
            Xrouter version 183a - Changes since v182i
            ==========================================

Polled KISS was allegedly broken somewhere between v176 and v179.
Apparently it would work on the first interface but not on the second.
I was not able to reproduce the effect, but have changed the code anyway,
so the problem should hopefully have gone away.  However, the code
changes have been substantial, so look out for problems.  I would
appreciate either positive or negative feedback so I can close this
matter and move on.

It was also reported that KISS slave mode no longer worked, but again
despite extensive testing of several versions, I was not able to
demonstrate any problem.  If this was a mis-interpretation of the
effects of the previous problem, it may now have been resolved.

After a reboot, all PMS messages reverted to unread status - fixed.

Added a flashing "*" in top left corner of screen if PMS contains
unread mail.  The scroll lock LED is also flashed.

Added Forward Error Correction (FEC) for AX25 inter-node radio links.
This can only be used with SCC cards, YAM modems, or specially modified
multidrop KISS Eproms.  It will correct several errors per packet,
allowing a marginal link to perform much better, or an acceptable link
to use larger paclens, which in either case should improve throughput.
FEC will only work if *both* ends of a link are using it, and the
transmissions are *NOT* compatible with normal AX25.  I stress again
that this is intended for *inter-node* links, not on user access
channels.  There is no other software capable of using FEC, so it can
only be used between two Xrouters.  There is no point in using it on
AXUDP links, because those links do not suffer bit errors.
FEC is enabled on a port by including FEC=1 in the PORT configuration.

The file KISSFEC.BIN, included in this archive, is a binary image for a
multidrop polled KISS eprom suitable for use with FEC.  It is not
suitable for normal AX25 operations.  In usual BPQKISS style, the byte
at offset 20h should be changed to suit the KISS channel number.  The
supplied image defaults to channel A.

Added another bit to CFLAGS - 16 = allow L2 fragmentation.  Previously
it would only use fragmentation if the link partner was using it, and
had therefore proved itself capable of understanding it.  If
fragmentation is enabled, large Netrom packets are split to fit
the L2 link paclen.

73, Paula 23/3/03

