diff --git a/component/asciibox/asciibox.go b/component/asciibox/asciibox.go
index 4d30f17..c9c4b5c 100644
--- a/component/asciibox/asciibox.go
+++ b/component/asciibox/asciibox.go
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package asciibox
 import (
 	fl "github.com/mbndr/figlet4go"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/asset"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/config"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/data"
 	ui "github.com/sqshq/termui"
 	"image"
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 
 type AsciiBox struct {
 	ui.Block
+	data.Consumer
 	text    string
 	ascii   string
 	style   ui.Style
@@ -17,22 +19,15 @@ type AsciiBox struct {
 	options *fl.RenderOptions
 }
 
-type AsciiFont string
-
-const (
-	AsciiFontFlat AsciiFont = "flat"
-	AsciiFont3D   AsciiFont = "3d"
-)
-
 const asciiFontExtension = ".flf"
 
-func NewAsciiBox(title string, font AsciiFont, color ui.Color) *AsciiBox {
+func NewAsciiBox(c config.AsciiBoxConfig) *AsciiBox {
 
 	block := *ui.NewBlock()
-	block.Title = title
+	block.Title = c.Title
 
 	options := fl.NewRenderOptions()
-	options.FontName = string(font)
+	options.FontName = string(*c.Font)
 
 	fontStr, err := asset.Asset(options.FontName + asciiFontExtension)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -41,17 +36,29 @@ func NewAsciiBox(title string, font AsciiFont, color ui.Color) *AsciiBox {
 	render := fl.NewAsciiRender()
 	_ = render.LoadBindataFont(fontStr, options.FontName)
 
-	return &AsciiBox{
-		Block:   block,
-		style:   ui.NewStyle(color),
-		render:  render,
-		options: options,
+	box := AsciiBox{
+		Block:    block,
+		Consumer: data.NewConsumer(),
+		style:    ui.NewStyle(*c.Color),
+		render:   render,
+		options:  options,
 	}
+
+	go box.consume()
+
+	return &box
 }
 
-func (a *AsciiBox) ConsumeSample(sample data.Sample) {
-	a.text = sample.Value
-	a.ascii, _ = a.render.RenderOpts(sample.Value, a.options)
+func (a *AsciiBox) consume() {
+	for {
+		select {
+		case sample := <-a.SampleChannel:
+			a.text = sample.Value
+			a.ascii, _ = a.render.RenderOpts(sample.Value, a.options)
+			//case alert := <-a.alertChannel:
+			// TODO base alerting mechanism
+		}
+	}
 }
 
 func (a *AsciiBox) Draw(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
diff --git a/component/barchart/barchart.go b/component/barchart/barchart.go
index 4a7d1a8..c744dff 100644
--- a/component/barchart/barchart.go
+++ b/component/barchart/barchart.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ const (
 
 type BarChart struct {
 	ui.Block
+	data.Consumer
 	bars     []Bar
 	scale    int
 	maxValue float64
@@ -33,19 +34,31 @@ type Bar struct {
 func NewBarChart(title string, scale int) *BarChart {
 	block := *ui.NewBlock()
 	block.Title = title
-	return &BarChart{
+	chart := BarChart{
 		Block:    block,
+		Consumer: data.NewConsumer(),
 		bars:     []Bar{},
 		scale:    scale,
 		maxValue: -math.MaxFloat64,
 	}
+
+	go chart.consume()
+
+	return &chart
 }
 
-func (b *BarChart) AddBar(label string, color ui.Color) {
-	b.bars = append(b.bars, Bar{label: label, color: color, value: 0})
+func (b *BarChart) consume() {
+	for {
+		select {
+		case sample := <-b.SampleChannel:
+			b.consumeSample(sample)
+			//case alert := <-b.alertChannel:
+			// TODO base alerting mechanism
+		}
+	}
 }
 
-func (b *BarChart) ConsumeSample(sample data.Sample) {
+func (b *BarChart) consumeSample(sample data.Sample) {
 
 	b.count++
 
@@ -76,6 +89,10 @@ func (b *BarChart) ConsumeSample(sample data.Sample) {
 	}
 }
 
+func (b *BarChart) AddBar(label string, color ui.Color) {
+	b.bars = append(b.bars, Bar{label: label, color: color, value: 0})
+}
+
 func (b *BarChart) reselectMaxValue() {
 	maxValue := -math.MaxFloat64
 	for _, bar := range b.bars {
diff --git a/component/gauge/gauge.go b/component/gauge/gauge.go
index b7d8c19..0e1cb15 100644
--- a/component/gauge/gauge.go
+++ b/component/gauge/gauge.go
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ const (
 
 type Gauge struct {
 	ui.Block
+	data.Consumer
 	minValue float64
 	maxValue float64
 	curValue float64
@@ -26,12 +27,30 @@ type Gauge struct {
 }
 
 func NewGauge(title string, scale int, color ui.Color) *Gauge {
+
 	block := *ui.NewBlock()
 	block.Title = title
-	return &Gauge{
-		Block: block,
-		scale: scale,
-		color: color,
+
+	gauge := Gauge{
+		Block:    block,
+		Consumer: data.NewConsumer(),
+		scale:    scale,
+		color:    color,
+	}
+
+	go gauge.consume()
+
+	return &gauge
+}
+
+func (g *Gauge) consume() {
+	for {
+		select {
+		case sample := <-g.SampleChannel:
+			g.ConsumeSample(sample)
+			//case alert := <-g.alertChannel:
+			// TODO base alerting mechanism
+		}
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/component/geometry.go b/component/geometry.go
index 39b8a10..9bc7699 100644
--- a/component/geometry.go
+++ b/component/geometry.go
@@ -5,35 +5,35 @@ import (
 	"math"
 )
 
