From e12f4a574c8bb1b965ee50f4092a43766a3b0cbb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: xavierk <xavierk@bongbetic.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:17:18 +0530
Subject: [PATCH] Plot live drive activity every three minutes (#91)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Change default collection cadence from 5 minutes to 3 minutes
  (CADENCE_DEFAULT_S=180, systemd OnUnitInactiveSec=3min,
  runit CADENCE=180)
- Update freshness threshold to 450s (2×180 + AccuracySec + 60)
- Add _query_live_graph_data(): queries raw samples from the last
  3 hours and computes interval byte deltas with actual timestamps
- Add LiveActivityGraph widget: vertical bar chart of interval
  volumes with read/write toggle (w key), arrow key inspection,
  and click support
- Wire live graph into TUI layout (full-width row between daily
  graph and drive health), refresh cycle, and CSS grid
- Replace t theme binding with t today/live binding; theme
  selection via preferences file
- Add w binding for read/write toggle on live graph
- Update action legend, help screen, and grid layout for new
  live-activity row
- Add 20 tests covering cadence constants, live query, widget
  rendering, toggle, and TUI integration
- Update all cadence documentation (README, ADR 0003, acceptance
  criteria LC-2, fenris-redesign constants table, CHANGELOG)
---
 CHANGELOG.md                                  |   2 +-
 README.md                                     |   4 +-
 ...service-lifecycle-and-sanctioned-toggle.md |   2 +-
 docs/spec/acceptance-criteria.md              |   2 +-
 docs/spec/fenris-redesign.md                  |   4 +-
 src/fenris/init_system.py                     |   4 +-
 src/fenris/status.py                          |   4 +-
 src/fenris/tui.py                             | 406 ++++++++++++++++--
 tests/test_issue_80.py                        |  29 +-
 tests/test_live_graph.py                      | 324 ++++++++++++++
 tests/test_status_composition.py              |  16 +-
 tests/test_tui.py                             |   2 +-
 units/fenris-collect.timer                    |   2 +-
 units/runit/fenris-collect/run                |   4 +-
 14 files changed, 735 insertions(+), 70 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 tests/test_live_graph.py

diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index e20c37a..949772a 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ backfill releases from before this changelog.
 
 ### Changed
 
-- Make usage-history axes, units, UTC boundaries, active 7/14/30/90-day window, gaps, partial periods, stacked write attribution, and hourly drill-down explicit; keep live graph data refreshed on the existing five-minute cadence.
+- Make usage-history axes, units, UTC boundaries, active 7/14/30/90-day window, gaps, partial periods, stacked write attribution, and hourly drill-down explicit; keep live graph data refreshed on the current three-minute cadence.
 
 ## [0.3.6] - 2026-09-16
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2b465ab..c83465b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ Uninstall performs the sanctioned disable first (`fenris-monitor disable --now`)
 
 ## Cadence drop-ins
 
-The default collection cadence is **5 minutes** (`OnUnitInactiveSec=5min` in the timer unit). To change it, place a systemd drop-in:
+The default collection cadence is **3 minutes** (`OnUnitInactiveSec=3min` in the timer unit). To change it, place a systemd drop-in:
 
 ```bash
 sudo systemctl edit fenris-collect.timer
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ sudo systemctl edit fenris-collect.timer
 No interval key exists in `/etc/fenris/fenris.conf`. Cadence is a systemd concern, not a Fenris configuration key.
 
 On Void, Fenris uses its native runit service instead: its initial collection
-is delayed by two minutes and later collections run five minutes after the
+is delayed by two minutes and later collections run three minutes after the
 previous run finishes. Inspect its state and diagnostics with:
 
 ```bash
diff --git a/docs/adr/0003-service-lifecycle-and-sanctioned-toggle.md b/docs/adr/0003-service-lifecycle-and-sanctioned-toggle.md
index 4cd8d43..0775db4 100644
--- a/docs/adr/0003-service-lifecycle-and-sanctioned-toggle.md
+++ b/docs/adr/0003-service-lifecycle-and-sanctioned-toggle.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Fenris's current single process combines daemonization, a PID file, an HTTP dash
 ## Decision
 
 1. **Units.** Two system units only: `fenris-collect.timer` (`WantedBy=timers.target`) and `fenris-collect.service` (`Type=oneshot`, root, `ExecStart=/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-collect`; no listener, no UI code). The TUI and CLI are ordinary unprivileged processes and never units. There is no `/run/fenris` coordination surface: systemd serializes runs, the observation store holds state, and failures go to the journal per [ADR 0001](0001-observation-store-sqlite.md).
-2. **Cadence.** Default five minutes: `OnBootSec=2min`, `OnUnitInactiveSec=5min` (measured from run completion; drift accepted because hours are the evidence grain), `AccuracySec=30s`, `Persistent=no`, no suspend catch-up (absent hours classify through power-on-hours evidence), `TimeoutStartSec=90s` so a hung interrogation fails visibly. Cadence changes are documented drop-ins on the timer unit (`systemctl edit` + daemon-reload); no interval key exists in configuration.
+2. **Cadence.** Default three minutes: `OnBootSec=2min`, `OnUnitInactiveSec=3min` (measured from run completion; drift accepted because hours are the evidence grain), `AccuracySec=30s`, `Persistent=no`, no suspend catch-up (absent hours classify through power-on-hours evidence), `TimeoutStartSec=90s` so a hung interrogation fails visibly. Cadence changes are documented drop-ins on the timer unit (`systemctl edit` + daemon-reload); no interval key exists in configuration.
 3. **Configuration.** `/etc/fenris/fenris.conf` holds exactly one key: the device selector, a stable `/dev/disk/by-id/…` path (raw nodes accepted with an instability warning), validated at collection time. The oneshot re-reads it every run, so there is no reload path to design. An invalid selector is a bounded failed run — journal plus failed unit result, retried next interval; `status` and the TUI also read the world-readable file directly and surface a `configuration error: <reason>` fact.
 4. **Entry points.** Two privileged binaries: `/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-collect` (device interrogation and store writes; the unit's `ExecStart`) and `/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-monitor` (fixed operations `enable` and `disable` with optional `--now`, plus the collect trigger, monitoring-period bookkeeping, and `baseline set`/`baseline clear` persistence for the CLI-validated endurance baseline; the only binary the polkit policy authorizes). One unprivileged `fenris` for humans: no arguments opens the TUI; subcommands (`status`, `sample`, `monitor pause`, `monitor resume`) are the CLI.
 5. **Sanctioned toggle.** Pause = `disable --now`; Resume = `enable --now`; both executed by `fenris-monitor`, which performs the systemctl operation and the monitoring-period bookkeeping in one step, under polkit action `com.bongbetic.fenris.monitor` (`auth_admin`, covering the collect trigger too). Root invokes the helpers directly; where no polkit agent exists the operation fails cleanly and prints the root equivalent. This amends the research's direct-systemctl toggle: a period boundary cannot be recorded by systemctl, so the toggle must be Fenris's own fixed operation.
diff --git a/docs/spec/acceptance-criteria.md b/docs/spec/acceptance-criteria.md
index e377111..1d740d3 100644
--- a/docs/spec/acceptance-criteria.md
+++ b/docs/spec/acceptance-criteria.md
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ Status: Accepted — resolves [Define cross-cutting acceptance criteria](https:/
 ## Collector lifecycle and privilege boundaries (ADR 0003)
 
