I Broke My HackRF Portapack! Here's How Not to

The HackRF Portapack is a handheld SDR transceiver, capable of manipulating radio waves, decoding digital signals and giving you an insight into the invisible electromagnetic world around us. It does however suffer from a huge flaw, that can render it apparently completely unable of receiving anything. Also learn how to use the gains settings LNA, VGA and Amp on your HackRF Portapack.
The Clifford Heath edition of the HackRF Portapack, which is shown in this video, has been provided to me for free by OpenSourceSDR Lab. You can buy the same one here: www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
You can also buy the stand alone Clifford edition of HackRF here: www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
Get the latest Mayhem firmware for Portapack here: github.com/portapack-mayhem/m...
0:00 Intro
0:44 LNA, VGA and Amp gains
2:17 RX Saturation tip
2:56 The amp is the big problem
3:42 How to check if your amp is fried
4:30 How to avoid your amp breaking
5:14 The solution?
6:24 The Clifford Heath edition of HackRF
7:35 Outro

[@TalkingSasquach]

You broke yours before I broke mine! I think that means I'm not using it enough!

[@thumbtak123]

Bummer. You recently got it.

[@sn0ren]

Time to live up to that jackass intro and do some crazy daring experiments. Like rubbing your socks on the carpet and touching the antenna port :D

[@TalkingSasquach]

@@sn0ren I'd do it for science if they sent me one to test!

[@joecizin9357]

Sox, he's not even wearing pants.@@sn0ren

[@joecizin9357]

So, the R9 is a dud, the Clifford HackRF edition Portapack that I purchased is marked R9, nothing to show it has the Clifford mod ? it has no sound, it is not recognized be RTL Sharp or Console, I know this is a common issue, guessing that its related to the need to come up with the R10 based on R8. Hacker Doc. (hardware revision) One r9 MAX2837 was replaced by MAX2839. Si5351C was replaced by Si5351A with additional clock distribution. A series diode was added to the antenna port power supply. Manufacturing year: 2023 HackRF One r10 This revision is based on r8, reverting most of the changes made in r9. A series diode was added to the antenna port power supply. Manufacturing year: 2024

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

Thank you for making this for folks. I know most people delving into radio, having don't have a background in ham radio, so they're not aware of the pitfalls of using the internal amp and whatnot. I have an external LNA i use with my helical antenna for satellite stuff. I keep wanting to do more content on this stuff. Until then, I'll keep sending folks to your channel. 🤙🏾

[@sn0ren]

Thanks! 🙏 I see a lot of people getting interested in radio because of Flipper Zero, HackRF and Meshtastic. I really want to introduce them to the amateur radio hobby, because all this stuff is what we’re all interested in and you learn a lot of really useful knowledge 🤟

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

@sn0ren I'm right there with you. I'm waiting on my lily go T deck so I can show the people about Meshtastic. I'm the president of the big island radio club so I want to show people all the new tech that is out there. Thanks again. 🤙🏾

[@theTeknoViking]

Great information! Thank you for sharing! Love from Stockholm, Sweden

[@Koutsie]

Coming from Janus Cycle, your channel is gold now that I've watched a few videos 🎉

[@sn0ren]

Thanks 🙏 and welcome 🙌

[@idgn]

Just ordered mine after years of wanting one. Thank you for the info!

[@siljanjrgensen7073]

Spørsmål: må du ha de 2 antenne greiene i bånn eller kan du ta de av eller klippe de av ?

[@markandrews1219]

Any chance of doing a comparison of the HackRF and the BladeRd 2.0 xA4

[@ivannoebaez8032]

Thank you for this!!!

[@user-uh7lu5hq7f]

how do I properly ground it to remove static buildup?

[@keyboarderror1]

The receive amplifier on mine died in close proximity to a power amp that malfunctioned. It wasn't even activated at the time only the HackRF. It's not attenuating but it basically has little to no gain anymore. They are quite fragile.

