Merge branch 'next'

24 files changed, 352 insertions, 442 deletions

diff --git a/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt b/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt
index 48cfe742e..cbb68c725 100644
--- a/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -53,6 +53,15 @@ INCLUDE(${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/utils/CMakeLists.txt)
 ########################################################################
 # Append to the list of sources for lib uhd
 ########################################################################
+FILE(TO_NATIVE_PATH ${CMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX}/${PKG_DATA_DIR} LOCAL_PKG_DATA_DIR)
+MESSAGE(STATUS "Local package data directory: ${LOCAL_PKG_DATA_DIR}")
+
+IF(UNIX)
+    #on unix systems, installers will use this directory for the package data
+    FILE(TO_NATIVE_PATH /usr/${PKG_DATA_DIR} INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR)
+    MESSAGE(STATUS "Installer package data directory: ${INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR}")
+ENDIF(UNIX)
+
 CONFIGURE_FILE(
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/constants.hpp.in
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR}/constants.hpp
diff --git a/host/lib/constants.hpp.in b/host/lib/constants.hpp.in
index aa51e558c..4aedb6d4a 100644
--- a/host/lib/constants.hpp.in
+++ b/host/lib/constants.hpp.in
@@ -18,12 +18,9 @@
 #ifndef INCLUDED_LIBUHD_CONSTANTS_HPP
 #define INCLUDED_LIBUHD_CONSTANTS_HPP
 
-#include <uhd/config.hpp>
-#include <string>
-
 //these should be pre-processor macros to avoid static initialization issues
 #define UHD_VERSION_STRING "@CPACK_PACKAGE_VERSION@"
-#define UHD_INSTALL_PREFIX "@CMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX@"
-#define UHD_PKG_DATA_DIR "@PKG_DATA_DIR@"
+#define LOCAL_PKG_DATA_DIR "@LOCAL_PKG_DATA_DIR@"
+#define INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR "@INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR@"
 
 #endif /* INCLUDED_LIBUHD_CONSTANTS_HPP */
diff --git a/host/lib/types.cpp b/host/lib/types.cpp
index 5c0fb1f42..f957cd83f 100644
--- a/host/lib/types.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/types.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@
 #include <uhd/types/otw_type.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/io_type.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/serial.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
 #include <boost/math/special_functions/round.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
@@ -181,15 +180,10 @@ static std::string trim(const std::string &in){
 }
 
 device_addr_t::device_addr_t(const std::string &args){
-    //split the args at the semi-colons
-    std::vector<std::string> pairs;
-    boost::split(pairs, args, boost::is_any_of(arg_delim));
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, pairs){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, std::split_string(args, arg_delim)){
         if (trim(pair) == "") continue;
 
-        //split the key value pairs at the equals
-        std::vector<std::string> key_val;
-        boost::split(key_val, pair, boost::is_any_of(pair_delim));
+        std::vector<std::string> key_val = std::split_string(pair, pair_delim);
         if (key_val.size() != 2) throw std::runtime_error("invalid args string: "+args);
         (*this)[trim(key_val.front())] = trim(key_val.back());
     }
@@ -238,13 +232,12 @@ mac_addr_t mac_addr_t::from_string(const std::string &mac_addr_str){
             throw std::runtime_error("expected exactly 5 or 17 characters");
 
         //split the mac addr hex string at the colons
-        std::vector<std::string> hex_strs;
-        boost::split(hex_strs, mac_addr_str, boost::is_any_of(":"));
-        for (size_t i = 0; i < hex_strs.size(); i++){
+        size_t i = 0;
+        BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &hex_str, std::split_string(mac_addr_str, ":")){
             int hex_num;
-            std::istringstream iss(hex_strs[i]);
+            std::istringstream iss(hex_str);
             iss >> std::hex >> hex_num;
-            bytes[i] = boost::uint8_t(hex_num);
+            bytes[i++] = boost::uint8_t(hex_num);
         }
 
     }
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/CMakeLists.txt b/host/lib/usrp/CMakeLists.txt
index d951ab412..2b408e479 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -22,10 +22,9 @@ LIBUHD_APPEND_SOURCES(
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/dboard_eeprom.cpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/dboard_id.cpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/dboard_manager.cpp
-    ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp
+    ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.cpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/mimo_usrp.cpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
-    ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/simple_usrp.cpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
     ${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/lib/usrp/tune_helper.cpp
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
index 9180828d8..f8236d598 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
@@ -95,8 +95,7 @@ basic_rx::~basic_rx(void){
 }
 
 void basic_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -161,8 +160,7 @@ void basic_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void basic_rx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -194,8 +192,7 @@ basic_tx::~basic_tx(void){
 }
 
 void basic_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -252,8 +249,7 @@ void basic_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void basic_tx::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp
index 03e6b6255..06cf91d3b 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ static const uhd::dict<std::string, gain_range_t> dbsrx_gain_ranges = map_list_o
  **********************************************************************/
 class dbsrx : public rx_dboard_base{
 public:
-    dbsrx(ctor_args_t args, boost::uint8_t max2118_addr);
+    dbsrx(ctor_args_t args);
     ~dbsrx(void);
 
     void rx_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val);
@@ -73,7 +73,9 @@ private:
     uhd::dict<std::string, float> _gains;
     max2118_write_regs_t _max2118_write_regs;
     max2118_read_regs_t _max2118_read_regs;
-    boost::uint8_t _max2118_addr; //0x67 or 0x65 depending on which side
+    boost::uint8_t _max2118_addr(void){
+        return (this->get_iface()->get_special_props().mangle_i2c_addrs)? 0x65 : 0x67;
+    };
 
     void set_lo_freq(double target_freq);
     void set_gain(float gain, const std::string &name);
@@ -102,7 +104,7 @@ private:
 
