DragonOS: KrakenSDR and DF Aggregator Connected via a 1km WiFi Link
DragonOS is a ready to use Ubuntu Linux image that comes preinstalled with multiple SDR software packages including a tool called DF Aggregator, which can be used for radio direction finding with a device like our KrakenSDR.
In his latest video, Aaron, creator of DragonOS tests out a long range one kilometer WiFi link between a KrakenSDR, and his base station running DF Aggregator. The WiFi link is achieved by using a ALFA Network 802.11ah (900 MHz US) adapter. The remote KrakenSDR is running on a 'DragonDeck', which is a SteamDeck gaming console with DragonOS installed on it.
In the video Aaron shows that when he transmits with his handheld radio, the remote KrakenSDR is able to provide an accurate bearing towards the transmitter. At the end Aaron also briefly tests out automatic speech transcribing via WhisperCPP.
Aarons tests were run together with @VibesGoon who shows a few great pictures of his KrakenSDR setup on his Twitter Feed.
I linked up with @cemaxecuter to test out using the kraken with long range wifi. We used a HackRF to identify the signal, the kraken to DF the signal, and another software to transcribe the transmissions. We used a long range wifi set up to communicate over 1km line of sight and… pic.twitter.com/29pKNQAd7t
— Goon_Vibes_Only (@VibesGoon) June 10, 2023
Aaron also shows another picture on his Twitter feed, which also shows the SteamDeck.
Getting a station setup for a 1km remote connection test using @alfanetworkinc Halow-U 802.11ah, @GSGlabs hackRF, @rtlsdrblog KrakenSDR, and @OnDeck SteamDeck w/ DragonOS aka DragonDeck. Video up later today 🤞@Rokland @VibesGoon pic.twitter.com/siyDLK8C5F
— cemaxecuter (@cemaxecuter) June 10, 2023
Could you share any pointers about getting the Halow-U’s USB interface working on an Ubuntu host? The docs supplied by vendor Rokland only cover Windows hosts, and the adapter itself doesn’t appear to trigger any useful kernel module loads when plugged into an Ubuntu host.