-func getRectLeftAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
+func GetRectLeftAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
 	return image.Point{
 		X: rect.Min.X,
 		Y: rect.Min.Y + rect.Dy()/2,
 	}
 }
 
-func getRectRightAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
+func GetRectRightAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
 	return image.Point{
 		X: rect.Max.X,
 		Y: rect.Min.Y + rect.Dy()/2,
 	}
 }
 
-func getRectTopAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
+func GetRectTopAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
 	return image.Point{
 		X: rect.Min.X + rect.Dx()/2,
 		Y: rect.Min.Y,
 	}
 }
 
-func getRectBottomAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
+func GetRectBottomAgeCenter(rect image.Rectangle) image.Point {
 	return image.Point{
 		X: rect.Min.X + rect.Dx()/2,
 		Y: rect.Max.Y,
 	}
 }
 
-func getDistance(p1 image.Point, p2 image.Point) float64 {
+func GetDistance(p1 image.Point, p2 image.Point) float64 {
 	x := math.Abs(float64(p1.X - p2.X))
 	y := math.Abs(float64(p1.Y - p2.Y))
 	return math.Sqrt(x*x + y*y)
diff --git a/component/layout.go b/component/layout/layout.go
similarity index 59%
rename from component/layout.go
rename to component/layout/layout.go
index 0efa576..535e3bd 100644
--- a/component/layout.go
+++ b/component/layout/layout.go
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
-package component
+package layout
 
 import (
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/runchart"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/config"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
@@ -11,10 +12,10 @@ import (
 
 type Layout struct {
 	ui.Block
-	Components       []Component
+	Components       []component.Component
 	ChangeModeEvents chan Mode
-	statusbar        *StatusBar
-	menu             *Menu
+	statusbar        *component.StatusBar
+	menu             *component.Menu
 	mode             Mode
 	selection        int
 }
@@ -38,7 +39,7 @@ const (
 	statusbarHeight = 1
 )
 
-func NewLayout(width, height int, statusline *StatusBar, menu *Menu) *Layout {
+func NewLayout(width, height int, statusline *component.StatusBar, menu *component.Menu) *Layout {
 
 	block := *ui.NewBlock()
 	block.SetRect(0, 0, width, height)
@@ -46,7 +47,7 @@ func NewLayout(width, height int, statusline *StatusBar, menu *Menu) *Layout {
 
 	return &Layout{
 		Block:            block,
-		Components:       make([]Component, 0),
+		Components:       make([]component.Component, 0),
 		statusbar:        statusline,
 		menu:             menu,
 		mode:             ModeDefault,
@@ -56,16 +57,23 @@ func NewLayout(width, height int, statusline *StatusBar, menu *Menu) *Layout {
 }
 
 func (l *Layout) AddComponent(Type config.ComponentType, drawable ui.Drawable, title string, position config.Position, size config.Size, refreshRateMs int) {
-	l.Components = append(l.Components, Component{Type, drawable, title, position, size, refreshRateMs})
+	l.Components = append(l.Components, component.Component{
+		Type:          Type,
+		Drawable:      drawable,
+		Title:         title,
+		Position:      position,
+		Size:          size,
+		RefreshRateMs: refreshRateMs,
+	})
 }
 
-func (l *Layout) GetComponents(Type config.ComponentType) []ui.Drawable {
+func (l *Layout) GetComponents(Type config.ComponentType) []component.Component {
 
