diff --git a/urjtag/ChangeLog b/urjtag/ChangeLog
index d2b7f9f1..f9a93180 100644
--- a/urjtag/ChangeLog
+++ b/urjtag/ChangeLog
@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@
+2009-06-04  Rutger Hofman <rfhh>
+
+  * src/tap/cable/*.c, src/tap/parport/*.c, src/tap/usbconn/*.c: return/handle
+    URJ_STATUS_OK/FAIL more correctly
+
 2009-06-02  Arnim Laeuger  <arniml>
 
   * src/cmd/cmd_initbus.c: use separate index variable for driver selection
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable.c
index 1bb87dfd..3b18d732 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable.c
@@ -43,8 +43,6 @@
 #include <urjtag/tap.h>
 #include <urjtag/cable.h>
 
-#undef VERBOSE
-
 /* @@@@ RFHH stick these into a (or many) .h files */
 extern urj_cable_driver_t urj_tap_cable_arcom_driver;
 extern urj_cable_driver_t urj_tap_cable_byteblaster_driver;
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/arcom.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/arcom.c
index cc06a077..35eabb63 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/arcom.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/arcom.c
@@ -54,19 +54,20 @@ arcom_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
-        return -1;
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     if ((data = urj_tap_parport_get_data (cable->link.port)) < 0)
     {
-        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 1 << TRST))
-            return -1;
+        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
+                                      1 << TRST) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+            return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
     }
     else
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = ((data >> TRST) && 1) ? URJ_POD_CS_TRST : 0;
 
-    return 0;
+    return URJ_STATUS_OK;
 }
 
 static void
@@ -100,6 +101,7 @@ static int
 arcom_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int trst = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? 1 : 0;
+    int status;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK));
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
@@ -107,7 +109,11 @@ arcom_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/byteblaster.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/byteblaster.c
index 8713058d..08461c16 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/byteblaster.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/byteblaster.c
@@ -71,30 +71,47 @@ static int
 byteblaster_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int BB_II = 0;
+    int status;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
-        return -1;
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
 
     /* check if a ByteBlaster or ByteBlasterMV is connected */
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 1 << BB_CHECK);
-    if (!((urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> BB_PRESENT) & 1))
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
+    if (!((status >> BB_PRESENT) & 1))
         BB_II = 1;
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 0);
-    if ((urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> BB_PRESENT) & 1)
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
+    if ((status >> BB_PRESENT) & 1)
         BB_II = 1;
 
     /* check if the power supply is ok (only for ByteBlaster II) */
     /* if no ByteBlaster at all is connected this check will fail, too */
-    if ((BB_II)
-        && ((urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> VCC_OK_N) & 1))
-        return -1;
+    if (BB_II)
+    {
+        status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+        if (status == -1)
+            return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
+        if ((status >> VCC_OK_N) & 1)
+        {
+            urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_ILLEGAL_STATE, "Power supply not OK");
+            return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
+        }
+    }
 
     /* Enable ByteBlaster */
-    urj_tap_parport_set_control (cable->link.port, BB_ENABLE);
+    if (urj_tap_parport_set_control (cable->link.port,
+                                     BB_ENABLE) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
-    return 0;
+    return URJ_STATUS_OK;
 }
 
 static void
@@ -125,12 +142,18 @@ static int
 byteblaster_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 0 << TCK);
+    int status;
+
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
         ~(URJ_POD_CS_TDI | URJ_POD_CS_TCK | URJ_POD_CS_TMS);
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/dlc5.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/dlc5.c
index 2354c76d..8ec432d6 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/dlc5.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/dlc5.c
@@ -59,12 +59,12 @@
 static int
 dlc5_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
-        return -1;
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
 
-    return 0;
+    return URJ_STATUS_OK;
 }
 
 static void
@@ -78,12 +78,12 @@ dlc5_clock (urj_cable_t *cable, int tms, int tdi, int n)
     for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
     {
         urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
-                                  (1 << PROG) | (0 << TCK) | (tms << TMS) |
-                                  (tdi << TDI));
+                                  (1 << PROG) | (0 << TCK) | (tms << TMS)
+                                  | (tdi << TDI));
         urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
         urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
-                                  (1 << PROG) | (1 << TCK) | (tms << TMS) |
-                                  (tdi << TDI));
+                                  (1 << PROG) | (1 << TCK) | (tms << TMS)
+                                  | (tdi << TDI));
         urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
     }
 
