The new HackRF Portapack H4M

[@sn0ren]

I'm still recovering from a cold so my voice might be a bit weird, but I really wanted to get this video on the new H4M out. 🤒

[@VeniceInventors]

Thanks for this update, I recently bought the H3 but I have an original HackRF board I'm not using so it's good to know that there's an improved portapak I can use for it. I didn't notice any issue with your voice.

[@videshx818]

avoid cold food or drink or beer with quick succession(gap of 2, 3 days is good) to avoid cold bad voice & nose blockage etc.

[@tryssss]

i cannot buy it, buy button is not working ?

[@Naeidea]

I feel like my cold has lasted over 2 weeks now.

[@BOOSTEDDESIGNSWRX]

Any clue on how long shipping takes to the US?

[@TalkingSasquach]

Great video! I'm loving my H4M and I appreciate all the great info! Also thanks for the easter egg!! Great work as usual!

[@cnrk1832]

is that one better than rabbit-lab's ?

[@psyh0x]

easter egg ?

[@has6145]

Your videos are so informative, you impress me with your content, conciseness of your scripts and of course the quality of production every time you put out a new video! Well done. You really deserve more subscribers than you have. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@kilosierra1560]

I absolutely LOVE the edits on this video. Great work I almost feel like I have to buy one to support because its so cool! Well done 👏

[@electechyt]

Ordered the full bundle, seems great value. I already have an original HackRF so it will be good to see differences. First thing I will do is the RF protection to prevent damaging it. Good video.

[@WoutDogE]

Odd question, but how long did it take for delivery? It's telling me they're using YANWEN which i've never heard of, so kind of skeptical with delays, and trustworthyness.

[@sekibulja-fu3bv]

Hi, how do you add RF protection mod? I would love to buy this little gem but scared of static damage...thank you

[@stefanzapf]

I ordered one immediately. Thank you for this super Description

[@RolieKloeOlie]

Can’t wait to see what the electronics masterminds can do with the gpio

[@benargee]

Very nice. Been looking forward to a review on this unit 👍. Sad to hear it doesn't have the Clifford Heath improvement though 😟

[@karter61]

Thats on the HackRF side rather than the H4M side. You can still buy the H4M and then just get the Clifford edition HackRF

[@вечная_мерзлота]

I bought Clifford edition and when slapped on the screen board on it it's just blank upon turn on. lights blinking but screen... nothing. put the screen board back unto original board and it all works.

[@rayerdinc2441]

Brillian video, thank you. Liked and subscribed and ordered one, doh!

[@42DangerVision]

Very cool. But definitely waiting for a version with the CHmod available. It's a strange omission in an otherwise clear upgrade.

[@Destination-Valhalla]

I have r10 and CH versions , the CH version for sure has weaker RX

[@42DangerVision]

@@Destination-Valhalla Really? That's good to know. Thank you.

[@Destination-Valhalla]

@@42DangerVision my unit needs 8 more db gain on LNA to match my r10

[@doctorx558]

@@Destination-Valhalla Of course, it is weaker because of the protection it has, and that protection is the most important, and to amplify the LNA, you can use a regular 20db amplifier that you get with HackRF. So the CH version is definitely recommended over the r10. My recommendation is to buy the CH version with a 20db amplifier (if you really want it and if it's not necessary in my opinion) and the H4M Portapack.

[@Destination-Valhalla]

@@doctorx558 Got buddies with original years old GSG versions that have not replaced a single part. Its RF equipment. Be careful with it and you most folks will be fine. Most folks getting these do not know about being careful with RF equipment and they break em. One accidental TX on the ole baofeng and it doesnt matter CH or R10 you could have a bad day.

[@bashkillszombies]

I've never figured out the Fox Hunt thing, I thought it was just more janky broken crap like most of Mayhem's software rollout seemed to be. In fact, most tutorials online caution "This is broken, but hopefully it'll work soon!" and have since release said such. This makes much more sense.

[@griffog2001]

Ordered one as soon as I’d watched your video. Thank you 🙏

[@goiterlanternbase]

Desoldering the bottom connectors is a good suggestion👍 I have to replace the rotary encoder, so i will have it open anyway🤗

[@ConcreteBombDeep]

I noticed alot of people have an antenna on their roof/attic that allows them to see more data with the H4M. What sort of antenna is desirable for this and roughly how much? Or is there a general SDR antenna that is cheap and everyone uses?

[@sn0ren]

If you want a wide band antenna for receive you could get a discone antenna. Just be aware that you need some good quality coax since you will loose a lot of the signal in the coax cable especially at higher frequencies.