             //send the data
             this->get_iface()->write_i2c(
-                _max2118_addr, regs_vector
+                _max2118_addr(), regs_vector
             );
         }
     }
@@ -120,7 +122,7 @@ private:
 
             //read from i2c
             regs_vector = this->get_iface()->read_i2c(
-                _max2118_addr, num_bytes
+                _max2118_addr(), num_bytes
             );
 
             for(boost::uint8_t i=0; i < num_bytes; i++){
@@ -156,10 +158,8 @@ private:
 /***********************************************************************
  * Register the DBSRX dboard
  **********************************************************************/
-// FIXME 0x67 is the default i2c address on USRP2
-//       need to handle which side for USRP1 with different address
 static dboard_base::sptr make_dbsrx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
-    return dboard_base::sptr(new dbsrx(args, 0x67));
+    return dboard_base::sptr(new dbsrx(args));
 }
 
 //dbid for USRP2 version
@@ -177,27 +177,27 @@ UHD_STATIC_BLOCK(reg_dbsrx_on_usrp1_dboard){
 /***********************************************************************
  * Structors
  **********************************************************************/
-dbsrx::dbsrx(ctor_args_t args, boost::uint8_t max2118_addr) : rx_dboard_base(args){
+dbsrx::dbsrx(ctor_args_t args) : rx_dboard_base(args){
     //warn user about incorrect DBID on USRP1, requires R193 populated
-    if (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name() == "usrp1" and this->get_rx_id() == 0x000D)
+    if (this->get_iface()->get_special_props().soft_clock_divider and this->get_rx_id() == 0x000D)
         uhd::print_warning(
             str(boost::format(
                 "DBSRX: incorrect dbid\n"
-                "%s expects dbid 0x0002 and R193\n"
+                "Expected dbid 0x0002 and R193\n"
                 "found dbid == %d\n"
                 "Please see the daughterboard app notes" 
-                ) % (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name()) % (this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string()))
+                ) % this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string())
         );
 
     //warn user about incorrect DBID on non-USRP1, requires R194 populated
-    if (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name() != "usrp1" and this->get_rx_id() == 0x0002)
+    if (not this->get_iface()->get_special_props().soft_clock_divider and this->get_rx_id() == 0x0002)
         uhd::print_warning(
             str(boost::format(
                 "DBSRX: incorrect dbid\n"
-                "%s expects dbid 0x000D and R194\n"
+                "Expected dbid 0x000D and R194\n"
                 "found dbid == %d\n"
                 "Please see the daughterboard app notes" 
-                ) % (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name()) % (this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string()))
+                ) % this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string())
         );
 
     //enable only the clocks we need
@@ -207,9 +207,6 @@ dbsrx::dbsrx(ctor_args_t args, boost::uint8_t max2118_addr) : rx_dboard_base(arg
     this->get_iface()->set_pin_ctrl(dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, 0x0); // All unused in atr
     this->get_iface()->set_gpio_ddr(dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, 0x0); // All Inputs
 
-    //set the i2c address for the max2118
-    _max2118_addr = max2118_addr;
-
     //send initial register settings
     this->send_reg(0x0, 0x5);
 
@@ -503,8 +500,7 @@ void dbsrx::set_bandwidth(float bandwidth){
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -517,13 +513,13 @@ void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_gains.keys(), name, "dbsrx gain name");
-        val = _gains[name];
+        assert_has(_gains.keys(), key.name, "dbsrx gain name");
+        val = _gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(dbsrx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "dbsrx gain name");
-        val = dbsrx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(dbsrx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "dbsrx gain name");
+        val = dbsrx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -546,19 +542,6 @@ void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         val = dbsrx_antennas;
         return;
 
-/*
-    case SUBDEV_PROP_QUADRATURE:
-        val = true;
-        return;
-
-    case SUBDEV_PROP_IQ_SWAPPED:
-        val = false;
-        return;
-
-    case SUBDEV_PROP_SPECTRUM_INVERTED:
-        val = false;
-        return;
-*/
     case SUBDEV_PROP_CONNECTION:
         val = SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_IQ;
         return;
@@ -586,8 +569,7 @@ void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void dbsrx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -597,7 +579,7 @@ void dbsrx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_BANDWIDTH:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
index b6b44199a..c3ab96e59 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
@@ -398,8 +398,7 @@ double rfx_xcvr::set_lo_freq(
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -412,13 +411,13 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), name, "rfx rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), key.name, "rfx rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "rfx rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "rfx rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -458,8 +457,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void rfx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -469,7 +467,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
@@ -484,8 +482,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -499,7 +496,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(rfx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "rfx tx gain name");
+        assert_has(rfx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "rfx tx gain name");
         //no controllable tx gains, will not get here
         return;
 
