Tagged: NXDN

A SDR Digital Voice Hotspot with GNU Radio, MMDVM and QRadioLink

Thank you to Adrian (YO8RZZ) for writing in and sharing with us his article explaining how to use an SDR to set up a digital voice hotspot for digital voice modes supported by MMDVM such as D-Star, DMR, System Fusion, P25 and NXDN. Adrian notes that this is possible with any full duplex SDR such as the LimeSDR or PlutoSDR, or with a combination of simplex devices, such as a HackRF for transmitting combined with an RTL-SDR for receiving.

MMDVM is firmware that normally runs on an ARM microcontroller board such as the Arduino Due, and is designed to be interfaced with hardware radios via the microcontrollers built in ADC and DAC hardware.

In order to use an SDR instead of physical hardware radios, Adrian's article describes how a fork of MMDVM called MMDVM-SDR is used in his system as this allows the code to run on a normal Linux computer with an SDR. GNU Radio running on Adrian's own QRadioLink software is then used to create software ADC/DAC interfaces for the SDR and MMDVM-SDR to interface with, as well as providing a user interface.

QRadioLink used as the UI for MMDVM-SDR and GNU Radio

Frugal Radio: SDR Guide Ep 7 – Trunk DMR & NXDN digital with DSDPlus and One RTL-SDR

In this episode of Frugal Radio's ongoing SDR guide videos Rob demonstrates how you can use an RTL-SDR with DSDPlus to monitor DMR and NXDN digital voice radio communications. Rob writes:

With a simple Software Defined Radio (SDR) and some free or frugal software, you can monitor digital radio systems like DMR and NXDN in your area.

his video is a demonstration of how I set up DSDPlus to monitor DMR and NXDN networks, and shows how to modify the various files that help the software trunk track the system with your SDR.

More details with links to the software (DSDPlus) and hardware (1 x RTL-SDR v3) I used in this video can be found at https://frugalradio.com/monitor-dmr

f you are unsure about how trunking systems work, I suggest watching the overview at the beginning of Episode 6 - https://youtu.be/zuUTXHbUvpw

2020 SDR Guide Ep 7 : Trunk DMR & NXDN digital with DSDPlus and 1 RTL-SDR

TechMinds: OpenWebRX Feature Overview And Raspberry Pi Setup

Over on YouTube TechMinds has posted his latest video which shows an overview of the features available in OpenWebRX, and also how to set it up on a Raspberry Pi. OpenWebRX is software which allows you to access your SDR remotely via the internet or local network through a web browser. All major SDRs are supported including RTL-SDRs. The software includes a waterfall display, all the standard demodulators, as well as several digital decoders for DMR, YSF, NXDN, D-Star, POCSAG, APRS, FT8, FT4, WSPR, JT65 and JT9.

In the video TechMinds first demonstrates OpenWebRX in action, showing reception of HF SSB amateur radio signals, decoding FT8 and plotting received grids on a map, decoding and plotting APRS on a map and decoding YSF/DSTAR/DMR digital voice. After this demonstration he goes on to show how to set up the OpenWebRX server on a Raspberry Pi via the installation image.

OpenWebRX Feature Overview And Raspberry Pi Setup

Listening to and Tracking NXDN/IDAS Trunking Systems with two RTL-SDRs

Over on YouTube user radiosification has uploaded a video tutorial that shows how to decode, follow and listen to NXDN/IDAS trunking radio signals. NXDN/IDAS is a narrowband digital voice protocol commonly used with handheld radio terminals.

In the tutorial radiosification explains how to set up DSDPlus and its frequencies text file to automatically listen to and track conversations using the control channel. SDR# is initially used to find the NXDN control and voice channels, which are then entered into the text file. Using this method only DSDPlus and its corresponding receiver FMP is used. Trunking software like Unitrunker is not needed.

Radiosification also notes that the method he presents can also be used for other digital trunking systems such as P25 as well.

RTL SDR & DSDPlus: Tracking NXDN trunking tutorial

Listening to NXDN with SDRSharp, the AuxVFO Plugin and DSD+

Over on YouTube user John Miller has uploaded a video showing how he receives NXDN digital audio using a combination of SDR#, the AuxVFO plugin and DSD+. He writes:

I have it set with 5 auxiliary VFO’s one for each channel of the Christian Co NXDN system from the Kelly Towers. I use VAC to route the audio from each VFO to DSD+ each VFO has it own DSD+ running. I then have all the DSD+ go into one output VAC and use that to run a feed on Broadcastify, The secret to running multiple DSD+ is to have separate install of it, so I have 5 DSD+ folders.

