diff --git a/xvf3800.py b/xvf3800.py
index 7ad0d52..1d06eea 100644
--- a/xvf3800.py
+++ b/xvf3800.py
@@ -86,11 +86,12 @@ class XVF3800:
     # --- DoA ---
 
     def read_doa(self) -> tuple[int, bool]:
-        """Read Direction of Arrival. Returns (angle 0-359, vad True/False)."""
+        """Read Direction of Arrival. Returns (angle 0-359, vad True/False).
+        Response format: 1 status byte + 2 uint16 words (angle, vad)."""
         data = self._read(GPO_RESID, DOA_VALUE_CMD, 2)  # 2 uint16 words
-        if len(data) < 4:
+        if len(data) < 5:  # 1 header + 4 data bytes
             return 0, False
-        angle, vad = struct.unpack_from("<HH", data)
+        angle, vad = struct.unpack_from("<HH", data, 1)  # skip 1-byte header
         return angle % 360, bool(vad)
 
     # --- LEDs ---