OnAirTwo-way radio · Experimental
Decode dPMR / PMR446 with an SDR
OnAir receives dPMR / PMR446. DPMR (ETSI TS 102 490) digital two-way radio, 6.25 kHz: PMR446 digital channels 1 to 16 (446.1 - 446.2 MHz) and the licensed bands.
What dPMR / PMR446 is
dPMR and PMR446 are licence-free digital and analogue handheld radio services in Europe, 16 channels near 446 MHz.
Frequencies and where it is used
Digital two-way radio (ETSI TS 102 490), 6.25 kHz, PMR446 channels 1 to 16.
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is Digital voice, 6.25 kHz; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for dPMR / PMR446
Call log with own and called IDs and colour codes, status and short messages, packet data, scan of all 16 PMR446 channels, voice through your mbelib.
This receiver is built from the published specification and checked end to end on simulated signals. It has had little or no testing on real transmissions yet, so reports and recordings on Discord are welcome.
Which radio you need
This is a shortwave mode, so the radio has to tune HF. An SDRplay, Airspy HF+ or an RTL-SDR in direct-sampling mode do that directly; with a HackRF an HF upconverter or a direct-sampling receiver is the usual route. A long wire or loop antenna matters more than the radio.
Questions about dPMR / PMR446
Can I decode dPMR / PMR446 with an RTL-SDR?
An RTL-SDR can receive HF only in direct-sampling mode, which OnAir offers in its radio settings; results depend on the antenna. SDRplay and Airspy HF+ radios are better suited.
Is it legal to receive dPMR / PMR446?
In many countries it is illegal to intercept or disclose private radio communications. OnAir is a receiver: encrypted calls show up only as encrypted and are never decrypted, and voice needs a library you install yourself. Follow the law where you live.
Can I try dPMR / PMR446 in OnAir without a radio?
Yes. Most modes include a built-in synthetic test signal, so you can open the screen and try the controls before you own a radio.
Try it without a radio
OnAir includes built-in synthetic test signals for most modes, so you can open this screen, see the layout and try the controls before you own a radio. The Tour button walks you through the app.