Decoding NXDN using DSD+ and an RTL-SDR

Over on YouTube user John Miller has uploaded a video showing an example of DSD+ decoding an NXDN96 voice signal. NXDN is a digital voice protocol by developed by Kenwood that is often used by public safety organizations.

John uses SDR# to receive the NXDN signal and then pipes the audio to DSD+ using Virtual Audio Cable for decoding.

DSD+ Decoding NXDN

Radio Signal Identification Guide

NOTE: Recent changes to WordPress seem to have broken the audio on this page. Please use the new Signal Identification Wiki which has many new signals. Anyone can edit and improve the information on the pages on the wiki.

A guide to help you identify some amateur and utility digital radio signals and sounds which you may find on the frequency spectrum. Most of these have been received with an RTL-SDR software defined radio. I will be slowly adding more to this list over time. If you enable stereo mix and pass the sample audio to an appropriate decoding program the sample audio should be decodable for most samples.

If you would like to suggest a modification or contribute a sample, please send a sample, waterfall image and information about the signal to [email protected], or post in the comments. (Note I am currently backlogged with contributed signals, if I haven’t replied or added your signal yet it will be done within a month or two).

More sites with sample audio can be found at this list on dxzone.com. A very nice overview video of the HF spectrum by balint can be found here. There are also two paperback books: Technical Handbook for Radio Monitoring VHF/UHF (PDF Excerpt) & Technical Handbook for Radio Monitoring HF (PDF Excerpt) which have a very comprehensive list, description and images of many signals.

ACARS

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: 131.550 MHz

Mode: AM

Bandwidth: 5000-8000 Hz

Description: Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS). Short messages sent to and from aircraft.

Decoding Software: PlanePlotter, ACARSD

Video Examples: [1], [2]

ACARS Packets

P25 Phase 1 (C4FM Modulation) (Encrypted)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~860 MHz, ~500 MHz + others

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: P25 encrypted digital voice signal with C4FM modulation.

Decoding Software: Digital Speech Decoder (DSD). Note, only unencrypted can be decoded.

Video Examples:  [1], [2][3]

P25 Waterfall Example

DMR/MotoTRBO

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~860 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Motorola digital voice signal known as MotoTRBO (pronouced Moto-Turbo).

Decoding Software: Digital Speech Decoder (DSD). Note, only unencrypted can be decoded.

Video Examples: [1], [2]

DMR/MOTOTRBO Signal Waterfall

POCSAG/FLEX-A

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~151 MHz, ~900-950 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Pager digital signal known as POCSAG. An acronym of Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group.

Decoding Software: PDW

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 POCSAG/FLEX Pager Waterfall Image

Weather Balloon (Radiosonde) Vaisala RS92SGP

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~400 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: ~5500 Hz

Description: Weather balloon (Radiosonde) telemetry data. Only transmits during a weather balloon launch.

Decoding Software: SondeMonitor

Video Examples: [1], [2]

  RS92SGP Radiosonde Waterfall Image

TETRA Downlink

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: 380 – 430 MHz

Mode: –

Bandwidth: 25000 Hz

Description: Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), also know as Trans-European Trunked Radio is a professional mobile radio and two-way transceiver (walkie-talkie) specification. Modulated with π/4 DQPSK. Audio sample recorded in NFM mode.

Thanks to Jenda for the submission.

Decoding Software: osmocomTETRA

Video Examples: [1], [2]

TETRA Downlink

Trunking Control MPT1327

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~420 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Radio trunking control channel.

Decoding Software: Trunkview, UniTrunker

Video Examples: [1]

MPT1327 Waterfall Image

Trunking Control Motorola Type II Smartnet

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~860 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 8000 Hz

Description: Radio trunking control channel.

Decoding Software: UniTrunker

Video Examples:

Motoroal 2F1D Trunking Channel

Trunking Control EDACS96

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~860 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Radio trunking control channel.

Decoding Software: UniTrunker

Video Examples:

EDACS96 Trunking Channel

Trunking Control APCO P25

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~860MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 12500 Hz

Description: Radio trunking control channel.

