# Not understanding what's going on with the code

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081>\
**Category:** General\
**Tags:** function-node\
**Created:** [19 May 2026 22:28 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081 "2026-05-19T22:28:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [19 May 2026 22:28 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/1 "2026-05-19T22:28:51Z")

</div>

Folks, this is a problem which has been hiding for a while.  
I just found/noticed it now.

code:

```auto
// get existing states
const alarm = flow.get("alarm") || null
const error = flow.get("error") || null
const ip = flow.get("ip") || null
const ntp = flow.get("ntp") || null
const reboot = flow.get("reboot") || null
const wap = flow.get("wap") || null

const count = msg.count

const led = "6"

let wipe = context.get("wipe") || 0
let part = ""

switch(count)
{
    case 0:
        //
        msg.payload = alarm
        part = "alarm"
        break
    case 1:
        //
        msg.payload = error
        part = "error"
        break
    case 2:
        //
        msg.payload = ip
        part = "ip"
        break
    case 3:
        //
        msg.payload = ntp
        part = "ntp"
        break
    case 4:
        //
        msg.payload = reboot
        part = "reboot"
        break
    case 5:
        //
        msg.payload = wap
        part = "wap"
        break
    default:
        return
}

if (msg.payload.includes("0,0,0"))
{
    if (wipe == 1)
    {
        //
        context.set("wipe",0)
        msg.wipe = "WIPE"
    }
}
else
{
    //
    node.warn("message detected")
    context.set("wipe",1)
}

let text = count + " " + part + " " + wipe + " " + msg.payload
node.status({ text: text })

return msg;

```

If any of the \*OTHER& `4` are set, it works.  
But if the `reboot` is active, it doesn't work.

