OnAirGeneral & tools · Experimental
Decode Spectrum explorer with an SDR
OnAir receives Spectrum explorer. Spectrum explorer: look around the band, measure carriers (bandwidth, power, SNR, symbol rate), sweep a range, LNB offsets, bookmarks; no decoder.
What Spectrum explorer is
The spectrum explorer is a measuring tool: look at the band, zoom, measure occupied bandwidth, power and SNR, and sweep ranges.
Frequencies and where it is used
No decoder: a tool to look around.
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is Spectrum, waterfall, sweep; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for Spectrum explorer
Spectrum and waterfall with markers, zoom and pan, region measurements (occupied bandwidth at -3 / -26 dB, channel power, SNR, symbol rate), LNB and converter offsets, range sweeps with signal detection, bookmarks.
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
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.
Questions about Spectrum explorer
Can I decode Spectrum explorer 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 Spectrum explorer?
These tools only look at the spectrum and listen. Receiving is legal in most countries, but laws differ on what you may use the content for.
Can I try Spectrum explorer 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.