@@ -540,8 +537,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void rfx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -551,7 +547,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp
index 9dd9b550b..f6f4f4a61 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp
@@ -78,8 +78,7 @@ unknown_rx::~unknown_rx(void){
 }
 
 void unknown_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -136,8 +135,7 @@ void unknown_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void unknown_rx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -169,8 +167,7 @@ unknown_tx::~unknown_tx(void){
 }
 
 void unknown_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -227,8 +224,7 @@ void unknown_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void unknown_tx::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp
index 3038ce30b..ccd897674 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp
@@ -467,8 +467,7 @@ double wbx_xcvr::set_lo_freq(
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void wbx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -481,13 +480,13 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), name, "wbx rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), key.name, "wbx rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(wbx_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "wbx rx gain name");
-        val = wbx_rx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(wbx_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "wbx rx gain name");
+        val = wbx_rx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -527,8 +526,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void wbx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -538,7 +536,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
@@ -553,8 +551,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void wbx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -567,13 +564,13 @@ void wbx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), name, "wbx tx gain name");
-        val = _tx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), key.name, "wbx tx gain name");
+        val = _tx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(wbx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "wbx tx gain name");
-        val = wbx_tx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(wbx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "wbx tx gain name");
+        val = wbx_tx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -613,8 +610,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void wbx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -624,7 +620,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
index 2c94bcd2d..798ff74a3 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
@@ -438,8 +438,7 @@ void xcvr2450::set_rx_gain(float gain, const std::string &name){
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -452,13 +451,13 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), name, "xcvr rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), key.name, "xcvr rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(xcvr_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "xcvr rx gain name");
-        val = xcvr_rx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(xcvr_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "xcvr rx gain name");
+        val = xcvr_rx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -502,8 +501,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void xcvr2450::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -513,7 +511,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
@@ -528,8 +526,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -542,13 +539,13 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), name, "xcvr tx gain name");
-        val = _tx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), key.name, "xcvr tx gain name");
+        val = _tx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(xcvr_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "xcvr tx gain name");
-        val = xcvr_tx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(xcvr_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "xcvr tx gain name");
+        val = xcvr_tx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -588,8 +585,7 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void xcvr2450::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -599,7 +595,7 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fe1313af1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+//
+// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
+//
+// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+// (at your option) any later version.
+//
+// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+// GNU General Public License for more details.
+//
+// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+//
+
+#include <uhd/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp>
+#include <uhd/types/dict.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
+#include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
+#include <boost/tuple/tuple.hpp>
+#include <boost/math/special_functions/round.hpp>
+#include <cmath>
+
+using namespace uhd;
+using namespace uhd::usrp;
+
+template <class T> T ceil_log2(T num){
+    return std::ceil(std::log(num)/std::log(T(2)));
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_rx_mux_word(subdev_conn_t subdev_conn){
+    switch(subdev_conn){
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_IQ: return (0x1 << 2) | (0x0 << 0); //DDC0Q=ADC1, DDC0I=ADC0
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_QI: return (0x0 << 2) | (0x1 << 0); //DDC0Q=ADC0, DDC0I=ADC1
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_I:     return (0x3 << 2) | (0x0 << 0); //DDC0Q=ZERO, DDC0I=ADC0
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_Q:     return (0x1 << 2) | (0x3 << 0); //DDC0Q=ADC1, DDC0I=ZERO
+    default:                     UHD_THROW_INVALID_CODE_PATH();
+    }
