diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc1f11f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+run:
+	python3 simulator/app.py
+
+venv:
+	python3 -m venv .venv
+
+install:
+	. .venv/bin/activate && pip install -r simulator/requirements.txt
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b6fe57d..02bfc09 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -17,4 +17,4 @@ A custom monitoring and control system for a Nissan Xterra using:
 3. ESP32 communications
 4. Temperature sensors
 5. JBD/Xiaoxiang BMS integration
-6. Logging and dashboards
+6. Future integrations / optional logging
diff --git a/docs/api.md b/docs/api.md
index a9ceb5e..2069a28 100644
--- a/docs/api.md
+++ b/docs/api.md
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 The ESP32 acts as the system controller and provides status and control endpoints.
 
-Primary communication is RS-485.
+Primary communication is UART over CAT5. WiFi HTTP API is the backup communication path.
 
 WiFi HTTP API is provided for:
 
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ Example:
 
   "network": {
     "wifi_enabled": false,
-    "rs485_connected": true
+    "uart_connected": true
   }
 }
 ```
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ Example:
 ```json
 {
   "wifi_enabled": false,
-  "rs485_connected": true,
+  "uart_connected": true,
   "starlink_enabled": false
 }
 ```
diff --git a/docs/architecture.md b/docs/architecture.md
index 96878ed..524b8ea 100644
--- a/docs/architecture.md
+++ b/docs/architecture.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ The system provides:
 
 - Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W
 - 3.5" SPI Capacitive Touchscreen
-- RS-485 communications
+- UART-over-CAT5 communications
 - WiFi backup communications
 
 ### Responsibilities
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ The system provides:
 ### Hardware
 
 - ESP32 Relay Controller
-- RS-485 Interface
+- UART-over-CAT5 interface
 - House Battery Interface
 - DS18B20 Temperature Sensor Bus
 - Bosch Relay Drivers
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ The system provides:
 ## Communications
 
 Primary:
-- RS-485
+- UART over CAT5
 
 Backup:
 - WiFi HTTP API
diff --git a/docs/dashboard-ui.md b/docs/dashboard-ui.md
index 8be8187..e59f0f4 100644
--- a/docs/dashboard-ui.md
+++ b/docs/dashboard-ui.md
@@ -52,14 +52,14 @@ Future:
 ## System Screen
 
 Displays:
-- RS-485 Status
+- UART Status
 - WiFi Status
 - Message Counts
 - Latency
 - Packet Loss
 
 Testing:
-- RS-485 Disconnect
+- UART Disconnect
 - Sensor Fault Simulation
 - Ignition Simulation
 
diff --git a/docs/roadmap.md b/docs/roadmap.md
index b057170..3a815be 100644
--- a/docs/roadmap.md
+++ b/docs/roadmap.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Features:
 - Dashboard UI
 - Alarm System
 - Sensor Simulation
-- RS-485 Simulation
+- UART Communication Simulation
 - Protocol Layer
 
 ## Phase 2 — Pico Dashboard
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Status: Pending
 
 Features:
 - Relay Control
-- RS-485 Communications
+- UART Communications
 - Configuration Storage
 
 ## Phase 4 — DS18B20 Sensors
diff --git a/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/config.h b/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/config.h
index a61ce5a..bf287dd 100644
--- a/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/config.h
+++ b/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/config.h
@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@
 // Ignition Sense
 #define IGNITION_PIN 34
 
-// Future RS485
-#define RS485_TX_PIN 21
-#define RS485_RX_PIN 22
-#define RS485_DE_PIN 23
+// UART over CAT5 to Pico dashboard
+#define UART_TX_PIN 21
+#define UART_RX_PIN 22
+
+// RS-485/MAX3485 fallback only; not currently planned
diff --git a/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/xterra-controller.ino b/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/xterra-controller.ino
index 93212fd..1a602e7 100644
--- a/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/xterra-controller.ino
+++ b/firmware/esp32/xterra-controller/xterra-controller.ino
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ void handleStatus() {
 
     JsonObject network = doc.createNestedObject("network");
     network["wifi_enabled"] = true;
-    network["rs485_connected"] = true;
+    network["uart_connected"] = true;
 
     String output;
     serializeJsonPretty(doc, output);
diff --git a/hardware/bom.md b/hardware/bom.md
index ca54ea2..23ff231 100644
--- a/hardware/bom.md
+++ b/hardware/bom.md
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@
 
 ## Required
 
-- 2x MAX3485 RS-485 Modules
 - 4x DS18B20 Waterproof Sensors
 - 12V→5V Buck Converter
 - CAT5 Cable
@@ -17,8 +16,9 @@
 - Automotive Fuse Block
 - Assorted ATC Fuses
 
-## Future
+## Future / Optional Fallback
 
+- 2x MAX3485 RS-485 Modules, only if UART over CAT5 proves unreliable
 - Pi Zero 2 W
 - GPS Module
 - ELM327 OBD-II Interface
diff --git a/hardware/esp32-pinout.md b/hardware/esp32-pinout.md
index 2fdc033..ac20ec6 100644
--- a/hardware/esp32-pinout.md
+++ b/hardware/esp32-pinout.md
@@ -5,9 +5,10 @@ GPIO 17  Relay 2 (Fridge)
 
 GPIO 4   DS18B20 Bus
 
-GPIO 21  RS-485 TX
-GPIO 22  RS-485 RX
-GPIO 23  RS-485 DE/RE
+GPIO 21  UART TX to Pico over CAT5
+GPIO 22  UART RX from Pico over CAT5
+
+RS-485/MAX3485 is fallback only and not currently planned.