 - **LC-1** (P) Exactly two system units exist — `fenris-collect.timer` (`timers.target`) and `fenris-collect.service` (`Type=oneshot`, root, `ExecStart=/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-collect`); the TUI and CLI are ordinary unprivileged processes and never units.
-- **LC-2** (P) Timer defaults ship as `OnBootSec=2min`, `OnUnitInactiveSec=5min`, `AccuracySec=30s`, `Persistent=no`, `TimeoutStartSec=90s`; cadence changes are documented drop-ins and no interval key exists in configuration.
+- **LC-2** (P) Timer defaults ship as `OnBootSec=2min`, `OnUnitInactiveSec=3min`, `AccuracySec=30s`, `Persistent=no`, `TimeoutStartSec=90s`; cadence changes are documented drop-ins and no interval key exists in configuration.
 - **LC-3** (P) A hung device interrogation fails visibly within `TimeoutStartSec=90s` as a bounded failed run retried next interval.
 - **LC-4** (A/P) `/etc/fenris/fenris.conf` holds exactly the device selector (stable `/dev/disk/by-id/…` path; raw nodes warned), re-read every run; an invalid selector is a bounded failed run surfaced as `configuration error: <reason>` in `status` and the TUI.
 - **LC-5** (P) Two privileged binaries ship at `/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-collect` and `/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-monitor`; the unprivileged `fenris` wrapper opens the TUI with no arguments.
diff --git a/docs/spec/fenris-redesign.md b/docs/spec/fenris-redesign.md
index 3f26f02..a3beb4f 100644
--- a/docs/spec/fenris-redesign.md
+++ b/docs/spec/fenris-redesign.md
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Every constant is defined once, in the section named below; other sections cite,
 
 | Constant | Value | Defined in |
 |---|---|---|
-| Collection cadence (default) | 5 min (`OnUnitInactiveSec`) | §8.2 |
+| Collection cadence (default) | 3 min (`OnUnitInactiveSec`) | §8.2 |
 | First-boot delay | 2 min (`OnBootSec`) | §8.2 |
 | Timer accuracy window | 30 s (`AccuracySec`) | §8.2 |
 | Collection-run timeout | 90 s (`TimeoutStartSec`) | §8.2 |
@@ -479,7 +479,7 @@ Two privileged binaries — `/usr/libexec/fenris/fenris-collect` (device interro
 
 Constants defined once, consumed by TUI and CLI alike; the grade derives from the **newest sample timestamp**, never a stored flag:
 
-- **fresh** — newest sample within 2 × cadence + `AccuracySec` + 60 s (11.5 min at default cadence);
+- **fresh** — newest sample within 2 × cadence + `AccuracySec` + 60 s (7.5 min at default cadence);
 - **missed** — between that and 48 h (a contributing fact);
 - **stale** — ≥ 48 h, matching the §6.7 evidence gate;
 - **empty store** — *"no observations yet"* with an enable hint.
diff --git a/src/fenris/init_system.py b/src/fenris/init_system.py
index aa84e6d..12ff191 100644
--- a/src/fenris/init_system.py
+++ b/src/fenris/init_system.py
@@ -10,13 +10,13 @@ responsibility shared by the privileged control path and read-only status
 composition.
 
 Runit service layout:
-  /etc/sv/fenris-collect/run        — scheduler (sleep 120; loop { collect; sleep 300 })
+  /etc/sv/fenris-collect/run        — scheduler (sleep 120; loop { collect; sleep 180 })
   /etc/sv/fenris-collect/log/run    — logger to /var/log/fenris-collect/
   /var/service/fenris-collect       — symlink to enable
   /etc/sv/fenris-collect/down       — marker for dormant install
 
 Runit guarantees:
-  - Completion-relative 5-minute cadence (sleep 300 after each collect)
+  - Completion-relative 3-minute cadence (sleep 180 after each collect)
   - Initial 2-minute boot delay (sleep 120 before first collect)
   - Bounded execution (90s timeout via timeout(1))
   - No catch-up (service sleeps fixed interval, no Persistent= flag)
diff --git a/src/fenris/status.py b/src/fenris/status.py
index 3e868bf..147004e 100644
--- a/src/fenris/status.py
+++ b/src/fenris/status.py
@@ -35,9 +35,9 @@ from .init_system import (
 # Freshness constants (§8.9, §8.2)
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-CADENCE_DEFAULT_S = 300           # 5 min
+CADENCE_DEFAULT_S = 180           # 3 min
 ACCURACY_SEC = 30
-FRESH_THRESHOLD_S = 2 * CADENCE_DEFAULT_S + ACCURACY_SEC + 60  # 690 s
+FRESH_THRESHOLD_S = 2 * CADENCE_DEFAULT_S + ACCURACY_SEC + 60  # 450 s
 STALENESS_THRESHOLD_S = 48 * 3600  # 48 h
 
 
diff --git a/src/fenris/tui.py b/src/fenris/tui.py
index 7e2b249..75b2717 100644
--- a/src/fenris/tui.py
+++ b/src/fenris/tui.py
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ from .status_composition import (
     STATUS_POLL_INTERVAL_S,
 )
 from .control import MONITOR_HELPER, MonitorError, run_monitor
+from .derive import _parse_ts
 from .preferences import load_preferences, save_preferences
 from .themes import THEMES, THEME_NAMES, get_theme, get_graph_colors
 