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_tx_mux_word(subdev_conn_t subdev_conn){
+    switch(subdev_conn){
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_IQ: return (0x1 << 4) | (0x0 << 0); //DAC1=DUC0Q, DAC0=DUC0I
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_QI: return (0x0 << 4) | (0x1 << 0); //DAC1=DUC0I, DAC0=DUC0Q
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_I:     return (0xf << 4) | (0x0 << 0); //DAC1=ZERO,  DAC0=DUC0I
+    case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_Q:     return (0x0 << 4) | (0xf << 0); //DAC1=DUC0I, DAC0=ZERO
+    default:                     UHD_THROW_INVALID_CODE_PATH();
+    }
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_cordic_word_and_update(
+    double &freq,
+    double codec_rate
+){
+    UHD_ASSERT_THROW(std::abs(freq) <= codec_rate/2.0);
+    static const double scale_factor = std::pow(2.0, 32);
+
+    //calculate the freq register word (signed)
+    boost::int32_t freq_word = boost::int32_t(boost::math::round((freq / codec_rate) * scale_factor));
+
+    //update the actual frequency
+    freq = (double(freq_word) / scale_factor) * codec_rate;
+
+    return boost::uint32_t(freq_word);
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_cic_filter_word(unsigned rate){
+    int hb0 = 0, hb1 = 0;
+    if (not (rate & 0x1)){
+        hb0 = 1;
+        rate /= 2;
+    }
+    if (not (rate & 0x1)){
+        hb1 = 1;
+        rate /= 2;
+    }
+    return (hb1 << 9) | (hb0 << 8) | (rate & 0xff);
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_iq_scale_word(
+    boost::int16_t i, boost::int16_t q
+){
+    return (boost::uint32_t(i) << 16) | (boost::uint32_t(q) << 0);
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_iq_scale_word(unsigned rate){
+    // Calculate CIC interpolation (i.e., without halfband interpolators)
+    unsigned tmp_rate = calc_cic_filter_word(rate) & 0xff;
+
+    // Calculate closest multiplier constant to reverse gain absent scale multipliers
+    double rate_cubed = std::pow(double(tmp_rate), 3);
+    boost::int16_t scale = boost::math::iround((4096*std::pow(2, ceil_log2(rate_cubed)))/(1.65*rate_cubed));
+    return calc_iq_scale_word(scale, scale);
+}
+
+boost::uint32_t dsp_type1::calc_stream_cmd_word(
+    const stream_cmd_t &stream_cmd, size_t num_samps_continuous
+){
+    UHD_ASSERT_THROW(stream_cmd.num_samps <= 0x3fffffff);
+
+    //setup the mode to instruction flags
+    typedef boost::tuple<bool, bool, bool> inst_t;
+    static const uhd::dict<stream_cmd_t::stream_mode_t, inst_t> mode_to_inst = boost::assign::map_list_of
+                                                            //reload, chain, samps
+        (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_START_CONTINUOUS,   inst_t(true,  true,  false))
+        (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_STOP_CONTINUOUS,    inst_t(false, false, false))
+        (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_NUM_SAMPS_AND_DONE, inst_t(false, false, true))
+        (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_NUM_SAMPS_AND_MORE, inst_t(false, true,  true))
+    ;
+
+    //setup the instruction flag values
+    bool inst_reload, inst_chain, inst_samps;
+    boost::tie(inst_reload, inst_chain, inst_samps) = mode_to_inst[stream_cmd.stream_mode];
+
+    //calculate the word from flags and length
+    boost::uint32_t word = 0;
+    word |= boost::uint32_t((stream_cmd.stream_now)? 1 : 0) << 31;
+    word |= boost::uint32_t((inst_chain)?            1 : 0) << 30;
+    word |= boost::uint32_t((inst_reload)?           1 : 0) << 29;
+    word |= (inst_samps)? stream_cmd.num_samps : ((inst_chain)? num_samps_continuous : 1);
+    return word;
+}
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp b/host/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp
deleted file mode 100644
index ebed12c41..000000000
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,187 +0,0 @@
-//
-// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
-//
-// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
-// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
-// (at your option) any later version.
-//
-// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-// GNU General Public License for more details.
-//
-// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
-// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-//
-
-#ifndef INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_DSP_UTILS_HPP
-#define INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_DSP_UTILS_HPP
-
-#include <uhd/config.hpp>
-#include <uhd/types/dict.hpp>
-#include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
-#include <uhd/types/stream_cmd.hpp>
-#include <uhd/usrp/subdev_props.hpp>
-#include <boost/cstdint.hpp>
-#include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
-#include <boost/tuple/tuple.hpp>
-#include <boost/math/special_functions/round.hpp>
-
-namespace uhd{ namespace usrp{
-
-namespace dsp_type1{
-
-    template <class T> T ceil_log2(T num){
-        return std::ceil(std::log(num)/std::log(T(2)));
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the rx mux word from properties.
-     * \param subdev_conn the subdev connection type
-     * \param the 32-bit rx mux control word
-     */
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_rx_mux_word(
-        subdev_conn_t subdev_conn
-    ){
-        switch(subdev_conn){
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_IQ: return (0x1 << 2) | (0x0 << 0); //DDC0Q=ADC1, DDC0I=ADC0
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_QI: return (0x0 << 2) | (0x1 << 0); //DDC0Q=ADC0, DDC0I=ADC1
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_I:     return (0x3 << 2) | (0x0 << 0); //DDC0Q=ZERO, DDC0I=ADC0
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_Q:     return (0x1 << 2) | (0x3 << 0); //DDC0Q=ADC1, DDC0I=ZERO
-        default:                     UHD_THROW_INVALID_CODE_PATH();
-        }
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the tx mux word from properties.
