OnAirAmateur: voice & packet · Experimental
Decode LoRa APRS with an SDR
OnAir receives LoRa APRS. LoRa APRS on 70 cm, 433.775 MHz in Europe (SF12, 125 kHz).
What LoRa APRS is
LoRa APRS carries APRS positions over LoRa on 433.775 MHz in Europe.
Frequencies and where it is used
LoRa, 433.775 MHz.
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is LoRa, 433.775 MHz; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for LoRa APRS
LoRa APRS on 70 cm, 433.775 MHz in Europe (SF12, 125 kHz).
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 LoRa APRS
Can I decode LoRa APRS 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 LoRa APRS?
Amateur radio signals are meant to be received. Receiving needs no licence in most countries; OnAir does not transmit. Voice needs a codec library you install yourself.
Can I try LoRa APRS 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.