ACARS

[K2KOH]

Anyone around here an ACARS fan? If so, what software are you using, and how much of a hard time are you having shielding the radio from computer hash since the squelch has to be open?

 

[Spleen]

I use a Winradio for ACARS decoding...occasionally run an ACARSD server. Winradios are designed to minimize computer hash, and here at this location (downtown Baltimore), outside interference is a bigger problem. A 152 and/or 158 MHz pager filter does more good here than a lot of other noise-reduction solutions.

Using a discone and about an 80-foot run of LMR-400, the loss at ACARS frequencies is negligible.

On frequencies where I do notice hash, the culprits always seem to be the video card or the hard drive(s).

 

[Tweekerbob]

If you are using Windoze, try the WACARS software. Here is the URL http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Cockpit/9870/wacars/intro.html

I use an Icom PCR-1000 (although I'm sure it would work ok with a scanner) and myself have had no problems with hash.

WACARS is a bit primitive, but very effective as well. Read the docs thoroughly...they contain info on making a custom map for your area.

Another program is the commercial products available from airnav.com

Ryan [/url]

 

[Spleen]

I think since I've had this Winradio I've tried every ACARS decoding package available....even stole a copy of Airnav 4 from a co-worker to try it out (wasn't satisfied with the way it kept NOT plotting obvious decoded location transmissions; POSFIX is free and does better, though the map-making might be intimidating for a beginning user).

I've settled on ACARSD because a) it's freeware/non-commercial, b) lets one participate in the worldwide ACARSD circle of users, c) still allows you to use WACARS and other packages to display/log its decodes, d) lets you set the decoder passes to a high number to take advantage of a seldom-used or high-end CPU to eliminate bad decodes, and e) has Windoze & Linux versions.

That does give me an idea, though...I'll have to try out the Pro-94 as a possible dedicated scanner for ACARS....might be that excuse I've been waiting for to pick up a Pro96.

 

[Chris-M]

I have AEA ACARS (For the AEA PK232 TNC; an upgrade to AEA FAXIII software). It's older software that's been out since the early 90's. LOL, I opened the box just now and there are 5.25 floppies in it! :lol: So I downloaded ACARSD and just finished installing it. Receiving data right now thru an external RS discone antenna and my PRO2053 on 131.55 mhz.