Here is a cut down version of the flow.

```auto
[{"id":"6c644fb52af9437a","type":"inject","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"Test OFF","props":[{"p":"payload"},{"p":"topic","vt":"str"}],"repeat":"","crontab":"","once":false,"onceDelay":0.1,"topic":"","payload":"X","payloadType":"str","x":120,"y":880,"wires":[["004b052c72742461"]]},{"id":"adfb96554e03f95e","type":"inject","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"Test ON","props":[{"p":"payload"},{"p":"topic","vt":"str"}],"repeat":"","crontab":"","once":false,"onceDelay":0.1,"topic":"","payload":"","payloadType":"date","x":120,"y":920,"wires":[["004b052c72742461"]]},{"id":"a0454de4be3f0dca","type":"inject","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"Test OFF","props":[{"p":"payload"},{"p":"topic","vt":"str"}],"repeat":"","crontab":"","once":false,"onceDelay":0.1,"topic":"","payload":"X","payloadType":"str","x":120,"y":1010,"wires":[["7f7bbb7a67565916"]]},{"id":"8b0c3ffcde3482ae","type":"inject","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"Test ON","props":[{"p":"payload"},{"p":"topic","vt":"str"}],"repeat":"","crontab":"","once":false,"onceDelay":0.1,"topic":"","payload":"","payloadType":"date","x":120,"y":1050,"wires":[["7f7bbb7a67565916"]]},{"id":"7f7bbb7a67565916","type":"junction","z":"d622397fb0e54309","x":210,"y":1030,"wires":[["0e5f69d208054b61"]]},{"id":"004b052c72742461","type":"junction","z":"d622397fb0e54309","x":210,"y":900,"wires":[["98f004ae12845fbf"]]},{"id":"98f004ae12845fbf","type":"function","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"Set error Orange","func":"const led = 6;\n//node.warn(\"Message received\");\nconst ic = msg.payload;\nif (ic == \"X\")\n{\n // Clear.\n flow.set(\"error\",\"rgb,\" + led + \",0,0,0\")\n msg.payload = \"OFF\"\n return msg\n}\nelse\n{\n // Set.\n flow.set(\"error\",\"rgb,\" + led + \",42,4,1\")\n msg.payload = \"ON\"\n return msg\n}","outputs":1,"timeout":"","noerr":0,"initialize":"","finalize":"","libs":[],"x":610,"y":260,"wires":[[]]},{"id":"0e5f69d208054b61","type":"function","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"Set reboot Red","func":"const led = 6;\nconst ic = msg.payload;\nif (ic == \"X\")\n{\n // Clear.\n flow.set(\"reboot\", \"rgb,\" + led + \",0,0,0\");\n msg.payload = \"OFF\";\n return msg;\n}\nelse\n{\n // Set.\n flow.set(\"reboot\", \"rgb,\" + led +\",40,0,0\");\n msg.payload = \"ON\";\n return msg;\n}","outputs":1,"noerr":0,"initialize":"","finalize":"","libs":[],"x":600,"y":360,"wires":[[]]},{"id":"7e140af4599b3259","type":"function","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"New attempt","func":"// get existing states\nconst alarm = flow.get(\"alarm\") || null\nconst error = flow.get(\"error\") || null\nconst ip = flow.get(\"ip\") || null\nconst ntp = flow.get(\"ntp\") || null\nconst reboot = flow.get(\"reboot\") || null\nconst wap = flow.get(\"wap\") || null\n\nconst count = msg.count\n\nconst led = \"6\"\n\nlet wipe = context.get(\"wipe\") || 0\nlet part = \"\"\n\nswitch(count)\n{\n case 0:\n //\n msg.payload = alarm\n part = \"alarm\"\n break\n case 1:\n //\n msg.payload = error\n part = \"error\"\n break\n case 2:\n //\n msg.payload = ip\n part = \"ip\"\n break\n case 3:\n //\n msg.payload = ntp\n part = \"ntp\"\n break\n case 4:\n //\n msg.payload = reboot\n part = \"reboot\"\n break\n case 5:\n //\n msg.payload = wap\n part = \"wap\"\n break\n default:\n return\n}\n\nif (msg.payload.includes(\"0,0,0\"))\n{\n if (wipe == 1)\n {\n //\n context.set(\"wipe\",0)\n msg.wipe = \"WIPE\"\n }\n}\nelse\n{\n //\n node.warn(\"message detected\")\n context.set(\"wipe\",1)\n}\n\nlet text = count + \" \" + part + \" \" + wipe + \" \" + msg.payload\nnode.status({ text: text })\n\n\nreturn msg;","outputs":1,"timeout":0,"noerr":0,"initialize":"","finalize":"","libs":[],"x":1280,"y":890,"wires":[["7dd9c3cc63903cd9","324b56bd7ba0d8b1"]]},{"id":"67e4989f1980e536","type":"link in","z":"d622397fb0e54309","name":"link in 23","links":["7b81ef3a34ef3473"],"x":1155,"y":890,"wires":[["7e140af4599b3259"]]},{"id":"7b81ef3a34ef3473","type":"link out","z":"d622397fb0e54309","g":"2c3e298e36a52bde","name":"link out 17","mode":"link","links":["67e4989f1980e536"],"x":985,"y":1300,"wires":[]},{"id":"5d523e1e97e92b14","type":"change","z":"d622397fb0e54309","g":"2c3e298e36a52bde","name":"","rules":[{"t":"delete","p":"reset","pt":"msg"}],"action":"","property":"","from":"","to":"","reg":false,"x":915,"y":1380,"wires":[["7b81ef3a34ef3473","8738884cb4ae17a5"]],"l":false},{"id":"eb6045154ed7906c","type":"counter","z":"d622397fb0e54309","g":"2c3e298e36a52bde","name":"","init":"0","step":"1","lower":null,"upper":null,"mode":"increment","outputs":1,"x":810,"y":1380,"wires":[["5f0f59d5300191ee","5d523e1e97e92b14"]]},{"id":"253a01d8ca28c862","type":"inject","z":"d622397fb0e54309","g":"2c3e298e36a52bde","name":"Step","props":[{"p":"payload"},{"p":"topic","vt":"str"}],"repeat":"","crontab":"","once":false,"onceDelay":0.1,"topic":"","payload":"","payloadType":"date","x":660,"y":1330,"wires":[["eb6045154ed7906c"]]}]

```

`node-red-contrib-counte` is used.

overview:  
`5` conditions exist.  
`alarm`  
`error`  
`ip`  
`ntp`  
`wap`

Every second the `count` is incremented and that condition is reflected in the message sent out.

`0,0,0` is turning the LED off.  
But it doesn't quite work that way and a `msg.wipe` needs to be set also.

But having it constantly set has its own set of problems.

