ACARS Questions

[BOBRR]

Hi,

It's been a real long time now, but thought I would like to pick up ACARS transmissions again.

Is Acarsd still the "best" one to use in the free, or inexpensive, category ?

One reason I'm asking is that from their web site, and also some Google searches, it seems like
the program hasn't been updated or revised since at least 2006. True ?

I remember years ago trying to use it. Had some luck with it, but had a devil of a time getting it to work at all.

Are there other good free decoder programs, or go with acarsd ?

BTW: are acars transmissions AM ?

Much thanks,
Bob

[ka3jjz]

Yes they are all received in AM mode

As for what other software is out there, look at the ACARS wiki article;

ACARS - The RadioReference Wiki

73 Mike

[BOBRR]

Hi Mike,

Just a quick thanks.

Guess I'll have another go with acarsd.

Nice Wiki.

Bob

[chgomonitor]

Find a locally active ACARS channel. Hook the audio up to the computer and fire up the software. Open the squelch fully on the radio and try sitting on that single, active channel. You should be able to use the computer's audio mixing controls, along with the radio's volume control, to set a good audio level. If you still get poor results after making software adjustments, try a different radio. I find some radios work better than others for ACARS, must have something to do with the filter shapes. Happy Scanning! - Ted

[mrkelso]

Has anyone else noticed a LuL in the amount of air traffic lately? I guess the economy has caused many flights to be grounded.

[ATCTech]

Keep in mind the "second generation" of air to ground data link equipment is also in service using much faster baud data rates than conventional ACARS. You won't decode that stream with a sound card interface. It's in the regular VHF aur band and is basically detectable by little more than a REALLY quick "blip" of signal on a conventional radio.

From the ARINC site:

"As the largest aeronautical data link provider in the world, GLOBALink delivers unmatched air/ground coverage. VHF data link extends throughout all of North and Central America as well as most of Europe and Asia and is 10 times faster than standard ACARS."

Bob

[mrkelso]

CRap more upgrading? So what else to i need to receive this new stuff?

[ATCTech]

Well, when a company like Airnav Systems doesn't even mention any new data link decoder software, I presume nothing is available so far. Everyone has switched their focus to ADS-B decoders and simulated radar displays and left ACARS to quietly fade away.

[mrkelso]

I still monitor acarsd daily and i listen to the local airport here. I am situated a little to the north of Newark Airport and i can here JFK and laguardia. Its relaxing.