-     * \param subdev_conn the subdev connection type
-     * \param the 32-bit tx mux control word
-     */
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_tx_mux_word(
-        subdev_conn_t subdev_conn
-    ){
-        switch(subdev_conn){
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_IQ: return (0x1 << 4) | (0x0 << 0); //DAC1=DUC0Q, DAC0=DUC0I
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_QI: return (0x0 << 4) | (0x1 << 0); //DAC1=DUC0I, DAC0=DUC0Q
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_I:     return (0xf << 4) | (0x0 << 0); //DAC1=ZERO,  DAC0=DUC0I
-        case SUBDEV_CONN_REAL_Q:     return (0x0 << 4) | (0xf << 0); //DAC1=DUC0I, DAC0=ZERO
-        default:                     UHD_THROW_INVALID_CODE_PATH();
-        }
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the cordic word from the frequency and clock rate.
-     * The frequency will be set to the actual (possible) frequency.
-     *
-     * \param freq the requested frequency in Hz
-     * \param codec_rate the dsp codec rate in Hz
-     * \param the 32-bit cordic control word
-     */
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_cordic_word_and_update(
-        double &freq,
-        double codec_rate
-    ){
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(std::abs(freq) <= codec_rate/2.0);
-        static const double scale_factor = std::pow(2.0, 32);
-
-        //calculate the freq register word (signed)
-        boost::int32_t freq_word = boost::int32_t(boost::math::round((freq / codec_rate) * scale_factor));
-
-        //update the actual frequency
-        freq = (double(freq_word) / scale_factor) * codec_rate;
-
-        return boost::uint32_t(freq_word);
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the CIC filter word from the rate.
-     * Check if requested decim/interp rate is:
-     *      multiple of 4, enable two halfband filters
-     *      multiple of 2, enable one halfband filter
-     *      handle remainder in CIC
-     *
-     * \param rate the requested rate in Sps
-     * \return the 32-bit cic filter control word
-     */
-    template <typename dsp_rate_type>
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_cic_filter_word(dsp_rate_type rate){
-        int hb0 = 0, hb1 = 0;
-        if (not (rate & 0x1)){
-            hb0 = 1;
-            rate /= 2;
-        }
-        if (not (rate & 0x1)){
-            hb1 = 1;
-            rate /= 2;
-        }
-        return (hb1 << 9) | (hb0 << 8) | (rate & 0xff);
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the IQ scale factor word from I and Q components.
-     * \param i the I component of the scalar
-     * \param q the Q component of the scalar
-     * \return the 32-bit scale factor control word
-     */
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_iq_scale_word(
-        boost::int16_t i, boost::int16_t q
-    ){
-        return (boost::uint32_t(i) << 16) | (boost::uint32_t(q) << 0);
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the IQ scale factor word from the rate.
-     * \param rate the requested rate in Sps
-     * \return the 32-bit scale factor control word
-     */
-    template <typename dsp_rate_type>
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_iq_scale_word(dsp_rate_type rate){
-        // Calculate CIC interpolation (i.e., without halfband interpolators)
-        dsp_rate_type tmp_rate = calc_cic_filter_word(rate) & 0xff;
-
-        // Calculate closest multiplier constant to reverse gain absent scale multipliers
-        double rate_cubed = std::pow(double(tmp_rate), 3);
-        boost::int16_t scale = boost::math::iround((4096*std::pow(2, ceil_log2(rate_cubed)))/(1.65*rate_cubed));
-        return calc_iq_scale_word(scale, scale);
-    }
-
-    /*!
-     * Calculate the stream command word from the stream command struct.
-     * \param stream_cmd the requested stream command with mode, flags, timestamp
-     * \param num_samps_continuous number of samples to request in continuous mode
-     * \return the 32-bit stream command word
-     */
-    static inline boost::uint32_t calc_stream_cmd_word(
-        const stream_cmd_t &stream_cmd, size_t num_samps_continuous
-    ){
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(stream_cmd.num_samps <= 0x3fffffff);
-
-        //setup the mode to instruction flags
-        typedef boost::tuple<bool, bool, bool> inst_t;
-        static const uhd::dict<stream_cmd_t::stream_mode_t, inst_t> mode_to_inst = boost::assign::map_list_of
-                                                                //reload, chain, samps
-            (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_START_CONTINUOUS,   inst_t(true,  true,  false))
-            (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_STOP_CONTINUOUS,    inst_t(false, false, false))
-            (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_NUM_SAMPS_AND_DONE, inst_t(false, false, true))
-            (stream_cmd_t::STREAM_MODE_NUM_SAMPS_AND_MORE, inst_t(false, true,  true))
-        ;
-
-        //setup the instruction flag values
-        bool inst_reload, inst_chain, inst_samps;
-        boost::tie(inst_reload, inst_chain, inst_samps) = mode_to_inst[stream_cmd.stream_mode];
-
-        //calculate the word from flags and length
-        boost::uint32_t word = 0;
-        word |= boost::uint32_t((stream_cmd.stream_now)? 1 : 0) << 31;
-        word |= boost::uint32_t((inst_chain)?            1 : 0) << 30;
-        word |= boost::uint32_t((inst_reload)?           1 : 0) << 29;
-        word |= (inst_samps)? stream_cmd.num_samps : ((inst_chain)? num_samps_continuous : 1);
-        return word;
-    }
-
-} //namespace dsp_type1
-
-}} //namespace
-
-#endif /* INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_DSP_UTILS_HPP */
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
index 0aa03a6cc..46094ba32 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
@@ -15,9 +15,13 @@
 // along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 //
 
