Abstract: A communication receiver is disclosed which can decode signals transmitted by radio frequency propagation. A programmable controller uses instructions in a non-volatile reprogrammable memory to decode and process the signals, and to output the information contained in the signals in a useable form. The controller also responds to predetermined signals by decoding and processing information for new decoding and operating instructions, and stores the data in a temporary memory. Logic circuitry responds to subsequent predetermined signals to enable selective reprogramming of the non-volatile reprogrammable memory by data stored in the temporary memory to alter the decoding characteristics of the receiver.