Extended error correction of a transmitted data message

A method for error correcting a data message that has been transmitted a plurality of times in a system using a forward error correction process, the data message comprising a plurality of bits, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving the data message at least a first and a second time;
• logically combining the first and second receipts of the data message to form an error indication word;
• if the error indication word indicates a first or a second predetermined number of errors, complementing a first error of the first receipt thus forming a first modified message;
• if the first receipt has a number of errors correctable by the forward error correction process, decoding the first modified message;
• if the first receipt is not decodable, complementing a first error of the second receipt thus forming a second modified message;
• if the second receipt has a number of errors correctable by the forward error correction process, decoding the second modified message;
• if the error indication word indicates a third or a fourth predetermined number of errors, complementing a first pair of errors of the first receipt thus forming a third modified message;
• if the first receipt has a number of errors correctable by the forward error correction process, decoding the third modified message;
• if the first receipt is not decodable, complementing a first pair of errors in the second receipt thus forming a fourth modified message;
• if the second receipt has a number of errors correctable by the forward error correction process, decoding the fourth modified message;
• if both the first and second receipts are not decodable, complementing an error bit in either the first or the second receipts;
• and
• if a successful decode is not accomplished, discarding the first and second receipts.