[@finn_h06]

Bought mine today, im excited to see what it can do.

[@iamdj40]

did it ever come in?

[@pizvi]

my portapack h2 died becouse of faulty charging circuit, glad i waited now i can order new h4m for my hackrf:3

[@ukaszwieczorek211]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Another awesome video! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sn0ren]

🎉🎉🎉

[@42DangerVision]

I just want to acknowledge just how sane, respectful, and totally hinged this comments section has been so far.

[@iyeetsecurity922]

I really don't like your shoes. But thanks.

[@EMAHGERD]

Bitches be sane

[@xor01]

i love you

[@xantam23]

I just bought a Hack RF + H2 Portapack like a month ago. 😒

[@RolieKloeOlie]

same. guess we can buy the new one and make use of the clock!

[@IAMPALE]

I am new about portahack does porta hack ahve different version of devices or you just update the firmware?

[@sn0ren]

Latest version of Mayhem firmware works on all of them

[@kingof9x]

What is that cool looking hand held radio with the transparent case i keep seeing in the background of this video

[@sn0ren]

Quansheng UV-K5(8)

[@tobylaroned]

Would you recommend waiting for the updated clifford R10 version rather than just getting this one? Still pretty new to radios and SDR so still unsure as to how much the faulty amp circuit issue will be a hindrance or not.

[@sn0ren]

If you manage to break the amp you can simple not enable it and everything will work as normal, as the broken amp will be bypassed. You can also use an external LNA instead. Or you can switch out your HackRF board in the future with a Clifford one, once that’s available, without having to buy a whole new assembled unit.

[@FlandersKen]

Love the touchscreen. ❤

[@spokehedz]

I will not be using the clock in/out feature. But I could solder that connector on, easily. GOSH I WANT ONE!

[@dieselphiend]

I've gone through a few of these over the years. It used to be that the clones didn't have full functionality but I'm assuming that's fixed. I have an original Great Scott Gadgets HRFO, and a clone with a Portapack. I want to purchase a new H4 Portapack for my original HackRF but I'm kind of sketched out about flashing it with the required firmware. Am I being silly? Is it no big deal? Now I'm eyeballing the clones of the Ettus Research B210 mini, which has much more bandwidth, and I believe 2 in, and 2 out. HackRF is only half duplex.

[@sn0ren]

Your original HackRF One should work just fine with a new Portapack H4M. You can always do a DFU flash if you have any problems. It’s basically impossible to brick it.

[@dieselphiend]

@@sn0ren That's true, thank you.

[@crazyscooterinvisiblerider925]

Did you buy this directly from OpenSDRlab? What was the shipping time? Thank you

[@sn0ren]

Yes. A couple of weeks to Europe.

[@satchguitar84]

at 0:42 he states "I've been sent this new PortaPack H4M by opensourcesdrlab to take a look at" so take what you will from that, but I've never bought anything and said it that way. They do not post shipping times. Instead you have to place your order and then track it at the bottom of the front page. There you will hopefully find which batch yours is in and when it is scheduled to ship. It took about a month for me to receive mine but it is doa and I am in the difficult process of trying to get a RMA.

[@kushanvyas7728]

On your right side which light you bought ? Kindly share a link.

[@csparty11]

I just purchased a HackRF H4M portapack but noticed the apps are not complete, or atleast some of them, i can't record any signals to copy a remote for example. I have checked the firmware it's 2.0.2 but it seems you have more apps than i do. I watched your other video and you talk about a Micro SD card ? Shouldn't that have been included in the package? You also have a styles i don't have that either. I was not aware about the SD card, i don't think i have a cardreader on my computer. strangely enough a bunch of apps do work fine and some other don't. Also how do you charge this device? Hooked up to a computer it says it takes 102 hours(?) It takes in about 1 mA.

[@sekibulja-fu3bv]

Excellent video as always, thank you! How do you make Rf protection? Can you actually buy this Rf protection mod??

[@ayoxen4031]

If they add CjHeath amp protection and infrared the only thing missing is full duplex transmission. With those 3 HackRF would be the ultimate tool for wireless stuff.

[@qbertatx]

Ive been wanting to buy one if these for a few years now but it always seems like the next version is fixing the big issue with the last. Seems like its getting closer though

[@jeppyfrost]

So I'm trying to figure out which would be the better option. The new HackRF Portapack H4M or the Flipper Zero. Any suggestions? Sorry if I opened a huge can of worms with this question.

