✅ HackRF Portapack H2: Looking Glass Beginner Guide (See All The Things)

[@RTPTechTips]

💻 *coreboot Laptop:* bmc.link/politictech/commissions (intel ME neut / supports chan) 🎗 *SUPPORT OPTIONS:* bmc.link/politictech ➡ *CLEARNET BLOG:* bmc.link/politictech/posts (follow to watch early content) 🧄 *I2P HOSTED BLOG:* righttoprivacy.i2p (watch videos anon / in advance) *THANK YOU FOR SHARING VIDEO / CHANNEL*

[@Jonathan-wm8gk]

This is one of the best videos on the hackrf portapack, its such a challenge to find good tutorial videos on it that aren't surface level stuff. Please make more of these! Would be great to see in depth how to's for each app and what each feature/thing is. Such a lack of great video content for this you will dominate!

[@RTPTechTips]

Hey thanks! I enjoy Hackrf + Portapack H2 quite a bit. And your feedback meant a lot. Definitely planning more hackrf videos. :)

[@Bailey-k2j]

Very cool. This how radar screens on military fighter jets look. Except instead of lines, you get a marker (target) with every radar sweep, unless you're in the F-22, which uses a phase array radar, which will hold a steady line on any target, for live tracking and weapon guidance. Phase array can also lock multiple targets at once.

[@RTPTechTips]

That's interesting. Thank you for the comment!

[@LudoTheGreat]

Loving the HackRF stuff. Please continue with more videos dedicated to specific apps.

[@RTPTechTips]

Sure I plan to do more videos. Thanks for watching.

[@fvcedown1596]

Agreed, really solid breakdown. I especially like how you take the time to explain the details too🎉🎉

[@RTPTechTips]

Really appreciate that! :)

[@EliasOda]

@@RTPTechTips Where can i find the lin for the speaker install. Thank?

[@RTPTechTips]

@@EliasOda I apologize, didn't receive your comment notification. Sorry for late reply: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6rlWaDqcSpd6c The source was an old laptop (thinkpad in this case) speaker. You can choose any you have on hand. In my case, the laptop speaker was much higher quality / louder than the ones that come with the kits (some kits you can barely hear it). Making it worthwhile IME.

[@ralphthebrick]

Many thanks....Looking forward to more Hack RF content 👍

[@RTPTechTips]

Thank you, and glad you liked it. Look forward to doing some more.

[@jeffreywyke368]

CAREFUL when transmitting so close to the HackRF (like you did with your Baofeng)!!!!! You can BURN OUT the built-in RF amplifier inside the HackRF.

[@RTPTechTips]

For sure - I mention it in other videos, but you are 100% right -- this can never be said enough! Protect your device. Don't take chances like I did here. Thanks for your comment!

[@UrRealestCritic]

Damn I didn’t know this, thanks for the info . I won’t be doing that again

[@Madintro]

How would one know if they've fried their rx amp?

[@RTPTechTips]

You will have a lot of unclear signal, lots of static. It just won't receive the way it used to. That's one big sign. Just now saw your comment / missed notification.

[@RTPTechTips]

Another thing to consider is: start low. Don't add amplification in areas where high red saturation of signals show. Add it slowly, enough to pick up the signal. And while listening, hit the dfu button twice to see the RX saturation. You want to keep it well below 100 for safety. Then hit DFU button again to make that same window with RX Saturation level disappear.

[@Chris-bg8mk]

So glad you told us how the arrow keys work. 🤤

[@kevinwong_2016]

I love your channel❤️💀 The reason i don't really comment on your videos is because i mostly watch on Peer Tube💀

[@RTPTechTips]

Thank you!! Really appreciate that. I enjoy peertube as well, but, most users discover channels through YT. People can then watch wherever! :)

[@kevinwong_2016]

​@@RTPTechTips thank you❤️💀

[@twojstary512]

just came to see what you can do with your hackrf, thank you brother

[@RTPTechTips]

Very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@adamgreene831]

what an incredible video. well done sir. thank you so much!

[@RTPTechTips]

Hey thank you. Glad to know you enjoyed it!

