     return timeout;
 }
 
+// debug output on SEGDIN line to MAX - use only when not using SPI to MAX
+void dbgBlip(int count)
+{
+    // looks like MAX driver leaves SEGDIN usually low
+    for (int i=0; i<count; i++)
+    {
+#if false
+        digitalWrite(SEGDIN, HIGH);
+        digitalWrite(SEGDIN, LOW);
+#endif
+    }
+}
+
 // use this write for debug output
 inline void dlog (char thisChar)
 {

    // disable watchdog - probably have only 15 ms, hope we can do this in time
    MCUSR = 0;
    wdt_disable();

// http://embeddedgurus.com/stack-overflow/2009/05/checking-the-fuse-bits-in-an-atmel-avr-at-run-time/
    //char fuse_low = _SPM_GET_LOW_FUSEBITS();

        {
            processSegmentCmd(mode);
        }
        modeChanged = false; // TODO - looks redundant
    }

    // end processing this command with a display update if needed
