From 04d965d67a7264a1c7c211494aebda1953df7603 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "info@mode42.com" <info@mode42.com>
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 18:25:13 +0000
Subject: Initial push

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+# CRDOP FEC and duplex — implementation spec
+
+**Principle:** *Send more often with shorter frames rather than one long payload.*
+
+**Related:** [ROADMAP.md](../ROADMAP.md) FEC section · [docs/CRDOP.md](../../../docs/CRDOP.md)
+
+**Status:** MAX25-Stack **v1.0.0** / dev track `CUR999` — L1 optional FEC **planned**; operator-layer strategy **active now**.
+
+---
+
+## Layer model
+
+| Layer | Mechanism | v1.0.0 |
+|-------|-----------|--------|
+| **L3 Application** | Short beacons, staggered intervals | HyBBX / `max25d.ini` |
+| **L2 AX.25** | UI = no ARQ; I-frames optional ARQ via host | `ax25_codec.py` |
+| **L1 Modem** | CRC-16-CCITT mandatory; optional repeat/FEC blocks | `hdlc_codec.py` — CRC done |
+| **PHY** | Bell 202 AFSK (P0) | `afsk_*` |
+
+---
+
+## Half-duplex (CB default)
+
+| Parameter | Value | INI / host |
+|-----------|-------|------------|
+| Duplex | half | `[modem] duplex = half` |
+| CSMA persist | 255 | KISS `0x02` / CB profile |
+| Extra TX delay | 150 ms class | `extra_delay_ms` / `EXTRADELAY` |
+| Max UI info | **≤128 bytes** recommended | Application |
+| PTT | explicit | No VOX on CB |
+
+### Retransmission strategy (no L2 ARQ on UI)
+
+1. Prefer **N small identical beacons** over one large burst.
+2. Stagger dual-radio sites (`ax25_auto_interval` + offset).
+3. Optional L1: **2–3 repeats** of same short codeword vs one RS block >256 B.
+
+---
+
+## Full-duplex
+
+| Parameter | Value |
+|-----------|-------|
+| `duplex` | `full` |
+| `EXTRADELAY` | `0` |
+| FEC | Stronger codes allowed when bandwidth permits |
+| Audio | Full-duplex sound card; echo control required |
+
+---
+
+## Reference protocols (not on-air targets)
+
+| Protocol | Lesson for CRDOP |
+|----------|------------------|
+| **FX.25** | RS wrapper around AX.25; bit-stuffing hurts naive FEC |
+| **IL2P** | No bit-stuffing; packet-sync scramble — reference for future L2 |
+| **VARA DSP** | Multi-stage FEC — PHY reference only |
+
+---
+
+## Planned L1 FEC (post P0 on-air)
+
+| Requirement | Target |
+|-------------|--------|
+| Block size | ≤64 B payload + CRC per repeat unit |
+| Latency | <300 ms added on 1200 bd half-duplex |
+| Compatibility | Plain AX.25 receivers must not break (FX.25-style optional path) |
+| Test | AWGN + FM clip simulator before on-air |
+
+### INI keys (future)
+
+```ini
+[fec]
+enabled = no          # default off v1.0.0
+repeat_count = 0      # 0 = no repeat; 2–3 for CB marginal
+profile = half        # half | full
+```
+
+---
+
+## CB 1200 parameters (normative operator)
+
+| Parameter | Value |
+|-----------|-------|
+| Baud | 1200 |
+| Modulation | Bell 202 (1200/2200 Hz) |
+| Frame | AX.25 UI |
+| persist | 255 |
+| Beacon | 300 s + stagger (site INI) |
+
+---
+
+## Implementation checklist
+
+- [x] CRC-16 in `hdlc_codec.py`
+- [x] Duplex INI keys in `crdop.ini.example`
+- [ ] `fec.enabled` INI + launcher
+- [ ] Offline BER vs frame-length simulator
+- [ ] Document measured CB SNR thresholds (field)
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