@@ -96,13 +96,19 @@ dlc5_clock (urj_cable_t *cable, int tms, int tdi, int n)
 static int
 dlc5_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
+    int status;
+
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, (1 << PROG) | (0 << TCK));
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
         ~(URJ_POD_CS_TDI | URJ_POD_CS_TCK | URJ_POD_CS_TMS);
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ea253.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ea253.c
index c9c063c8..71ee81d0 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ea253.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ea253.c
@@ -54,19 +54,20 @@ ea253_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
-        return -1;
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     if ((data = urj_tap_parport_get_data (cable->link.port)) < 0)
     {
-        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 1 << TRST))
-            return -1;
+        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
+                                      1 << TRST) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+            return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
     }
     else
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = ((data >> TRST) && 1) ? URJ_POD_CS_TRST : 0;
 
-    return 0;
+    return URJ_STATUS_OK;
 }
 
 static void
@@ -100,6 +101,7 @@ static int
 ea253_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int trst = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? 1 : 0;
+    int status;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK));
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
@@ -107,7 +109,11 @@ ea253_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ei012.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ei012.c
index 1e863120..045bcfc2 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ei012.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ei012.c
@@ -56,19 +56,20 @@ ei012_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
-        return -1;
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     if ((data = urj_tap_parport_get_data (cable->link.port)) < 0)
     {
-        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 1 << TRST))
-            return -1;
+        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
+                                      1 << TRST) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+            return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
     }
     else
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = ((data >> TRST) && 1) ? URJ_POD_CS_TRST : 0;
 
-    return 0;
+    return URJ_STATUS_OK;
 }
 
 static void
@@ -83,12 +84,12 @@ ei012_clock (urj_cable_t *cable, int tms, int tdi, int n)
     for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
     {
         urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
-                                  (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK) | (tms << TMS) |
-                                  (tdi << TDI));
+                                  (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK) | (tms << TMS)
+                                  | (tdi << TDI));
         urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
         urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
-                                  (trst << TRST) | (1 << TCK) | (tms << TMS) |
-                                  (tdi << TDI));
+                                  (trst << TRST) | (1 << TCK) | (tms << TMS)
+                                  | (tdi << TDI));
         urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
     }
 
@@ -102,6 +103,7 @@ static int
 ei012_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int trst = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? 1 : 0;
+    int status;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK));
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
@@ -109,7 +111,11 @@ ei012_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ft2232.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ft2232.c
index c6e05be7..7d393358 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ft2232.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ft2232.c
@@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ ft2232_generic_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* safe default values */
@@ -288,9 +288,8 @@ ft2232_generic_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte */
     params->high_byte_value = 0;
@@ -317,7 +316,7 @@ ft2232_jtagkey_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction:
@@ -332,9 +331,8 @@ ft2232_jtagkey_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte
        default:
@@ -372,7 +370,7 @@ ft2232_armusbocd_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction:
@@ -387,9 +385,8 @@ ft2232_armusbocd_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte
        default:
@@ -427,7 +424,7 @@ ft2232_gnice_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* safe default values */
@@ -441,9 +438,8 @@ ft2232_gnice_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte */
     params->high_byte_value = BITMASK_GNICE_nTRST;
@@ -473,7 +469,7 @@ ft2232_oocdlinks_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction */
@@ -487,9 +483,8 @@ ft2232_oocdlinks_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte
        default:
@@ -527,7 +522,7 @@ ft2232_turtelizer2_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction:
@@ -544,9 +539,8 @@ ft2232_turtelizer2_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte
        default:
@@ -577,7 +571,7 @@ ft2232_usbtojtagif_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction:
@@ -595,9 +589,8 @@ ft2232_usbtojtagif_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte
        default:
@@ -631,7 +624,7 @@ ft2232_signalyzer_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction:
@@ -648,9 +641,8 @@ ft2232_signalyzer_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte */
     params->high_byte_value = 0;
@@ -677,7 +669,7 @@ ft2232_flyswatter_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* static low byte value and direction:
@@ -694,9 +686,8 @@ ft2232_flyswatter_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte */
     /* Turn LED2 on */
@@ -724,7 +715,7 @@ ft2232_usbscarab2_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* Check if cable is connected to the target and the target is powered on */
@@ -751,9 +742,8 @@ ft2232_usbscarab2_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
                                params->low_byte_value | BITMASK_TMS);
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                               params->
-                               low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK | BITMASK_TDI |
-                               BITMASK_TMS);
+                               params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                               | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
 
