dump1090 is open source software designed to decode Mode S-Mode Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signals transmitted by aircraft.
These signals, emitted at 1090 MHz, contain information such as location, altitude, speed and flight identifier, allowing users to monitor air traffic in real time and (with the VirtualRadar map) decode:
- Altitude
- Vertical Speed
- Speed
- Heading
- Distance
- Squawk
- Engines
- Route
- Silhouette
- Flag
- Registration
- ICAO
- Callsign
- Route
dump1090 consists of a. zip file of 1.19 MB that you can download here:
https://github.com/MalcolmRobb/dump1090/archive/master.zip
unzipped:
If you have Windows you will need only this zipped file:
then extract it into a folder.
Start the program with dump1090.bat
Main Features of Dump1090:
Efficient Decoding:
Dump1090 is renowned for its ability to decode even weak signals, offering broader coverage compared to other decoders.
RTL-SDR Support:
The software is compatible with RTL-SDR devices, making ADS-B signal reception accessible at a low cost.
Integrated Web Interface:
It includes an HTTP server that displays detected aircraft on a map, facilitating real-time monitoring.
Multi-Platform Support:
Originally developed for Linux, Dump1090 is also available for Windows and macOS.
Versions and Variants:
There are several variants of Dump1090, each with specific functionalities:
Dump1090-fa:
Maintained by FlightAware, this version is integrated with their receivers and optimized for use with their services.
Dump1090-mutability:
A fork that introduces enhancements such as 2.4 MHz decoding and other optimizations.
Installation on Different Platforms:
Linux (e.g., Raspberry Pi):
Dump1090 can be installed following distribution-specific instructions. For example, to install dump1090-mutability on Ubuntu 22.04, you can use the command:
sudo apt-get install dump1090-mutability
.
Windows:
While there is no official support for Windows, unofficial versions of Dump1090 are available.
A detailed guide on Windows installation can be found on Fly Italy ADS-B:
https://flyitalyadsb.com/dump1090-su-windows/
Configuration and Use:
After installation, it's essential to properly configure Dump1090 to optimize signal reception. Parameters like receiver gain can significantly affect performance.
Integration with Other Software:
To enhance the monitoring experience, Dump1090 can be integrated with other software offering advanced graphical interfaces:
Final Considerations:
Dump1090 is a powerful tool for aviation enthusiasts and anyone looking to monitor air traffic. With proper configurations and integrations, it offers a detailed, real-time view of aircraft flying in your area.