ACARS Decoder

Location : Hemel Hempstead, UK Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi All,

I have probably posted this in the wrong area, however I could not find a related one so I apologise in advance! I am new to scanning and after enjoying it during the P&V at Riat I would like to see what else I can do. (I assume you can pick up Mil-Air on an ACARS decoder)

I have been looking to purchase a ACARS Decoder however some questions need answering before I do. I have exhausted the FAQ's on websites etc however I am unable to find a resolution so your advice/info will be appreciated!

Is it just a case of connecting my Scanner (Yupi-3300EU) to my soundcard and running the program for it to decode? (I know you can use your internet connection too)
Are they a good purchase in your opinion?
Any particular brand which is recommended?

Thanks!

Location : various

Firstly and perhaps most importantly - there is very little military traffic using ACARS.

The answer to your first question is no.....

To the second is no (in terms of milair)

The third would be better asked on one of the many civair lists

Location : Hemel Hempstead, UK Spotter Watch Member : No

dervish wrote:: Firstly and perhaps most importantly - there is very little military traffic using ACARS.

The answer to your first question is no.....

To the second is no (in terms of milair)

The third would be better asked on one of the many civair lists

In that case, thank you very much for the info, case closed!! Cheers

Location : Boston, Lincs Spotter Watch Member : No

I a looking into something called Planeplotter, as far as I can tell, you tune into ACARS and the PC program decodes it and then displays it on a radar type display. Much cheaper than SBS or Airnav, but we will see.

Subject: Re: ACARS Decoder 2009-07-24, 14:01

for acars. use one of the free programs such as WACARS or ACARSD.

don't bother spending money on an ACARS decoder there's plenty out there free.

and yes all you need to do is plug the speaker output into the soundcard and tune into the correct frequencies and you will receive it no problem, turn the squelch all the way off.

The C17's do sometimes use HFDL which is HF acars, mainly on the polar routes you will pick them up.

As Dervish says, you won't get any Mil traffic on VHF ACARS just civvy stuff.

hope this helps

Geoff