ADS-B Decoder with ADS-B SDR

This project collects and decodes ADS-B (Mode S) messages from aircraft using an ADS-B SDR USB dongle. It demodulates raw IQ samples, detects Mode S preambles, decodes messages, and parses aircraft information.

Features

• Collects IQ samples from ADS-B SDR at 1090 MHz (ADS-B frequency)
• Detects and decodes Mode S (ADS-B) messages in real time
• Uses pyModeS for message parsing and CRC checking
• Prints aircraft ICAO, callsign, and message type

Requirements

• Python 3.x

• pyrtlsdr

• pyModeS

• NumPy

• ADS-B SDR USB dongle and antenna (I used AirNav Radar ADS-B with 1090MHz antenna)

Install dependencies if running outside venv:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

1. Plug in the ADS-B SDR dongle to your device and connect the antenna to the SDR.
2. Run the main script:

   bash start.sh

3. The script will print detected ADS-B messages, including aircraft ICAO addresses and callsigns. Example return (https://www.flightdb.net/aircraft.php?modes=461FA2):

    DF17 | ICAO 461FA2 | 8D461FA2990C479ED86802B6BE37

Notes

• Default sample rate: 2.4 Msps
• Default frequency: 1090 MHz
• Default gain: 40.2 dB
• Stop the script with Ctrl+C.

References

• pyModeS documentation
• mode-s org