Acarsdeco2

--freq : The ACARS frequency in Hz. You can repeat this flag for multiple channels. Advanced Configuration and Automation

acarsdeco2 is a lightweight, multi-channel ACARS decoder written in C. It is specifically designed to work with devices (using the rtl-sdr library) and can decode multiple ACARS frequencies simultaneously within the bandwidth of your SDR. acarsdeco2

It can output decoded data to other tracking software like PlanePlotter or Virtual Radar Server (VRS) using SBS or UDP formats. Getting Started with Acarsdeco2 --freq : The ACARS frequency in Hz

| Problem | Likely Fix | |---------|-------------| | No messages | Check antenna placement. Try 131.550 MHz first (busiest channel). | | High error rate | Reduce gain: --gain 30 . Ensure no FM broadcast overload. | | Device not found | Run rtl_test -t . Add user to plugdev group. | | Only one channel active | Verify --freq-list format. Use comma separation, no spaces. | It is specifically designed to work with devices

In the VHF band, ACARS uses at 2400 baud on frequencies like:

This article explains what acarsdeco2 is, how it differs from other decoders, and how to set it up to turn your $20 RTL-SDR dongle into a real-time aircraft messaging receiver.

Then point a browser to http://localhost:8080/data for live JSON.