OnAirBroadcast radio · Experimental
Decode DRM with an SDR
OnAir receives DRM. DRM30 and DRM+ digital radio (shortwave, medium wave, VHF).
What DRM is
Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is a digital radio standard for long, medium and short wave, with near-FM quality over large distances.
Frequencies and where it is used
Digital radio on long, medium and short wave.
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is SW, MW, VHF; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for DRM
Audio and station information; Journaline pages (packet mode data service).
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 DRM
Can I decode DRM 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 DRM?
Receiving broadcast radio is legal in most countries. OnAir cannot decode encrypted services.
Can I try DRM 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.