     /* Set Data Bits High Byte */
     /* nLED=0 */
@@ -1310,9 +1300,8 @@ ft2232_set_signal_schedule (params_t *params, int mask, int val,
                                        (params->
                                         low_byte_value | low_or) ^ low_xor);
             urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_push (cmd_root,
-                                       params->
-                                       low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK |
-                                       BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
+                                       params->low_byte_dir | BITMASK_TCK
+                                       | BITMASK_TDI | BITMASK_TMS);
         }
 
         if (set_high)
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jim.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jim.c
index d8e3b21a..fe6ae4b7 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jim.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jim.c
@@ -50,9 +50,9 @@ jim_cable_connect (urj_cable_t *cable, const urj_param_t *params[])
     jim_cable_params_t *cable_params;
     urj_jim_state_t *s;
 
-    if (urj_param_num (params) < 1)
+    if (urj_param_num (params) > 0)
     {
-        urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_SYNTAX, _("not enough arguments"));
+        urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_SYNTAX, _("too many arguments"));
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
     }
 
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jlink.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jlink.c
index 38a188e9..fe4460b1 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jlink.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/jlink.c
@@ -177,6 +177,7 @@ jlink_get_status (urj_usbconn_libusb_param_t *params)
     if (result == 8)
     {
         int vref = data->usb_in_buffer[0] + (data->usb_in_buffer[1] << 8);
+        // @@@@ RFHH how can we handle this gracefully in liburjtag?
         urj_log (URJ_LOG_LEVEL_NORMAL,
                  "Vref = %d.%d TCK=%d TDI=%d TDO=%d TMS=%d TRES=%d TRST=%d\n",
                  vref / 1000, vref % 1000,
@@ -187,15 +188,17 @@ jlink_get_status (urj_usbconn_libusb_param_t *params)
                  data->usb_in_buffer[6], data->usb_in_buffer[7]);
         if (vref < 1500)
         {
-            urj_log (URJ_LOG_LEVEL_ERROR,
-                     "Vref too low. Possibly the target isn't powered or disconnected?\n");
-            result = -15;
+            urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_USB, 
+                           "Vref too low. Possibly the target isn't powered or disconnected?");
+            result = -1;
         }
     }
     else
     {
-        urj_log (URJ_LOG_LEVEL_ERROR,
-                 "J-Link command 0x07 (get status) failed (%d)\n", result);
+        urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_USB,
+                       "J-Link command 0x07 (get status) failed (%d)\n",
+                       result);
+        result = -1;
     }
 
