is a multi-platform command-line ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) decoder designed specifically for use with RTL-SDR dongles . It is highly regarded in the radio hobbyist community because it can monitor multiple channels simultaneously without requiring external SDR software like SDRSharp. Key Features
Download the driver management tool from the official Zadig website.
Acarsdeco2 is a powerful, lightweight, and reliable tool for aviation enthusiasts looking to explore ACARS communications. Its multi-channel capability, cross-platform compatibility, and extensive integration options make it the preferred choice for both beginners and experienced users alike. By following this guide, you'll be monitoring aircraft communications from your home in no time.
: A VHF antenna tuned to the civil aviation band (118–137 MHz). A generic telescopic antenna adjusted to roughly 55 cm (quarter-wave length) or a dedicated discone antenna works best. Acarsdeco2 Windows Download
Acarsdeco2 is a popular multi-channel console program designed to decode Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) messages directly from RTL-SDR dongles
. This software is a command-line multi-channel ACARS decoder designed to work directly with dongles to track aircraft data. FlightAware Discussions Quick Setup Guide Download & Extract : Grab the latest Windows archive from and extract it into a dedicated folder on your PC. Install Dependencies : If you encounter errors about missing files (like msvcp120.dll ), install the
: The default generic WinUSB driver must be installed on the RTL-SDR device. Step-by-Step Installation Guide Acarsdeco2 is a powerful, lightweight, and reliable tool
Look for verified community mirrors, aviation monitoring forums, or archive portals like the RTL-SDR community guides to download the Windows release package.
131.550 MHz (Primary), 131.525 MHz, 131.725 MHz, 130.025 MHz Europe: 131.725 MHz (Primary), 131.525 MHz, 131.825 MHz Asia/Pacific: 131.450 MHz, 131.725 MHz Step 3: Create the Startup Batch File
Since it’s a console program, do not run the .exe directly. Instead, create a batch file (e.g., start_acars.bat ) in the same folder to launch it with your specific settings. : A VHF antenna tuned to the civil
Acarsdeco2 can feed its decoded data over UDP or TCP networks to third-party plotting and logging software like PlanePlotter or Virtual Radar Server. Acarsdeco2 Windows Download and Installation
This indicates the frequencies you specified are too far apart. The maximum interval between the minimum and maximum frequency channels is approximately 1.3 MHz. If you need to monitor a wider frequency range, consider using multiple RTL-SDR dongles.
Acarsdeco2 distinguishes itself from other decoders through its multi-channel capability and integrated web interface: Multi-Channel Decoding : It can decode signals from up to three or four channels simultaneously
For support, users can visit the GitHub repository and submit issues or questions. The developer and community provide support through the repository's issue tracker and discussion forums.
The most reliable and up-to-date version for Windows is acarsdeco2_windows_20181201.zip . You can obtain it from the following sources: