To Do for FT8++ --------------- The following list is for informtion and general guidance. Everything is subject to change, and not all ideas are necessarily good ones! 1. Nomenclature and parameters for message types - Old-style = classic 72-bit JT-style source-encoding FT8: (174,87) code: 72-bit info, i3bit, CRC12, itype=1 sync MSK144: (128,80) code: 72-bit info, CRC8 - New-style FT8: (174,91) code: 74+3+14, sync uses itype=2 MSK144: (128,90) code: 74+3+13 2. (K1JT) For backward compatibility (good for, say, 6 months only?), by default we'll generate old-style messages where possible, new-style messages where they are needed. We'll decode both old and new types. 3. (K1JT -- DONE) Two new checkboxes on Advanced tab to enable 77-bit messages: - "Always generate new-style (77-bit) messages." - "Decode only 77-bit messages 4. (K9AN) New-style messages can be as long as 37 characters. We'll need to allow for that in a number of places. 5. (K9AN) Subroutine genft8() will need to parse the message to be transmitted, determine the effective message type i3 and possibly subtype, n3. It will then generate itone, calling genft8_174_91(() if needed. 6. (K1JT) Code to generate the user-readable messages for each specialized type of operating, e.g., NA VHF contest, EU VHF contest, ARRL Field Day, ARRL RTTY Roundup, use of goofy calls. 7. (??) Code to do the necessary auto-sequencing for each specialized type of operating. 8. (??) What's needed for MSK144 with LDPC(128,90) ? ========================================================================== The following are just ideas: - Special Fox message to mean "shift no normal FT8 mode" - Options to sort/filter decoded signals - New Fox message type using constant-envelope waveform and higher symbol rate to accommodate multiple simultaneous QSOs. RR73 sent to 0-5 calls, report sent to 0-5 calls. Decoding uses AP for missing calls, thereby effectively making lower-rate codes when not all slots are used. - Hound should send spots of Fox to PSK Reporter.