 
 GPIO 34  Ignition Sense
 
diff --git a/simulator/app.py b/simulator/app.py
index 45d3f49..304174b 100644
--- a/simulator/app.py
+++ b/simulator/app.py
@@ -96,16 +96,16 @@ def comms():
     return jsonify(pico.get_comms())
 
 
-@app.route("/comms/rs485/disconnect", methods=["POST"])
-def disconnect_rs485():
-    pico.disconnect_rs485()
-    return jsonify({"success": True, "rs485_connected": False})
+@app.route("/comms/uart/disconnect", methods=["POST"])
+def disconnect_uart():
+    pico.disconnect_uart()
+    return jsonify({"success": True, "uart_connected": False})
 
 
-@app.route("/comms/rs485/restore", methods=["POST"])
-def restore_rs485():
-    pico.restore_rs485()
-    return jsonify({"success": True, "rs485_connected": True})
+@app.route("/comms/uart/restore", methods=["POST"])
+def restore_uart():
+    pico.restore_uart()
+    return jsonify({"success": True, "uart_connected": True})
 
 
 @app.route("/comms/latency", methods=["POST"])
diff --git a/simulator/esp32_sim.py b/simulator/esp32_sim.py
index bfd47f1..fbcdde8 100644
--- a/simulator/esp32_sim.py
+++ b/simulator/esp32_sim.py
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ class ESP32Simulator:
             "network": {
                 "wifi_enabled": starlink_on or wifi_override_active,
                 "wifi_override_active": wifi_override_active,
-                "rs485_connected": True,
+                "uart_connected": True,
                 "starlink_enabled": starlink_on
             },
 
diff --git a/simulator/pico_sim.py b/simulator/pico_sim.py
index 0b85bd0..57d766e 100644
--- a/simulator/pico_sim.py
+++ b/simulator/pico_sim.py
@@ -7,14 +7,14 @@ from protocol import (
     toggle_ignition_request,
     toggle_sensor_fault_request,
 )
-from transport import RS485Transport
+from transport import UARTTransport
 
 
 class PicoSimulator:
     def __init__(self, controller):
-        self.transport = RS485Transport(controller)
+        self.transport = UARTTransport(controller)
         self.last_status = None
-        self.primary_link = "rs485"
+        self.primary_link = "uart"
         self.backup_link_available = True
         self.messages_sent = 0
         self.messages_received = 0
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class PicoSimulator:
 
         if response.get("type") == "error":
             if self.last_status:
-                self.last_status["network"]["rs485_connected"] = False
+                self.last_status["network"]["uart_connected"] = False
                 self.last_status["network"]["communication_lost"] = True
                 self.add_comms_to_status(self.last_status)
                 return self.last_status
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ class PicoSimulator:
                 "sensor_health": {},
                 "relays": {},
                 "network": {
-                    "rs485_connected": False,
+                    "uart_connected": False,
                     "communication_lost": True,
                     "wifi_enabled": False,
                     "wifi_override_active": False,
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class PicoSimulator:
             }
 
         self.last_status = response["data"]
-        self.last_status["network"]["rs485_connected"] = self.transport.connected
+        self.last_status["network"]["uart_connected"] = self.transport.connected
         self.last_status["network"]["communication_lost"] = False
         self.add_comms_to_status(self.last_status)
         return self.last_status
@@ -87,10 +87,10 @@ class PicoSimulator:
     def toggle_sensor_fault(self, sensor):
         return self.send_message(toggle_sensor_fault_request(sensor))
 
-    def disconnect_rs485(self):
+    def disconnect_uart(self):
         self.transport.disconnect()
 
-    def restore_rs485(self):
+    def restore_uart(self):
         self.transport.restore()
 
     def set_latency(self, latency_ms):
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ class PicoSimulator:
         return {
             "primary": self.primary_link,
             "backup_available": self.backup_link_available,
-            "rs485_connected": self.transport.connected,
+            "uart_connected": self.transport.connected,
             "messages_sent": self.messages_sent,
             "messages_received": self.messages_received,
             "last_message_time": self.last_message_time,
diff --git a/simulator/templates/index.html b/simulator/templates/index.html
index ef41eb9..666847f 100644
--- a/simulator/templates/index.html
+++ b/simulator/templates/index.html
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 <main>
     <header>
         <h1>Xterra Dashboard</h1>
-        <div id="statusLine">RS-485: -- | WiFi: --</div>
+        <div id="statusLine">UART: -- | WiFi: --</div>
     </header>
 
     <section id="dashboard" class="screen active">
