OnAirIoT & sensors · Experimental
Decode LoRaWAN with an SDR
OnAir receives LoRaWAN. LoRaWAN monitor, EU868 (868.1 / 868.3 / 868.5 MHz) or US915, SF7 - SF12: message types, DevAddr and network, frame counters, MAC commands, join requests (only the clear headers; payloads stay encrypted).
What LoRaWAN is
LoRaWAN is the low-power wide-area network standard for IoT devices. OnAir can see the clear headers of frames, never the encrypted payload.
Frequencies and where it is used
EU868 (868.1 / 868.3 / 868.5 MHz and 867.x) or US915, SF7 - SF12 at once.
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is IoT, 868.1 MHz; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for LoRaWAN
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.
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
Any radio that tunes this range works. An RTL-SDR covers roughly 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz, and every other radio in the radio guide reaches it too. Antenna height and a clear view of the transmitter matter most.
Questions about LoRaWAN
Can I decode LoRaWAN with an RTL-SDR?
Usually yes for narrowband signals, as an RTL-SDR tunes roughly 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz at up to about 2.4 Msps. Wide signals such as TV channels need a faster radio, and OnAir says next to the source what the selected radio can do.
Is it legal to receive LoRaWAN?
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 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.