on the RAK13302 module.
+  // CSD and CPS are tied together on the RAK13302 PCB, routed to IO3 (P0.21).
+  // HIGH = FEM active (LNA for RX, PA path available for TX).
+  // TX/RX switching (CTX) is handled by SX1262 DIO2 via SetDIO2AsRfSwitchCtrl.
+  pinMode(SX126X_POWER_EN, OUTPUT);
+  digitalWrite(SX126X_POWER_EN, HIGH);
+  delay(1);  // SKY66122 turn-on settling time (tON = 3us typ)
+}
+
+#ifdef NRF52_POWER_MANAGEMENT
+void RAK3401Board::initiateShutdown(uint8_t reason) {
+  // Disable SKY66122 FEM (CSD+CPS LOW = shutdown, <1 uA)
+  digitalWrite(SX126X_POWER_EN, LOW);
+
+  // Disable 3V3 switched peripherals and 5V boost
+  digitalWrite(PIN_3V3_EN, LOW);
+
+  enterSystemOff(reason);
+}
 #endif
-}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.h b/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.h
index 20edf906..3a080d5e 100644
--- a/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.h
+++ b/variants/rak3401/RAK3401Board.h
@@ -38,13 +38,6 @@ public:
     return "RAK 3401";
   }
 
-#ifdef P_LORA_PA_EN
-  void onBeforeTransmit() override {
-    digitalWrite(P_LORA_PA_EN, HIGH);  // Enable PA before transmission
-  }
-
-  void onAfterTransmit() override {
-    digitalWrite(P_LORA_PA_EN, LOW);   // Disable PA after transmission to save power
-  }
-#endif
+  // TX/RX switching is handled by SX1262 DIO2 -> SKY66122 CTX (hardware-timed).
+  // No onBeforeTransmit/onAfterTransmit overrides needed.
 };
diff --git a/variants/rak3401/platformio.ini b/variants/rak3401/platformio.ini
index 7467ceb9..ecea0317 100644
--- a/variants/rak3401/platformio.ini
+++ b/variants/rak3401/platformio.ini
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ build_flags = ${nrf52_base.build_flags}
   -D LORA_TX_POWER=22
   -D SX126X_CURRENT_LIMIT=140
   -D SX126X_RX_BOOSTED_GAIN=1
+  -D SX126X_REGISTER_PATCH=1       ; Patch register 0x8B5 for improved RX with SKY66122 FEM
 build_src_filter = ${nrf52_base.build_src_filter}
   +<../variants/rak3401>
   +<helpers/sensors>
diff --git a/variants/rak3401/variant.h b/variants/rak3401/variant.h
index 56fe0816..268aec53 100644
--- a/variants/rak3401/variant.h
+++ b/variants/rak3401/variant.h
@@ -147,8 +147,15 @@ static const uint8_t AREF = PIN_AREF;
 #define SX126X_BUSY (9)
 #define SX126X_RESET (4)
 
-#define SX126X_POWER_EN (21)
-// DIO2 controlls an antenna switch and the TCXO voltage is controlled by DIO3
+// SKY66122-11 FEM control on the RAK13302 module:
+//   CSD + CPS are tied together on the PCB, routed to WisBlock IO3 (P0.21).
+//   Setting IO3 HIGH enables the FEM (LNA for RX, PA path for TX).
+//   CTX is connected to SX1262 DIO2 — the radio handles TX/RX switching
+//   in hardware via SetDIO2AsRfSwitchCtrl (microsecond-accurate, no GPIO needed).
+//   The 5V boost for the PA is enabled by WB_IO2 (P0.34 = PIN_3V3_EN).
+#define SX126X_POWER_EN (21)        // P0.21 = IO3 -> SKY66122 CSD+CPS (FEM enable)
+
+// CTX is driven by SX1262 DIO2, not a GPIO
 #define SX126X_DIO2_AS_RF_SWITCH
 #define SX126X_DIO3_TCXO_VOLTAGE 1.8
 
@@ -159,7 +166,6 @@ static const uint8_t AREF = PIN_AREF;
 #define P_LORA_DIO_1 SX126X_DIO1
 #define P_LORA_BUSY SX126X_BUSY
 #define P_LORA_RESET SX126X_RESET
-#define P_LORA_PA_EN  31
 
 // enables 3.3V periphery like GPS or IO Module
 // Do not toggle this for GPS power savings