I need to use an error correcting technique on short messages (between 100 and 200 bits). Space available to add the redundant bits is constrained to 20-50%.
I will have to implement the coding and decoding in C/C++. So it needs to be either open sourced or sufficiently easy to program. (I have had some experience in the past with decoding algorithms - they are dreadful!)
Can anyone advise of a suitable error code to use (with relevant parameters) ?
Take a look at Reed Solomon error correction.
Sample implementation in C++ is available here.
For a different option look here - see item #11
EDIT: If you want a commercial library - http://www.schifra.com/faq.html