[@MrCHATTERJEE01]

excellent tutorial 😍

[@RTPTechTips]

Thank you. Really appreciate your feedback on this! Simple and useful. 🙂

[@joecizin9357]

Great stuff, how and where, do you get and load apps. eg Maps and others, on to the sd card with V2.0 firmware.? 👍👍

[@paranoidzkitszo]

thru the firmware update itself....but every once in awhile, and obviously the first time arround, you want to select the version download tat includes the map and sd card contents. you don't have to ever time...but ii do...just takes a smidge longger removing the sd card and unzipping te contents onto it is the best meethod......so slow wwith the usb/sd link...then i just plop the sd back into the hrf, navigate to utilities, flash/k firmware option....and(if you have done many then you'll have to make sure it's the current 1) click on the firmware file....it'll take about 15 sec and boots on its own..... then you have a fresh, new, updated, mapped, filed, sampled, hack rf porta pack. To get the files google "last portapack firmware" or "mayhem portapack firmware" - if having trouble finding them through the files on github(can be overwhelming for some), then click ctr f on the github page for portapack firmware and search for the word release. Clicking on that wll take you to either the list of releases or the latest release...either or the most current will be on the top. Google portapack wiki for the user manual for the device......I know alot of people refer to it as te hack rf....but in the formfactor it is n...it is more porta pack than hackrf.......searching for hackrf firmware will cause you to get into the technical side of things if you are so inclined to do so......but it can be a steep learning curve filled with driver updates and driver hunts.....command line debauchery...self massification/ deprecation.

[@RTPTechTips]

At the bottom of this page: github.com/portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware/releases/tag/v2.0.0 I thought I had replied whoops

[@selfcontrol9982]

Your videos have useful information. Thank You

[@RTPTechTips]

Always happy to hear others find useful, thanks for watching!

[@b20inside]

Great job keep them coming!

[@RTPTechTips]

Thanks glad you like it! Planning more content.

[@Agamemnon-w9x]

I'd like to get one of these, I want to experiment and learn more about devices like these

[@RTPTechTips]

It's worth having - look at the mayhem firmware wiki / page, and find the links to supported portapacks. OpenSourceSDRLabs is one affordable provider there.

[@907-q7u]

Can this do everything the Ubertooth can do? I mainly want to log all devices to a database. Not sure if Ubertooth would be better for that purpose.

[@RTPTechTips]

TBH I never took a look at Ubertooth - apparently they retired the device in 2022. According to GSG page: greatscottgadgets.com/2022/12-22-ubertooth-retirement/ "At the time Ubertooth One was designed, BLE didn’t yet exist. The protocol now known as Bluetooth Classic was the only Bluetooth protocol. It was common for Bluetooth devices to operate in non-discoverable mode, making them invisible to all but the most expensive monitoring tools. Ubertooth One made it possible to detect and identify non-discoverable Bluetooth devices, an essential function for wireless security practitioners and researchers. Today, most Bluetooth devices use BLE rather than Bluetooth Classic, and several low-cost options are available for monitoring BLE. *For more esoteric capabilities, including the detection of non-discoverable Bluetooth Classic devices, researchers can use Software Defined Radio platforms such as HackRF One to implement the same functions as Ubertooth.* "

[@RicoSandoval-wz4zp]

Im looking to capture gps signals. any advice?

[@mysafename1694]

I just got mine a few days ago still learning how to use it. I do have a flipper zero as well. Which antennas do you recommend for the Looking Glass? I'm assuming it's going to be based on what you're scanning for. Most likely ham radio. Some cordless phones key bobs. I purchased the kit with all the antennas.

[@RTPTechTips]

I recommend diamond FH9 as a good affordable extendable antenna. This is what I use now, and works great extending over 30 inches (or much shorter).

[@danizanzibar4344]

wowowow looks like you're reading the matrix!!!!

[@RTPTechTips]

That's one way to look at it! Everything has frequency.

[@Bombinshoealala]

Appreciate the video but maybe adjust the volume when playing sound through your device. It makes you difficult to hear.

[@RTPTechTips]

Sure, and thanks for the feedback - helps me improve future videos.

[@johnnysjumps]

great video

[@RTPTechTips]

Thank you!

[@wg99er]

In all honesty all modern police scanners have a "close call" function that picks up nearby transmissions that works better then these SDR gadgets. You can also search for freqencies on them as well, so if those two things are all your doing a scanner would be more practical.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

A great video! Thank you.

[@RTPTechTips]

Thanks for your support on this video!

[@Atticus118]

Im really just trying to find a radio i can either update firmware or already has firmware that already has built in speaker so i can listen to every frequency i dont transmit but i like just listing to every thing i can find. Everything from shortwave,cb,ham,all emergency like police fire ambulance, aircraft and marine and various others or any radio people use. If you have any suggestions or ideas please let me know. I was kind looking at the uv-5 or uv-6

[@RTPTechTips]

The Hackrf has a wide range from 1,3MHz-6GHz. Though you mention wanting to listen to all, some emergency services etc will have migrated to digital, which would not be as straight forward for listening in. Something like a Baofeng is also useful to have (have other videos sharing tips on UV-5R).

