Data transmission with variable-redundancy error control over a high-frequency channel

Results of computations and field tests on a binary-data-transmission system, operating at 1 kbaud over an h.f. channel, are presented. Error correction is effected by means of error detection and automatic request for repeat, via a feedback channel (a Post Office private line). A set of short, fixed-block-length cyclic codes is available, a code of appropriate redundancy being automatically selected to match the varying channel conditions. The decision about which code to use is made at the receiver, and the transmitter is informed via the feedback channel. The results show that relatively simple, reliable, and efficient data communication can be realised by this means.