Abstract: A method for real-time data exchange between an RF modem of a mobile data terminal and a base station host computer of a mobile radio-frequency data communications network is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the data exchange timing architecture of the present invention reduces message error rates by accurately predicting signal presence by using a modem hosted by the central processing unit of a mobile data terminal. RF network signal synchronization is improved through precise prediction of the likelihood of message presence, a method that significantly reduces message errors triggered by inadvertent synchronization on signal noise.