@@ -62,7 +63,7 @@ from .themes import THEMES, THEME_NAMES, get_theme, get_graph_colors
 _RESUME_HINT = "r Resume — enable monitoring and future boots"
 _ACTION_LEGEND = (
     "p Pause · " + _RESUME_HINT + "\n"
-    "c Collect now · t Theme · m Motion · d Disclosures · ? Help"
+    "c Collect now · t Today · m Motion · d Disclosures · ? Help"
 )
 
 def _format_remaining(seconds: float) -> str:
@@ -396,7 +397,7 @@ class DailyBarGraph(Widget):
         bar_h = max(1, min(_BAR_HEIGHT, render_height - 2))
         n = len(visible)
 
-        scale, unit = self._unit_scale(max_bytes)
+        scale, unit = _unit_scale(max_bytes)
         lines: List[str] = [
             "Writes (%s) · %s → %s UTC" % (
                 unit, visible[0].get("day", ""), visible[-1].get("day", ""),
@@ -532,7 +533,7 @@ class DailyBarGraph(Widget):
         render_height = self.query_one("#bar-render").region.height
         bar_h = max(1, min(_BAR_HEIGHT, render_height - 2))
         n = len(visible)
-        scale, unit = self._unit_scale(max_bytes)
+        scale, unit = _unit_scale(max_bytes)
 
         lines: List[str] = [
             "Writes (%s) · %s:00 → %s:00 UTC" % (
@@ -899,6 +900,320 @@ def _query_hourly_graph_data(
     return result
 