-	var components []ui.Drawable
+	var components []component.Component
 
-	for _, component := range l.Components {
-		if component.Type == Type {
-			components = append(components, component.Drawable)
+	for _, c := range l.Components {
+		if c.Type == Type {
+			components = append(components, c)
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -87,36 +95,36 @@ func (l *Layout) HandleConsoleEvent(e string) {
 				chart := l.getSelectedComponent().Drawable.(*runchart.RunChart)
 				chart.DisableSelection()
 			}
-			l.menu.idle()
+			l.menu.Idle()
 			l.changeMode(ModePause)
 		}
 	case console.KeyEnter:
 		switch l.mode {
 		case ModeComponentSelect:
-			l.menu.choose()
+			l.menu.Choose()
 			l.changeMode(ModeMenuOptionSelect)
 		case ModeMenuOptionSelect:
-			option := l.menu.getSelectedOption()
+			option := l.menu.GetSelectedOption()
 			switch option {
-			case MenuOptionMove:
+			case component.MenuOptionMove:
 				l.changeMode(ModeComponentMove)
-				l.menu.moveOrResize()
-			case MenuOptionResize:
+				l.menu.MoveOrResize()
+			case component.MenuOptionResize:
 				l.changeMode(ModeComponentResize)
-				l.menu.moveOrResize()
-			case MenuOptionPinpoint:
+				l.menu.MoveOrResize()
+			case component.MenuOptionPinpoint:
 				l.changeMode(ModeChartPinpoint)
-				l.menu.idle()
+				l.menu.Idle()
 				chart := l.getSelectedComponent().Drawable.(*runchart.RunChart)
 				chart.MoveSelection(0)
-			case MenuOptionResume:
+			case component.MenuOptionResume:
 				l.changeMode(ModeDefault)
-				l.menu.idle()
+				l.menu.Idle()
 			}
 		case ModeComponentMove:
 			fallthrough
 		case ModeComponentResize:
-			l.menu.idle()
+			l.menu.Idle()
 			l.changeMode(ModeDefault)
 		}
 	case console.KeyEsc:
@@ -128,20 +136,20 @@ func (l *Layout) HandleConsoleEvent(e string) {
 		case ModeComponentSelect:
 			fallthrough
 		case ModeMenuOptionSelect:
-			l.menu.idle()
+			l.menu.Idle()
 			l.changeMode(ModeDefault)
 		}
 	case console.KeyLeft:
 		switch l.mode {
 		case ModeDefault:
 			l.changeMode(ModeComponentSelect)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeChartPinpoint:
 			chart := l.getSelectedComponent().Drawable.(*runchart.RunChart)
 			chart.MoveSelection(-1)
 		case ModeComponentSelect:
 			l.moveSelection(e)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeComponentMove:
 			l.getSelectedComponent().Move(-1, 0)
 		case ModeComponentResize:
@@ -151,13 +159,13 @@ func (l *Layout) HandleConsoleEvent(e string) {
 		switch l.mode {
 		case ModeDefault:
 			l.changeMode(ModeComponentSelect)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeChartPinpoint:
 			chart := l.getSelectedComponent().Drawable.(*runchart.RunChart)
 			chart.MoveSelection(1)
 		case ModeComponentSelect:
 			l.moveSelection(e)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeComponentMove:
 			l.getSelectedComponent().Move(1, 0)
 		case ModeComponentResize:
@@ -167,12 +175,12 @@ func (l *Layout) HandleConsoleEvent(e string) {
 		switch l.mode {
 		case ModeDefault:
 			l.changeMode(ModeComponentSelect)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeComponentSelect:
 			l.moveSelection(e)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeMenuOptionSelect:
-			l.menu.up()
+			l.menu.Up()
 		case ModeComponentMove:
 			l.getSelectedComponent().Move(0, -1)
 		case ModeComponentResize:
@@ -182,12 +190,12 @@ func (l *Layout) HandleConsoleEvent(e string) {
 		switch l.mode {
 		case ModeDefault:
 			l.changeMode(ModeComponentSelect)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeComponentSelect:
 			l.moveSelection(e)
-			l.menu.highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
+			l.menu.Highlight(l.getComponent(l.selection))
 		case ModeMenuOptionSelect:
-			l.menu.down()
+			l.menu.Down()
 		case ModeComponentMove:
 			l.getSelectedComponent().Move(0, 1)
 		case ModeComponentResize:
@@ -200,11 +208,11 @@ func (l *Layout) ChangeDimensions(width, height int) {
 	l.SetRect(0, 0, width, height)
 }
 
-func (l *Layout) getComponent(i int) Component {
-	return l.Components[i]
+func (l *Layout) getComponent(i int) *component.Component {
+	return &l.Components[i]
 }
 
-func (l *Layout) getSelectedComponent() *Component {
+func (l *Layout) getSelectedComponent() *component.Component {
 	return &l.Components[l.selection]
 }
 
@@ -229,24 +237,25 @@ func (l *Layout) moveSelection(direction string) {
 
 		switch direction {
 		case console.KeyLeft:
-			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = getRectLeftAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
-			newlySelectedCornerPoint = getRectRightAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
-			currentCornerPoint = getRectRightAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
+			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectLeftAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
+			newlySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectRightAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
+			currentCornerPoint = component.GetRectRightAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
 		case console.KeyRight:
-			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = getRectRightAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
-			newlySelectedCornerPoint = getRectLeftAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
-			currentCornerPoint = getRectLeftAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
+			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectRightAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
+			newlySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectLeftAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
+			currentCornerPoint = component.GetRectLeftAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
 		case console.KeyUp:
-			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = getRectTopAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
-			newlySelectedCornerPoint = getRectBottomAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
-			currentCornerPoint = getRectBottomAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
+			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectTopAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
+			newlySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectBottomAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
+			currentCornerPoint = component.GetRectBottomAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
 		case console.KeyDown:
-			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = getRectBottomAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
-			newlySelectedCornerPoint = getRectTopAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
-			currentCornerPoint = getRectTopAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
+			previouslySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectBottomAgeCenter(previouslySelected.Drawable.GetRect())
+			newlySelectedCornerPoint = component.GetRectTopAgeCenter(l.getComponent(newlySelectedIndex).Drawable.GetRect())
+			currentCornerPoint = component.GetRectTopAgeCenter(current.Drawable.GetRect())
 		}
 
