In an era where communication and signal monitoring are crucial, having a portable and versatile signal intelligence (SIGINT) setup can be invaluable. As an avid radio enthusiast and member of the Goa Radio Amateurs Society (GRAS), I embarked on a project to build a comprehensive go box using HackRF One and PortaPack H2. This setup not only enhances my ability to analyze and decode various signals on the go but also integrates multiple communication tools for a wide range of operations.
Components and Setup
- HackRF One and PortaPack H2:
- HackRF One: A powerful software-defined radio (SDR) capable of transmitting and receiving signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz.
- PortaPack H2: An add-on for the HackRF One, equipped with a touchscreen interface and additional controls. It runs on Mayhem firmware, which enhances its functionalities, making it a standalone portable spectrum analyzer and signal decoder.
- Handheld Transceivers:
- Various Models: The go box includes multiple handheld transceivers for VHF/UHF communication. These are essential for local communication and monitoring during field operations.
- Power Supply:
- Coolnut Power Bank: A 60 Ah power source to ensure all devices in the go box can operate for extended periods without interruption.
- D6 Pro: An additional power supply that provides extra capacity and ensures the setup can be used continuously in the field.
- Tablet:
- Functionality: The tablet runs various applications relevant to radio operations, such as logging, signal analysis, and remote control of the HackRF.
- Speaker and Accessories:
- Speaker: Integrated into the setup for clear audio output during signal monitoring and decoding.
- Drone Batteries: Repurposed to provide additional power support for extended operations.
- Cables and Connectors: Organized neatly to ensure quick setup and connection of different components as needed.
Assembly and Configuration
The assembly process was straightforward, focusing on modularity and ease of access:
- Modular Layout: Each component is housed in a specific section within a sturdy case, ensuring protection and ease of use.
- Firmware Installation: The HackRF and PortaPack were flashed with the latest Mayhem firmware, unlocking advanced features such as wideband spectrum sweeps, signal decoding, and more.
- Custom Configurations: Antennas and connectors were configured based on the frequency ranges and types of signals I intended to monitor and decode.
Advanced Capabilities and Features
This SIGINT go box setup offers a wide range of capabilities:
- Spectrum Analysis: Using the PortaPack’s built-in spectrum analyzer, I can scan and monitor a wide range of frequencies, identifying and analyzing various signals.
- Signal Decoding: The setup can decode different signal types, including FM, AM, SSB, CW, and various digital modes, thanks to the versatility of the Mayhem firmware.
- Frequency Hopping and Monitoring: Capable of monitoring frequency-hopping signals, essential for tracking modern communication methods.
- Data Logging and Analysis: With the tablet’s applications, I can log and analyze data in real-time, making it easier to identify patterns and anomalies.
- Transmitting Capabilities: The HackRF One can transmit signals, making it possible to conduct experiments in signal propagation and communication testing.
- Wide Frequency Range: Covers a broad spectrum from 1 MHz to 6 GHz, allowing for monitoring and analyzing a variety of signals from different sources.
- ADSB and AIS Monitoring: The setup can monitor Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADSB) signals from aircraft and Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals from ships, providing real-time data on air and maritime traffic.
- Satellite Communication: Capable of receiving and decoding signals from various satellites, including weather satellites, amateur radio satellites, and more.
- Emergency Signal Detection: Can detect emergency signals and broadcasts, making it valuable for search and rescue operations and disaster response.
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Advanced DSP techniques are employed to filter and analyze signals, enhancing the ability to extract meaningful information from noisy environments.
- Cryptographic Analysis: Capable of capturing and analyzing encrypted communications, useful for studying encryption protocols and signal security.
- Intrusion Detection: Monitoring for unauthorized transmissions and intrusions in restricted frequency bands, enhancing security measures in critical areas.
- Environmental Monitoring: Capable of receiving and decoding environmental sensor data, such as weather stations and pollution monitors, which broadcast on specific frequencies.
- Network Analysis: Monitoring and analyzing data networks that operate over radio frequencies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other IoT devices.
Field Testing and Applications
After assembling the go box, extensive field testing was conducted to ensure all components functioned as expected:
- Spectrum Analysis:
- Wideband Scanning: Using the PortaPack’s built-in spectrum analyzer, I scanned and monitored a wide range of frequencies. This allowed me to identify and analyze various signals, from local FM broadcasts to shortwave transmissions.
- Signal Identification: The wideband scanning capability enabled quick identification of signals of interest, including unknown or suspicious transmissions, which were then logged for further analysis.
- Signal Decoding:
- FM, AM, SSB, and CW: The setup proved effective in decoding different signal types, allowing for clear reception of various broadcast and amateur radio transmissions.
- Digital Modes: Utilizing advanced digital decoding features, the setup successfully decoded modes such as PSK31, FT8, and other digital communication formats used by amateur radio operators.
- Local Communication:
- Handheld Transceivers: The transceivers facilitated clear and reliable communication during field operations. These were crucial for coordinating activities and ensuring seamless communication between team members.
- Cross-Band Repeater Functionality: The go box setup allowed for cross-band repeating, extending the range and flexibility of local communications.
- ADSB and AIS Monitoring:
- Aircraft Tracking: The ADSB capability allowed real-time tracking of aircraft, providing valuable data on flight paths, altitudes, and speeds.
- Maritime Tracking: AIS monitoring provided real-time information on ship movements, enhancing situational awareness for maritime activities.
- Emergency Signal Detection:
- Rescue Operations: The ability to detect emergency signals and broadcasts proved invaluable for search and rescue operations. It ensured timely response to distress calls and emergency broadcasts.
- Disaster Response: The go box setup facilitated effective communication and coordination during disaster response scenarios, improving overall operational efficiency.
- Environmental Monitoring:
- Weather Stations: Decoding signals from weather stations provided real-time meteorological data, aiding in weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.
- Pollution Monitors: Receiving data from pollution monitors helped track air quality and environmental conditions in the field.
- Network Analysis:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Monitoring: The setup was capable of monitoring and analyzing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, providing insights into local network activities and potential security vulnerabilities.
- IoT Device Monitoring: The ability to monitor IoT devices operating on radio frequencies added an extra layer of intelligence gathering.
The signal intelligence go box with HackRF and PortaPack H2 has been a successful project, enhancing my capabilities in signal monitoring and communication. This portable setup is not only practical for field operations but also serves as an excellent tool for education and experimentation in the realm of radio communications.
For those interested in building their own SIGINT go box, I recommend focusing on modularity, ensuring all components are easily accessible and interchangeable. Investing in reliable power sources and high-quality connectors will also pay off in the long run.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further details on this project!