Which is where:

```auto
if (msg.payload.includes("0,0,0"))
{
    if (wipe == 1)
    {
        //
        context.set("wipe",0)
        msg.wipe = "WIPE"
    }
}
else
{
    //
    node.warn("message detected")
    context.set("wipe",1)
}

```

Comes into play.  
(there is a bit more, but.....)  
So if a _real_ message is sent through it sets the `wipe` flag.  
then if the message contains `0,0,0` AND the `wipe flag` is set, it adds the `msg.wipe` part.

THIS WORKS ON ALL EXCEPT the `reboot` part - and I don't know why.

Yes, the structure may need refining. Two tests and ONE `else`.

But if it was a problem: why are the other `4` working?

Someone - please.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dynamicdave](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dynamicdave/32/96_2.png) [@dynamicdave](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dynamicdave)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 06:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/2 "2026-05-20T06:59:26Z")

</div>

Have you tried running it through an AI engine like ChatGPT or Claude?

I have and got this response... _ **there’s one likely runtime issue and a couple of logic improvements.** _

This is the revised, cleaned-up version that ChatGPT gave me...

```auto
// get existing states
const alarm = flow.get("alarm") || null
const error = flow.get("error") || null
const ip = flow.get("ip") || null
const ntp = flow.get("ntp") || null
const reboot = flow.get("reboot") || null
const wap = flow.get("wap") || null

const count = msg.count
const led = "6"

let wipe = context.get("wipe") || 0
let part = ""

switch(count)
{
    case 0:
        msg.payload = alarm
        part = "alarm"
        break

    case 1:
        msg.payload = error
        part = "error"
        break

    case 2:
        msg.payload = ip
        part = "ip"
        break

    case 3:
        msg.payload = ntp
        part = "ntp"
        break

    case 4:
        msg.payload = reboot
        part = "reboot"
        break

    case 5:
        msg.payload = wap
        part = "wap"
        break

    default:
        return null
}

// Safe check
if (typeof msg.payload === "string" && msg.payload.includes("0,0,0"))
{
    if (wipe === 1)
    {
        wipe = 0
        context.set("wipe", wipe)
        msg.wipe = "WIPE"
    }
}
else
{
    node.warn("message detected")
    wipe = 1
    context.set("wipe", wipe)
}

let text = count + " " + part + " " + wipe + " " + msg.payload
node.status({ text })

return msg

```

This variable is unused:

```auto
const led = "6"

```

You can remove it unless you plan to use it later.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 09:31 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/3 "2026-05-20T09:31:16Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> `const alarm = flow.get("alarm") || null`

Can you explain exactly what that line is supposed to do?

In particular what would be the result if flow.get returned 0?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 20:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/4 "2026-05-20T20:16:26Z")

</div>

I suspect it is a problem.

the `null` is probably not the correct thing to assign if not set.

This is what the variables should be by _default_

 ![Screenshot from 2026-05-21 06-12-13](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/e/5/e59d74c8c4d06d2406ae8db5712d78e1dcc3af6d.png)

the `null` _snuck_ into the code by _default_ as I am trying to tidy up my coding and not leaving thing _undefined_: though `null` isn't exactly a defined value.

It should prbably be `rgb,6,0,0,0`

But I'm still not smart enough to know how to do that.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 20:18 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/5 "2026-05-20T20:18:24Z")

</div>

> [@dynamicdave](#):
>
> `const alarm = flow.get("alarm") || null`

Just a quick reminder to watch out when using `||` because it won't work as expected if your variable contains boolean content. Using `??` instead tightens up the logic.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 20:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/7 "2026-05-20T20:23:37Z")

</div>

Not to dismiss the offers, this is the code now:

(Slight adjustments made)

```auto
// get existing states
const alarm = flow.get("alarm") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const error = flow.get("error") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const ip = flow.get("ip") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const ntp = flow.get("ntp") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const reboot = flow.get("reboot") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const wap = flow.get("wap") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"

const count = msg.count

let wipe = context.get("wipe") || 0
let part = ""

switch(count)
{
    case 0:
        //
        msg.payload = alarm
        part = "alarm"
        break
    case 1:
        //
        msg.payload = error
        part = "error"
        break
    case 2:
        //
        msg.payload = ip
        part = "ip"
        break
    case 3:
        //
        msg.payload = ntp
        part = "ntp"
        break
    case 4:
        //
        msg.payload = reboot
        part = "reboot"
        break
    case 5:
        //
        msg.payload = wap
        part = "wap"
        break
    default:
        return
}

//node.warn(part + " " + msg.payload)

if (msg.payload.includes("0,0,0") && wipe ==1)
{
    //node.warn("HERE")
    context.set("wipe",0)
    msg.wipe = "WIPE"
}
let parts = msg.payload.split(",")
let lastThree = parts.slice(-3) // get last 3 elements
if (!(lastThree.join(",") === "0,0,0")) {
    //node.warn("** message detected " + part + " " + msg.payload);
    context.set("wipe", 1)
    msg.wipe = "OVERWRITE"
}

let text = count + " " + part + " " + wipe + " " + msg.payload
node.status({ text: text })
msg.topic = part

return msg;

```

Other bits were added (like `part`) were included for debugging.  
I could watch the messages being sent and see what was happening.

But just for clarity too:  
There are `6` `function` nodes else where on this flow.  
An extract from them:

`flow.set("error","rgb," + led + ",42,4,1")`  
`flow.set("reboot", "rgb," + led +",40,0,0");`  
`flow.set("ip", "rgb," + led +",40,40,0");`  
`flow.set("ntp", "rgb," + led + ",15,0,15");`  
`flow.set("alarm", "rgb," + led +",10,40,0");`  
`flow.set("wap", "rgb," + led +",0,34,34");`

And _Weirdly_ it was ONLY the `alarm` one that did NOT work.

In the meantime, I was told that my way of checking the message NOT containing the `0,0,0` was _WRONG_.  
Thus the new bit of code.

Better?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 20:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/8 "2026-05-20T20:30:24Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Alas my ability to use ChatGPT recently has failed.

Other AI's are available. 😉

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/16 "2026-05-20T21:30:57Z")

</div>

So thoughts on the updated code I posted?

🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:39 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/17 "2026-05-20T21:39:22Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> `let wipe = context.get("wipe") || 0`

You should probably change that `||` to `??` as well since you are using something that could look like a "truthy"/"falsey" value. Also, since you aren't changing the `wipe` variable, it should be `const`, not `let` - in fact, I don't think you are using that variable at all so you can probably get rid of it.

Personally, I would avoid data like "xxxx,0,0,0,0,0" or whatever. If you are using structured data, I would keep it as an array or object, not a string and only convert to a string if/when it has to be.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:41 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/18 "2026-05-20T21:41:19Z")

</div>

Check post #7. (oops)

I did that.

Didn't I?

Ok, what's going on.

As posted/shown in post 6:

The messages are received and the `flow context` is set. (now shown)  
Those messages are the _ORIGINAL_ ones sent to the LED but because of lack of LEDs.....  
Some have to do multiple duty.

Sow hat happens if there are multiple messages for one led?  
Answer: Timed showing.

So over a `6` second time the LED _shows_ the state of the `5` conditions. (Sorry, was `5` - changed to `6` when I realised it is actually `6`)  
If the condition is _CLEAR_ the LED is turned off.

The `wipe` is a bit complicated and from a long time ago.  
The exact workings are now vague to me.

If set to `WIPE` the values don't matter. The LED is turned off.  
`OVERWRITE` overwrites the existing value.  
(_There are problems if it is showing a value and another one comes in._)

So, if a value for a condition changes, I need to reset the `RBE`. That's where the `overwrite` comes in. (External detection with nodes also done)

Then it makes the next message - if clear - to WIPE the existing value.

Just saw your reply.  
I'll stop here and read it.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/19 "2026-05-20T21:48:32Z")

</div>

You missed one - which is what I quoted.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:54 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/20 "2026-05-20T21:54:10Z")

</div>

Um.... I'm looking.

I got the old code and did a search/replace of `|| null` to `?? "rgb,6,0,0,0"` and said all/no ckeck.

So, I'm not understanding.  
Sorry.