[@kwk8363]

Depends on what you need it to do. These devices are for different purposes. Flipper can do more different things in one device, hack is more specialized and it can do a better job in this narrower field. For the first gadget, get a flipper with an expansion board, in my opinion 3 in 1 board (esp32+nrf24+cc1101) would be the best. Flipper is easier to use in my opinion for beginner

[@jeppyfrost]

@@kwk8363 I guess I will get the new HackRF Portapack H4M first then in two weeks get the Flipper Zero to cover all bases.

[@figsaregood]

Maybe start with an RTL SDR first

[@andresm5087]

Or buy a CARDPUTER and the modules for rfid and nrf24+cc1101

[@videshx818]

u r right when saying people buy portapack & don't use it. I have to see about 50 vdo before I get confidence to use one.

[@imagine2008]

Thanks for such a great review! If you catch time maybe to go over the apps and show the features. Thanks 👍

[@sn0ren]

I’ve made another video that shows the different apps - although it is a year old

[@had0pi]

Hi sn0ren, I bought this model through your link, but my micro SD card isn’t being recognized. I tried formatting a 4GB SD card in FAT32 with different allocation sizes. I also tested with other micro SD cards of various sizes, but nothing works. I still get the red SD card logo every time. Do you have any idea ? Thanks.

[@MrProxys]

Hello there! I have a question about the Portapack H3 Mini. You mentioned that it doesn’t work with the Mayhem firmware, but what exactly is not working? Last week, I visited the radio amateur market in my country, and to my surprise, I found an old man selling a HackRF with an H3 on it. At that moment, I was unaware of the close-source issue and bought it for 40 euros. Afterward, I started trying to install Mayhem on it, and everything went smoothly. Mayhem is actually working on it. However, I’m experiencing an issue with the battery indicator. It shows a maximum of 64% capacity and shuts down at 49%. I’m not sure if this is an old battery and a replacement will solve the problem. Overall, I’ve received ADS-B packets, 433 signals, and some radio communication as well. It seems like my amplifier is also damaged, but it’s an old device with an unknown history, so I’m not surprised.

[@sn0ren]

H3 uses the same HackRF boards and it's based on the same firmware so some things will work. But it also has a built in gps, compass and barometer, that you cannot use with the Mayhem firmware. So you have to decide if you stay with the H3 firmware and retain those features and miss out on new Mayhem features and applications - or try Mayhem, but without being sure that anything will work or be stable, since it's not tested on the H3 hardware.

[@derrickdaugherty3445]

Whoa, what case is that @5:00? I've never found a case I'm satisfied with. I prefer h1 over h2 for build quality but I'm excited to try this one out. Thanks for the great video.

[@sn0ren]

That's the aluminium case that comes with the H2 portapacks that OpenSourceSDRLab sells.

[@derrickdaugherty3445]

@sn0ren sorry @5:04 , I meant the case with straps that you're putting the portapack into to protect the rf connectors. It looks like a firm softshell? Is that aluminum and comes in the bundle??I have a spare Clifford hackrf that I'll get the new portapack for. Thank you!

[@sn0ren]

@@derrickdaugherty3445 Ah I see. That's a case for a Nintendo 3DS XL that I had laying around. It fits it pretty good.

[@derrickdaugherty3445]

@@sn0ren thanks so much! I didn't think to try searching for a Nintendo case, thank you!

[@tryssss]

Hi, do you have any documentation about triangularization ? how to identify an HackRf position relative to others Hack Rf ?

[@JEROENHAHAHA]

I already have a HackRF. Can I get the portapack h4m without the HackRF somewhere?

[@sn0ren]

Yes, here: opensourcesdrlab.com/products/mayhem-signature-edition-h4m-portapack-and-transparent-shell-with-speaker-and-2500-mah-lithium-battery

[@fotografm]

On the website it's not clear to me if the HackRF board is included or whether it's just the Portapack board and case which are included.

[@sn0ren]

The link in my description is for both HackRF and Portapack assembled with battery and case

[@fotografm]

@@sn0ren Thanks - that is amazing value !

[@sn0ren]

@@fotografm Yes it is - cheaper than ever and better than ever.

[@freedomprotection3309]

What antenna are you running in the video? Would you do a Video on antenna setup and possible upgrades as well. Please ​@sn0ren

[@andresm5087]

Another option is only buy the portapack h4m and use it with the hackrf, I think you need flash a new firm to take control of the new port and the battery circuit...

[@danparson1833]

Could you by chance do a video on using the portapack as a SA? Really considering getting a TinySA Ultra to look for conflicting rf frequencies at my campus, but while the HackRF is not an SA it may be a good alternative for those looking for interference like I am.

[@sn0ren]

I have been thinking about doing a video comparing a TinySA to HackRF, thanks for the suggestion!