     return result;
@@ -425,7 +428,7 @@ jlink_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     }
     data = params->data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     jlink_tap_init (data);
@@ -443,6 +446,7 @@ jlink_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     result = jlink_get_status (params);
     if (result < 0)
     {
+        // retain error state
         urj_log (URJ_LOG_LEVEL_ERROR,
                  "Resetting J-Link. Please retry the cable command.\n");
         usb_reset (params->handle);
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/keithkoep.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/keithkoep.c
index 738745d9..4e36d343 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/keithkoep.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/keithkoep.c
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 static int
 keithkoep_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_control (cable->link.port, 1 << TRST);
@@ -102,13 +102,19 @@ keithkoep_clock (urj_cable_t *cable, int tms, int tdi, int n)
 static int
 keithkoep_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
+    int status;
+
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 0 << TCK);
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
         ~(URJ_POD_CS_TDI | URJ_POD_CS_TCK | URJ_POD_CS_TMS);
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
@@ -133,9 +139,8 @@ keithkoep_set_signal (urj_cable_t *cable, int mask, int val)
         if ((mask & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) != 0)
         {
             urj_tap_parport_set_control (cable->link.port,
-                                         (sigs & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? (1 <<
-                                                                     TRST) :
-                                         0);
+                                         (sigs & URJ_POD_CS_TRST)
+                                         ? (1 << TRST) : 0);
         }
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = sigs;
     }
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/lattice.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/lattice.c
index 97a0e85a..56ebc124 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/lattice.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/lattice.c
@@ -56,13 +56,13 @@ lattice_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     if ((data = urj_tap_parport_get_data (cable->link.port)) < 0)
     {
-        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 1 << TRST)
-            != URJ_STATUS_OK)
+        if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
+                                      1 << TRST) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
             return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
         PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
     }
@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ static int
 lattice_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int trst = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? 1 : 0;
+    int status;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK));
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
@@ -110,7 +111,11 @@ lattice_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/mpcbdm.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/mpcbdm.c
index 2380e29f..7d4f7b13 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/mpcbdm.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/mpcbdm.c
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 static int
 mpcbdm_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_control (cable->link.port, 0);
@@ -101,12 +101,18 @@ static int
 mpcbdm_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, 0 << TCK);
+    int status;
+
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) &=
         ~(URJ_POD_CS_TDI | URJ_POD_CS_TCK | URJ_POD_CS_TMS);
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/triton.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/triton.c
index 74e017ea..cdda1adf 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/triton.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/triton.c
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@
 static int
 triton_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) = URJ_POD_CS_TRST | URJ_POD_CS_RESET;
@@ -111,6 +111,7 @@ triton_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int trst = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? 1 : 0;
     int sreset = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_RESET) ? 1 : 0;
+    int status;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
                               (trst << TRST) | (sreset << SRESET) | (0 << TCK));
@@ -119,7 +120,11 @@ triton_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ts7800.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ts7800.c
index 1b2204c5..58d8576e 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ts7800.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/ts7800.c
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ ts7800_connect (urj_cable_t *cable, const urj_param_t *params[])
 {
     ts7800_params_t *cable_params;
 
-    if (urj_param_num (params) != 1)
+    if (urj_param_num (params) > 0)
     {
         urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_SYNTAX,
                        _("This cable type does not accept parameters"));
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ ts7800_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     ts7800_params_t *p = cable->params;
 
-    if (ts7800_gpio_open (cable))
+    if (ts7800_gpio_open (cable) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     p->signals = URJ_POD_CS_TRST;
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/usbblaster.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/usbblaster.c
index e9c6a7f0..35e25fbc 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/usbblaster.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/usbblaster.c
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ usbblaster_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     params_t *params = (params_t *) cable->params;
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_root_t *cmd_root = &(params->cmd_root);
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     urj_tap_cable_cx_cmd_queue (cmd_root, 0);
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/vision_ep9307.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/vision_ep9307.c
index cf904abb..22ae9d93 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/vision_ep9307.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/vision_ep9307.c
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ ep9307_connect (urj_cable_t *cable, const urj_param_t *params[])
 {
     ep9307_params_t *cable_params;
 
-    if (urj_param_num (params) != 1)
+    if (urj_param_num (params) != 0)
     {
         urj_error_set (URJ_ERROR_SYNTAX,
                        _("This cable type does not accept parameters"));
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ ep9307_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     ep9307_params_t *p = cable->params;
 
-    if (ep9307_gpio_open (cable))
+    if (ep9307_gpio_open (cable) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     ep9307_gpio_write (cable, 1 << TRST);
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler.c
index 9b97bce4..297fd77e 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler.c
@@ -272,14 +272,14 @@ wiggler_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return -1;
 
     if ((data = urj_tap_parport_get_data (cable->link.port)) < 0)
     {
         if (urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
-                                      (PRM_TRST_ACT (cable)
-                                       | PRM_TRST_INACT (cable))
+                                      PRM_TRST_ACT (cable)
+                                      | PRM_TRST_INACT (cable)
                                       | PRM_UNUSED_BITS (cable))
             != URJ_STATUS_OK)
             return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ wiggler_clock (urj_cable_t *cable, int tms, int tdi, int n)
                                   | PRM_TCK_ACT (cable)
                                   | (tms ? PRM_TMS_ACT (cable)
                                          : PRM_TMS_INACT (cable))
-                                  | (tdi ?  PRM_TDI_ACT (cable)
+                                  | (tdi ? PRM_TDI_ACT (cable)
                                          : PRM_TDI_INACT (cable))
                                   | PRM_UNUSED_BITS (cable));
         urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
@@ -335,14 +335,19 @@ wiggler_clock (urj_cable_t *cable, int tms, int tdi, int n)
 static int
 wiggler_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
+    int status;
+
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port, PRM_TRST_LVL (cable) |
                               PRM_TCK_INACT (cable) |
                               PRM_UNUSED_BITS (cable));
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) &
-            (PRM_TDO_ACT (cable) | PRM_TDO_INACT (cable))) ^
-        PRM_TDO_ACT (cable) ? 0 : 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return -1;
+
+    return (status & (PRM_TDO_ACT (cable) | PRM_TDO_INACT (cable)))
+             ^ PRM_TDO_ACT (cable) ? 0 : 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler2.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler2.c
index 2f632614..584ec45a 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler2.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/wiggler2.c
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ wiggler2_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int data;
 