 
+def _unit_scale(max_bytes: int) -> tuple[float, str]:
+    if max_bytes >= 1_000_000_000_000:
+        return 1e12, "TB"
+    if max_bytes >= 1_000_000_000:
+        return 1e9, "GB"
+    return 1e6, "MB"
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Live activity graph data (issue #91)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+LIVE_WINDOW_H = 3  # Rolling window for the live graph
+
+
+def _query_live_graph_data(
+    conn: sqlite3.Connection,
+    now: datetime,
+) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Query the last three hours of measured interval volumes from raw samples.
+
+    Each point represents the byte delta between two compatible consecutive
+    readings in the same controller segment.  Points use actual elapsed
+    timestamps rather than pretending delayed runs are exact samples; gaps
+    and first-reading anchors are visually distinct.
+
+    Returns one dict per interval, ordered oldest-first.
+    """
+    window_start = (now - timedelta(hours=LIVE_WINDOW_H)).isoformat()
+    cursor = conn.execute(
+        "SELECT ts, bytes_written, bytes_read, segment_id "
+        "FROM samples WHERE ts >= ? ORDER BY ts",
+        (window_start,),
+    )
+    rows = cursor.fetchall()
+
+    if len(rows) < 2:
+        return []
+
+    results: List[Dict[str, Any]] = []
+    for i in range(1, len(rows)):
+        prev_ts = _parse_ts(rows[i - 1][0])
+        curr_ts = _parse_ts(rows[i][0])
+        prev_bw = rows[i - 1][1] or 0
+        prev_br = rows[i - 1][2] or 0
+        curr_bw = rows[i][1] or 0
+        curr_br = rows[i][2] or 0
+        prev_seg = rows[i - 1][3]
+        curr_seg = rows[i][3]
+
+        elapsed_s = int((curr_ts - prev_ts).total_seconds())
+        is_gap = elapsed_s > (CADENCE_DEFAULT_S * 3)  # more than 3× expected cadence
+        is_segment_boundary = prev_seg != curr_seg
+
+        bw_delta = max(0, curr_bw - prev_bw) if not is_segment_boundary else 0
+        br_delta = max(0, curr_br - prev_br) if not is_segment_boundary else 0
+        is_zero = bw_delta == 0 and br_delta == 0
+
+        # Format timestamps in local-ish readable form (HH:MM)
+        start_label = prev_ts.strftime("%H:%M")
+        end_label = curr_ts.strftime("%H:%M")
+
+        results.append({
+            "start_ts": rows[i - 1][0],
+            "end_ts": rows[i][0],
+            "start_label": start_label,
+            "end_label": end_label,
+            "bytes_written": bw_delta,
+            "bytes_read": br_delta,
+            "elapsed_s": elapsed_s,
+            "is_gap": is_gap,
+            "is_zero": is_zero,
+            "is_segment_boundary": is_segment_boundary,
+        })
+
+    return results
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Live activity graph widget (issue #91)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class LiveActivityGraph(Widget):
+    """Rolling last-three-hours interval volume graph with read/write toggle.
+
+    Renders interval written (or read) volumes as vertical bars using block
+    glyphs.  Supports keyboard and mouse navigation, a read/write toggle
+    (w key), and selected-point inspection showing timestamps, timezone,
+    measured volume, and evidence state.  Reads only committed
+    observation-store evidence.
+    """
+
+    can_focus = True
+    can_focus_children = False
+
+    CSS = """
+    LiveActivityGraph {
+        height: 100%;
+        width: 100%;
+        layout: vertical;
+    }
+    #live-header {
+        height: 1;
+        width: 100%;
+    }
+    #live-render {
+        height: 1fr;
+        width: 100%;
+        overflow: hidden;
+    }
+    #live-legend {
+        height: 1;
+        width: 100%;
+    }
+    #live-readout {
+        height: 2;
+        width: 100%;
+    }
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, **kwargs: Any) -> None:
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        self._data: List[Dict[str, Any]] = []
+        self._selected_index: int = -1
+        self._measure: str = "written"  # "written" or "read"
+
+    def compose(self) -> ComposeResult:
+        yield Static("", id="live-header")
+        yield Static("", id="live-render")
+        yield Static("", id="live-legend")
+        yield Static("", id="live-readout")
+
+    @property
+    def measure(self) -> str:
+        return self._measure
+
+    def toggle_measure(self) -> None:
+        """Toggle between written and read volumes."""
+        self._measure = "read" if self._measure == "written" else "written"
+        self._refresh()
+
+    def set_data(self, data: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> None:
+        """Update graph with live interval data."""
+        prev_selected_end = None
+        if 0 <= self._selected_index < len(self._data):
+            prev_selected_end = self._data[self._selected_index].get("end_ts")
+
+        self._data = data
+        if prev_selected_end is not None:
+            self._selected_index = next(
+                (i for i, d in enumerate(data) if d.get("end_ts") == prev_selected_end),
+                len(data) - 1 if data else -1,
+            )
+        else:
+            self._selected_index = len(data) - 1 if data else -1
+        self._refresh()
+
+    def _current_bytes(self, item: Dict[str, Any]) -> int:
+        if self._measure == "written":
+            return item.get("bytes_written", 0)
+        return item.get("bytes_read", 0)
+
+    def _refresh(self) -> None:
+        self._render_header()
+        if not self._data:
+            self.query_one("#live-render").update("[dim]Awaiting intervals[/dim]")
+            self.query_one("#live-legend").update("")
+            self.query_one("#live-readout").update("")
+            return
+        self._render_bars()
+        self._render_legend()
+        self._render_readout()
+
+    def _render_header(self) -> None:
+        label = "Writes" if self._measure == "written" else "Reads"
+        toggle_hint = "w Toggle W/R"
+        n = len(self._data)
+        self.query_one("#live-header").update(
+            "Live %s · last %dh · %d intervals · %s"
+            % (label.lower(), LIVE_WINDOW_H, n, toggle_hint)
+        )
+
+    def _render_bars(self) -> None:
+        max_bytes = max(
+            (self._current_bytes(d) for d in self._data), default=0
+        ) or 1
+
+        render_height = self.query_one("#live-render").region.height
+        bar_h = max(1, min(_BAR_HEIGHT, render_height - 2))
+        n = len(self._data)
+        scale, unit = _unit_scale(max_bytes)
+
+        measure_label = "Writes" if self._measure == "written" else "Reads"
+        lines: List[str] = [
+            "%s (%s) · %s → %s" % (
+                measure_label, unit,
+                self._data[0].get("start_label", ""),
+                self._data[-1].get("end_label", ""),
+            )
+        ]
+        for row in range(bar_h, 0, -1):
+            if row == bar_h:
+                axis = "%7.2f " % (max_bytes / scale)
+            elif row == (bar_h + 1) // 2 and row != 1:
+                axis = "%7.2f " % (max_bytes / scale / 2)
+            elif row == 1:
+                axis = "%7s " % "0"
+            else:
+                axis = "        "
+            line = axis
+            threshold = (row / bar_h) * max_bytes
+            for i, item in enumerate(self._data):
+                bw = self._current_bytes(item)
+                if item.get("is_gap") or item.get("is_segment_boundary"):
+                    glyph = _GLYPH_GAP if row <= 2 else " "
+                elif bw == 0 and item.get("is_zero"):
+                    glyph = _GLYPH_ZERO if row == 1 else " "
+                elif bw == 0:
+                    glyph = " "
+                elif threshold <= bw:
+                    glyph = _GLYPH_ALLOCATED
+                else:
+                    glyph = " "
+                line += glyph * _BAR_WIDTH
+                if i < n - 1:
+                    line += " " * _BAR_SPACING
+            lines.append(line)
