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Great Scott Gadgets HackRF - User Manual

Great Scott Gadgets HackRF
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HackRF
Great Scott Gadgets
Jul 15, 2021

Table of Contents

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Summary

Getting Started with HackRF and GNU Radio

Try Your HackRF with Pentoo Linux

Guide to setting up HackRF with the Pentoo Linux distribution for initial use.

Software Setup

Instructions for installing HackRF software on various operating systems.

Examples

Provides examples for testing HackRF functionality and basic usage.

HackRF Sweep Tool

HackRF Sweep Usage

Details the command-line arguments and usage of the hackrf_sweep tool.

HackRF Sweep Output Fields

Explains the meaning of the output columns generated by hackrf_sweep.

Operating System Tips for HackRF

Package Managers for HackRF

Guidance on installing HackRF software using package managers for different Linux distributions.

Building HackRF from Source

Instructions for compiling HackRF tools from source code.

HackRF One Hardware

HackRF One Features

Lists the key features and specifications of the HackRF One hardware.

HackRF One vs. Jawbreaker

Compares the HackRF One hardware with its predecessor, Jawbreaker.

HackRF One Enclosure Options

Discusses available enclosure options for the HackRF One.

Using HackRF One Buttons

Explains the function of the RESET and DFU buttons on the HackRF One.

HackRF SMA Connector Type

Clarifies the antenna connector type and potential compatibility issues.

HackRF Transmit Power

Details the transmit power capabilities of HackRF One across different frequencies.

HackRF Receive Power Limits

Specifies the maximum receive power handling capacity and damage risks.

HackRF External Clock Interface

Explains the usage and specifications of the external clock interface.

HackRF Hardware Documentation

Provides links to hardware schematics, assembly diagrams, and bill of materials.

HackRF Expansion Interface

Describes the various expansion headers available on the HackRF One board.

Opera Cake Antenna Switch

Using Opera Cake

Instructions for configuring and using the Opera Cake antenna switching add-on.

Opera Cake Board Address

Explains how to set and list the I2C address for Opera Cake boards.

Opera Cake Ports

Details the input and output ports available on the Opera Cake board.

Opera Cake Frequency Bands

Describes how to pre-configure HackRF for frequency bands with Opera Cake.

Updating HackRF Firmware

Updating SPI Flash Firmware

Step-by-step guide to updating the HackRF's SPI flash firmware.

Updating CPLD

Instructions for updating the CPLD bitstream on older HackRF firmware versions.

DFU Boot Mode for HackRF

Explains how to boot HackRF into DFU mode for firmware recovery.

Recovering SPI Flash Firmware

Details the process of recovering SPI flash firmware using DFU mode.

Obtaining DFU-Util Tool

Instructions for installing the DFU-Util tool required for firmware updates.

HackRF FAQ and Troubleshooting

HackRF Access Issues on Linux

Troubleshoots common Linux access issues, including permissions and udev rules.

USB Autosuspend Problems

Addresses issues caused by USB autosuspend and how to disable it.

HackRF Kernel Module Conflicts

Discusses conflicts with kernel modules and how to blacklist them.

HackRF Set Sample Rate Fails

Troubleshooting advice for the `hackrf_set_sample_rate` command failure.

Understanding Spectrum Spikes (DC Offset)

Explains DC offset as a common phenomenon in SDR and HackRF.

Handling DC Offset

Provides methods to handle or mitigate DC offset in received signals.

HackRF System Requirements

Lists the minimum hardware and software requirements for using HackRF.

HackRF LEDs Explained

Describes the function and colors of the LEDs on the HackRF One.

HackRF Half-Duplex Operation

Explains the half-duplex nature of HackRF One and potential for full-duplex.

HackRF Receive Sensitivity

Discusses how to determine HackRF's receive sensitivity for specific applications.

HackRF General Troubleshooting

Addresses issues with signal frequency changes and firmware/CPLD mismatches.

HackRF Projects and Demos

Jawbreaker Spectrum Analyzer

Example of using HackRF for spectrum analysis, with a link to a demo.

Wireless Microphones with HackRF

Example project involving wireless microphones and HackRF.

LEGO Car Control with HackRF

Project description about controlling a LEGO car using HackRF.

Automotive Keyless Entry Systems

Example of using HackRF for automotive remote keyless entry systems.

Sniffing GSM with HackRF

Example of using HackRF for sniffing GSM signals.

Decoding Pocsag Pagers with HackRF

Example of decoding Pocsag pagers using HackRF.

HackRF vs. Tesla Model S Comparison

Project comparing HackRF capabilities with a Tesla Model S.

Getting Help with HackRF

HackRF GitHub Issues

Information on seeking assistance and reporting issues via GitHub.

HackRF Mailing List Archives

Guidance on accessing past discussions via the HackRF-dev mailing list.

