ACARS app for iPhone and iPad

4.0 ( 4720 ratings )

Utilities Lifestyle
Developer: Black Cat Systems

2.99 USD

Current version: 1.4, last update: 5 years ago
First release : 26 Aug 2010
App size: 1.62 Mb

Want to display ACARS transmissions, without using a bulky computer? ACARS lets you view ACARS aircraft transmissions on your iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

A radio/scanner capable of tuning the 118-136 MHz aircraft band is required. Just set it next to the radios speaker, tune in an ACARS frequency, and watch the decodes. Or, for even better reception, use a pair of earbuds, plugged into the radio’s headphone jack, rather than the internal speaker.

You can save decoded ACARS packets to a file to view later, or transfer to your computer via iTunes.

Aircraft model information for many planes in a built in database is displayed along with the decoded packets. You can also add your own plane information to the database.

Packet fields are color coded on iOS 6 and later.

Buy your copy right now, and start decoding and displaying ACARS transmissions in minutes.

Pros and cons of ACARS app for iPhone and iPad

ACARS app good for

Lots decoding errors displayed after upgrading to iOS 9.0.2. Hope you guys are working on fixing this.

Downloaded it to iPhone and iPad, and placed the iPhone next to my scanner on the worldwide freq of 131.550, first few bursts were garbled due to poor signal. Repositioned scanner and have been downloading information ever since 100%. Very easy to use, works like a dream and well worth the money.

Some bad moments

Having seen Black Cat Systems Multimode, I figured that Id be getting similar quality in thus app....Well, its a nice start, but its pretty clumsy to exit this app when its running (you press the button and bail out completely). Also wish there more options to save the received ACARS text as well as pause operation, too. The decodes are sometimes garbled even when there is no background noise present, but for the most part can decode ACARS reception decently. Heres to hoping the author adds some more features to this first effort to improve its operation.

Needs more features as pause, save and keep on memory what is already decoded.

Excellent App, using it on iPad 2 and works great with just a standard VHF handheld scanner positioned beside the microphone. To the developer just one suggestion, if you could please update it so that the decoder can run in the background while other apps are being used. Many Thanks.

Like the other reviews have alluded, this app operates like a proof-of-concept. Yes, it decodes, but thats it. Theres no organization of data, no filtering, no background running of the app, screen colors are fixed at black on white. Its just simplistic.

I have verified (iPhone 4/IOS 6) that this app works in both audio (scanner next to phone) and direct-connect (using home-made adapter) modes. If you are handy with electronics, build the adapter - it works better (theres a link to the plans in the description); if youre not, there are some commercial versions now available (google "iphone microphone adapter"). Obviously you need a scanner or other aircraft radio to receive signals in the first place. Nicely done app!

I’ve tried other ACARS decoding software and have been disappointed, but this app worked reasonably well. My only wish would be for it to work in the background. I’ve already had $3 worth of fun with it...

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