[@zacki5663]

yes, but the clifford addition comes with it's own downsides, greatscott tested it and showed the results on their site (but didn't call it clifford by name). i've independently tested and got the same results as them, there is a 15-20db loss on the upper and higher bands, and a 10db across the entire range. it's pretty significant, but does reduce chances of blowing your amp.

[@sn0ren]

Yeah I’ve seen that. Clifford claims that testing was done on a defective device. I don’t know enough about it to come to any conclusion about that. Personally my Clifford device is clearly more sensitive than my other r9 board, but that might be other variances of manufacturing or defects, and also I haven’t used it for anything above 1GHz. Both cards are from cheap Chinese manufacturers. I don’t have any GSG sold device to compare with. And if you just need receive and not at high GHz ranges I’ve found RTL-SDR blog v4 to be more sensitive than either HackRF device.

[@Radiogenes]

hi! really interesting. I have experience replacing the MGA81563 on the older board, however I also have the new one and I experience power issues. What is the component to change in the new board? thanks!

[@Radiogenes]

I think mine is weird because iamp works on RX, but my unit just transmits very low power. However it does improve its power with the amp ON, so maybe i have another tx stage broken? The previous one?

[@ScottPlude]

Great video! I just subscribed.

[@WheezerOfJuice]

I actually found this video about an hour after placing an order for a HackRF + Portapack. I cancelled that order and ordered the Clifford Heath version instead. Thanks so much for the info! I'm still learning so having that extra protection will definitely make me feel less nervous about exploring and experimenting with my new device when it gets here. Also, do more videos damn it haha. Your presentation style is really good. Do you do the music yourself? I'd appreciate if you'd include links to the music you're using in the descriptions if possible. If not, no big deal! Thanks again!

[@LarryKapp1]

I ordered mine last week before I saw this video - so oh well. The stuff from Aliexpress has been getting here really fast these days - tracking shows it already in usa and cleared customs.

[@WheezerOfJuice]

@@LarryKapp1 Glad to hear that, this is my first order from Aliexpress and I was worried customs might be an issue.

[@LarryKapp1]

@@WheezerOfJuice They send tracking info every step of the way. The few things I had concerns about in the past were resolved right away. Pretty much like ebay - you can sort out which stores are okay .

[@SpeakTruthAlways]

On AliExpress, which Clifford Heath Version HackRF Bundle, did you choose that has the speaker was it Bundle 1 or 2 thank you!

[@sn0ren]

I’ve got bundle 2 which is the Alu case.

[@SpeakTruthAlways]

OK, thanks. I appreciate your response.

[@jjoker795]

whats your thoughts on using a SMA to BNC connector for easy removal and installing antennas. Thanks for the video

[@sn0ren]

I think it can be a good way of making antenna changes easier and perhaps put less strain on the sma connector.

[@KB1UIF]

​@@sn0renit can actually put more strain on the sma connectors if the coax cables you use are thicker and not so flexible. Just be aware of that. If it's just for rubber duck changes and thin coax it's not really a problem. I use adapters often from sma to bnc they work ok except they tend to unscrew when you try to remove the bnc connector.

[@D_Z_AZ]

If I order the new Clifford board I assume it is compatible with existing portapack? My amp is shot but want to make sure I can just swap out the hackRF board with current portapsck/case etc. I’m guessing so just wanted clarification.

[@sn0ren]

Yes it’s compatible and yes you can just swap out the HackRF board with the Clifford version

[@D_Z_AZ]

@@sn0ren perfect! Thanks for the response, ordered.

[@_Delos_]

Does the Clifford version work just as well as the GSG version for the portapack? Asking because I am about to order the board for the build.

[@sn0ren]

Yes

[@_Delos_]

Should I use the Clifford addition in my portapack or use the original? I have the original Hack rf but may use it standalone and buy cliffs with this error happening

[@3liverse]

Is the Clifford version still comptaible with the latest Mayhem firmware?.

