ACARS Question

[N1SQB]

I haven't done ACARS decoding in quite some time. I was wondering, with all the software choices out there now, what is the most recommended? I have access to a PC and a laptop, both of which are running Windows 11 Pro. I have no issues with antennas ( Diamond D130J discone ) or equipment ( Icom IC-R7100 ). I just need to know what software works best.

Manny

 

[andy51edge]

For Windows: MultiPSK

index

The best Windows decoder right now is MultiPSK. But if you're willing to use an SDR and Linux then you'll have better results with acarsdec
GitHub - f00b4r0/acarsdec: ACARS SDR decoder

On the whole, most aircraft data is now on VDL2. Which can be monitored using MultiPSK and an SDR. But again you'll find better results using an SDR and Linux decoders.
GitHub - szpajder/dumpvdl2: VDL Mode 2 message decoder and protocol analyzer
GitHub - TLeconte/vdlm2dec: vdl mode 2 SDR decoder
There is no audio created by VDL2 so a conventional scanner is fundamentally incompatible with this mode

Great article introducing the fundamentals of aircraft datalink:
DEF CON 28: Introduction to ACARS | Pen Test Partners

 

[jazzboypro]

I hate MultiPSK even though i have the paid version. For HF ACARS i use PC-HFDL and for satcom ACARS i use JAERO.

 

[N1SQB]

Thank you both very much. I appreciate all the information.

Manny

 

[n6hgg]

PC-HFDL . It understands and organizes the data very well and it works on VHF as well as HF. I also use it on VHF to detect band openings by comparing what I'm seeing on the acars screen with the adsb exchange data. It's awesome and it's really worth the price.