-#include "misc_utils.hpp"
+#include <uhd/usrp/misc_utils.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/gain_group.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_props.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/mboard_props.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/codec_props.hpp>
 #include <boost/bind.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
@@ -25,9 +29,6 @@
 using namespace uhd;
 using namespace uhd::usrp;
 
-static const size_t subdev_gain_priority = 1; //higher, closer to the antenna
-static const size_t codec_gain_priority = 0;
-
 /***********************************************************************
  * codec gain group helper functions:
  *    do this so we dont have to bind a templated function
@@ -76,7 +77,15 @@ static void set_subdev_gain(wax::obj subdev, const std::string &name, float gain
 /***********************************************************************
  * gain group factory function for usrp
  **********************************************************************/
-gain_group::sptr usrp::make_gain_group(wax::obj subdev, wax::obj codec){
+gain_group::sptr usrp::make_gain_group(
+    wax::obj subdev, wax::obj codec,
+    gain_group_policy_t gain_group_policy
+){
+    const size_t subdev_gain_priority = 1;
+    const size_t codec_gain_priority = (gain_group_policy == GAIN_GROUP_POLICY_RX)?
+        (subdev_gain_priority - 1): //RX policy, codec gains fill last (lower priority)
+        (subdev_gain_priority + 1); //TX policy, codec gains fill first (higher priority)
+
     gain_group::sptr gg = gain_group::make();
     gain_fcns_t fcns;
     //add all the subdev gains first (antenna to dsp order)
@@ -112,3 +121,69 @@ gain_group::sptr usrp::make_gain_group(wax::obj subdev, wax::obj codec){
     }
     return gg;
 }
+
+/***********************************************************************
+ * verify subdev specs
+ **********************************************************************/
+static void verify_xx_subdev_spec(
+    mboard_prop_t dboard_names_prop,
+    mboard_prop_t dboard_prop,
+    subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec,
+    wax::obj mboard,
+    std::string xx_type
+){
+    prop_names_t dboard_names = mboard[dboard_names_prop].as<prop_names_t>();
+    UHD_ASSERT_THROW(dboard_names.size() > 0); //well i hope there is a dboard
+
+    //the subdevice specification is empty: handle automatic
+    if (subdev_spec.empty()){
+        BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &db_name, dboard_names){
+            wax::obj dboard = mboard[named_prop_t(dboard_prop, db_name)];
+
+            //if the dboard slot is populated, take the first subdevice
+            if (dboard[DBOARD_PROP_DBOARD_ID].as<dboard_id_t>() != dboard_id_t::none()){
+                std::string sd_name = dboard[DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>().front();
+                subdev_spec.push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t(db_name, sd_name));
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+
+        //didnt find any populated dboards: add the first subdevice
+        if (subdev_spec.empty()){
+            std::string db_name = dboard_names.front();
+            wax::obj dboard = mboard[named_prop_t(dboard_prop, db_name)];
+            std::string sd_name = dboard[DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>().front();
+            subdev_spec.push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t(db_name, sd_name));
+        }
+    }
+
+    //sanity check that the dboard/subdevice names exist for this mboard
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const subdev_spec_pair_t &pair, subdev_spec){
+        //empty db name means select dboard automatically
+        if (pair.db_name.empty()){
+            if (dboard_names.size() != 1) throw std::runtime_error(
+                "A daughterboard name must be provided for multi-slot boards: " + subdev_spec.to_string()
+            );
+            pair.db_name == dboard_names.front();
+        }
+        uhd::assert_has(dboard_names, pair.db_name, xx_type + " dboard name");
+        wax::obj dboard = mboard[named_prop_t(dboard_prop, pair.db_name)];
+        uhd::assert_has(dboard[DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>(), pair.sd_name, xx_type + " subdev name");
+    }
+}
+
+void usrp::verify_rx_subdev_spec(subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec, wax::obj mboard){
+    return verify_xx_subdev_spec(
+        MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD_NAMES,
+        MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD,
+        subdev_spec, mboard, "rx"
+    );
+}
+
+void usrp::verify_tx_subdev_spec(subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec, wax::obj mboard){
+    return verify_xx_subdev_spec(
+        MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD_NAMES,
+        MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD,
+        subdev_spec, mboard, "tx"
+    );
+}
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp
deleted file mode 100644
index 7fe3c899d..000000000
--- a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,35 +0,0 @@
-//
-// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
-//
-// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
-// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
-// (at your option) any later version.
-//
-// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-// GNU General Public License for more details.
-//
-// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
-// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-//
-
-#ifndef INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_MISC_UTILS_HPP
-#define INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_MISC_UTILS_HPP
-
-#include <uhd/config.hpp>
-#include <uhd/wax.hpp>
-#include <uhd/utils/gain_group.hpp>
-
-namespace uhd{ namespace usrp{
-
-    /*!
-     * Create a gain group that represents the subdevice and its codec.
-     */
-    gain_group::sptr make_gain_group(wax::obj subdev, wax::obj codec);
-
-}} //namespace
-
-#endif /* INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_MISC_UTILS_HPP */
-
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
index 0f00e2f74..7a3e72867 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 //
 
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_spec.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <stdexcept>
@@ -35,12 +35,9 @@ subdev_spec_pair_t::subdev_spec_pair_t(
 }
 
 subdev_spec_t::subdev_spec_t(const std::string &markup){
-    std::vector<std::string> pairs;
-    boost::split(pairs, markup, boost::is_any_of("\t "));
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, pairs){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, std::split_string(markup)){
         if (pair == "") continue;
-        std::vector<std::string> db_sd;
-        boost::split(db_sd, pair, boost::is_any_of(":"));
+        std::vector<std::string> db_sd = std::split_string(pair, ":");
         switch(db_sd.size()){
         case 1: this->push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t("", db_sd.front())); break;
         case 2: this->push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t(db_sd.front(), db_sd.back())); break;
@@ -56,13 +53,9 @@ std::string subdev_spec_t::to_pp_string(void) const{
     size_t count = 0;
     ss << "Subdevice Specification:" << std::endl;
     BOOST_FOREACH(const subdev_spec_pair_t &pair, *this){
-        std::string db_name = pair.db_name;
-        if (db_name == "") db_name = "0";
-        std::string sd_name = pair.sd_name;
-        if (sd_name == "") sd_name = "0";
         ss << boost::format(
             "    Channel %d: Daughterboard %s, Subdevice %s"
-        ) % (count++) % db_name % sd_name << std::endl;
+        ) % (count++) % pair.db_name % pair.sd_name << std::endl;
     }
     return ss.str();
 }
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp
index b9d51abf5..fc917b102 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp
@@ -40,9 +40,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::codec_init(void){
 /***********************************************************************
  * RX Codec Properties
  **********************************************************************/
-void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val){
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<codec_prop_t>()){
@@ -69,9 +67,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_codec_set(const wax::obj &, const wax::obj &){
 /***********************************************************************
  * TX Codec Properties
  **********************************************************************/
-void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val){
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<codec_prop_t>()){
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
index 1b9a4bb97..8bded1ea3 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
@@ -37,7 +37,12 @@ public:
     usrp2_dboard_iface(usrp2_iface::sptr iface, usrp2_clock_ctrl::sptr clock_ctrl);
     ~usrp2_dboard_iface(void);
 
-    std::string get_mboard_name(void){return "usrp2";}
+    special_props_t get_special_props(void){
+        special_props_t props;
+        props.soft_clock_divider = false;
+        props.mangle_i2c_addrs = false;
+        return props;
+    }
 
     void write_aux_dac(unit_t, aux_dac_t, float);
     float read_aux_adc(unit_t, aux_adc_t);
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp
index 075f22388..a462b93c2 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@
 
 #include "usrp2_impl.hpp"
 #include "usrp2_regs.hpp"
-#include "../dsp_utils.hpp"
-#include "../misc_utils.hpp"
+#include <uhd/usrp/misc_utils.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
@@ -59,8 +59,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::dboard_init(void){
  * RX DBoard Properties
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<dboard_prop_t>()){
@@ -69,7 +68,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV:
-        val = _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(name);
+        val = _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(key.name);
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES:
@@ -90,7 +89,9 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_GAIN_GROUP:
         val = make_gain_group(
-            _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(name), _rx_codec_proxy->get_link()
+            _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(key.name),
+            _rx_codec_proxy->get_link(),
+            GAIN_GROUP_POLICY_RX
         );
         return;
 