HackRF Community Support Channels

Information on community support channels like Discord and IRC.

HackRF Tips and Tricks

USB Cables for HackRF

Discusses the importance of USB cable selection for HackRF performance.

Sampling Rate and Baseband Filters

Explains the impact of sampling rate and baseband filters on signal quality.

Firmware Development Setup

HackRF Firmware Build Instructions

Directs users to the repository for instructions on building firmware.

LPC43 xx Debugging

Black Magic Probe Debugging

Details how to use a Black Magic Probe for debugging the LPC43xx.

LPC-Link Debugging Tool

Information on using LPC-Link for debugging with LPCXpresso boards.

ST-LINK;V2 Debugger Setup

Setup and configuration for using an ST-LINK/V2 debugger.

Running ARM GDB for Debugging

Provides tips and commands for running ARM GDB for debugging.

HackRF Hardware Components

MAX2837 Transceiver Chip

Lists the MAX2837 transceiver and related documentation.

MAX5864 ADC;DAC Chip

Details the MAX5864 ADC/DAC chip and its datasheet.

Si5351 Clock Generator

Information on the Si5351 clock generator and its documentation.

LPC43 xx Microcontroller

Lists the LPC43xx microcontroller and its user manual.

RFFC5072 Mixer;Synthesizer

Details the RFFC5072 mixer/synthesizer and its documentation.

W25 Q80 BV Flash Memory

Mentions the W25Q80BV 8M-bit Flash memory component.

HackRF Block Diagrams

Presents block diagrams of the HackRF frontend/baseband architecture.

HackRF Digital Stage Block Diagram

Shows the block diagram for the HackRF digital stage.

HackRF Clocking

Si5351 Clock Signal Generation

Explains how clock signals are generated by the Si5351 for HackRF.

Lemondrop;Jellybean Clock Mapping

Details the clock output mapping for Lemondrop/Jellybean boards.

Jawbreaker Clock Mapping

Outlines the clock output mapping for the Jawbreaker board.

Multi-Device HackRF Synchronization

Purpose of Hardware Synchronization

Explains the need for hardware-level synchronization for multiple HackRF devices.

Related Synchronization Work

Mentions related work on synchronizing HackRFs using the CPLD.

Requirements for Synchronization

Lists the necessary hardware components for device synchronization.

Opening Your HackRF Device

Warns about opening the HackRF case and directs to a video guide.

Connecting Clocks for Synchronization

Guides on connecting clock signals between HackRF devices for synchronization.

Identifying HackRF Pin Headers

Explains how to identify specific pin headers on the HackRF board.

Wiring Pin Headers for Synchronization

Step-by-step instructions for wiring pin headers for synchronization.

Upgrading HackRF Firmware for Sync

Instructions for upgrading HackRF firmware and libhackrf.

Testing HackRF Synchronization

Describes how to test hardware synchronization using hackrf_transfer.

Next Steps for Multi-Device HackRF

Discusses future possibilities and improvements for multi-device setups.

Software Support for HackRF

Software with HackRF Support Overview

Overview of software compatible with HackRF.

GNU Radio Based Software

Lists GNU Radio applications that support HackRF.

Software with Direct HackRF Support

Lists software with direct HackRF support.

Tools for Processing HackRF Data

Lists tools that can process HackRF data files.

HackRF Command Line Tools

Introduces the command-line tools provided for HackRF interaction.

Handling HackRF Data with Matlab

Provides an example of handling HackRF data using Matlab.

libHackRF API Reference

libHackRF Setup and Shutdown

Describes functions for initializing and shutting down the libHackRF library.

HackRF Initialization Function

Function to initialize libHackRF and the USB context.

HackRF Device Opening Function

Function to open a HackRF device.

HackRF Device Listing Function

Function to retrieve a list of attached HackRF devices.

Opening HackRF from Device List

Opens a specific HackRF device from a list.

Freeing HackRF Device List Memory

Frees memory associated with the HackRF device list.

Opening HackRF by Serial Number

Opens a HackRF device using its serial number.

Closing HackRF Device Connection

Closes a connection to a HackRF device.

Exiting libHackRF

Shuts down the libHackRF library and USB context.

Using the HackRF Radio Functions

Covers functions for starting and stopping radio operations (RX/TX).

Setting Baseband Filter Bandwidth

Function to set the baseband filter bandwidth.

Reading and Writing Device Registers

Covers functions for reading and writing device registers.

Updating HackRF Firmware via API

Covers functions for updating HackRF firmware components.

Writing to CPLD via API

Function to write firmware to the CPLD.

HackRF Board Identifier Functions

Functions for reading board identification information.

HackRF Miscellaneous API Functions

Miscellaneous utility functions for libHackRF.

HackRF API Data Structures

Describes data structures used by the libHackRF API.

HackRF API Enumerations

Lists enumerations used within the libHackRF API.