[@EuropaChronicles]

@@sn0renI’d love to see a comparison of the TinySA and HackRF. I own a TinySA and I just ordered the new H4M. I’m a beginner with both devices so it would be great to see a side-by-side video.

[@suchaluch5615]

There are many h2 to be found with an integrated tcxo. How about the h4m? I didn't find any assembled solution with tcxo... is it possible that there is none? Or did I miss something?

[@sn0ren]

It has a built in oscillator as well just like h2

[@suchaluch5615]

@@sn0ren Thanks for the reply... "It has a built in oscillator" - are you shure about that? Many h2 don't have an extra oscillator and just rely on the oscillator in the HackRF... Therefore many ppl had to modify their h2. *Some* h2 came with an extra TCXO - as this is a USP, they clearly showed this on their product page. The h4 doesn't mention a TCXO... So I'd assume there isn't any. could you please check if a TCXO is used? hackrf_debug --si5351c -n 0 -r should do the trick under linux. I'd also be interested in the accuracy of the frequency... How many ppm do you get? Thanks a lot!

[@sn0ren]

Yes I’m sure. There is a 10 MHz TXCO built into the H4M.

[@Mark_B544]

Why is flipper zero more expensive, is it better?

[@unableplayz3083]

flipper is an easy-to-use multitool, and hackrf is more focused on radio wave operations and is more difficult to use

[@jugheadjed]

@sn0ren I'm sold, but very new to this stuff, there's 4 different bundles, which should I pick? Exciting!

[@sn0ren]

The different bundles just have different sets of antennas included. You can watch my video about what the best antenna for HackRF is to get an overview of what would make sense for you.

[@chainreaction8977]

THANK YOU for all the valuable info, you champion! Hope you start uploading to *_Odysee_* too, like many others have started. Great backup and better rewards.

[@andrewsha4843]

Where did you get the clear case quansheng?

[@sn0ren]

On AliExpress

[@andrewsha4843]

@@sn0ren thank you!

[@oakitoki]

What kind of zip of case is that? I like how it looks would love that for my H4m!

[@sn0ren]

It’s a Nintendo 3DS XL case 🕹️

[@PlaceholderforBjorn]

My biggest disappointment with the Portapack was the noisy charging circuit. When connected to a computer I get really really bad interference and it's almost unusable. With this the charging circuit maybe is updated? If anyone can try it out it would be awesome. I had a regular HackRF as reference.

[@Beryce72]

Is the one in your description the mayhem?

[@usmileeveryday]

Hi snOren, great video as always! Quick question, What's the difference between this one and the rabbit lab?

[@usmileeveryday]

I know about the switched on the front and io port in the side (wish I like a lot) but performance wise what will be the differences

[@sn0ren]

Rabbit labs sells H2M so the difference is all the things I’ve mentioned in the video.

[@Mr.Laidukas]

Thanks for the video. It is really sad that R10 does not have protection diode modification.

[@ralphthebrick]

It is, I bought latest R10 believing it had this protection. Is it just the Clifford version that has this ?

[@ralphthebrick]

Apologies. Answer below 😒

[@Balddak]

where can i buy

[@elmergas2814]

man this is cool but no metal case is a no no on a shtf situation if someone make a metal case water proof for this mmmmm nice, also is any way to get this on USA?

[@S_T.]

If enyone bought it, how long it took to get?

[@Thefreakyfreek]

I just orderd the h2m model and now this ting drops I did not even recive it yet

[@jka4ful]

Can I use this with SDR# ?

[@sn0ren]

Yes

[@TheElectronicDilettante]

That acrylic case will bring the noise floor up by -15 to -20dBm if not more. Open source SDR Labs sounds pretty hi tech but it’s just another AliExpress storefront. You link they would’ve known the effects of using an acrylic case instead of a proper metal case in a “ Lab” setting. Guess the name is to encore confidence in the product.

[@sn0ren]

Is that something you’ve measured? I have a full aluminium case H2 version from OpenSourceSDRLab and I don’t see any apparent noise differences from the two. The RF part of the HackRF circuit has its own metal RF shield on the board. Even the original HackRF is sold with a plastic case from the designer GSG.

[@Wesley5n1p35]

Nice 👍

[@ninja7719]

I’m having issues with the SD card

[@namesurname4666]

Is it possible to connect it to a pc and use like a regular hackrf?

[@sn0ren]

Yes

[@DaytonaJim78]

What’s the output power

[@sn0ren]

10-20 mW depending on the frequency

[@romunculus]

OpenSourceSDRLab claims to have "...added protecion against exessive RF at the antenna port (TX and RX), providing protection for both the transmit amplifier and the receive LNA" to the R10 version of HackRF. Can you comment on this?

