OnAirDecode LoRaWAN (all channels) with an SDR
LoRaWAN (all channels): every channel of a regional plan at once, headers only.
- Group
- IoT & sensors
- In the mode list
- IoT, EU868 / US915 / AS923 / EU433
What LoRaWAN (all channels) is
LoRaWAN across a whole regional plan at once: every channel of EU868, US915, AU915, AS923-1..4 or EU433 that fits the captured band (125 / 250 / 500 kHz, SF7 - SF12, gateway downlinks on inverted IQ), shown in one table with time, channel, SF, DevAddr, frame counter, port, MIC, MAC commands, join request / accept framing, level and SNR. Receive only and keyless: payloads are encrypted with the….
Frequencies and settings
EU868 (868.1 / 868.3 / 868.5 MHz and 867.x) or US915, SF7 - SF12 at once.
OnAir takes any frequency you type; the numbers above are the mode's starting point and the range its table describes. In the app the shortcut label is IoT, EU868 / US915 / AS923 / EU433.
What OnAir shows
A device table (DevAddr or DevEUI, network from the NetID, last heard, level, SNR, frame counter, SF) and a frame log with filters: message type, FCtrl, FCnt, MAC commands, port, encrypted length, MIC, join requests; only the clear headers, payloads stay encrypted.
Limits and what it was checked with
Checked with generated signals and impairments; recordings of real signals 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.
Receiving and the law
Questions about LoRaWAN (all channels)
Can I decode LoRaWAN (all channels) 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 LoRaWAN (all channels)?
This mode is passive. It only receives, never connects, pairs or joins networks, and never decrypts payloads. Check the rules where you live.
Can I try LoRaWAN (all channels) 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.