[@sn0ren]

Yes

[@davidwilliams-lq9om]

Is the The Clifford Heath edition better/newer than the 2024 R10 version? Which is better? What version is the The Clifford Heath edition based upon?

[@sn0ren]

Clifford’s version is based on the 2019 version. As far as I know the changes in versions since have been mostly about using chips that are available for purchase.

[@davidwilliams-lq9om]

@TalkingSasquach & @CliffordHeath ?

[@matthedr3723]

Noob here, if i do not turn the amp on, or change the antenna while device is on i dont have to worry about the amp frying?

[@sn0ren]

Correct

[@KB1UIF]

Hi, How can you tell if you have the clifford heath version of the HackRF? is there a way to identify the true version from clones?

[@_specialneeds]

Good question.

[@sn0ren]

Look at the chip near the USB port on the HackRF. If it has 6 pins it's the normal design. If it has 8 pins it's a clifford design. Every board sold from aliexpress, wether being clifford or regular version is a "clone". If you want an "original" HackRF you need to buy it directly from Great Scott Gadgets, Michael Ossmans company. The term original and clone isn't as descriptive though, since it's an open source hardware design, so the boards you can get off aliexpress are identical to those sold by GSG, they are just manufactured by someone else. The only difference, if any, can be in quality control.

[@KB1UIF]

@sn0ren Thank you for the reply. Yes, I have an original GSG HackRF I just bought another HackRF and Portapack by following the link you provided. I wanted to check it's based on the clifford heath design as some have painted logos and some use stickers for the logo. It's not easy to confirm what I was sent. But at least I now have something to check. I was going to look for a diode package or packages at the antenna input as this was something mentioned in the video. Edit : I just checked this one and it has an 8pin chip near the USB connector. Thanks.

[@bukucsjozsef9630]

Both of TX and RX amp is MGA81563 (at least in my board). Of my hrf the TX amp broken. Fortunately sold on ebay, and not too difficult to replace.

[@Radiogenes]

this is the old version. What about the new version? what is the amp?

[@bukucsjozsef9630]

@@Radiogenes Well, if you have a newer version you are lucky because is SKY13317 is the PA and this is better a lot than MGA

[@Radiogenes]

@@bukucsjozsef9630 Hello I have TX power issues. On rx reception is good and if I turn the AMP on signal increases. However if I transmit I can hardly transmit… and if I turn AMP ON it increases the power signal. Given this facts, do you think the AMPs are fine? Arent the amps the new TRF37B73 I think there could be a problem on the previous tx stage. But I am lost here 😓

[@bukucsjozsef9630]

@@Radiogenes Before you fix it, check if this problem exists on another computer. Especially if you use SDRangel software, other connected USB devices or HUB caused a similar error for me. Of course, I also suspected (wrong) the hackrf module. But not was.

[@DaveF8]

good to know, i've just ordered one, is the Amp toggled off by default on first use?

[@sn0ren]

Off by default

[@mailtopps1]

Normally yes but some of the apps have the amp toggled on by default and its easy to miss and really easy to blow the amp

[@bro-do4kd]

Hi Snoren could you do a video about antennas? Thank you

[@sn0ren]

You’re in luck. That’s my next planned video. Might be a couple of weeks though

[@KB1UIF]

Is the version of hardware you now use compatable and upgradeable with the latest mayhem firmware ? I understand some of the portapacks out there are not compatible.

[@sn0ren]

Yes it is

[@KB1UIF]

@@sn0ren Thank you for your quick response.

[@KB1UIF]

@@sn0ren ordered !!

[@dimassantiagocastanedamedi2280]

nice video, What is the intro song?

[@sn0ren]

It's called Luke Melville - Light Reflection

[@user-pb8cc9tg9e]

How to make it more sensitive on receiving? Compared to a RTL-SDR V3 i have, the hack rf is way less sensitive. Is there anything we can do to increase it?