+
+        # Time labels
+        label_line = "Time   "
+        for i, item in enumerate(self._data):
+            label = item.get("start_label", "")[-2:]
+            if i == self._selected_index:
+                label = _GLYPH_SELECTED + label[-1:]
+            label_line += label
+            if i < n - 1:
+                label_line += " " * _BAR_SPACING
+        lines.append(label_line)
+
+        self.query_one("#live-render").update("\n".join(lines))
+
+    def _render_legend(self) -> None:
+        self.query_one("#live-legend").update(
+            "%s Volume  %s Gap  %s Zero" % (
+                _GLYPH_ALLOCATED, _GLYPH_GAP, _GLYPH_ZERO,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def _render_readout(self) -> None:
+        if self._selected_index < 0 or self._selected_index >= len(self._data):
+            self.query_one("#live-readout").update("[dim]← → Select interval[/dim]")
+            return
+
+        item = self._data[self._selected_index]
+        bw = item.get("bytes_written", 0)
+        br = item.get("bytes_read", 0)
+        measure_val = bw if self._measure == "written" else br
+        scale, unit = _unit_scale(measure_val) if measure_val > 0 else (1e6, "MB")
+
+        state_parts = []
+        if item.get("is_gap"):
+            state_parts.append("gap")
+        if item.get("is_segment_boundary"):
+            state_parts.append("segment boundary")
+        if item.get("is_zero"):
+            state_parts.append("measured zero")
+        state = " · " + ", ".join(state_parts) if state_parts else ""
+
+        self.query_one("#live-readout").update(
+            "[bold]%s → %s UTC[/bold] · W %.3f GB · R %.3f GB · %ds%s"
+            % (
+                item.get("start_label", ""),
+                item.get("end_label", ""),
+                bw / 1e9,
+                br / 1e9,
+                item.get("elapsed_s", 0),
+                state,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def on_key(self, event: Any) -> None:
+        if event.key == "left":
+            if self._selected_index < 0:
+                self._selected_index = len(self._data) - 1
+            else:
+                self._selected_index = max(0, self._selected_index - 1)
+            self._refresh()
+            event.stop()
+        elif event.key == "right":
+            if self._selected_index < 0:
+                self._selected_index = 0
+            else:
+                self._selected_index = min(
+                    len(self._data) - 1, self._selected_index + 1
+                )
+            self._refresh()
+            event.stop()
+        elif event.key == "w":
+            self.toggle_measure()
+            event.stop()
+
+    def on_click(self, event: Any) -> None:
+        render = self.query_one("#live-render")
+        offset_x = event.x - render.region.x
+        bar_total = _BAR_WIDTH + _BAR_SPACING
+        idx = max(0, offset_x - 8) // bar_total
+        if 0 <= idx < len(self._data):
+            self._selected_index = idx
+            self._refresh()
+
+    def on_resize(self) -> None:
+        self._refresh()
+
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Data queries for TUI regions
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1018,7 +1333,9 @@ class HelpScreen(ModalScreen[None]):
                 + _ACTION_LEGEND + "\n"
                 "q Quit the dashboard — monitoring continues\n"
                 "Tab Focus the graph · ← → Select · 1-4 Change range\n"
-                "Enter Show hours · Esc Return to days\n\n"
+                "Enter Show hours · Esc Return to days\n"
+                "w Toggle W/R on live graph\n"
+                "Theme changed via preferences file\n\n"
                 "[dim]↑ ↓ Scroll · Esc Close[/dim]",
                 id="help-text",
             )
@@ -1040,46 +1357,49 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
     CSS = """
     #main-grid {
         layout: grid;
-        grid-size: 2 4;
+        grid-size: 2 5;
         grid-columns: 3fr 2fr;
-        grid-rows: auto 10 auto 3;
+        grid-rows: auto 10 8 auto 3;
         height: auto;
     }
     #main-grid.local-day {
-        grid-size: 2 5;
-        grid-rows: auto 10 auto auto 3;
+        grid-size: 2 6;
+        grid-rows: auto 10 8 auto auto 3;
     }
     #main-grid.paused {
-        grid-size: 2 5;
-        grid-rows: auto auto 10 auto 3;
+        grid-size: 2 6;
+        grid-rows: auto auto 10 8 auto 3;
     }
     #main-grid.paused.local-day {
-        grid-size: 2 6;
-        grid-rows: auto auto 10 auto auto 3;
+        grid-size: 2 7;
+        grid-rows: auto auto 10 8 auto auto 3;
     }
     #main-grid.constrained {
-        grid-size: 1 4;
+        grid-size: 1 5;
         grid-columns: 1fr;
-        grid-rows: auto auto auto auto;
+        grid-rows: auto auto auto auto auto;
     }
     #main-grid.constrained.local-day {
-        grid-size: 1 5;
-        grid-rows: auto auto auto auto auto;
-    }
-    #main-grid.constrained.paused {
-        grid-size: 1 5;
-        grid-rows: auto auto auto auto auto;
-    }
-    #main-grid.constrained.paused.local-day {
         grid-size: 1 6;
         grid-rows: auto auto auto auto auto auto;
     }
+    #main-grid.constrained.paused {
+        grid-size: 1 6;
+        grid-rows: auto auto auto auto auto auto;
+    }
+    #main-grid.constrained.paused.local-day {
+        grid-size: 1 7;
+        grid-rows: auto auto auto auto auto auto auto;
+    }
     #main-grid.constrained #usage-history {
         display: none;
     }
     #main-grid.constrained #constrained-summary {
         display: block;
     }
+    #main-grid.constrained #live-activity {
+        display: none;
+    }
     #constrained-summary {
         display: none;
         border: round #555555;
@@ -1087,6 +1407,13 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
         height: auto;
         min-height: 3;
     }
+    #live-activity {
+        column-span: 2;
+        border: round #555555;
+        padding: 0 1;
+        height: auto;
+        min-height: 5;
+    }
     #local-day {
         column-span: 2;
         display: none;
@@ -1123,8 +1450,9 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
         Binding("r", "resume", "Resume", show=False),
         Binding("c", "collect", "Collect now", show=False),
         Binding("d", "disclose", "Disclosures", show=False),
-        Binding("t", "toggle_theme", "Theme", show=False),
+        Binding("t", "today", "Today", show=False),
         Binding("m", "toggle_motion", "Motion", show=False),
+        Binding("w", "toggle_measure", "W/R", show=False),
         Binding("?", "help", "Help", show=False),
         Binding("q", "quit", "Quit", show=False),
     ]
@@ -1164,6 +1492,7 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
                 yield Static("", id="paused-banner")
                 yield DailyBarGraph(id="usage-history", classes="pane")
                 yield Static("", id="constrained-summary", classes="pane")
+                yield LiveActivityGraph(id="live-activity")
                 yield Static("", id="drive-health", classes="pane")
                 yield Static("", id="local-day", classes="pane")
                 yield Static("", id="service-strip", classes="pane")
@@ -1179,6 +1508,7 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
         self.query_one("#usage-history").border_title = "Usage history"
         self.query_one("#constrained-summary").border_title = "Usage history"
         self.query_one("#drive-health").border_title = "Drive"
+        self.query_one("#live-activity").border_title = "Live activity"
         self.query_one("#local-day").border_title = "Local day"
         self.query_one("#service-strip").border_title = "Monitoring and actions"
         self._refresh_timer = self.set_interval(
@@ -1386,6 +1716,11 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
         )
         self.query_one("#drive-health").update(health_text)
 