The code - again - for clarity.

```auto
// get existing states
const alarm = flow.get("alarm") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const error = flow.get("error") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const ip = flow.get("ip") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const ntp = flow.get("ntp") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const reboot = flow.get("reboot") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"
const wap = flow.get("wap") ?? "rgb,6,0,0,0,"

const count = msg.count

let wipe = context.get("wipe") || 0
let part = ""

switch(count)
{
    case 0:
        //
        msg.payload = alarm
        part = "alarm"
        break
    case 1:
        //
        msg.payload = error
        part = "error"
        break
    case 2:
        //
        msg.payload = ip
        part = "ip"
        break
    case 3:
        //
        msg.payload = ntp
        part = "ntp"
        break
    case 4:
        //
        msg.payload = reboot
        part = "reboot"
        break
    case 5:
        //
        msg.payload = wap
        part = "wap"
        break
    default:
        return
}

//node.warn(part + " " + msg.payload)

if (msg.payload.includes("0,0,0") && wipe ==1)
{
    //node.warn("HERE")
    context.set("wipe",0)
    msg.wipe = "WIPE"
}
let parts = msg.payload.split(",")
let lastThree = parts.slice(-3) // get last 3 elements
if (!(lastThree.join(",") === "0,0,0")) {
    //node.warn("** message detected " + part + " " + msg.payload);
    context.set("wipe", 1)
    msg.wipe = "OVERWRITE"
}

let text = count + " " + part + " " + wipe + " " + msg.payload
node.status({ text: text })
msg.topic = part

return msg;

```

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/21 "2026-05-20T21:55:11Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> `let wipe = context.get("wipe") || 0`

Still there.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 21:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/22 "2026-05-20T21:55:55Z")

</div>

Ah. I was fixated on the `rgb` message part.

My bad.

But if that can only ever be `0` or `1`.....

Just looked at `wipe`.

I am changing it.

```auto
if (msg.payload.includes("0,0,0") && wipe ==1)
{
    //node.warn("HERE")
    context.set("wipe",0) // <---- here
    msg.wipe = "WIPE"
}
let parts = msg.payload.split(",")
let lastThree = parts.slice(-3) // get last 3 elements
if (!(lastThree.join(",") === "0,0,0")) {
    //node.warn("** message detected " + part + " " + msg.payload);
    context.set("wipe", 1) // <--- here
    msg.wipe = "OVERWRITE"
}

```

Or am I still missing something?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [20 May 2026 22:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/23 "2026-05-20T22:23:39Z")

</div>

(Dunno why, but.....)

Here's a big picture of the flow.

 ![Screenshot from 2026-05-21 08-20-39](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/3/f/3f045a2eed475e7e73c28bbab713fe45342d0432.png)

Top left, messages arrive and set their respective `flow context` values.

Directly below: test injections to simulate problems.

To the right of that (bottom middle) is the clock/cycle/counter that cycles 0 - 5.

Middle of the screen is the new block that then sends the message/s to the LEDs.  
(Helps if I actually add the picture.)  
(Sorry)

Closer view.

Some funky tricks happening.

Yes, I maybe could do it all in the `function` node.  
But I guess at this point, I will K.I.S.S it.

 ![Screenshot from 2026-05-21 08-20-49](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/b/5/b5723cf1fd443faabfb04dd842095e59759b56c4.png)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [21 May 2026 08:18 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/24 "2026-05-21T08:18:09Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> But if that can only ever be `0` or `1`.....

In that case you don't need the check it at all.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [21 May 2026 08:43 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/25 "2026-05-21T08:43:26Z")

</div>

Ok. Thanks.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [21 May 2026 08:45 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/26 "2026-05-21T08:45:19Z")

</div>

Ok, I'm not sure where/when/_if_ it is really fixed.

The code I posted works WAY better than the original stuff I had.

So as to not drag this on, I'll mark it as solved.

Alas it will be on this post as a lot of stuff has gone on in this thread.  
No offence to helpers. I don't want to show bias.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cymplecy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/cymplecy/32/2773_2.png) [@cymplecy](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/cymplecy)\
**Post date:** [22 May 2026 07:15 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/27 "2026-05-22T07:15:11Z")

</div>

To save having to have to make moderation decisions on long standing contributors can EVERYONE on this thread please just remove/delete ANY off-topic comments - thanks 🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/1X/d073cd938eafa2e558d7c2cd59003b3ef4963033.png) [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [5 June 2026 07:15 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/not-understanding-whats-going-on-with-the-code/101081/28 "2026-06-05T07:15:36Z")

</div>

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