[@sn0ren]

If you just need a receiver rtl-sdr is better. But HackRF can also transmit and has a much wider range and can be used portable with the Portapack. Any choice is a compromise in some way. The little external 20dB LNA might help in some cases in increasing sensitivity.

[@user-pb8cc9tg9e]

@sn0ren Thanks buddy. I've read that you can fry the amp if using external LNA near strong signals.

[@sn0ren]

@@user-pb8cc9tg9e Always be careful when close to strong signals. Keep the internal amp off when using an external one.

[@james-rr4dw]

So the clifford version is safe to use the amp and not worry about frying anything?

[@sn0ren]

Yes it’s protected up to very high amounts of power entering the antenna port and it shouldn’t be fried from regular use.

[@james-rr4dw]

@@sn0ren thank you for the quick reply!. I'd rather go with this one to be safe than sorry lol. Just to have that comfort of knowing.

[@LeHunkyDory]

Hey buddy, great video. Is there a way to tell if I have (software wise) this version? I might have to read through the listing properly.. 😅 I bought mine about 3 weeks ago from the same source on AliExpress and didn't realise I might be lucky enough to not accidentally fry my unit as a newbie into this whole thing.. 😅 Would be nice to know if mine is better protected. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work! Edit: Just double checked listing and it says HackRF One:R9 and Portapack H2:R4

[@sn0ren]

I don’t think there is a way to tell from the software but unless the listing specifically says that it’s the Clifford version, I don’t think you’ve got one.

[@LeHunkyDory]

​@@sn0ren Yeah, I think you're right unfortunately.. 😢 Thanks for the quick reply though! I'm thinking of trying the LNA provided in bundle pack 4 but worried I read somewhere it could be a little sketchy, combined with your warning video here, I'm really second-guessing the idea..

[@thumbtak123]

Does this version include a speaker?

[@sn0ren]

Mine did so yes I think so

[@ingohauff461]

Thank you. Your channel is great. 73 👍

[@kwaddamage8286]

i have a baofeng im pretty sure got burnt out the same way. it seems like there could be some kind of protection circuit

[@sn0ren]

Radios are heavily amplifying really weak amounts of electricity pulled out from thin air. They are delicate sensitive devices and it’s expensive to make them able of picking out the smallest hint of a signal and simultaneously withstand rough handling. We are lucky we get to pay with these cheaper devices at least, even if they sometimes break.

[@mr.s1961]

@@sn0ren That's why we should all get a professional-level SDR like LimeSDR or likes and never worry about blowing amps.. a LimeSDR will blow a RTLSDR or other device connected to it before it blows itself, and its basically the same pricerange of a HackRF thru Ossman website. But you also get full duplex, 2 tx and 2 rx (as you know HackRF is half with 1 rx/tx). Someone should create a portapack for that and that will be real mayhem. Poor understanding of hardware via creator/manufacturing is no excuse lol.

[@extkernel7539]

Does this affect all revisions of the hackrf one from Great Scott Gadgets?

[@sn0ren]

Yes

[@ceefusjenkins2281]

Thanks for the info. I just bought mine yesterday so hopefully I can avoid this.

[@NigelBallard]

Does The Clifford Heath edition have a rechargeable battery pack inside?

[@joecizin9357]

Mine does and a speaker, although I cant get a sound out of it yet, 😕

[@CliffordHeath]

No HackRF has a battery, including mine. The battery is in the Portapack, which I didn't go near

[@sn0ren]

@NigelBallard The assembled Portapack kit that I've linked in the description, has a battery pack inside yes,

[@NigelBallard]

@@sn0ren Perfect, thank you. I have an original that does not

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Thank You.

[@VKRenato]

Do you mean MGA-81563 amplifier?