Decoding Software: UniTrunker

Video Examples:

APCO P25 Trunking Channel

AFSK1200

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~144 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Audio frequency-shift keying (AFSK). Used by amateur radio hams for packet radio, Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) and telemetry.

Decoding Software: QTMM

Video Examples: [1]

AFSK1200

AIS

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency:

Marine Channel 87 – 161.975 MHz
Marine Channel 88 – 162.025 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 12500 Hz OR 25000 Hz

Description: Automatic Identification System (AIS). Used by ships to broadcast position and vessel information. Uses 9.6 kbit GMSK modulation.

Decoding Software: ShipPlotter, AISMon (In the Files Section of the Yahoo Group)

Video Examples: [1], [2]

AIS Waterfall

NOAA Weather Satellite (APT)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency:

NOAA 15 137.620
NOAA 18 137.9125
NOAA 19 137.100

Mode: WFM

Bandwidth: 30000 Hz

Description: NOAA Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) signal. Used to by the NOAA weather satellites to transmit satellite weather photos.

Only transmits at certain times throughout the day when the satellite passes overhead at your location.

Decoding Software: WXtoImg

Video Examples: [1], [2], [3]

 NOAA APT Waterfall Screenshot

Stereo Wideband FM (WFM)

Sample Audio: –

Typical Frequency:

Common – 87.5 to 108.0 MHz
OIRT – 65 to 74 MHz
Japan – 76 to 90 MHz
Consumer Wireless Devices – ~860 MHz

Mode: WFM

Bandwidth: 30000 Hz

Description: Stereo Wideband FM signal. Used for typical broadcast radio, and in some wireless headsets and speakers. This particular signal is from an AKG headset.

Top signal is WFM transmitted with low amplification. Bottom signal is WFM transmitted with high amplification.

Thanks to Tobby for the submission.

Decoding Software: Unencoded

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 WFM

Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Sample Audio: –

Typical Frequency:

Long wave – 153 to 279 kHz
Medium wave – 531 to 1,611 kHz in ITU regions 1 and 3 and 540 to 1610 kHz in ITU region 2.
Short wave – 2.3 to 26.1 MHz

Aircraft – 108 to 137 MHz

Mode: AM

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Amplitude Modulation broadcast audio radio station.

Thanks to rtlsdr_is_fun for the submission.

Decoding Software: Unencoded

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 AM Waterfall

Weatherfax (HFFAX)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: HF ~3 to 16 KHz. Location dependant.

Mode: Upper side band (USB)

Bandwidth: ~1900 KHz

Description: HF Weatherfax. Used by boats for weather reports. Also Kyodo News, a Japanese newspaper transmits entire pages via HFFAX.

Decoding Software: FLDIGI

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 WeatherfaxWaterfall

Upper Side Band Voice (USB)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: All HF band.

Mode: USB

Bandwidth: ~1900 Hz

Description: Single side band, specifically upper side band. Used in the HF band by amateur radio hams and aircraft weather reports. Single side band saves bandwidth.

Decoding Software: Unecoded

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 UpperSideBandWaterfall

Over the Horizon (OTH) Radar

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: All over HF Band

Mode: –

Bandwidth: 

Description: Over the horizon radar. Used by governments for very long range radar systems.

Decoding Software: Unencoded

 OTHRadar

Analogue PAL TV

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: Multiple

Mode: PAL TV

Bandwidth: 5 MHz

Description: Analogue PAL TV. Color TV signal.

Decoding Software: TVSharp

Video Examples: [1]

 Analogue PAL TV

Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+)

Sample Audio: No Audible Sound Produced

Typical Frequency: 

Multiple channels.
Block 13F – 239.200 MHz

Mode: DAB

Bandwidth: 1,537 KHz

Description: Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+). A type of digital broadcast radio signal, containing multiple digital radio stations in the signal.

Decoding Software: SDR-J

Video Examples: [1]

 DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcast

Baby Monitor (NFM)

Sample Audio: –

Typical Frequency: ~40 MHz, 49.5 – 50 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: < 15 KHz

Description: NFM signal from a baby monitor. Periodically bursts signal when no audio is detected. Thanks to Dean for some extra info.