[@DirtyPlumbus]

Alright you got me, I subbed. 👍

[@RTPTechTips]

Appreciate that!

[@iyeetsecurity922]

So, you can _"see"_ the signal. What's the point? What do you do with it?

[@RTPTechTips]

Regarding this app: explore more of what is out there from more of a "bird's eye view" (instead of a very limited closeup, as seen in portapack audio app). Having overall larger field of vision / visual on screen, when scanning range of interest, can bring something of interest to your attention faster once comfortable. From there, can listen on top of it as shown in video demo, or, can use any number of apps to record, analyze, manipulate, transmit. Up to user.

[@iyeetsecurity922]

@@RTPTechTips Thanks. I've got a lot to learn.

[@5daystiltheweekend]

my looking glass doesn't have presets. v2.0.1 any idea of how to fix

[@RTPTechTips]

sounds like you need to copy the files on mayhem firmware page to the sdcard. That is where presets are stored.

[@5daystiltheweekend]

@@RTPTechTips thank you that sorted it.

[@Neutronium1]

What is the difference between the normal HackRF one, and the HackRF R9?

[@RTPTechTips]

During the supply chain described as "chip shortage" last few years, a few chip substitutions were made on the board. Read a bit more, here: www.greatscottgadgets.com/2023/03-20-hackrf-one-availability-update/

[@PhuketMyMac]

More hackRF content please

[@RTPTechTips]

Thanks for the feedback. Planning on it! 🙂

[@CrankyBuddha]

My portapack doesnt have a preset thing in the looking glass?

[@RTPTechTips]

Need to prepare the microsdcard fat32 and extract the files from mayhem sdcard firmware page. That's what you are most likely missing.

[@jdhtexas]

My looking glass is staying on "manual" in the preset. It wont scroll to other band settings. Is there a way to fix that?

[@RTPTechTips]

I imagine you set up your sdcard as the mayhem firmware page recommends? I haven't heard of anyone experiencing your issue, but definitely would make sure to have the sdcard made and inserted to make sure everything loads that is supposed to. Otherwise, next thought would be the dial / knob if it isn't changing values.

[@jdhtexas]

@@RTPTechTipsYou were correct! That fixed it. Many thanks!

[@RTPTechTips]

@@jdhtexasAwesome!

[@mesapysch]

I have been playing around in Looking Glass and I added a speaker but I get random beeping. Do you know what that is? Maybe some kind of signal peaking?

[@RTPTechTips]

Could be radio beeps, but I'd have to see more what you mean to see. Where is beeping coming from? Listening to radio signal, or randomly from speaker?

[@mesapysch]

@@RTPTechTips The speaker. Changing the frequency range affects it (P:). Volume reduces it. VGA and bip affects it also.

[@RTPTechTips]

Hmm I really haven't seen this. Though I would be very careful with VGA and other amplifier settings as you may harm your radio sensitivity if working with too strong a signal. I was thinking maybe a feature could be added that "beeps" when rx saturation is too high... Not sure if this relates to beep, as it was just an idea I had.

[@RTPTechTips]

to protect your device, keep settings relating to amplification as low as you can while still able to receive intended signal.. for longevity.

[@mesapysch]

@@RTPTechTips Sounds good! I work for the Philly Red Cross radio team and I'm using the Hack RF as part of my emergency equip for seeking freq. My Looking Glass menu has more settings that yours such as bip and axiqcal.

[@mysafename1694]

Who actually uses pages anymore I have not seen in many years since I used to sell them back in 1989

[@burning4902]

where is a good place to buy this?

[@RTPTechTips]

I received mine in this video, as a gift. But my latest video shows another I bought - just search for OpenSourceSDRLab (info also on the wiki for mayhem firmware) and you will find an affordable option (yt removes link comments)! And my latest video shows what it looks like.

[@danieljamesbinderystu2968]

I just bought one, the problem i am running into is most of the literature and videos on the Hackrf portapack h2 explain things like you already know whats what. Most explain like we already knkw the basics. I still havent found anyone explain the most used antennas, and what to use for what purpose. Also nobody ever explains what antenna they are using in their videos. I have no clue, i got 3 antennas with mine and dont know what to use for what. I know what 2.4ghz is, thats about it. What antenna is the most common range you use? I am so lost is even finding someone to explain the antennas in a simple, 1st user basic way.

[@RTPTechTips]

Best to start with extendable antenna. The reason to go with extendable antenna is you will have ability to change legnth. Any radio related videos on antenna tuning will also work for the hackrf / portapack, could start watching any of those as a suggestion, for learning about antenna length.

[@TURBOSMOOVE-n6r]

Thats AM Can it do ssb?

