A Review of the New HackRF PortaPack H4M

The PortaPack H4M by OpenSourceSDRLab is a new design of the HackRF PortaPack which comes with various improvements. The PortaPack H4M adds I2C capable GPIO ports, a USB-C connector, a built-in speaker and microphone, a better screen, a proper on/off button that won't easily activate in a bag, flat design for easier storage, and improved charging speed.

The PortaPack H4M is currently available as a bundle for US$152 from Chinese manufacturer OpenSourceSDRLab. The bundle includes the PortaPack H4M PCB, and a HackRF R10c clone.  This is exceptionally good value, considering that an original HackRF (just the HackRF without PortaPack) sells for US$319. However, just be aware that by purchasing clones you are not supporting GreatScottGadgets, the original developers of the HackRF.

If you were unaware, the HackRF PortaPack is an accessory for the HackRF SDR that enables portable use, with a display, controls, and onboard processing for direct signal demodulation, modulation, decoding, and encoding, all without needing a computer.

Over on YouTube RocketGod has uploaded a video showing some of the PortPack H4M's new features, how to install the Mayhem Firmware, and then showing it in action with it receiving a few signals.

HackRF Portapack H4M - Getting Started Guide

We've also seen another video by sn0ren that also introduces and shows the PortaPack H4M in action.

The new HackRF Portapack H4M

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mmng-ui: A Text User Interface for Multimon-NG

Thank you to Jason for writing in and sharing with his his recently released software "mmng-ui" which is a TUI (text user interface) for Multimon-NG. If you were unaware, Multimon-NG is multipurpose decoder software for the RTL-SDR and other SDRs which is capable of decoding pager protocols like POCSAG and FLEX, as well as other common protocols like EAS, AFSK, FSK9600 DTMF, CW and more.

mmng-ui is a front end for Multimon-NG that allows you to view pager messages in a clean-looking text interface. mmng-ui listens on a chosen UDP port for raw streams from software like SDR++, passes that to Multimon-NG, and then displays the results.

The mmg-ui Text User Interface
The mmg-ui Text User Interface
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hackrf_sweeper: A Reimplementation of hackrf_sweep as a Library

Information security company Subreption recently wrote in and wanted to share their recently released 'hackrf_sweeper' library. This library is based on the official hackrf_sweep code, which enabled HackRF SDR devices to sweep across a wide frequency range and rapidly build up a wideband spectral plot. They write:

This is a refactoring or reimplementation of hackrf_sweep as a library, providing a carefully chosen API to leverage the HackRF sweeping capabilities in a reusable, low-frustration fashion. The library provides support for user-supplied callbacks to process raw transfer buffers or the already calculated FFT bins, including a bypass mode to allow for entirely off-loading the data processing to the caller. It also implements a rudimentary opaque mutex (locking) state for multi-thread applications.

A demo application is a re-implementation of the original hackrf_sweep tool as a CURVE-encrypted publisher sending msgpack frames to any receivers subscribed to it. A companion demo application is included in the form of a Python program that processes these frames and generates a real-time plot of the RF spectrum, the last peak detections and the absolute peaks -maximum observed-.

Past projects attempting to provide similar capabilities include hackrf-spectrum-analyzer (https://github.com/pavsa/hackrf-spectrum-analyzer). hackrf_sweeper provides continuous sweeping support instead of one-shot sweeps, besides the aforementioned improvements.

The team also notes that they are soon planning on releasing a GNU Radio block that leverages the library.

Example output from hackrf_sweeper
Example output from hackrf_sweeper
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Updates to the Lego Pi Radio Project

Back in 2018 we first posted about JJ's Lego Pi Radio, which was an all-in-one RTL-SDR + Raspberry Pi based FM and internet radio system enclosed in Lego.

More recently JJ has written in again sharing with us some updates to his Lego Pi project. First, he notes that he has now created a webpage showing all his radio builds, most of which consist of an Arduino Nano + Raspberry Pi and RTL-SDR, with most enclosed in Lego builds.

JJ also wanted to highlight his latest build optimized for DAB reception, made from an old Android TV box, RTL-SDR the welle-cli software, and of course a Lego enclosure.