-		if getDistance(previouslySelectedCornerPoint, currentCornerPoint) < getDistance(previouslySelectedCornerPoint, newlySelectedCornerPoint) {
+		if component.GetDistance(previouslySelectedCornerPoint, currentCornerPoint) <
+			component.GetDistance(previouslySelectedCornerPoint, newlySelectedCornerPoint) {
 			newlySelectedIndex = i
 		}
 	}
@@ -259,12 +268,12 @@ func (l *Layout) Draw(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
 	columnWidth := float64(l.GetRect().Dx()) / float64(columnsCount)
 	rowHeight := float64(l.GetRect().Dy()-statusbarHeight) / float64(rowsCount)
 
-	for _, component := range l.Components {
+	for _, c := range l.Components {
 
-		x1 := math.Floor(float64(component.Position.X) * columnWidth)
-		y1 := math.Floor(float64(component.Position.Y) * rowHeight)
-		x2 := x1 + math.Floor(float64(component.Size.X))*columnWidth
-		y2 := y1 + math.Floor(float64(component.Size.Y))*rowHeight
+		x1 := math.Floor(float64(c.Position.X) * columnWidth)
+		y1 := math.Floor(float64(c.Position.Y) * rowHeight)
+		x2 := x1 + math.Floor(float64(c.Size.X))*columnWidth
+		y2 := y1 + math.Floor(float64(c.Size.Y))*rowHeight
 
 		if x2-x1 < minDimension {
 			x2 = x1 + minDimension
@@ -274,8 +283,8 @@ func (l *Layout) Draw(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
 			y2 = y1 + minDimension
 		}
 
-		component.Drawable.SetRect(int(x1), int(y1), int(x2), int(y2))
-		component.Drawable.Draw(buffer)
+		c.Drawable.SetRect(int(x1), int(y1), int(x2), int(y2))
+		c.Drawable.Draw(buffer)
 	}
 
 	l.statusbar.SetRect(
diff --git a/component/menu.go b/component/menu.go
index 4148d30..6c26403 100644
--- a/component/menu.go
+++ b/component/menu.go
@@ -48,26 +48,26 @@ func NewMenu() *Menu {
 	}
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) getSelectedOption() MenuOption {
+func (m *Menu) GetSelectedOption() MenuOption {
 	return m.option
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) highlight(component Component) {
-	m.component = component
+func (m *Menu) Highlight(component *Component) {
+	m.component = *component
 	m.updateDimensions()
 	m.mode = MenuModeHighlight
 	m.Title = component.Title
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) choose() {
+func (m *Menu) Choose() {
 	m.mode = MenuModeOptionSelect
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) idle() {
+func (m *Menu) Idle() {
 	m.mode = MenuModeIdle
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) up() {
+func (m *Menu) Up() {
 	for i := 1; i < len(m.options); i++ {
 		if m.options[i] == m.option {
 			m.option = m.options[i-1]
@@ -75,11 +75,11 @@ func (m *Menu) up() {
 		}
 	}
 	if m.option == MenuOptionPinpoint && m.component.Type != config.TypeRunChart {
-		m.up()
+		m.Up()
 	}
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) down() {
+func (m *Menu) Down() {
 	for i := 0; i < len(m.options)-1; i++ {
 		if m.options[i] == m.option {
 			m.option = m.options[i+1]
@@ -87,11 +87,11 @@ func (m *Menu) down() {
 		}
 	}
 	if m.option == MenuOptionPinpoint && m.component.Type != config.TypeRunChart {
-		m.down()
+		m.Down()
 	}
 }
 
-func (m *Menu) moveOrResize() {
+func (m *Menu) MoveOrResize() {
 	m.mode = MenuModeMoveAndResize
 }
 
diff --git a/component/runchart/grid.go b/component/runchart/grid.go
index faa835c..90bd744 100644
--- a/component/runchart/grid.go
+++ b/component/runchart/grid.go
@@ -35,13 +35,13 @@ func (c *RunChart) newChartGrid() ChartGrid {
 func (c *RunChart) renderAxes(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
 	// draw origin cell
 	buffer.SetCell(
-		ui.NewCell(ui.BOTTOM_LEFT, ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite)),
+		ui.NewCell(ui.BOTTOM_LEFT, ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite)),
 		image.Pt(c.Inner.Min.X+c.grid.minTimeWidth, c.Inner.Max.Y-xAxisLabelsHeight-1))
 