[@RTPTechTips]

Sure: github.com/portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware/issues/269 github.com/portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware/issues/198

[@tomastomas595]

Hallo brother . happy Easter🎉🎉🎉 I hawe question... I hawe old iPhone, and I forgot the code.. Cann I do magic with my (hackrfone portapack)? It's really my phone (old one). Is it the chance, or option too make attack, or just pass this Funktion? Thanks and sorry for my English 😅

[@RTPTechTips]

That would be pretty neat wouldn't it? Unfortunately, not. 😥 Happy Easter to you!! 🙂📡🛰🌏

[@Mark_B544]

So what is the point of this besides looking at pretty patterns?

[@RTPTechTips]

LOL - it can be pretty. 😄 Compared to audio app, looking glass offers more of a "birds eye view" for scanning / viewing much larger range of signals all at once. And ability to flip through various preset entire ranges quickly, to immediately observe entire range fit into the screen (ie: wifi, shortwave, FM radio), crowding, strong signals areas you may like to take a closer look at. When you have a plan for your radio - or even use this app to assist plan using another radio, it can help visualize much broader range than other apps. Really, lots of uses and app provides nice place to start exploring.

[@stormk-1130]

For the people that dont give a damn about stealing, hacking or something illegal in general. How can this be useful for legal stuff?

[@RTPTechTips]

Good question, as there are common misconceptions. Given hackrf is most commonly seen doing ethical pentesting (legal / authorized security testing) / other. Also very useful for other 100% legal stuff. In fact I personally only use SDR for 100% legal test purposes / experiments / listening to radio (and in case unaware), everything seen on this channel is legal (in USA at least it is legal to receive radio - transmitting is where US residents should do their due diligence prior to experimenting, to avoid interrupting other devices). Just as you can do same receiving (smaller range) with rtl-sdr (another, less expensive receiver only option). In one use case example, I randomly discovered a privacy concern. Browsing random signals, I found my Qubes laptop (an operating system for security) speakers were acting as a remotely transmitting microphone (when amp active, specific freq pick up all sounds around computer, from my own talking, to the video audio playing on my laptop): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHyQdJakm7WSrdU Another legal use case: person used SDR to find out his utility company was ripping him off, and was able to find out how much, and save himself money in the long-run. This is an example of checking on that (not same exact story, unfortunately unable to track that one down atm): www.rtl-sdr.com/reading-household-wireless-utility-meters-with-an-rtl-sdr-and-plotting-the-data-in-home-automation-software/ In one of the most common / easy "normal" uses cases, for those who enjoy the idea of listening to FM, or even ham radio / shortwave, check out my other video sharing listening to shortwave band: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5TJg3uElspkb7c While many apps are apt for security / signals / pentesting research / testing, even outside that realm, it is fun to play with / have around - but your mileage may vary depending on interests. And really, outside listening to public radio channels, ham etc, people use hackrf to develop / engineer entirely new radio hardware. Its purpose is for working with radio signals, in custom ways. From there, they can take their research, and build the custom hardware they dreamed up. Some people (who want to listen to common radio channels) may simply want a baofeng UV-5R. Those are simple handheld radios that run around $25, and one use is picking up certain public emergency transmissions (finding out what is happening in area can be interesting). Hope this helps, and maybe someone else can chime in with other uses! :)

[@stormk-1130]

@@RTPTechTips Thanks for the info brother. Sounds pretty interesting man, those example You give me are pretty interesting. I personally not a pro i'm hacking, programming, etc. But i saw a video with Linus tech, and i find this device pretty interesting. I don't find a use in my case. So idk why should i buy it. Is not that expensive i could Buy it and play with it.

[@RTPTechTips]

@@stormk-1130 NP. It can be fun to have around, especially since some are selling kits for around 150 or less, ended up grabbing a 2nd for another project! :) Another example, at an airshow, it allowed me to for the very first time identify what models of aircraft I was looking at. Definitely neat, and always coming across new uses. Hackrf's development was actually funded by US gov: DARPA specifically. What makes it unique, is the ability to both receive / transmit between 3MHz-6GHz. Really opens up the world of radio at an affordable price compared to high end tech. Thanks for watching and for your comment! I will have to check out that Linus video to see what he has to say about it.

[@ANDYGLEGENDSSING]

It teaches u how criminals do things an how protect itself

[@YardKat666]

No to mention, honest curiosity.

[@jamesro196]

Something to work on.... Cut the repetition. You're very slow getting to the point because you go over things many times. More importantly, stop saying press this or this channel. I can't read your screen. Say what you're pressing.... Like the center button, or say "whatever channel it is".

[@RIPinDIP]

You sound like a D bag