: The software is historically hosted at xdeco.org, though it is not open-source.
| Option | Description | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | --gain | Receiver gain in dB (determine optimal value using SDRSharp) | --gain 38.0 | | --freq-correction | Dongle oscillator correction in parts per million (PPM)—critical for accuracy | --freq-correction 65 | | --freq | ACARS frequency in Hertz (up to 3 channels, max range difference 1.3MHz) | --freq 131550000 | | --http-port | Port for built-in web server (default: 8080) | --http-port 8080 | | --agc | Enables automatic gain control(optional) | --agc | | --logfile | Saves all decoded messages to a file | --logfile C:\Logs\acars.txt |
Acarsdeco2 Windows Download: Ultimate Setup & Troubleshooting Guide
: Before running Acarsdeco2, use a tool like SDR# to find your dongle's PPM frequency offset and optimal gain settings for the clearest signal. RTL-SDR Tutorial: Receiving Airplane Data with ACARS Acarsdeco2 Windows Download
An interactive map showing the aircraft currently transmitting to your antenna. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and station statistics. Optimizing Your ACARS Monitoring Station
A clean table showing all aircraft currently tracked by your station.
If your signal is weak, increase the --gain parameter in your batch file. If you live close to cell towers or radio stations, lower the gain to avoid overloading the SDR chip. : The software is historically hosted at xdeco
If you have multiple RTL-SDR dongles, Acarsdeco2 can use them to monitor even more frequencies. Use the --device-serial option to specify which dongle to use, and run separate instances for each dongle.
Once the command window shows that it is actively listening, you can view your data visually: Open your favorite web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
This article is for educational and hobbyist purposes only. Always respect aviation regulations and privacy. Do not use decoded ACARS data for commercial surveillance. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and station statistics
Inside the Acarsdeco2 folder, right-click an empty space and choose .
Because Acarsdeco2 is a command-line tool, you control its settings by passing specific arguments to it. The easiest way to do this on Windows is by creating a custom batch file. Creating Your Batch File
: Simultaneously decode up to three ACARS frequencies using a single RTL-SDR device.
| Version | Notes | | :--- | :--- | | acarsdeco2_windows_20181201.zip | Latest Windows version (recommended) | | acarsdeco2_windows_20150718.zip | Older version using Boost 1.58 libraries & VS2013 | | acarsdeco2_windows_20140905.zip | Early version with multi-dongle support | | acarsdeco2_windows_20140807.zip | Legacy version |
The 20181201 version changed some of the earlier flags. Here are the most useful parameters for everyday use: