Hi David,
By all means this is not the answer to your question, but the periods are often hard to see. What i have found that works good is an animated GIF, to show the app isdoing something. When you connect to the ser start the gif, then when done reset the gif to a single image.
Just an idea...good luck with threads and delegates!
Cathi Gero, had a sample app from Devteach on threads, i could send it to you tonight, when i get home.
--> Shawn