ACARS

[Chris0516]

I would like to monitor ACARS via my scanner(BCD325p2), rather than an SDR. There was a thread: Monitoring ACARS in 2017. It mentions both, an SDR, and a scanner frequency. I tried using an SDR. But it was too much trouble.

 

[dlwtrunked]

Truthfully, any other way will be more trouble.

 

[Chris0516]

Truthfully, any other way will be more trouble.

An SDR looks neat, at first. Until I realized, how much is involved. People say a UBCD325p2 is difficult. It doesn't come close. Compared to all that is involved with SDR.

 

[invergordon]

It's really quite simple, take the audio output from your scanner via a mono or stereo cable) and plug this into your computer soundcard. Open up your preferred ACARS decoding software and select your audio input from the options (dependent upon your PC/Laptop configuration). And that should be all there is apart from tuning your scanner to an appropriate ACARS frequency.

 

[Chris0516]

It's really quite simple, take the audio output from your scanner via a mono or stereo cable) and plug this into your computer soundcard. Open up your preferred ACARS decoding software and select your audio input from the options (dependent upon your PC/Laptop configuration). And that should be all there is apart from tuning your scanner to an appropriate ACARS frequency.

Searching for ACARS software. Isn't an easy task. All I am finding is unsupported(and out-of-date) freeware or, software that costs a bundle. The cable is the easy part.

 

[ka3jjz]

Not easy? HAH! You're not looking in the right place, that's all ...

index

Black Cat ACARS

VHF ACARS decoding app for Windows and macOS

blackcatsystems.com

And you might find out about more apps here...

main groups.io Group

A Group for those interested in ACARS / VDL2 / JAERO. HFDL is discussed in a sub-group. Mainly to exchange ideas and help members to get the best results. Not meant to discuss everyone's 'catch of the day'. Those will find a larger audience in the https://groups.io/g/UDXF.

acars-vdl2.groups.io

Mike

 

[ka3jjz]

One thing about ACARS - if you are using a scanner, leave the squelch open. There's a sync tone at the beginning of each transmission, and many scanners can't open the squelch fast enough. No squelch tone, no decode

Oh by the way - that first 'index' link is for MultiPSK - it's kinda the swiss army knife of decoders - if you can get over the button happy design....

Mike

 

[invergordon]

Searching for ACARS software. Isn't an easy task. All I am finding is unsupported(and out-of-date) freeware or, software that costs a bundle. The cable is the easy part.

Then perhaps you are not that serious about decoding. If you are then spend some money on PCHFDL (yes it does VHF ACARS as well as HF datalink), The BlackCat decoder or, if you are into other HF/VHF/UHF decoding then the excellent MultiPSK software will see you right. All of these are inexpensive in terms of the development work undertaken. You'll get what you pay for

 

[Chris0516]

Then perhaps you are not that serious about decoding. If you are then spend some money on PCHFDL (yes it does VHF ACARS as well as HF datalink), The BlackCat decoder or, if you are into other HF/VHF/UHF decoding then the excellent MultiPSK software will see you right. All of these are inexpensive in terms of the development work undertaken. You'll get what you pay for

I actually downloaded PC-HFDL.

 

[zytorx]

Dear Chris,
I recommend to use a SDR dongle and raspberry pi (even the cheapest one, I use RPI zero) , you can monitor/receive ACARS from up to 8 frequencies.
I use acarsdec, but I prefer to decode the "modern ACARS" VDL2 this mode contains more information and add also ACARS message. (I'm in Europe, so this mode I think is only working in EU).
For VDL2 I use vdlm2dec both softwares are available on Github.
If you prefer using your scanner, I have the Airnav acars decoder soft.
send me a pm. so I can share it.
Regards.

 

[Chris0516]

Dear Chris,
I recommend to use a SDR dongle and raspberry pi (even the cheapest one, I use RPI zero) , you can monitor/receive ACARS from up to 8 frequencies.
I use acarsdec, but I prefer to decode the "modern ACARS" VDL2 this mode contains more information and add also ACARS message. (I'm in Europe, so this mode I think is only working in EU).
For VDL2 I use vdlm2dec both softwares are available on Github.
If you prefer using your scanner, I have the Airnav acars decoder soft.
send me a pm. so I can share it.
Regards.

I have to go the route of a dongle. I talked to Uniden, today. My UBCD325p2 trunked scanner, cannot use a cable for this. So I bought a dongle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011HVUEME/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1; I can't find a site where I can download ACARSDec. It was mentioned on plenty of sites. But I couldn't download. I would sure like your help.

 

[zytorx]

I have to go the route of a dongle. I talked to Uniden, today. My UBCD325p2 trunked scanner, cannot use a cable for this. So I bought a dongle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011HVUEME/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1; I can't find a site where I can download ACARSDec. It was mentioned on plenty of sites. But I couldn't download. I would sure like your help.

I followed this tutorial. ACARS decoder
you can use either a raspberry pi, or any linux computer.
this is a pure command Line program.
you'll need first set up the dongle installing osmocom driver, then the software itself, consider also using vdl2 from same developer.
here the GitHub links.
acarsdec. GitHub - TLeconte/acarsdec: ACARS SDR decoder
vdlm2dec. GitHub - TLeconte/vdlm2dec: vdl mode 2 SDR decoder
take note it is possible to receive ACARS and VDL2 at the same time attaching two dongles and running both programs in the same raspberry pi or linux pc.
Hope this helps.
Regards.

 

[Chris0516]

I followed this tutorial. ACARS decoder
you can use either a raspberry pi, or any linux computer.
this is a pure command Line program.
you'll need first set up the dongle installing osmocom driver, then the software itself, consider also using vdl2 from same developer.
here the GitHub links.
acarsdec. GitHub - TLeconte/acarsdec: ACARS SDR decoder
vdlm2dec. GitHub - TLeconte/vdlm2dec: vdl mode 2 SDR decoder
take note it is possible to receive ACARS and VDL2 at the same time attaching two dongles and running both programs in the same raspberry pi or linux pc.
Hope this helps.
Regards.

There is no Windows-based program?

 

[PDXh0b0]

There is no Windows-based program?

AcarsD

 

[Chris0516]

AcarsD

Where can I get it, that won't cause this:
-I get this when I try to download from acarsd.org

 

[ka3jjz]

See message 6 of this thread. It's likely you will be able to find something at that reflector....Mike

 

[Chris0516]

See message 6 of this thread. It's likely you will be able to find something at that reflector....Mike

I did that. As far as finding the program at either link. It didn't work. The Black Cat ACARS link, supposedly has Windows link. But the Windows link doesn't work. As for the second link to a group. It doesn't have it, either.

 

[ka3jjz]

Are you a member of groups.io? If not, you should be. I can see it fine; you likely need to get signed up. It's free and I've never had any issues with spam with this system

I also tried the Windows link of the beta version. I got it fine. Maybe your firewall is blocking you

Mike

 

[Chris0516]

Are you a member of groups.io? If not, you should be. I can see it fine; you likely need to get signed up. It's free and I've never had any issues with spam with this system

I also tried the Windows link of the beta version. I got it fine. Maybe your firewall is blocking you

Mike

When I click on them. nothing happens.

 

[PDXh0b0]

When I click on them. nothing happens.

giving AcarsDeco2 a test run

AcarsDeco2 quick install

xdeco

@echo off
cmd /c acarsdeco2.exe --gain 38.6  --freq 131550000  --http-port 8089
PAUSE
exit