diff --git a/python/modes_parse.py b/python/modes_parse.py
index 3af9486..c381f58 100644
--- a/python/modes_parse.py
+++ b/python/modes_parse.py
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ class data_field:
   def get_bits(self, *args):
     startbit = args[0]
     num = args[1]
+    bits = 0
     try:
       bits = (self.data \
         >> (self.get_numbits() - startbit - num + self.offset)) \
@@ -86,7 +87,7 @@ class data_field:
     #which reports itself as a short packet but of type long.
     #TODO: should find more productive way to throw this out
     except ValueError:
-      bits = 0
+      print "Short packet received for long packet type: %x" % self.data
     return bits
 
 class bds09_reply(data_field):
diff --git a/python/modes_print.py b/python/modes_print.py
index c3fa342..f10c83b 100644
--- a/python/modes_print.py
+++ b/python/modes_print.py
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ class modes_output_print(modes_parse.modes_parse):
     elif bds1 == 2:
       retstr = "Type 20 identification from %x with text %s" % (ecc, self.parseMB_id(data))
     elif bds2 == 3:
-      retstr = "TCAS report from %x: " % ecc
+      retstr = "Type 20 TCAS report from %x: " % ecc
       tti = data["tti"]
       if tti == 1:
         (resolutions, complements, rat, mte, threat_id) = self.parseMB_TCAS_threatid(data)