diff --git a/routes/listening_post.py b/routes/listening_post.py
index 56de062..f637ef9 100644
--- a/routes/listening_post.py
+++ b/routes/listening_post.py
@@ -1311,9 +1311,9 @@ def start_audio() -> Response:
     try:
         frequency = float(data.get('frequency', 0))
         modulation = normalize_modulation(data.get('modulation', 'wfm'))
-        squelch = int(data.get('squelch') or 0)
-        gain = int(data.get('gain') or 40)
-        device = int(data.get('device') or 0)
+        squelch = int(data['squelch']) if data.get('squelch') is not None else 0
+        gain = int(data['gain']) if data.get('gain') is not None else 40
+        device = int(data['device']) if data.get('device') is not None else 0
         sdr_type = str(data.get('sdr_type', 'rtlsdr')).lower()
         request_token_raw = data.get('request_token')
         request_token = int(request_token_raw) if request_token_raw is not None else None
diff --git a/templates/adsb_dashboard.html b/templates/adsb_dashboard.html
index a79b761..728644b 100644
--- a/templates/adsb_dashboard.html
+++ b/templates/adsb_dashboard.html
@@ -3652,10 +3652,12 @@ sudo make install</code>
 
         async function startAirband() {
             const frequency = getAirbandFrequency();
-            const device = parseInt(document.getElementById('airbandDeviceSelect').value) || 0;
+            const compositeVal = document.getElementById('airbandDeviceSelect').value || 'rtlsdr:0';
+            const [sdr_type, deviceIdx] = compositeVal.includes(':') ? compositeVal.split(':') : ['rtlsdr', compositeVal];
+            const device = parseInt(deviceIdx) || 0;
             const squelch = parseInt(document.getElementById('airbandSquelch').value) || 0;
 
-            console.log('[AIRBAND] Starting with device:', device, 'freq:', frequency, 'squelch:', squelch);
+            console.log('[AIRBAND] Starting with device:', device, 'sdr_type:', sdr_type, 'freq:', frequency, 'squelch:', squelch);
 
             // Check if ADS-B tracking is using this device
             if (isTracking && adsbActiveDevice !== null && device === adsbActiveDevice) {
@@ -3682,7 +3684,8 @@ sudo make install</code>
                         modulation: 'am',  // Airband uses AM
                         squelch: squelch,
                         gain: 40,
-                        device: device
+                        device: device,
+                        sdr_type: sdr_type
                     })
                 });