@@ -114,8 +115,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_set(const wax::obj &key, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX DBoard Properties
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<dboard_prop_t>()){
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV:
-        val = _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(name);
+        val = _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(key.name);
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES:
@@ -145,7 +145,9 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_GAIN_GROUP:
         val = make_gain_group(
-            _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(name), _tx_codec_proxy->get_link()
+            _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(key.name),
+            _tx_codec_proxy->get_link(),
+            GAIN_GROUP_POLICY_TX
         );
         return;
 
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dsp_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dsp_impl.cpp
index 7d9cdc441..347ec38af 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dsp_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dsp_impl.cpp
@@ -17,9 +17,10 @@
 
 #include "usrp2_impl.hpp"
 #include "usrp2_regs.hpp"
-#include "../dsp_utils.hpp"
+#include <uhd/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dsp_props.hpp>
 #include <boost/bind.hpp>
+#include <cmath>
 
 using namespace uhd;
 using namespace uhd::usrp;
@@ -30,10 +31,9 @@ static const size_t default_interp = 16;
 /***********************************************************************
  * DDC Helper Methods
  **********************************************************************/
-template <class rate_t> static rate_t
-pick_closest_rate(double exact_rate, const std::vector<rate_t> &rates){
-    rate_t closest_match = rates.at(0);
-    BOOST_FOREACH(rate_t possible_rate, rates){
+static unsigned pick_closest_rate(double exact_rate, const std::vector<unsigned> &rates){
+    unsigned closest_match = rates.front();
+    BOOST_FOREACH(unsigned possible_rate, rates){
         if(std::abs(exact_rate - possible_rate) < std::abs(exact_rate - closest_match))
             closest_match = possible_rate;
     }
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp
index 610aade14..d5785f326 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp
@@ -17,13 +17,15 @@
 
 #include "usrp2_impl.hpp"
 #include "usrp2_regs.hpp"
-#include "../dsp_utils.hpp"
+#include <uhd/usrp/misc_utils.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dsp_utils.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/mboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/mac_addr.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/dict.hpp>
 #include <boost/bind.hpp>
+#include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
 #include <boost/asio/ip/address_v4.hpp>
 #include <iostream>
 
@@ -185,12 +187,13 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::issue_ddc_stream_cmd(const stream_cmd_t &stream_cmd){
 /***********************************************************************
  * MBoard Get Properties
  **********************************************************************/
+static const std::string dboard_name = "0";
+
 void usrp2_mboard_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the other props
-    if (key.type() == typeid(std::string)){
+    if (key_.type() == typeid(std::string)){
         if (key.as<std::string>() == "mac-addr"){
             byte_vector_t bytes = _iface->read_eeprom(USRP2_I2C_ADDR_MBOARD, USRP2_EE_MBOARD_MAC_ADDR, 6);
             val = mac_addr_t::from_bytes(bytes).to_string();
@@ -221,25 +224,25 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == dboard_name);
         val = _rx_dboard_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD_NAMES:
-        val = prop_names_t(1, "");
+        val = prop_names_t(1, dboard_name);
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == dboard_name);
         val = _tx_dboard_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD_NAMES:
-        val = prop_names_t(1, "");
+        val = prop_names_t(1, dboard_name);
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_DSP:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == "");
         val = _rx_dsp_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
@@ -248,7 +251,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_DSP:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == "");
         val = _tx_dsp_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
@@ -324,14 +327,9 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::set(const wax::obj &key, const wax::obj &val){
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_SUBDEV_SPEC:
         _rx_subdev_spec = val.as<subdev_spec_t>();
-        //handle automatic
-        if (_rx_subdev_spec.empty()) _rx_subdev_spec.push_back(
-            subdev_spec_pair_t("", _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev_names().front())
-        );
+        verify_rx_subdev_spec(_rx_subdev_spec, this->get_link());
         //sanity check
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(_rx_subdev_spec.size() == 1);
-        uhd::assert_has((*this)[MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>(), _rx_subdev_spec.front().db_name, "rx dboard names");
-        uhd::assert_has(_dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev_names(), _rx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name, "rx subdev names");
         //set the mux
         _iface->poke32(U2_REG_DSP_RX_MUX, dsp_type1::calc_rx_mux_word(
             _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(_rx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name)[SUBDEV_PROP_CONNECTION].as<subdev_conn_t>()
@@ -340,14 +338,9 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::set(const wax::obj &key, const wax::obj &val){
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_SUBDEV_SPEC:
         _tx_subdev_spec = val.as<subdev_spec_t>();
-        //handle automatic
-        if (_tx_subdev_spec.empty()) _tx_subdev_spec.push_back(
-            subdev_spec_pair_t("", _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev_names().front())
-        );
+        verify_tx_subdev_spec(_tx_subdev_spec, this->get_link());
         //sanity check
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(_tx_subdev_spec.size() == 1);
-        uhd::assert_has((*this)[MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>(), _tx_subdev_spec.front().db_name, "tx dboard names");
-        uhd::assert_has(_dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev_names(), _tx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name, "tx subdev names");
         //set the mux
         _iface->poke32(U2_REG_DSP_TX_MUX, dsp_type1::calc_tx_mux_word(
             _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(_tx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name)[SUBDEV_PROP_CONNECTION].as<subdev_conn_t>()
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp
index 21f411afe..568c87a22 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 #include <uhd/usrp/device_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/static.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
@@ -41,12 +41,6 @@ static const size_t DISCOVERY_TIMEOUT_MS = 100;
 /***********************************************************************
  * Helper Functions
  **********************************************************************/
-std::vector<std::string> split_addrs(const std::string &addrs_str){
-    std::vector<std::string> addrs;
-    boost::split(addrs, addrs_str, boost::is_any_of("\t "));
-    return addrs;
-}
-
 template <class T> std::string num2str(T num){
     return boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(num);
 }
@@ -80,7 +74,7 @@ static uhd::device_addrs_t usrp2_find(const device_addr_t &hint){
     }
 