 	// draw x axis line
 	for i := c.grid.minTimeWidth + 1; i < c.Inner.Dx(); i++ {
 		buffer.SetCell(
-			ui.NewCell(ui.HORIZONTAL_DASH, ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite)),
+			ui.NewCell(ui.HORIZONTAL_DASH, ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite)),
 			image.Pt(i+c.Inner.Min.X, c.Inner.Max.Y-xAxisLabelsHeight-1))
 	}
 
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ func (c *RunChart) renderAxes(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
 	// draw y axis line
 	for i := 0; i < c.Inner.Dy()-xAxisLabelsHeight-1; i++ {
 		buffer.SetCell(
-			ui.NewCell(ui.VERTICAL_DASH, ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite)),
+			ui.NewCell(ui.VERTICAL_DASH, ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite)),
 			image.Pt(c.Inner.Min.X+c.grid.minTimeWidth, i+c.Inner.Min.Y))
 	}
 
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ func (c *RunChart) renderAxes(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
 		labelTime := c.grid.timeRange.max.Add(time.Duration(-i) * c.timescale)
 		buffer.SetString(
 			labelTime.Format("15:04:05"),
-			ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite),
+			ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite),
 			image.Pt(c.grid.maxTimeWidth-xAxisLabelsWidth/2-i*(xAxisGridWidth), c.Inner.Max.Y-1))
 	}
 
@@ -78,13 +78,13 @@ func (c *RunChart) renderAxes(buffer *ui.Buffer) {
 			value := c.grid.valueExtrema.max - (valuePerY * float64(i) * (yAxisLabelsIndent + yAxisLabelsHeight))
 			buffer.SetString(
 				formatValue(value, c.scale),
-				ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite),
+				ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite),
 				image.Pt(c.Inner.Min.X, 1+c.Inner.Min.Y+i*(yAxisLabelsIndent+yAxisLabelsHeight)))
 		}
 	} else {
 		buffer.SetString(
 			formatValue(c.grid.valueExtrema.max, c.scale),
-			ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite),
+			ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite),
 			image.Pt(c.Inner.Min.X, c.Inner.Min.Y+c.Inner.Dy()/2))
 	}
 }
diff --git a/component/runchart/legend.go b/component/runchart/legend.go
index 9b3a39a..9e7dfd7 100644
--- a/component/runchart/legend.go
+++ b/component/runchart/legend.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package runchart
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
 	ui "github.com/sqshq/termui"
 	"image"
 	"math"
@@ -54,7 +55,7 @@ func (c *RunChart) renderLegend(buffer *ui.Buffer, rectangle image.Rectangle) {
 			y := c.Inner.Min.Y + yAxisLegendIndent + row*height
 
 			titleStyle := ui.NewStyle(line.color)
-			detailsStyle := ui.NewStyle(ui.ColorWhite)
+			detailsStyle := ui.NewStyle(console.ColorWhite)
 
 			buffer.SetString(string(ui.DOT), titleStyle, image.Pt(x-2, y))
 			buffer.SetString(line.label, titleStyle, image.Pt(x, y))
diff --git a/component/runchart/runchart.go b/component/runchart/runchart.go
index 1bdcfcb..b6fc0c8 100644
--- a/component/runchart/runchart.go
+++ b/component/runchart/runchart.go
@@ -2,9 +2,10 @@ package runchart
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
-	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/trigger"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/config"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/data"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/trigger"
 	"image"
 	"math"
 	"strconv"
@@ -37,6 +38,7 @@ const (
 
 type RunChart struct {
 	ui.Block
+	data.Consumer
 	triggers  []trigger.Trigger
 	lines     []TimeLine
 	grid      ChartGrid
@@ -73,17 +75,35 @@ type ValueExtrema struct {
 	min float64
 }
 
-func NewRunChart(title string, scale int, refreshRateMs int, legend Legend) *RunChart {
+func NewRunChart(c config.RunChartConfig, l Legend) *RunChart {
+
 	block := *ui.NewBlock()
-	block.Title = title
-	return &RunChart{
+	block.Title = c.Title
+
+	chart := RunChart{
 		Block:     block,
+		Consumer:  data.NewConsumer(),
 		lines:     []TimeLine{},
-		timescale: calculateTimescale(refreshRateMs),
+		timescale: calculateTimescale(*c.RefreshRateMs),
 		mutex:     &sync.Mutex{},
-		scale:     scale,
+		scale:     *c.Scale,
 		mode:      ModeDefault,
-		legend:    legend,
+		legend:    l,
+	}
+
+	go chart.consume()
+
+	return &chart
+}
+
+func (c *RunChart) consume() {
+	for {
+		select {
+		case sample := <-c.SampleChannel:
+			c.consumeSample(sample)
+			//case alert := <-c.alertChannel:
+			// TODO base alerting mechanism
+		}
 	}
 }
 
@@ -123,12 +143,12 @@ func (c *RunChart) AddLine(Label string, color ui.Color) {
 	c.lines = append(c.lines, line)
 }
 