[@sn0ren]

Yes that's the part model number

[@Operative_lockpicker]

Great video. I am beginner and really help me. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@linguadesogra5287]

So cool man 👨

[@youngjaekim3027]

KZbinr Are you Clifford Heath? The same machine is on sale at different prices, can I just buy this? Thanks to you, I found this amazing and interesting equipment. But I can't buy all the products over there because I'm a student. Please let me know if buying Clifford Heath Bundle 2 will do everything you can

[@sn0ren]

I am not Clifford Heath 😅 Yes you can buy the bundle from the link in the description to get a fully working HackRF Portapack.

[@youngjaekim3027]

@@sn0ren Thank you for your answer I'm waiting for delivery after purchasing Flipper Zero. Would it be easy to understand if you think this product is more versatile and professional than Flipper Zero

[@mr.s1961]

@@youngjaekim3027 Did you read the flipper zero documentation? Read thee HackRF/Portapack documentation as well and only you can answer that question based off your own technical skills and abilities. It's different for everyone. Also reading the docs will make it easy to understanding as you'll know what each icon and menu item does. Empower yourself.

[@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 😅

[@AegisHyperon]

Isn't this fixed in r10?

[@sn0ren]

No. R10 introduces a protection diode on the psu for the bias tee, preventing it from being blown if you turn on bias tee with a short on the antenna port. There is still no protection of the amp.

[@starlightxfury1256]

here from Janus Cycle's latest video ✋

[@sn0ren]

Welcome! 🤟🙏🎉

[@joecizin9357]

So, the R9 is a dud, the Clifford HackRF edition Portapack that I purchased is marked R9, nothing to show it has the Clifford mod ? it has no sound, it is not recognized be RTL Sharp or Console, I know this is a common issue, guessing that its related to the need to come up with the R10 based on R8. Hacker Doc. (hardware revision) One r9 MAX2837 was replaced by MAX2839. Si5351C was replaced by Si5351A with additional clock distribution. A series diode was added to the antenna port power supply. Manufacturing year: 2023 HackRF One r10 This revision is based on r8, reverting most of the changes made in r9. A series diode was added to the antenna port power supply. Manufacturing year: 2024

[@prairiedawg792]

This is what leaves me cold about buying stuff like this, especially from Aliexprerss. Is the R9 really as dud as this when using it with PC software? I was nearly tempted but the kit linked above seems a bit cheap to me which makes me wonder how good it really is.

[@ralphthebrick]

Yes happened to me 😞

[@jacquesb5248]

my wallet doesn't allow my purchase yet

[@noviceartisan]

Guessing you turned it on without an antenna even connected 😅

[@DaveF8]

i wouldn't have thought turning it on without an antenna would cause an issue as its in rx mode not tx?

[@xeobit2781]

​@@DaveF8yeah same

[@kd8icq]

Imagine being so wrong in EVERY video

[@joecizin9357]

So the Clifford edition of HackRF is not in the OpenSourceSDR Lab RF/H2 sold ?? "@CliffordHeath 1 hour ago No HackRF has a battery, including mine. The battery is in the Portapack, which I didn't go near" Anyone know what setting may be stopping me getting audio output?

[@sn0ren]

The assembled Portapack I’ve linked in the description has a Clifford edition HackRF board in it. OpenSourceSDR Lab also sells assembled Portapacks with regular r9 HackRF boards in them.

[@VeniceInventors]

​ @joecizin9357 Check that the little speaker icon on the top status bar is green, not greyed out. If it is green, in the receive-> audio app set the volume on the top right to 70 or more and you should definitely hear static in WFM mode. If not then try using headphones to verify that the digital to analog conversion circuit is working. If so, you might have to open up the portapack to make sure there is a speaker installed and to check if the speaker is properly connected

[@joecizin9357]

Thanks, no luck dis assemble next, do Clifford boards have ID markings?@@VeniceInventors

[@VeniceInventors]

@@joecizin9357 No idea about Clifford boards, I have the original r4 board from Great Scott and the r9+Portapack from OpenSourceSDR