     //if there are multiple addresses, just return good, dont test
-    std::vector<std::string> addrs = split_addrs(hint["addr"]);
+    std::vector<std::string> addrs = std::split_string(hint["addr"]);
     if (addrs.size() > 1){
         device_addr_t new_addr;
         new_addr["type"] = "usrp2";
@@ -155,7 +149,7 @@ static device::sptr usrp2_make(const device_addr_t &device_addr){
     std::vector<udp_simple::sptr> ctrl_transports;
     std::vector<udp_zero_copy::sptr> data_transports;
 
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &addr, split_addrs(device_addr["addr"])){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &addr, std::split_string(device_addr["addr"])){
         ctrl_transports.push_back(udp_simple::make_connected(
             addr, num2str(USRP2_UDP_CTRL_PORT)
         ));
@@ -207,8 +201,7 @@ usrp2_impl::~usrp2_impl(void){
  * Device Properties
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<device_prop_t>()){
@@ -218,7 +211,7 @@ void usrp2_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case DEVICE_PROP_MBOARD:
-        val = _mboard_dict[name]->get_link();
+        val = _mboard_dict[key.name]->get_link();
         return;
 
     case DEVICE_PROP_MBOARD_NAMES:
diff --git a/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp b/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp
index 4029bd989..6ad12d3cc 100644
--- a/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 #include "constants.hpp"
 #include <uhd/config.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/program_options.hpp>
 #include <boost/filesystem.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
@@ -58,15 +58,9 @@ static std::vector<fs::path> get_env_paths(const std::string &var_name){
     po::store(po::parse_environment(desc, boost::bind(&name_mapper, var_name, _1)), vm);
     po::notify(vm);
 
-    //split the path at the path separators
-    std::vector<std::string> path_strings;
-    if (not var_value.empty()) boost::split(//dont split empty strings
-        path_strings, var_value, boost::is_any_of(env_path_sep)
-    );
-
     //convert to filesystem path, filter blank paths
     std::vector<fs::path> paths;
-    BOOST_FOREACH(std::string &path_string, path_strings){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &path_string, std::split_string(var_value, env_path_sep)){
         if (path_string.empty()) continue;
         paths.push_back(fs::system_complete(path_string));
     }
@@ -78,13 +72,17 @@ static std::vector<fs::path> get_env_paths(const std::string &var_name){
  **********************************************************************/
 std::vector<fs::path> get_image_paths(void){
     std::vector<fs::path> paths = get_env_paths("UHD_IMAGE_PATH");
-    paths.push_back(fs::path(UHD_INSTALL_PREFIX) / UHD_PKG_DATA_DIR / "images");
+    paths.push_back(fs::path(LOCAL_PKG_DATA_DIR) / "images");
+    if (not std::string(INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR).empty())
+        paths.push_back(fs::path(INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR) / "images");
     return paths;
 }
 
 std::vector<fs::path> get_module_paths(void){
     std::vector<fs::path> paths = get_env_paths("UHD_MODULE_PATH");
-    paths.push_back(fs::path(UHD_INSTALL_PREFIX) / UHD_PKG_DATA_DIR / "modules");
+    paths.push_back(fs::path(LOCAL_PKG_DATA_DIR) / "modules");
+    if (not std::string(INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR).empty())
+        paths.push_back(fs::path(INSTALLER_PKG_DATA_DIR) / "modules");
     return paths;
 }
 
diff --git a/host/lib/utils/props.cpp b/host/lib/utils/props.cpp
index fac5fe24f..fc9f8e63f 100644
--- a/host/lib/utils/props.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/utils/props.cpp
@@ -29,15 +29,12 @@ named_prop_t::named_prop_t(
     /* NOP */
 }
 
-typedef boost::tuple<wax::obj, std::string> named_prop_tuple;
-
-named_prop_tuple uhd::extract_named_prop(
+named_prop_t named_prop_t::extract(
     const wax::obj &key,
     const std::string &name
 ){
     if (key.type() == typeid(named_prop_t)){
-        named_prop_t np = key.as<named_prop_t>();
-        return named_prop_tuple(np.key, np.name);
+        return key.as<named_prop_t>();
     }
-    return named_prop_tuple(key, name);
+    return named_prop_t(key, name);
 }
diff --git a/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp b/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp
index ae4d4c7aa..8a7d35a23 100644
--- a/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 //
 
 #include <uhd/utils/warning.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <iostream>
 #include <vector>
@@ -24,13 +24,9 @@
 using namespace uhd;
 
 void uhd::print_warning(const std::string &msg){
-    //extract the message lines
-    std::vector<std::string> lines;
-    boost::split(lines, msg, boost::is_any_of("\n"));
-
     //print the warning message
     std::cerr << std::endl << "Warning:" << std::endl;
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &line, lines){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &line, std::split_string(msg, "\n")){
         std::cerr << "    " << line << std::endl;
     }
 }