-func (c *RunChart) ConsumeSample(sample data.Sample) {
+func (c *RunChart) consumeSample(sample data.Sample) {
 
 	float, err := strconv.ParseFloat(sample.Value, 64)
 
 	if err != nil {
-		// TODO visual notification + check sample.Error
+		// TODO visual notification
 	}
 
 	c.mutex.Lock()
diff --git a/component/statusbar.go b/component/statusbar.go
index 10a38fd..d99b6f8 100644
--- a/component/statusbar.go
+++ b/component/statusbar.go
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ func NewStatusLine(configFileName string) *StatusBar {
 			"(Q) quit",
 			"(P) pause",
 			"(<->) selection",
-			"(ESC) reset alarm",
+			"(ESC) reset alerts",
 		},
 	}
 }
diff --git a/config/component.go b/config/component.go
index e6c236a..de99352 100644
--- a/config/component.go
+++ b/config/component.go
@@ -1,11 +1,20 @@
 package config
 
 import (
-	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/asciibox"
-	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/data"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
 	ui "github.com/sqshq/termui"
 )
 
+type ComponentType rune
+
+const (
+	TypeRunChart ComponentType = 0
+	TypeBarChart ComponentType = 1
+	TypeTextBox  ComponentType = 2
+	TypeAsciiBox ComponentType = 3
+	TypeGauge    ComponentType = 4
+)
+
 type ComponentConfig struct {
 	Title         string          `yaml:"title"`
 	RefreshRateMs *int            `yaml:"refresh-rate-ms,omitempty"`
@@ -32,26 +41,26 @@ type GaugeConfig struct {
 	Scale           *int              `yaml:"scale,omitempty"`
 	Color           *ui.Color         `yaml:"color,omitempty"`
 	Values          map[string]string `yaml:"values"`
-	Items           []data.Item       `yaml:",omitempty"`
+	Items           []Item            `yaml:",omitempty"`
 }
 
 type BarChartConfig struct {
 	ComponentConfig `yaml:",inline"`
-	Scale           *int        `yaml:"scale,omitempty"`
-	Items           []data.Item `yaml:"items"`
+	Scale           *int   `yaml:"scale,omitempty"`
+	Items           []Item `yaml:"items"`
 }
 
 type AsciiBoxConfig struct {
 	ComponentConfig `yaml:",inline"`
-	data.Item       `yaml:",inline"`
-	Font            *asciibox.AsciiFont `yaml:"font,omitempty"`
+	Item            `yaml:",inline"`
+	Font            *console.AsciiFont `yaml:"font,omitempty"`
 }
 
 type RunChartConfig struct {
 	ComponentConfig `yaml:",inline"`
 	Legend          *LegendConfig `yaml:"legend,omitempty"`
 	Scale           *int          `yaml:"scale,omitempty"`
-	Items           []data.Item   `yaml:"items"`
+	Items           []Item        `yaml:"items"`
 }
 
 type LegendConfig struct {
@@ -69,15 +78,11 @@ type Size struct {
 	Y int `yaml:"h"`
 }
 
-type ComponentType rune
-
-const (
-	TypeRunChart ComponentType = 0
-	TypeBarChart ComponentType = 1
-	TypeTextBox  ComponentType = 2
-	TypeAsciiBox ComponentType = 3
-	TypeGauge    ComponentType = 4
-)
+type Item struct {
+	Label  *string   `yaml:"label,omitempty"`
+	Script string    `yaml:"value"`
+	Color  *ui.Color `yaml:"color,omitempty"`
+}
 
 type ComponentSettings struct {
 	Type     ComponentType
diff --git a/config/default.go b/config/default.go
index e80c9d6..fb8cbe5 100644
--- a/config/default.go
+++ b/config/default.go
@@ -1,9 +1,7 @@
 package config
 
 import (
-	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/asciibox"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
-	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/data"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -71,10 +69,10 @@ func (c *Config) setDefaultValues() {
 			p := defaultScale
 			g.Scale = &p
 		}
-		var items []data.Item
+		var items []Item
 		for label, script := range g.Values {
 			l := label
-			items = append(items, data.Item{Label: &l, Script: script})
+			items = append(items, Item{Label: &l, Script: script})
 		}
 		g.Items = items
 		c.Gauges[i] = g
@@ -93,7 +91,7 @@ func (c *Config) setDefaultValues() {
 			box.Label = &label
 		}
 		if box.Font == nil {
-			font := asciibox.AsciiFontFlat
+			font := console.AsciiFontFlat
 			box.Font = &font
 		}
 		if box.Color == nil {
diff --git a/console/console.go b/console/console.go
index ceaccf2..a219179 100644
--- a/console/console.go
+++ b/console/console.go
@@ -14,6 +14,13 @@ const (
 	AppVersion        = "0.1.0"
 )
 
