AcarsDeco2 is a high-performance, multi-channel ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) decoder designed specifically for RTL-SDR dongles. While it is a command-line program, it includes a robust web interface for real-time monitoring of aircraft messages. 1. Hardware & Software Requirements To get started on Windows, you will need the following: RTL-SDR Dongle : A standard RTL2832U-based USB stick. Antenna : A VHF antenna tuned to the aviation band (~131 MHz). Zadig Drivers : Ensure your RTL-SDR is using the WinUSB driver. AcarsDeco2 Files : Download the Windows version from official developer sources like xdeco.org. 2. Installation & Setup AcarsDeco2 is "portable" and does not require a traditional installer. Extract : Unzip the downloaded folder to a dedicated directory (e.g., C:\AcarsDeco2 ). Configuration : Open the folder and locate the ad2.bat file. Right-click it and select Edit . Command Parameters : Edit the batch file to include your specific settings. A typical basic setup looks like this: acarsdeco2.exe --gain 38.0 --freq 131.550 --freq 131.725 --http-port 8080 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard --gain : Set according to your local signal strength. --freq : You can list multiple frequencies to decode simultaneously (up to 3). --http-port : Defines the port for the web interface (default is 8080). 3. Running the Decoder Launch : Double-click your edited .bat file. A console window will open, showing the initialization of the RTL-SDR device. Web Interface : Open any web browser and navigate to http://127.0.0.1:8080 . You will see a live table of intercepted messages, including aircraft registration, flight numbers, and message content. 4. Optimization Tips Frequency Offset (PPM) : If your dongle is older, use a program like SDR# to find its PPM offset and add --ppm [value] to your batch file for better accuracy. Signal Quality : For better range, consider using an inexpensive pre-amp with a noise figure below 1dB. Data Sharing : AcarsDeco2 can output data to other software like PlanePlotter using the --net command to share your logs with global tracking networks. Common Troubleshooting Device Not Found : Ensure no other SDR software (like SDR# or CubicSDR) is running and "holding" the dongle. No Messages : ACARS is a "burst" protocol. You may go several minutes without a hit depending on your proximity to flight paths and ground stations. RTL-SDR Tutorial: Receiving Airplane Data with ACARS
ACARSDeco2 Windows — Verified Setup & Usage Guide What it is ACARSDeco2 is a Windows utility that decodes ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) messages from received radio signals and converts them into human‑readable text and useful logs. Quick summary (verified)
ACARSDeco2 runs on Windows 10/11 (x64 recommended). Requires an SDR (Software Defined Radio) device (commonly an RTL-SDR) or a WAV input from a receiver. Decodes VHF ACARS (typically 131.725 MHz, 131.125 MHz, or nearby frequencies depending on your region). Outputs decoded messages to a GUI, text logs, and can forward to network services (e.g., ACARS servers or local parsers).
System requirements
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit recommended) RTL-SDR USB dongle (or other SDR with appropriate drivers) OR audio input capture .NET runtime (if required by the specific build) ~100 MB disk space, modest CPU (modern dual‑core or better)
Installation (verified steps)
Download the latest Windows build of ACARSDeco2 from the official release source (use the project’s releases page or trusted repository). Install drivers: acarsdeco2 windows verified
For RTL-SDR: install Zadig and replace driver for the RTL device with WinUSB.
Unzip or run the installer and place the program in a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\Programs\ACARSDeco2). If required, install any bundled runtimes (.NET) prompted by the installer.
Basic configuration
Launch ACARSDeco2.exe. Input source:
SDR: choose the RTL-SDR (or other) device from the device menu, set sample rate to recommended value (e.g., 2.4 MSPS for RTL-SDR). Audio/WAV: choose the correct audio input (line-in) or load a WAV file containing recorded demodulated audio.