Decoding Software: Unencoded

Video Examples: [1]

 BabyMonitorNFMSpikes

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: Below 30 MHz on HF, near other shortwave radio stations.

Mode: USB

Bandwidth: 10000 Hz

Description: Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM). A form of international digital shortwave radio. Replaces AM shortwave radio.

Thanks to Will P. for the contribution.

Decoding Software: DREAM, SODIRA

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 Digital Radio Monodiale Waterfall Digital Radio Monodiale Waterfall

STANAG 4285

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: All over HF.

Mode: USB

Bandwidth: 2500 Hz

Description: Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4285. NATO standard for HF communication.

Decoding Software: Sorcerer (Waring: Potential Virus Alert), Sigmira

Video Examples: [1]

 STANAG 4285 Waterfall Example

GSM Downlink (Non-Hopping)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Band OR 850 MHz and 1900 MHz Band

Mode: –

Bandwidth: 200 KHz

Description: GSM Cell Phone Downlink (Non Hopping Signal). Audio sample used NFM mode.

Decoding Software: Airprobe

 GSM Non Hopping Waterfall Image

GSM Uplink

Sample Audio: No Audible Sound Produced.

Typical Frequency: ~890 MHz

Mode: –

Bandwidth: 200 KHz

Description: Initial connection GSM signal sent from a cellphone.

Decoding Software: 

 GSMUplinkFrequencyHopping

GSM Downlink (Hopping)

Sample Audio: No Audible Sound Produced

Typical Frequency: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Band OR 850 MHz and 1900 MHz Band

Mode: –

Bandwidth: Each channel 200 KHz

Description: GSM cell phone hopping.

Decoding Software: 

 GSM Hopping Waterfall

“Japanese Slot Machine” (XSL)

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: Between 4 MHz and 9 MHz

Mode: USB?

Bandwidth:

Description: Known as the Japanese Slot Machine. Thought to be data originating from the Japanese Navy.

Decoding Software: Sigmira (But Cannot Decrypt)

Video Examples: [1], [2]

 Japanese Slot Machine Waterfall

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)

Sample Audio: No Audible Sound Produced

Typical Frequency: 1090 MHz

Mode: –

Bandwidth: 2 MHz

Description: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). Used by aircraft to broadcast their latitude, longitude and altitude.

Decoding Software: ADSB#, Dump1090, RTL1090

Video Examples: [1], [2], [3]

 ADSBWaterfallScreenShot

Cuban Numbers Station HM01

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency: 11.530 MHz.

Mode: AM

Bandwidth:

Description: (Previously Unidentified Signal 5). Numbers stations are thought to transmit encoded information for various spy agencies around the world. They are recognized by a voice reading a sequence of numbers or words. This is a Cuban Numbers Station which has a data portion and a voice portion. Sound sample recorded in AM mode.

Thanks to Andrew from the comments section for the ID.

Decoding Software: Information Here

Video Examples: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

UnknownSignalWaterfall_5

High Frequency Data Link (HFDL)

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency:  HF Band

Mode: USB (1440 Hz below center)

Bandwidth: ~2800 Hz

Description:  (Previously Unidentified Signal 2). An Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) data link that aircraft use to communicate short messages over long distances using HF signals.

Thanks to Andrew from the comments section for the ID.

Decoding Software: PC-HFDL

Video Examples: [1], [2], [3]

UnknownSignalWaterfall_1

Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK31)

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency:  HF Amateur Band

Mode: SSB

Bandwidth: ~31 Hz

Description:  A digital amateur radio mode based on Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modulation

Thanks to Patrick for the submission.

Decoding Software: Fldigi, MixW, HRD Digital Master 780, MultiPSK

Video Examples: [1], [2][3]

BPSK Waterfall Example

AFSK Paging Link

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency: 72-76 MHz

Description: (Previously unidentified signal 10). Identified in the comments section by Ronen as an Asynchronous Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK) pager link. It is easier to transmit the FSK pager signal to the transmitter site as AFSK.

unknown_10_waterfall

Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) RC Toy Signal

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency: 27.145 MHz, 72 MHz

Description: (Previously unidentified signal 9). Identified in the comments section by W1BMW as a Pulse-code modulated (PCM) signal used for remote control (RC) Toys. Link to IQ file http://i.nyx.cz/files/00/00/09/99/999880_c640d91142db39ee7d57.zip?name=SDRSharp_20130613_113322Z_27186kHz_IQ.zip. Sample audio recorded in USB mode.