+type AsciiFont string
+
+const (
+	AsciiFontFlat AsciiFont = "flat"
+	AsciiFont3D   AsciiFont = "3d"
+)
+
 type Console struct{}
 
 func (self *Console) Init() {
diff --git a/console/palette.go b/console/palette.go
index 026d459..e7821a6 100644
--- a/console/palette.go
+++ b/console/palette.go
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ const (
 	ColorOrange      ui.Color = 166
 	ColorPurple      ui.Color = 129
 	ColorGreen       ui.Color = 64
-	ColorDarkGrey    ui.Color = 240
+	ColorDarkGrey    ui.Color = 235
 	ColorGrey        ui.Color = 242
 	ColorWhite       ui.Color = 15
 	ColorBlack       ui.Color = 0
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ const (
 )
 
 const (
-	MenuColorBackground ui.Color = 234
+	MenuColorBackground ui.Color = 235
 	MenuColorText       ui.Color = 255
 )
 
diff --git a/data/consumer.go b/data/consumer.go
index 92d42fe..f25dcef 100644
--- a/data/consumer.go
+++ b/data/consumer.go
@@ -1,11 +1,22 @@
 package data
 
-type Consumer interface {
-	ConsumeSample(sample Sample)
+type Consumer struct {
+	SampleChannel chan Sample
+	AlertChannel  chan Alert
 }
 
 type Sample struct {
 	Label string
 	Value string
-	Error error
+}
+
+type Alert struct {
+	Text string
+}
+
+func NewConsumer() Consumer {
+	return Consumer{
+		SampleChannel: make(chan Sample),
+		AlertChannel:  make(chan Alert),
+	}
 }
diff --git a/data/item.go b/data/item.go
index beede7c..86aaa8b 100644
--- a/data/item.go
+++ b/data/item.go
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ import (
 )
 
 type Item struct {
-	Label  *string   `yaml:"label,omitempty"`
-	Script string    `yaml:"value"`
-	Color  *ui.Color `yaml:"color,omitempty"`
+	Label  string
+	Script string
+	Color  ui.Color
 }
 
 func (i *Item) nextValue() (value string, err error) {
diff --git a/data/sampler.go b/data/sampler.go
index 3164c3b..21dfedd 100644
--- a/data/sampler.go
+++ b/data/sampler.go
@@ -1,18 +1,20 @@
 package data
 
 import (
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/trigger"
 	"time"
 )
 
 type Sampler struct {
 	consumer Consumer
 	item     Item
+	triggers []trigger.Trigger
 }
 
-func NewSampler(consumer Consumer, item Item, rateMs int) Sampler {
+func NewSampler(consumer Consumer, item Item, triggers []trigger.Trigger, rateMs int) Sampler {
 
 	ticker := time.NewTicker(time.Duration(rateMs * int(time.Millisecond)))
-	sampler := Sampler{consumer, item}
+	sampler := Sampler{consumer, item, triggers}
 
 	go func() {
 		sampler.sample()
@@ -26,6 +28,10 @@ func NewSampler(consumer Consumer, item Item, rateMs int) Sampler {
 
 func (s *Sampler) sample() {
 	value, err := s.item.nextValue()
-	sample := Sample{Value: value, Error: err, Label: *s.item.Label}
-	s.consumer.ConsumeSample(sample)
+	if err == nil {
+		sample := Sample{Value: value, Label: s.item.Label}
+		s.consumer.SampleChannel <- sample
+	} else {
+		s.consumer.AlertChannel <- Alert{Text: err.Error()}
+	}
 }
diff --git a/event/handler.go b/event/handler.go
index dbded8e..0ca02eb 100644
--- a/event/handler.go
+++ b/event/handler.go
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package event
 
 import (
-	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/layout"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/config"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
 	ui "github.com/sqshq/termui"
@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@ const (
 )
 
 type Handler struct {
-	layout        *component.Layout
+	layout        *layout.Layout
 	renderTicker  *time.Ticker
 	consoleEvents <-chan ui.Event
 	renderRate    time.Duration
 }
 
-func NewHandler(layout *component.Layout) Handler {
+func NewHandler(layout *layout.Layout) Handler {
 	renderRate := calcMinRenderRate(layout)
 	return Handler{
 		layout:        layout,
@@ -55,16 +55,16 @@ func (h *Handler) HandleEvents() {
 	}
 }
 
-func (h *Handler) handleModeChange(m component.Mode) {
+func (h *Handler) handleModeChange(m layout.Mode) {
 
 	// render the change before switching the tickers
 	ui.Render(h.layout)
 	h.renderTicker.Stop()
 
 	switch m {
-	case component.ModeDefault:
+	case layout.ModeDefault:
 		h.renderTicker = time.NewTicker(h.renderRate)
-	case component.ModePause:
+	case layout.ModePause:
 		// proceed with stopped timer
 	default:
 		h.renderTicker = time.NewTicker(console.MinRenderInterval)
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ func (h *Handler) handleExit() {
 	config.Update(settings)
 }
 
-func calcMinRenderRate(layout *component.Layout) time.Duration {
+func calcMinRenderRate(layout *layout.Layout) time.Duration {
 
 	minRefreshRateMs := layout.Components[0].RefreshRateMs
 	for _, c := range layout.Components {
diff --git a/main.go b/main.go
index 5768d12..be804b4 100644
--- a/main.go
+++ b/main.go
@@ -5,11 +5,13 @@ import (
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/asciibox"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/barchart"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/gauge"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/layout"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/component/runchart"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/config"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/console"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/data"
 	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/event"
+	"github.com/sqshq/sampler/trigger"
 	ui "github.com/sqshq/termui"
 )
 