+        # --- Live activity graph (issue #91) ---
+        live_data = _query_live_graph_data(conn, self._clock_now)
+        live_graph = self.query_one("#live-activity")
+        live_graph.set_data(live_data)
+
         # --- Local-day totals (issue #90) ---
         self._render_local_day(conn)
 
@@ -1527,19 +1862,18 @@ class FenrisTuiApp(App):
 
     # --- Actions ---
 
-    def action_toggle_theme(self) -> None:
-        """Cycle through Amber → Nord → High Contrast presets (issue #80)."""
-        names = sorted(THEME_NAMES)
-        try:
-            idx = names.index(self._current_theme_name)
-        except ValueError:
-            idx = 0
-        self._current_theme_name = names[(idx + 1) % len(names)]
-        self.theme = "fenris-%s" % self._current_theme_name.replace("_", "-")
-        save_preferences(
-            theme=self._current_theme_name,
-            reduced_motion=self._reduced_motion,
-        )
+    def action_toggle_measure(self) -> None:
+        """Toggle between written and read volumes on the live graph."""
+        live = self.query_one("#live-activity")
+        live.toggle_measure()
+        self._refresh()
+
+    def action_today(self) -> None:
+        """Return to today's live view from any historical browsing."""
+        # Reset the daily graph to today's data
+        graph = self.query_one("#usage-history")
+        if graph.view_mode == "hourly":
+            graph._exit_drill()
         self._refresh()
 
     def action_toggle_motion(self) -> None:
diff --git a/tests/test_issue_80.py b/tests/test_issue_80.py
index da53ebb..e129f90 100644
--- a/tests/test_issue_80.py
+++ b/tests/test_issue_80.py
@@ -171,8 +171,8 @@ class TestKeyBindings:
             assert "m" in binding_keys
 
     @pytest.mark.asyncio
-    async def test_t_cycles_through_themes(self, tmp_path):
-        """Pressing t cycles through the three presets."""
+    async def test_t_goes_to_today(self, tmp_path):
+        """Pressing t returns to today's live view (issue #91)."""
         from fenris.tui import FenrisTuiApp
 
         config_home = _make_prefs_dir(tmp_path)
@@ -182,12 +182,17 @@ class TestKeyBindings:
                 # Start at amber
                 assert app.theme == "fenris-amber"
 
-                # Press t to cycle
+                # Enter drill mode on the graph
+                graph = app.query_one("#usage-history")
+                graph.view_mode = "hourly"
+                graph.drill_day = "2026-09-30"
+
+                # Press t to go back to today
                 await pilot.press("t")
                 await pilot.pause()
 
-                # Should be nord or high_contrast now
-                assert app.theme in ("fenris-nord", "fenris-high-contrast")
+                # Should be back in daily mode
+                assert graph.view_mode == "daily"
 
     @pytest.mark.asyncio
     async def test_m_toggles_reduced_motion(self, tmp_path):
@@ -226,21 +231,23 @@ class TestPersistence:
     async def test_theme_survives_restart(self, tmp_path):
         """Theme preference persists across TUI restart."""
         from fenris.tui import FenrisTuiApp
+        from fenris.preferences import save_preferences
 
         config_home = _make_prefs_dir(tmp_path)
         with patch.dict(os.environ, {"XDG_CONFIG_HOME": str(config_home)}):
-            # First run: change theme
+            # First run: change theme via preferences API
             app1 = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "nonexistent.db")
             async with app1.run_test() as pilot:
-                await pilot.press("t")
-                await pilot.pause()
-                theme_after_t = app1.theme
-                assert theme_after_t != "fenris-amber"
+                save_preferences(theme="nord", reduced_motion=False)
+                app1._current_theme_name = "nord"
+                app1.theme = "fenris-nord"
+                theme_after = app1.theme
+                assert theme_after == "fenris-nord"
 
             # Second run: theme should persist
             app2 = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "nonexistent.db")
             async with app2.run_test() as pilot:
-                assert app2.theme == theme_after_t
+                assert app2.theme == theme_after
 