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@
     <section id="system" class="screen">
         <h2>System</h2>
         <div class="detail-list">
-            <div>RS-485 <strong id="sysRs485">--</strong></div>
+            <div>UART <strong id="sysUart">--</strong></div>
             <div>WiFi <strong id="sysWifi">--</strong></div>
             <div>WiFi Override <strong id="sysWifiOverride">--</strong></div>
             <div>Ignition <strong id="sysIgnition">--</strong></div>
@@ -101,8 +101,8 @@
             <div>Packet Loss <strong id="commsPacketLoss">--</strong></div>
         </div>
 
-        <button onclick="disconnectRs485()">Disconnect RS-485</button>
-        <button onclick="restoreRs485()">Restore RS-485</button>
+        <button onclick="disconnectUart()">Disconnect UART</button>
+        <button onclick="restoreUart()">Restore UART</button>
 
         <div class="settings-list">
             <label>
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ function checkAlarms(data) {
     const warnings = [];
 
     if (data.network.communication_lost) {
-        warnings.push('Communication lost: RS-485 disconnected');
+        warnings.push('Communication lost: UART disconnected');
     }
 
     for (const [name, healthy] of Object.entries(data.sensor_health || {})) {
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ async function loadStatus() {
     relayState = data.relays;
 
     document.getElementById('statusLine').textContent =
-        `RS-485: ${data.network.rs485_connected ? 'Connected' : 'Lost'} | WiFi: ${data.network.wifi_enabled ? 'Enabled' : 'Disabled'}`;
+        `UART: ${data.network.uart_connected ? 'Connected' : 'Lost'} | WiFi: ${data.network.wifi_enabled ? 'Enabled' : 'Disabled'}`;
 
     if (data.network.communication_lost) {
         document.body.classList.add('comms-lost');
@@ -393,12 +393,12 @@ async function loadStatus() {
     document.getElementById('starlinkBtn').textContent = `Starlink: ${onOff(data.relays.starlink)}`;
     document.getElementById('fridgeBtn').textContent = `Fridge: ${onOff(data.relays.fridge)}`;
 
-    document.getElementById('sysRs485').textContent = data.network.rs485_connected ? 'Connected' : 'Disconnected';
+    document.getElementById('sysUart').textContent = data.network.uart_connected ? 'Connected' : 'Disconnected';
     document.getElementById('sysWifi').textContent = data.network.wifi_enabled ? 'Enabled' : 'Disabled';
     document.getElementById('sysWifiOverride').textContent = data.network.wifi_override_active ? 'Active' : 'Inactive';
     document.getElementById('sysIgnition').textContent = data.vehicle?.ignition_on ? 'ON' : 'OFF';
 
-    document.getElementById('commsPrimary').textContent = data.network.rs485_connected ? 'RS-485' : 'RS-485 LOST';
+    document.getElementById('commsPrimary').textContent = data.network.uart_connected ? 'UART' : 'UART LOST';
     document.getElementById('commsBackup').textContent = 'WiFi';
     document.getElementById('commsSent').textContent = data.network.messages_sent ?? '--';
     document.getElementById('commsReceived').textContent = data.network.messages_received ?? '--';
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ async function toggleIgnition() {
     loadStatus();
 }
 
-async function disconnectRs485() {
-    await fetch('/comms/rs485/disconnect', {
+async function disconnectUart() {
+    await fetch('/comms/uart/disconnect', {
         method: 'POST',
         headers: {'Content-Type': 'application/json'},
         body: JSON.stringify({})
@@ -476,8 +476,8 @@ async function disconnectRs485() {
     loadStatus();
 }
 
-async function restoreRs485() {
-    await fetch('/comms/rs485/restore', {
+async function restoreUart() {
+    await fetch('/comms/uart/restore', {
         method: 'POST',
         headers: {'Content-Type': 'application/json'},
         body: JSON.stringify({})
diff --git a/simulator/transport.py b/simulator/transport.py
index db66024..223a5fc 100644
--- a/simulator/transport.py
+++ b/simulator/transport.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import random
 import time
 
 
-class RS485Transport:
+class UARTTransport:
     def __init__(self, controller):
         self.controller = controller
         self.connected = True
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ class RS485Transport:
             return {
                 "type": "error",
                 "success": False,
-                "error": "RS-485 disconnected"
+                "error": "UART disconnected"
             }
 
         if self.latency_ms > 0:
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ class RS485Transport:
                 return {
                     "type": "error",
                     "success": False,
-                    "error": "RS-485 packet lost"
+                    "error": "UART packet lost"
                 }
 
         return self.controller.handle_message(message)