My latest build, a FM / DAB+ / INTERNET / MP3 radio, was not made with a Raspberry Pi but with an older Android TV box flashed with Armbian + Ubuntu.
 
This was cheaper and allowed me to recycle some hardware that was gathering dust. Besides the board needs less power and best of all, the whole system fits into internal eMMC storage, so no more messing with fragile micro SD card. The only problem I had was with the onboard audio so had to use an inexpensive USB audio dongle. I also connected an Arduino nano through USB to easily control a small LCD display and some LEDs.
 
The board's IR port works well under Linux so I can control the radio with any cheap infrared remote. But I also made a web interface for a fun way to drive the radio from a tablet, PC or even smartphone.
The Lego Android RTL-SDR Build
Lego Android RTL-SDR Build
Lego Android RTL-SDR Build Web Interface
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SDRplay Announce their Upcoming nRSP-ST Networked Receiver

SDRplay has recently announced the upcoming release of their "nRSP-ST" networked receiver. The product appears to essentially be an RSP2 with built-in computing and networking. The idea is that this networked receiver will be used remotely, and connected to over a local network connection or the internet.

The device will work with SDRplays SDRConnect software and will be able to transfer RF data in three modes, Full IQ, IQ Lite, and Compact. In IQ lite mode, only the active channels' IQ data are transferred, saving on significant network bandwidth when compared to full IQ mode.  In compact mode demodulation is carried out on the nRSP-ST itself, and compressed demodulated audio is sent over the network, saving on network bandwidth even more.

There are no details yet about the build, but we assume the internal computer is something like a Raspberry Pi 4 compute module or similar.

The new SDRplay nRSP-ST
The new SDRplay nRSP-ST

SDRplay write:

SDRplay is demonstrating a new product at the UK Hamfest today in newark, UK.  It’s an all-in-one, plug-and-play networked receiver which will launch later in the year.

SDRplay Limited is announcing the imminent launch of the “nRSP-ST”, an All-in-one, Plug-and-play Networked SDR Receiver.   The “nRSP-ST” is being demonstrated publicly for the first time at the UK National Hamfest in Newark today.

This exciting new product addresses the needs of radio enthusiasts who want a ‘plug-and-play’ solution for remote reception.  As well as achieving this, we have addressed typical internet bandwidth limitations with the creation of a novel “IQ Lite” mode, which efficiently delivers channels of IQ data. We have also introduced the ability to control and store IQ recordings at the remote location.  We think the nRSP-ST will be ideal for anyone wanting a wideband remote receiver without needing computer skills and hours of set-up time and ongoing maintenance at the remote location. We are very much looking forward to making the product available as soon as possible.  We are aiming to launch the nRSP-ST in time for the holiday shopping season and aiming at a price of just under $500 USD before tax.

The nRSP-ST key features:

  • A truly “plug and play” integrated, networked general coverage receiver:
    • Combines a receiver, a host computer and a whole lot more – all in one box!
    • Apply power and connect to the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and the nRSP-ST is automatically accessible from anywhere
  • The 14-bit ADC full featured wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2GHz, with no gaps
  • Remotely monitor up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas
  • Multi-platform SDRconnectTM software supports local operation or remote access on Windows, MacOS or Linux platforms
  • The nRSP-ST & SDRconnectTM are configurable for available network bandwidth:
    • In “Full IQ” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data transfer of the visible spectrum bandwidth (e.g.for high-speed LAN or superfast internet connectivity)
    • In “IQ Lite” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data of channels up to 192kHz wide (e.g. for digital decoding by the client)
    • In “Compact” mode the nRSP-ST provides compressed audio (ideal for slower internet connections)
    • Supports multiple client connections with a simultaneous mixture of connection modes
    • All modes support visualization of up to 10MHz spectrum bandwidth
  • Two remote connection options:
    • Use a remote SDRconnect client or
    • Use the built-in web-server for remote access from any web browsing capable device, including Android/iOS tablets and phones
  • The nRSP-ST offers the ability to record IQ and audio files to a NAS (network attached storage) device if available on the LAN.
  • Flash upgradable for future feature enhancements

The press announcement can be found here

More information will be provided in the coming weeks: https://www.sdrplay.com/nrspst/

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WarDragon: Real-Time Drone Remote ID Tracking with Snifflee, TAR1090 and ATAK

Over on YouTube Aaron, creator of DragonOS and the WarDragon kit has uploaded a video showing how he was able to detect drone Remote ID with a Bluetooth dongle and plot it on a TAK map. Remote ID is an RF system regulated in many countries that broadcasts drone information, including GPS position, often over Bluetooth Long Range or Wi-Fi. Note that the Bluetooth dongle is not an SDR, but this story may still be interesting for many readers.