-    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port))
+    if (urj_tap_parport_open (cable->link.port) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     // TODO: CPU_RESET bit is set to zero here and can't be changed afterwards
@@ -121,6 +121,7 @@ static int
 wiggler2_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 {
     int trst = (PARAM_SIGNALS (cable) & URJ_POD_CS_TRST) ? 1 : 0;
+    int status;
 
     urj_tap_parport_set_data (cable->link.port,
                               (trst << TRST) | (0 << TCK) | UNUSED_BITS);
@@ -129,7 +130,11 @@ wiggler2_get_tdo (urj_cable_t *cable)
 
     urj_tap_cable_wait (cable);
 
-    return (urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port) >> TDO) & 1;
+    status = urj_tap_parport_get_status (cable->link.port);
+    if (status == -1)
+        return status;
+
+    return (status >> TDO) & 1;
 }
 
 static int
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/xpc.c b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/xpc.c
index 73d1702a..d52416b7 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/cable/xpc.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/cable/xpc.c
@@ -305,7 +305,7 @@ xpcu_common_init (urj_cable_t *cable)
     uint16_t buf;
     struct usb_dev_handle *xpcu;
 
-    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb))
+    if (urj_tap_usbconn_open (cable->link.usb) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     xpcu = ((urj_usbconn_libusb_param_t *) (cable->link.usb->params))->handle;
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/parport/direct.c b/urjtag/src/tap/parport/direct.c
index 65839e1d..5693cefc 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/parport/direct.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/parport/direct.c
@@ -247,9 +247,7 @@ direct_connect (const char *devname)
 
     parport = direct_parport_alloc (port);
     if (!parport)
-    {
         return NULL;
-    }
 
     return parport;
 }
diff --git a/urjtag/src/tap/usbconn/libftdi.c b/urjtag/src/tap/usbconn/libftdi.c
index 171b1a44..5331bd76 100644
--- a/urjtag/src/tap/usbconn/libftdi.c
+++ b/urjtag/src/tap/usbconn/libftdi.c
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ usbconn_ftdi_connect (urj_usbconn_cable_t *template,
     /* do a test open with the specified cable paramters,
        alternatively we could use libusb to detect the presence of the
        specified USB device */
-    if (usbconn_ftdi_common_open (c, URJ_LOG_LEVEL_DETAIL) != 0)
+    if (usbconn_ftdi_common_open (c, URJ_LOG_LEVEL_DETAIL) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
     {
         usbconn_ftdi_free (c);
         return NULL;
@@ -432,7 +432,7 @@ usbconn_ftdi_open (urj_usbconn_t *conn)
     struct ftdi_context *fc = p->fc;
     int r;
 
-    if (usbconn_ftdi_common_open (conn, URJ_LOG_LEVEL_NORMAL) < 0)
+    if (usbconn_ftdi_common_open (conn, URJ_LOG_LEVEL_NORMAL) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     r = seq_reset (fc);
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ usbconn_ftdi_mpsse_open (urj_usbconn_t *conn)
     struct ftdi_context *fc = p->fc;
     int r;
 
-    if (usbconn_ftdi_common_open (conn, URJ_LOG_LEVEL_NORMAL) < 0)
+    if (usbconn_ftdi_common_open (conn, URJ_LOG_LEVEL_NORMAL) != URJ_STATUS_OK)
         return URJ_STATUS_FAIL;
 
     /* This sequence might seem weird and containing superfluous stuff.