HackRF Transceiver Modes

Defines transceiver modes for HackRF operation.

HackRF Jawbreaker Beta Platform

Jawbreaker Features

Lists the key features of the HackRF Jawbreaker beta platform.

Jawbreaker Antenna Modification

Guide to modifying Jawbreaker to use external antennas by disabling the PCB antenna.

Jawbreaker SMA Connector Clarification

Clarifies SMA vs. RP-SMA connectors for Jawbreaker.

Jawbreaker Transmit Power

Details the transmit power of Jawbreaker across different frequencies.

Jawbreaker Hardware Documentation

Provides links to hardware documentation for Jawbreaker.

Jawbreaker Expansion Interface

Describes the expansion interface headers on the Jawbreaker.

Jawbreaker LPC Boot Configuration

Details boot configuration options for the LPC interface.

Jawbreaker P19 SPIFI Header

Lists pins and functions for the P19 SPIFI intercept header.

Jawbreaker P20 GPIO Header

Lists pins and functions for the P20 GPIO header.

Jawbreaker P21 Analog Header

Lists pins and functions for the P21 Analog header.

Jawbreaker P22 I2 S Header

Lists pins and functions for the P22 I2S header.

Jawbreaker P25 LPC_ISP Header

Lists pins and functions for the P25 LPC_ISP header.

Jawbreaker P26 LPC_JTAG Header

Lists pins and functions for the P26 LPC_JTAG header.

Jawbreaker P28 SD Header

Lists pins and functions for the P28 SD header.

Jawbreaker CPLD Interface

Details the CPLD expansion interface headers.

Jawbreaker P29 CPLD_JTAG Header

Lists pins and functions for the P29 CPLD_JTAG header.

Jawbreaker P30 BANK2_AUX Header

Lists pins and functions for the P30 BANK2_AUX header.

Jawbreaker P31 BANK1_AUX Header

Lists pins and functions for the P31 BANK1_AUX header.

Jawbreaker External Clock Setup

Discusses external clock connections and component requirements.

Jawbreaker P2 CLKOUT Header

Details the P2 CLKOUT header pins and functions.

Jawbreaker P16 CLKIN Header

Details the P16 CLKIN header pins and functions.

Jawbreaker P17 CLKIN Jumper

Describes the P17 CLKIN jumper for enabling external clock input.

HackRF Design Goals

Primary HackRF Design Goals

Lists the main design objectives for the HackRF project.

HackRF Wish List Features

Outlines desired features and improvements for future HackRF designs.

Future HackRF Hardware Modifications

Future Antenna Design Considerations

Considers antenna design choices for future HackRF hardware.

Future Baseband Modifications

Discusses potential modifications to the baseband interface.

Future CPLD Considerations

Considers removing or replacing the CPLD in future hardware.

Future Clocking Design

Discusses clock signal considerations and potential RTC integration.

Future USB Enhancements

Explores possibilities for enhanced USB support in future hardware.

Future Power Management Design

Discusses power management options for future HackRF designs.

Future Regulator Circuitry

Mentions potential changes to regulator circuitry.

Future Button Additions

Suggests adding reset or DFU buttons to future hardware.

Future Shielding Considerations

Considers adding RF shielding to future hardware designs.

Future Footprint Improvements

Suggests improvements to component footprints for better soldering.

Future Shield Support Design

Discusses support for add-on shields and header configurations.

Lemondrop Bring Up Guide

Si5351 I2 C Setup

Details the process of bringing up the Si5351 I2C clock generator.

Si5351 I2 C Connections

Lists the physical connections required for Si5351 I2C setup.

Bus Pirate I2 C Initialization

Provides commands for initializing the Bus Pirate for I2C communication.

Reading Si5351 Registers

Shows how to read registers from the Si5351 using I2C.

Writing to Si5351 Registers

Demonstrates writing registers to the Si5351 via I2C.

Si5351 Output Phase Relationships

Discusses phase relationships of Si5351 outputs with different configurations.

LPC4350 SGPIO Experimentation

SGPIO Examples

Introduces examples of using the LPC43xx SGPIO peripheral.

Jiggling SGPIO Pins from GPIO Mode

Example code for toggling SGPIO pins in GPIO mode for testing.

Controlling SGPIO Pins from SGPIO Mode

Example code for controlling SGPIO pins from within the SGPIO peripheral.

Serializing Data with SGPIO

Example code for serializing data using SGPIO with a slice clock source.

Great Scott Gadgets HackRF Specifications

General IconGeneral
Frequency Range1 MHz to 6 GHz
Bandwidth20 MHz
Half-Duplex TransceiverYes
InterfaceUSB 2.0
ADC Resolution8-bit
DAC Resolution8-bit
Power SourceUSB powered
Operating SystemsLinux, Windows, MacOS