The setup uses Sniffle, which is an open-source Bluetooth sniffer program for TI CC1352/CC26x2 based Bluetooth hardware. Sniffle passes sniffed data packets into SniffleToTak which is open-source software that relays the drone ID packets into a TAK server, which can then be viewed in TAK software like ATAK.

Aaron tests the setup with his DJI drone flying nearby, and shows that the drone is successfully detected and plotted on the TAK map. He also plots the positions of nearby aircraft received via a second ADS-B receiver to show that drones and aircraft can be plotted on the same map.

WarDragon Enhancing Drone Remote ID Real-Time Tracking + ADS-B w/ ATAK (TAR1090, Sniffle) Part 3

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DeepRad – Modular RTL-SDR System Now Crowdfunding on Crowd Supply

Back in May, we posted about the upcoming DeepRad, which is advertised as a modular RTL-SDR system, providing RTL-SDR PCB boards without USB and SMA connectors that are seated into a custom motherboard. A few days ago they released their crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply.

The individual DeepRad RTL-SDR units are priced at US$80 each, whereas the 'DeepRad Quad' which includes four units and a motherboard is priced at US$340 with free US shipping and $12 intl. shipping for both products. It appears that the idea behind the modular boards is to allow people designing a custom PCB to easily seat an RTL-SDR on their design.

The DeepRad Quad advertises 'Synchronize TCXO', which implies that the four units can run from the same clock. However, we don't see any noise source, distribution, or switching hardware, and no heat management, so we don't expect it to be useful for coherent projects like the KrakenSDR is.

Over on Reddit there has been some discussion about the system.

The DeepRad Quad
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TechMinds: RigExpert Responds to TechMinds’ Review of the FobosSDR

In a previous video released last week, Matt from the TechMinds YouTube channel reviewed the RigExpert FobosSDR. The FobosSDR is an RX-only USB 3.0 device, with a 100 kHz to 6 GHz tuning range, 50 MHz of bandwidth, and 14-bit ADC resolution. It comes in at a price reasonable for its specs, which is US$395 from US resellers and from EU resellers around 495,00 €.

However, while the specs look good on paper, Matt's previous review exposed some severe imaging problems with the device, and noted that lower cost SDRs with similar specs performed much better. Imaging is when strong out of band signals overlap onto other bands, causing issues with receiving signals. This is usually a symptom of incorrect code, poorly thought out design, or poor filtering in hardware.

In the latest video Matt goes through RigExpert's reply to his video review. In the video the reply from RigExpert stresses that only certain sample rates chosen by the user will result in correct performance in terms of imaging. When the correct sampling rate is chosen Matt observes that the imaging is resolved on the HF bands, although it does not help with the broadcast FM band imaging onto the airband in VHF.

RigExpert also stresses that the FobosSDR is not designed to be a high performance HF SDR and that it is designed to excel in the 50 MHz to 6 GHz range only. However, Matt points out that their marketing goes against this statement, as it advertises that FobosSDR has applications in "high performance HF" and "HAM radio".

They also note that the official software for FobosSDR is uSDR, and this should be used for best performance. But in his tests, Matt notes that the uSDR software has poor audio quality and FFT resolution on the waterfall, with no settings found to improve it.

Overall, many of the problems seem to stem from a disconnect between the marketing, documentation, and technical people working on the FobosSDR. It also seems that some of the issues could have been solved with additional or tighter built-in filters. But with the retail cost already in the upper range of this spec bracket, they may have opted for the cheaper option which is to tell users to use external filters if necessary. 

RigExpert Responded To My Fobos SDR Review Video!

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