OnAirDecode Wireless M-Bus (meters) with an SDR
Wireless M-Bus: the utility meters around you, their IDs and readings (encrypted data stays encrypted).
- Group
- IoT & sensors
- In the mode list
- Meters, 868 / 169 MHz
What Wireless M-Bus (meters) is
Wireless M-Bus (EN 13757-4) utility meters: S1 on 868.3 MHz, T1 and C1 on 868.95 MHz, R2 on 868.03 - 868.15 MHz and N1 on 169.4 MHz (2-FSK / GFSK, Manchester, 3-out-of-6 and NRZ chips, frame formats A and B with their block CRCs): manufacturer, meter ID, version and device type (water, heat, gas, electricity, heat cost allocator), and for unencrypted frames the readings (volume, energy, power….
Frequencies and settings
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 Meters, 868 / 169 MHz.
What OnAir shows
Wireless M-Bus (EN 13757-4) utility meters: S1 on 868.3 MHz, T1 and C1 on 868.95 MHz, R2 on 868.03 - 868.15 MHz and N1 on 169.4 MHz (2-FSK / GFSK, Manchester, 3-out-of-6 and NRZ chips, frame formats A and B with their block CRCs): manufacturer, meter ID, version and device type (water, heat, gas, electricity, heat cost allocator), and for unencrypted frames the readings (volume, energy, power, temperatures, dates). Encrypted payloads are listed as encrypted and never decoded. Needs a radio with 1 Msps or more.
Limits and what it was checked with
Checked with generated signals and impairments; recordings of real signals 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.
Receiving and the law
Questions about Wireless M-Bus (meters)
Can I decode Wireless M-Bus (meters) 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 Wireless M-Bus (meters)?
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 Wireless M-Bus (meters) 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.