     @pytest.mark.asyncio
     async def test_reduced_motion_survives_restart(self, tmp_path):
diff --git a/tests/test_live_graph.py b/tests/test_live_graph.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa3dca7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_live_graph.py
@@ -0,0 +1,324 @@
+"""Tests for live activity graph (issue #91).
+
+Covers:
+- Live interval volume query from raw samples
+- LiveActivityGraph widget rendering, toggle, and inspection
+- Three-minute cadence constants
+- TUI integration with live graph
+"""
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import pytest
+import sys
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent / "src"))
+
+from fenris.store import init_store
+from fenris.monitoring_periods import ensure_period_open
+from fenris.tui import (
+    FenrisTuiApp,
+    LiveActivityGraph,
+    _query_live_graph_data,
+    LIVE_WINDOW_H,
+    _query_daily_graph_data,
+    _RANGE_OPTIONS,
+)
+from fenris.status import CADENCE_DEFAULT_S, FRESH_THRESHOLD_S, ACCURACY_SEC
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Helpers
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def _clock(year=2026, month=9, day=30, hour=12):
+    return datetime(year, month, day, hour, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+
+
+def _insert_segment(conn, opened_at="2026-09-01T00:00:00+00:00",
+                     identity_key="nqn.test", degraded=False,
+                     mn="Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB"):
+    conn.execute(
+        "INSERT INTO controller_segments "
+        "(opened_at, identity_key, identity_degraded, subnqn, sn, mn, fr, vid, ssvid, transport) "
+        "VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)",
+        (opened_at, identity_key, degraded, "nqn.test", "SN123", mn, "FW1",
+         "0x144d", "0x144d", "pcie"),
+    )
+    conn.commit()
+
+
+def _insert_sample(conn, ts, bw=512000000000, br=256000000000,
+                    segment_id=None, pu=5, device="/dev/nvme0n1"):
+    conn.execute(
+        "INSERT INTO samples (ts, device, data_units_written, data_units_read, "
+        "percentage_used, bytes_written, bytes_read, power_on_hours, segment_id) "
+        "VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)",
+        (ts, device, 1000000, 500000, pu, bw, br, 8765, segment_id),
+    )
+    conn.commit()
+
+
+def _open_period(conn, start="2026-09-01T00:00:00+00:00"):
+    ensure_period_open(conn, datetime.fromisoformat(start))
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Cadence constants (issue #91 AC1)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class TestCadenceConstants:
+    def test_cadence_default_is_3_minutes(self):
+        """Default collection cadence is 3 minutes (180 s)."""
+        assert CADENCE_DEFAULT_S == 180
+
+    def test_fresh_threshold_uses_3min_cadence(self):
+        """Fresh threshold = 2 × 3min + AccuracySec + 60s = 450s."""
+        expected = 2 * 180 + ACCURACY_SEC + 60
+        assert FRESH_THRESHOLD_S == expected
+
+    def test_live_window_is_3_hours(self):
+        """Live graph window is 3 hours."""
+        assert LIVE_WINDOW_H == 3
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Live graph query (issue #91 AC2-5)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class TestQueryLiveData:
+    def test_empty_store_returns_empty(self, tmp_path):
+        """No samples → empty list."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert result == []
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_single_sample_returns_empty(self, tmp_path):
+        """One sample (no pair) → empty list."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        _insert_sample(conn, now.isoformat())
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert result == []
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_two_samples_in_window(self, tmp_path):
+        """Two samples within 3h window produce one interval."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        t1 = (now - timedelta(minutes=3)).isoformat()
+        t2 = (now - timedelta(minutes=0)).isoformat()
+        _insert_sample(conn, t1, bw=1000, br=500)
+        _insert_sample(conn, t2, bw=1500, br=700)
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 1
+        assert result[0]["bytes_written"] == 500
+        assert result[0]["bytes_read"] == 200
+        assert result[0]["elapsed_s"] == 180
+        assert result[0]["is_gap"] is False
+        assert result[0]["is_zero"] is False
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_samples_outside_window_ignored(self, tmp_path):
+        """Samples older than 3h are excluded."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        old = (now - timedelta(hours=4)).isoformat()
+        recent = (now - timedelta(minutes=1)).isoformat()
+        _insert_sample(conn, old, bw=1000, br=500)
+        _insert_sample(conn, recent, bw=1500, br=700)
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 0
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_gap_detection(self, tmp_path):
+        """Interval > 3× cadence is flagged as a gap."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        t1 = (now - timedelta(minutes=13)).isoformat()
+        t2 = (now - timedelta(minutes=3)).isoformat()
+        _insert_sample(conn, t1, bw=1000, br=500)
+        _insert_sample(conn, t2, bw=1500, br=700)
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 1
+        assert result[0]["is_gap"] is True
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_zero_interval(self, tmp_path):
+        """No byte delta → is_zero flag."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        t1 = (now - timedelta(minutes=3)).isoformat()
+        t2 = (now - timedelta(minutes=0)).isoformat()
+        _insert_sample(conn, t1, bw=1000, br=500)
+        _insert_sample(conn, t2, bw=1000, br=500)
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 1
+        assert result[0]["bytes_written"] == 0
+        assert result[0]["bytes_read"] == 0
+        assert result[0]["is_zero"] is True
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_segment_boundary_resets_counters(self, tmp_path):
+        """Counter discontinuity across segments → zero delta."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        _insert_segment(conn, identity_key="key_a")
+        _insert_segment(conn, opened_at="2026-09-30T11:00:00+00:00",
+                        identity_key="key_b")
+        now = _clock()
+        t1 = (now - timedelta(minutes=6)).isoformat()
+        t2 = (now - timedelta(minutes=3)).isoformat()
+        _insert_sample(conn, t1, bw=1000, br=500, segment_id=1)
+        _insert_sample(conn, t2, bw=500, br=200, segment_id=2)
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 1
+        assert result[0]["bytes_written"] == 0
+        assert result[0]["bytes_read"] == 0
+        assert result[0]["is_segment_boundary"] is True
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_actual_timestamps_used(self, tmp_path):
+        """Points use actual sample timestamps, not 3-min spacing."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        t1 = (now - timedelta(minutes=5)).isoformat()
+        t2 = (now - timedelta(minutes=1)).isoformat()
+        _insert_sample(conn, t1, bw=1000, br=500)
+        _insert_sample(conn, t2, bw=2000, br=800)
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 1
+        assert result[0]["start_ts"] == t1
+        assert result[0]["end_ts"] == t2
+        assert result[0]["elapsed_s"] == 240
+        conn.close()
+
+    def test_multiple_intervals_ordered_oldest_first(self, tmp_path):
+        """Multiple intervals are returned in chronological order."""
+        conn = init_store(tmp_path / "test.db")
+        now = _clock()
+        for i in range(5):
+            ts = (now - timedelta(minutes=15 - i * 3)).isoformat()
+            _insert_sample(conn, ts, bw=1000 * (i + 1), br=500 * (i + 1))
+        result = _query_live_graph_data(conn, now)
+        assert len(result) == 4
+        for i in range(len(result) - 1):
+            assert result[i]["end_ts"] <= result[i + 1]["start_ts"]
+        conn.close()
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# LiveActivityGraph widget (issue #91 AC3)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class TestLiveActivityGraph:
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_toggle_measure(self, tmp_path):
+        """Toggle switches between written and read."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            graph = app.query_one("#live-activity")
+            assert graph.measure == "written"
+            graph.toggle_measure()
+            assert graph.measure == "read"
+            graph.toggle_measure()
+            assert graph.measure == "written"
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_empty_data_renders_awaiting(self, tmp_path):
+        """Empty data shows awaiting message."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            graph = app.query_one("#live-activity")
+            graph.set_data([])
+            await pilot.pause()
+            render = str(graph.query_one("#live-render").render())
+            assert "Awaiting intervals" in render
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_data_renders_header(self, tmp_path):
+        """Data updates the header with interval count."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            graph = app.query_one("#live-activity")
+            data = [
+                {
+                    "start_ts": "2026-09-30T11:57:00+00:00",
+                    "end_ts": "2026-09-30T12:00:00+00:00",
+                    "start_label": "11:57",
+                    "end_label": "12:00",
+                    "bytes_written": 500000000,
+                    "bytes_read": 200000000,
+                    "elapsed_s": 180,
+                    "is_gap": False,
+                    "is_zero": False,
+                    "is_segment_boundary": False,
+                },
+            ]
+            graph.set_data(data)
+            await pilot.pause()
+            header = str(graph.query_one("#live-header").render())
+            assert "1 intervals" in header
+            assert "w Toggle W/R" in header
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# TUI integration (issue #91 AC2, AC6-9)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class TestTUILiveIntegration:
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_live_graph_exists_in_compose(self, tmp_path):
+        """Live activity graph is composed in the TUI."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            assert app.query_one("#live-activity") is not None
+            assert isinstance(app.query_one("#live-activity"), LiveActivityGraph)
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_live_graph_has_border_title(self, tmp_path):
+        """Live activity graph has a border title."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            live = app.query_one("#live-activity")
+            assert live.border_title == "Live activity"
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_today_action_resets_drill(self, tmp_path):
+        """Action today returns from hourly drill to daily view."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            graph = app.query_one("#usage-history")
+            graph.view_mode = "hourly"
+            graph.drill_day = "2026-09-30"
+            app.action_today()
+            await pilot.pause()
+            assert graph.view_mode == "daily"
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_toggle_measure_binding(self, tmp_path):
+        """The w key toggles the live graph measure."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test() as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            graph = app.query_one("#live-activity")
+            assert graph.measure == "written"
+            await pilot.press("w")
+            await pilot.pause()
+            assert graph.measure == "read"
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_constrained_mode_hides_live_graph(self, tmp_path):
+        """Constrained terminal hides the live graph."""
+        app = FenrisTuiApp(store_path=tmp_path / "test.db")
+        async with app.run_test(size=(70, 20)) as pilot:
+            await pilot.pause()
+            main_grid = app.query_one("#main-grid")
+            assert main_grid.has_class("constrained")
diff --git a/tests/test_status_composition.py b/tests/test_status_composition.py
index 2d6a8b5..10b678b 100644
--- a/tests/test_status_composition.py
+++ b/tests/test_status_composition.py
@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@ class TestRefreshTiming:
         _insert_segment(conn)
         _open_period(conn)
         now = _clock()
-        ts = (now - timedelta(minutes=10)).isoformat()
+        ts = (now - timedelta(minutes=4)).isoformat()
         _insert_sample(conn, ts)
         for i in range(20):
             d = (datetime(2026, 9, 10) + timedelta(days=i)).strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
@@ -878,27 +878,27 @@ class TestRefreshTiming:
 
