KerberosSDR Developments in 2020

[aurgathor]

Would it be possible to replace the built in USB 2.0 hub with a USB 3.0 or better hub? And preferably with a full size USB connector, not one of those micro thingies.

[rtlsdrblog]

Would it be possible to replace the built in USB 2.0 hub with a USB 3.0 or better hub? And preferably with a full size USB connector, not one of those micro thingies.

RTL-SDRs are USB2.0 only devices, so no point to using a USB3.0 hub. Next version will probably be all USB-C.

[aurgathor]

I know that very well; however, between the Kerberos' hub and the host, 4 devices have to share the same USB 2.0 bandwidth, and I think speed and latency could be improved with USB 3.0 link in there.

It may not apply to RTL-SDRs, but when I tested the speed of several USB 2.0 storage devices with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, I got slightly higher Data Transfer Rates on USB 3.0 ports.

[theodeurne]

For networked operation the stop-gap idea was to get this program compatible with the KerberosSDR http://www.musther.net/RDFMapper/.

But if you're happy to open source and throw your code up on GitHub i'll help test it too.

Will be definitely keen to hear about your switch experiments too. Keep in contact either here on the forums or [email protected].

Right now, the networking code is in bits and pieces for testing of various concepts. I'll open up the repo later this year.


I've very pleased with the results from the antenna switch! I've set up the software to run an auto-calibration routine upon changing frequency. Nothing got mangled in the VHF range. I'm not sure how it will translate to the upper UHF range that people seem to use in the demo videos. There's nothing I've cared to DF in the 800MHz range.
Here are some photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/K1PndvpgotPKdeBU9

Nice PCB's where do i buy this

[pstamand]

Would like to request a Android app feature similar to the RDPMapper, but the reverse.

I want the ability to have the android app read an additional local android file to use in its plotting. This is so I dont have to look at two screens while my copilot helps me navigate towards a target location.

i'm looking for a simple way to have remote RDF type systems capture appear within the android application.

Is this possible in some manner even if not ideal with a short timeframe?

Even if I have to stop capture and add the records to the current file the app is using... If I get the format properly, will the app simply plot those from the entries I add?

What are my options to make short work of making these extra coordinate lines visible?

I intend to place a couple fixed units in a couple places and want the Android app to be able to display those. I handling getting the data to the android device with another app and is possible just update the coordinates file. I probably utilize RDPMapper as well, but fewer screens I have to keep track of the better.

Is this a feature that you've been asked or considering?

[pstamand]

Also, I thought I saw the android app csv file format somewhere... I can't locate it now.
What are the various fields?

[rtlsdrblog]

unixtime, lat, lng, GPS travel direction bearing, compass travel direction bearing, RDF bearing, confidence, power

[awdmesh]

Optionally give the user a way to utilize all 4 or 8 radios, depending on KerberosSDr being linked to another, to monitor a large chunk of the spectrum when not actively doing direction finding. Potentially add more to the GUI to allow this, otherwise just provide a tutorial on using all radios to feed something like gqrx. There’s several examples of using multiple hackrf/RTL-SDR together.

[parameter-pollution]

What's the state of the beamforming functionality?
I looked at the github repo and couldn't find anything related to it, but I would love to get my hinds dirty with it.

My ideal setup: 4 stationary (QFH?) antennas connected to the kerberossdr and then the software on the raspi/server it's connected to has e.g. a rigctl compatible service running so that gpredit can send the calculated direction of a satellite to it.
It then uses the provided direction to do beamforming towards that direction and presents a "virtual" rtlsdr with the result of the beamformed signal via e.g. the rtl_tcp protocol. So you could connect your SDR software to it to change frequency/sample rate/...
And then you have a SATNOGS station without any moving parts.

I know that getting there takes a lot of work and I would love to help work on this goal

[KD7CAO]

[*] Networked DFing - With several networked KerberosSDR units spread out around a city it will be possible to instantly direction find any signal.

[*] Direct support for two combined KerberosSDR units - Combining two KerberosSDR's gives you 8 antenna inputs. This can improve DFing accuracy, and improve passive radar coverage.

[*] A more user friendly UI - Wizards and calculators should be added to make setting up the KerberosSDR settings easier.

I am so excited to see these opportunities, I literally just received my order not more than two hours ago. I ordered two units, the goal to connect and run a network of these units across a 954 sq. mi. county. We have had numerous individuals interfering with ARES/Skywarn nets and unfortunately they are not transmitting long enough for a traditional fox hunt. I am hoping to network a bunch together and capture a few jammers. Similarly as an Emergency Manager I am sensitive to intentional and unintentional jamming of public safety radio systems. A budget friendly system is key to capturing the data we need.

Anyways, I am very interested in these features and look forward to expanded options. With a goal of increasing down the road.