September 29, 2023
HackRF One/PortaPack H2 combo scanning the Wi-Fi radio spectrum

HackRF One/PortaPack H2 combo scanning the Wi-Fi radio spectrum

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

I really like my Flipper Zero. It is a $169 multifunctional system that may work together with digital interfaces within the bodily world.

With it you possibly can emulate RFID and NFC playing cards, analyze radio protocols, imitate distant controls, and far more. It is like a “digital Swiss Military knife” for cybersecurity fans, tinkerers, and people all in favour of exploring the digital aspect of their setting. 

Additionally: Do you want an anti-spy digital camera finder and bug detector? Do they even work?

In the event you’ve bought one in every of these, then the following logical step for you is to get a HackRF One software program outlined radio, or SDR.

HackRF One, made by Nice Scott Devices, is an SDR designed to seize and transmit radio alerts from 1MHz to 6GHz. 

HackRF One bundle

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HackRF One bundle

This bundle includes the HackRF One, an ANT500 antenna, 4 SMA adapters, and a USB cable for powering the HackRF device.

HackRF One tech specs

  • Transmit or obtain any radio sign from 1 MHz to 6000 MHz
  • Half-duplex transceiver
  • Most pattern charge: 20 million samples per second
  • 8-bit quadrature samples
  • Excessive-speed microUSB interface
  • Powered through USB 

It is a radio, however a radio that goes method past music and discuss reveals. It is a radio that may decide up Wi-Fi, alerts from automotive keyfobs, Bluetooth, newbie radio, plane ADS-B and ship AIS alerts, and far, far more. As for transmitting, the sky is the restrict, and something you possibly can seize, you possibly can technically file and transmit.

You can too enterprise into areas resembling jamming, however this once more is a spot you want to be extraordinarily cautious in order to not find yourself with the Males in Black knocking at your door.

Additionally: 7 cool and helpful issues to do together with your Flipper Zero

If having a device that offers you the flexibility to transmit and jam alerts feels prefer it’s too wealthy on your blood due to the legal guidelines and rules and guidelines that govern this, to not point out issues like licenses, then you definately may be higher off with an SDR that may solely obtain radio alerts, one thing just like the RTL-SDR Blog V3 SDR, which you’ll be able to decide up for below $50.

RTL-SDR Blog V3 SDR

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RTL-SDR Blog V3 SDR

Bundle includes an RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle and a multipurpose dipole antenna kit

You’re taking your HackRF One, join it to a pc, and seize knowledge from the air together with your favourite spectrum evaluation software program. There’s fairly a steep studying curve right here, truly dozens of steep studying curves, however luckily, there’s a variety of good data on the net. An important setup information may be discovered on the Hackers-Arise website (the place you may also discover a number of the absolute best real-world cybersecurity coaching out there). 

Additionally: 3 safety devices I by no means depart dwelling with out

In the event you like the concept of the HackRF One, however do not like the concept of needing to hook it as much as a laptop computer, then there is a extra transportable choice within the type of a HackRF One combined with a PortaPack H2.

HackRF One/PortaPack H2 bundle

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Assembled HackRF One/PortaPack H2 SDR

This kit adds adds an LCD touchscreen, user interface navigation controls, audio output and input, microSD card slot, 0.5 PPM crystal oscillator, and real-time clock battery backup, and a rechargeable lithium polymer battery to the HackRF One.

Combining the HackRF One and the PortaPack H2 provides a battery, touchscreen, buttons, and extra, releasing you from the necessity to have a laptop computer. The PortaPack runs Mayhem firmware, and this bundle can do a variety of cool issues.

HackRF One/PortaPack H2 combo running Mayhem.

HackRF One/PortaPack H2 combo working Mayhem.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

This, in fact, provides extra steep studying curves.

Additionally: The nice Flipper Zero scarcity of 2023 has lastly come to finish

You are able to do a lot with the HackRF One/PortaPack H2 combo that it frankly feels such as you get given a superpower! It is actually simply restricted by your creativeness and know-how. Simply the opposite day I used mine to simulate an RF bugging system to check a spy-camera finder/bug detector.

Testing the RF detector in a spy digital camera/bug finder utilizing a  HackRF One/PortaPack H2 combo

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Additionally observe that the HackRF One is not a substitute for the Flipper Zero, however a device that means that you can discover the radio aspect deeper. The Flipper Zero remains to be a unbelievable device for enjoying with NFC and RFID, and for appearing as an infrared distant.