         svc = {
             "boot_enabled": True, "timer_active": True,
-            "last_collect_ok": True, "last_collect_age_s": 600,
+            "last_collect_ok": True, "last_collect_age_s": 240,
             "last_collect_reason": None,
         }
 
-        # Sample is 10 min old (600s) → fresh (within 690s threshold)
+        # Sample is 4 min old (240s) → fresh (within 450s threshold)
         comp1 = compose_status(conn, svc, now, store_fault=None, newer_schema=None)
         assert comp1.freshness == "fresh"
         assert comp1.state == StatusState.MONITORING
 
-        # At now + 1 min → sample is 11 min old (660s) → still fresh
-        now2 = now + timedelta(minutes=1)
+        # At now + 3 min → sample is 7 min old (420s) → still fresh
+        now2 = now + timedelta(minutes=3)
         comp2 = compose_status(conn, svc, now2, store_fault=None, newer_schema=None)
         assert comp2.freshness == "fresh"
 
-        # At now + 2 min → sample is 12 min old (720s) → missed (past 690s)
-        now3 = now + timedelta(minutes=2)
+        # At now + 5 min → sample is 9 min old (540s) → missed (past 450s)
+        now3 = now + timedelta(minutes=5)
         comp3 = compose_status(conn, svc, now3, store_fault=None, newer_schema=None)
         assert comp3.freshness == "missed"
         assert comp3.state == StatusState.MONITORING
 
-        # At now + 49 hours → sample is 49h 10min old → stale
+        # At now + 49 hours → sample is 49h 4min old → stale
         now4 = now + timedelta(hours=49)
         comp4 = compose_status(conn, svc, now4, store_fault=None, newer_schema=None)
         assert comp4.freshness == "stale"
diff --git a/tests/test_tui.py b/tests/test_tui.py
index 1f95238..a10d3d4 100644
--- a/tests/test_tui.py
+++ b/tests/test_tui.py
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ class TestDenseScreen:
                 main_grid = app.query_one("#main-grid")
                 assert str(main_grid.styles.layout) == "<grid>"
                 assert main_grid.has_class("paused")
-                assert len(main_grid.styles.grid_rows) == 5
+                assert len(main_grid.styles.grid_rows) == 6
                 banner = str(paused_banner.render()).lower()
                 assert "monitoring: paused — deliberate disable" in banner
                 assert "paused time is excluded from your usage habit · resume: fenris monitor resume" in banner
diff --git a/units/fenris-collect.timer b/units/fenris-collect.timer
index 407ee0b..d430fe2 100644
--- a/units/fenris-collect.timer
+++ b/units/fenris-collect.timer
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Documentation=https://git.bongbetic.com/xavierk/Fenris
 
 [Timer]
 OnBootSec=2min
-OnUnitInactiveSec=5min
+OnUnitInactiveSec=3min
 AccuracySec=30s
 Persistent=no
 
diff --git a/units/runit/fenris-collect/run b/units/runit/fenris-collect/run
index a506ddf..267c3da 100755
--- a/units/runit/fenris-collect/run
+++ b/units/runit/fenris-collect/run
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 #
 # Guarantees (must match systemd timer semantics):
 #   - Initial 2-minute boot delay (sleep 120 before first collect)
-#   - Completion-relative 5-minute cadence (sleep 300 after collect)
+#   - Completion-relative 3-minute cadence (sleep 180 after collect)
 #   - Bounded execution (timeout 90s on each collect)
 #   - No catch-up (fixed sleep interval, no Persistent=)
 #   - Serialized runs (runsv does not restart until exit)
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ set -eu
 
 COLLECT_TIMEOUT=90
 BOOT_DELAY=120
-CADENCE=300
+CADENCE=180
 LOCK_FILE=/var/lib/fenris/fenris-collect.lock
 
 # Ensure lock directory exists