[@sn0ren]

I think the true purpose of the R10 design has been lost in translation. The R10 board design comes from the official GitHub and there is no protection of the amp in that design. I think they just assumed that the new R10 update about voltage protection had to be an implementation of the Clifford variant, which it should’ve been, or at least a different way to achieve the same thing. As far as I'm aware OpenSourceSDRLab has not modified the RF part of the R10 board.

[@joonglegamer9898]

Huge is a stretch, but they could improve it with the Protection as base model, it desperately needs proper backlight control instead of just reducing contrast on the LCD, there's plenty of space for an ESP32 chip on the board and I'd call that an essential upgrade for a modern Portapack. Nice to have would be a larger Oled screen to the edges, and reduce the clicky button.

[@Destination-Valhalla]

It is open source , get to work :)

[@xxPYROxxJONESxx]

I might actually get the next iteration if i have the money one day

[@chris12x1]

is there a way to download your background image?

[@sn0ren]

It’s on the mayhem discord

[@paranoidzkitszo]

instead of a delete of the clock connections...include a simple clip on , 3d printed?, adapter enclosure... then, us not so solder eager, yet still tinkerers can go about our way- without removing any feature from the device- in fact adding 1 where now we have a nice flush bottom to sit the PortaPack down beside us on the desk.

[@dmaynor]

ordered!

[@2smg]

Looks like I own 2 hack rfs now.

[@cnrk1832]

is that one better than rabbit-lab's ?

[@sn0ren]

Rabbit labs currently sells H2M so yes this H4M is better.

[@bashkillszombies]

If a flipper is still more powerful than it, I'm going to cry.

[@Tjup]

men hvad kan den?

[@SteirerBUAH]

deine videos sind voll cool wären aber in Deutsch auch sehr geil !! ein Video über die möglichkeiten und erklärungen wie und für was etwas ist bzw wie as mit der sd karte ghet wäre cool !! ich kenn viele die haben keine ahnung !! so ein start video wäre cool . dankeschön und in deutsch !

[@sn0ren]

Aber mein deutsch sind sehr schlecht. 😅

[@SteirerBUAH]

⁠ ach so ich dachte du bist eh deutscher sorry hihi

[@mikedmann7487]

YOU ROCK

[@ceefusjenkins2281]

And now I need a new radio...

[@하람배-q5k]

music too loud in the voiceover sections

[@diomaiaal]

I ordered this only because type c port. BTW the rotary controller style, in my opinion is a downgrade compared with 4 separate buttons and knob on older version. And I wish they upgraded from resistive to capacitive touchscreen

[@dbdbdb1111111]

The turtle won the race but Jesus.

[@AtipikUtopiste]

Sympa ce modèle

[@The_3_Triangle]

i remember when TETRA decoder available for the portapack

[@Stoptherideiwanttogetoff]

Is possible with rf hack ?

[@The_3_Triangle]

@@Stoptherideiwanttogetoff yes it's possible to decode tetra

[@The_3_Triangle]

but it's highly illegal in most of EU

[@Stoptherideiwanttogetoff]

@The_3_Triangle thank you for replying. Decoder software or hardware?

[@jason6438]

I tried buying one on open-source but can't seem to complete the transaction it won't let me. Can I buy one from you!

[@madness3D_]

Really great value and extremely low effort to start learning SDR

[@CoryMck]

Please unplug battery before takeoff. Not worth finding out.

[@3vil8unny]

You just made me more poor 😂😂😂 just got my h2 ordering the h4m upgrade kit.

[@вечная_мерзлота]

I guess Ill be waiting till early 2025

[@L0rdK0nda]

Lemme be the first to say. Thanks! Haha

[@PetrBelohoubek-ot5ok]

how can somebody copare it to flipper? Flipper is litteraly a toy compare to it

[@MotownBatman]

Micro$oft Gonna Sue... Thats Awesome!

[@enlargedtext]

This is disgusting but beautiful at the same time.

[@benargee]

🤔 k

[@kursadzeybek356]

THATS İT GREAT FİDEO bro but; İs ıt (H4M) can open my neonours car doors...??? (:)) couse i have H2M so i cant. My all problem is "i cant open car doors my neubours" hihhhi:) PLEASE suggest me a device for my problem (is it legal...???) :) (i dont wanna do mechanichly hihhii)

[@drbilldixon4421]

PLEASE stop the music on your videos. I want to hear what you have to say and the background noise is very distracting and annoyingly pointless

[@mimetype]

I HATE that cheesy.yodeling pitch shifted vocal elevator music. Otherwise great video, thanks.