One packet workspace for the receiver array
Decoder Lab tunes a selected receiver, applies the required mode and bandwidth, checks antenna fit, and returns validated or engine-reported traffic to one receiver-tagged feed. The rest of the array continues operating.
Built-in decoder profiles
| Profile | Typical band | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Mode-S / ADS-B | 1090 MHz | Aircraft identity, position, altitude, speed, heading, and vertical rate |
| APRS North America | 144.390 MHz | Validated AX.25 addresses, APRS payload, and frame-check result |
| APRS International | 144.800 or 145.175 MHz by region | Validated AX.25 addresses, payload, and frame-check result |
| Paging / POCSAG | Regional VHF or UHF | Baud rate, address, function, and decoded message |
| NOAA Weather Radio / SAME | 162.400 to 162.550 MHz | Validated alert header, originator, event, locations, duration, and station |
Supported live engines
| Profile | Engine | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ISM devices | rtl_433 | Compatible sensors and remotes on 315, 433, 868, and 915 MHz bands |
| AIS Marine | AIS-catcher | Live vessel messages and NMEA output |
| Digital voice events | DSD-FME | DMR, P25, NXDN, and D-STAR sync, system, and talkgroup events |
| NOAA APT | SatDump | Weather-satellite processing products |
Where a supported project publishes a suitable Windows build, INSTALL ENGINE downloads from the project's official release, verifies a pinned SHA-256 digest, and installs locally. Nothing downloads until the operator requests it.
Run a decoder
- Open DECODER LAB.
- Select a profile, receiver, and region-appropriate frequency.
- Review the antenna guidance and any mismatch warning.
- Install the engine if the profile requires one.
- Select START DECODER and watch the live packet feed.
- Use STOP & RESTORE to return the receiver to its previous state.
Preserve useful context
Decoder entries retain receiver, frequency, time, source and destination where available, validation state, and a payload summary. For important traffic, preserve the related session or IQ capture and record the antenna and receiver configuration used.
Radio monitoring and publication laws vary by country and service. SPECTER SDR is receive-only. Use decoded information lawfully and do not interfere with licensed users or safety services.