OnAirAmateur: digital · Experimental
Decode PSK31 with an SDR
OnAir receives PSK31. PSK31 / PSK63 keyboard chat (BPSK and QPSK): every signal in the 3 kHz passband at once, 14.070 MHz.
What PSK31 is
PSK31 is a narrow keyboard-to-keyboard chat mode (31.25 baud) that fits in 60 Hz of spectrum.
Frequencies and where it is used
Keyboard chat on the HF bands (BPSK31 / 63, QPSK31 / 63).
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is Keyboard chat, 14.070 MHz; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for PSK31
Every signal in the 3 kHz passband at once: a chat log per signal, the picked one in big text, callsigns highlighted.
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
This is a shortwave mode, so the radio has to tune HF. An SDRplay, Airspy HF+ or an RTL-SDR in direct-sampling mode do that directly; with a HackRF an HF upconverter or a direct-sampling receiver is the usual route. A long wire or loop antenna matters more than the radio.
Questions about PSK31
Can I decode PSK31 with an RTL-SDR?
An RTL-SDR can receive HF only in direct-sampling mode, which OnAir offers in its radio settings; results depend on the antenna. SDRplay and Airspy HF+ radios are better suited.
Is it legal to receive PSK31?
Amateur radio signals are meant to be received. Receiving needs no licence in most countries; OnAir does not transmit.
Can I try PSK31 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.