UnknownSigna_9

Overlapping RTTY Signals

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency: HF band

Description: Previously unidentified signal (11). Identified in the comments by various contributors as multiple overlapping RTTY signals sent by ham radios.

Unknown CW #3

Voice Frequency Telegraph

Sample Audio: 

Typical Frequency: 7453.50 KHz USB

Description: Previously unidentified signal (13). VFT or Voice Frequency Telegraph is one of several systems for sending multiple RTTY signals over one voice-bandwidth radio channel.

74535khzusb

Portable Traffic Lights

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 154.463 MHz

Description: Previously unidentified signal (17). Identified by Peter via email as being signals sent from portable traffic lights that are often used at roadworks.

unid17

X2 on iDEN

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 154.463 MHz

Description: iDEN is an acronym for Integrated Digital Enhanced Network and is a technology developed by Motorola. It is a type of trunked radio with cellular phone benefits.

Link to RR identification discussion from submission email.

Thanks to Mike (VE3HER) for the submission.

x2 on iden

Funcube-1 Satellite

Sample Audio:

Found Frequency: 145.950 – 145.970 MHz

Mode: USB

Bandwidth: ~2 kHz

Description: The Funcube-1 is a Cubesat amateur radio satellite.

Decoding Software: Funcube Telemetry Dashboard

funcube-1_waterfall

Swedish Pocsag Minicall

Sample Audio:

Typical Frequency: ~161 MHz

Mode: NFM

Bandwidth: 20 kHz

Description: A short Pocsag 1200 signal used in electric plants and remote transformer and insulation stations.

Thanks to Joni for the submission.

Decoding Software: PDW

Video Examples: [1], [2]

swedish_minicall_pocsag

Unidentified Signals

If you know what any of these signals are please write in the comments. You can also submit any unidentified signals you would like to be added to [email protected]

(1)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 171.3 MHz

Description: Recognized by DSD as a NXDN96 signal, but is disputed in the comments section. (Possibly a bug in DSD).

QPSK2

(3) – ALE?

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency:  HF Band

Description: Sound sample recorded in USB mode. Potentially some sort of 2G ALE signal. Similar signal shown in balints HF tour video. Possible a weather map transmitted from Tokyo as noted in the comments section by Syd, or 4xFSK from China as identified by K2RCN in the comments.

UnknownSignalWaterfall_2

(4)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: HF Band

Description: Periodic pulses. Sound sample recorded in USB mode. Possibly a GlobeWireless signal as identified in the comments section by K2RCN.

 UnknownSignalWaterfall_4

(6)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 152.652 MHz

Description: Continuous signal. Audio sample recorded in NFM.

UnknownSignal_6

(7)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 162.863 MHz

Description: Continuous bursts. Audio sample recorded in NFM.

UnknownSignal_7

(8)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 457.168 MHz

Description: Audio sample recorded in NFM.

UnknownSignal_8

(10)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 452.325 Mhz

Description: Sent in over email. Sounds like Motorola Type II smartnet, but Unitrunker does not recognize.

unid_10

(12)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 154.646 MHz

Description: Sent in over email. Repeats every minute.

154646

(14)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 433 MHz

Description: Sent in over email.

Hello! I was listening in the 433MHz band and saw this blip (about 1-2sec) on the waterfall on 433.873 (Millville, MA). It repeats about every 30-50 seconds, though doesn’t seem to be the same every time. Maybe a wireless instrument of some type (weather or something?). The only clear sound of it I could get was with AM, about a 4.2kHz wide filter (rtl-sdr, gqrx linux). Any ideas? Thanks!

 

(15)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 455 MHz

Description: Sent in over email.

unid15

(16)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: 173.262 MHz

Description: Sent in over email.

unid16

(18)

Sample Audio: None

Found Frequency: ~856 MHz

Description: Sent in over email.

The antenna has a Yagi pointed to West from 23.5° South latitude, 47.46° West longitude.
The signal can be local or from the sky. The signal is horizontal polarized.

uid16

(19)

Sample Audio: 

Found Frequency: ~409.6 MHz

Description: Sent in over email. Recorded in NFM mode.

screen