@@ -21,47 +23,55 @@ func main() {
 	defer csl.Close()
 
 	width, height := ui.TerminalDimensions()
-	layout := component.NewLayout(width, height, component.NewStatusLine(flg.ConfigFileName), component.NewMenu())
+	lout := layout.NewLayout(width, height, component.NewStatusLine(flg.ConfigFileName), component.NewMenu())
 
 	for _, c := range cfg.RunCharts {
 
 		legend := runchart.Legend{Enabled: c.Legend.Enabled, Details: c.Legend.Details}
-		chart := runchart.NewRunChart(c.Title, *c.Scale, *c.RefreshRateMs, legend)
-		layout.AddComponent(config.TypeRunChart, chart, c.Title, c.Position, c.Size, *c.RefreshRateMs)
+		chart := runchart.NewRunChart(c, legend)
+		lout.AddComponent(config.TypeRunChart, chart, c.Title, c.Position, c.Size, *c.RefreshRateMs)
+		triggers := trigger.NewTriggers(c.Triggers)
 
-		for _, item := range c.Items {
-			chart.AddLine(*item.Label, *item.Color)
-			data.NewSampler(chart, item, *c.RefreshRateMs)
+		for _, i := range c.Items {
+			item := data.Item{Label: *i.Label, Script: i.Script, Color: *i.Color}
+			chart.AddLine(item.Label, item.Color)
+			data.NewSampler(chart.Consumer, item, triggers, *c.RefreshRateMs)
 		}
 	}
 
 	for _, a := range cfg.AsciiBoxes {
-		box := asciibox.NewAsciiBox(a.Title, *a.Font, *a.Item.Color)
-		layout.AddComponent(config.TypeAsciiBox, box, a.Title, a.Position, a.Size, *a.RefreshRateMs)
-		data.NewSampler(box, a.Item, *a.RefreshRateMs)
+		box := asciibox.NewAsciiBox(a)
+		item := data.Item{Label: *a.Label, Script: a.Script, Color: *a.Color}
+		triggers := trigger.NewTriggers(a.Triggers)
+		lout.AddComponent(config.TypeAsciiBox, box, a.Title, a.Position, a.Size, *a.RefreshRateMs)
+		data.NewSampler(box.Consumer, item, triggers, *a.RefreshRateMs)
 	}
 
 	for _, b := range cfg.BarCharts {
 
 		chart := barchart.NewBarChart(b.Title, *b.Scale)
-		layout.AddComponent(config.TypeBarChart, chart, b.Title, b.Position, b.Size, *b.RefreshRateMs)
+		triggers := trigger.NewTriggers(b.Triggers)
+		lout.AddComponent(config.TypeBarChart, chart, b.Title, b.Position, b.Size, *b.RefreshRateMs)
 
-		for _, item := range b.Items {
-			chart.AddBar(*item.Label, *item.Color)
-			data.NewSampler(chart, item, *b.RefreshRateMs)
+		for _, i := range b.Items {
+			item := data.Item{Label: *i.Label, Script: i.Script, Color: *i.Color}
+			chart.AddBar(*i.Label, *i.Color)
+			data.NewSampler(chart.Consumer, item, triggers, *b.RefreshRateMs)
 		}
 	}
 
 	for _, gc := range cfg.Gauges {
 
 		g := gauge.NewGauge(gc.Title, *gc.Scale, *gc.Color)
-		layout.AddComponent(config.TypeGauge, g, gc.Title, gc.Position, gc.Size, *gc.RefreshRateMs)
+		triggers := trigger.NewTriggers(gc.Triggers)
+		lout.AddComponent(config.TypeGauge, g, gc.Title, gc.Position, gc.Size, *gc.RefreshRateMs)
 
-		for _, item := range gc.Items {
-			data.NewSampler(g, item, *gc.RefreshRateMs)
+		for _, i := range gc.Items {
+			item := data.Item{Label: *i.Label, Script: i.Script}
+			data.NewSampler(g.Consumer, item, triggers, *gc.RefreshRateMs)
 		}
 	}
 
-	handler := event.NewHandler(layout)
+	handler := event.NewHandler(lout)
 	handler.HandleEvents()
 }
diff --git a/component/trigger/trigger.go b/trigger/trigger.go
similarity index 90%
rename from component/trigger/trigger.go
rename to trigger/trigger.go
index 4307d88..c670507 100644
--- a/component/trigger/trigger.go
+++ b/trigger/trigger.go
@@ -32,6 +32,17 @@ type Data struct {
 	currentValue  interface{}
 }
 
+func NewTriggers(configs []config.TriggerConfig) []Trigger {
+
+	triggers := make([]Trigger, len(configs))
+
+	for _, c := range configs {
+		triggers = append(triggers, NewTrigger(c))
+	}
+
+	return triggers
+}
+
 func NewTrigger(config config.TriggerConfig) Trigger {
 	return Trigger{
 		title:     config.Title,