Category: technology

APRS contact with International Space Station

IMG_0389Shortly after learning about APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System), I decided to see if I could interface my cheap BaoFeng UV-5R with my iPhone for use with PocketPacket.

A quick google search yielded the a schematic designed by KK6GIP. A good place to start.

A quick dig around in the junk box yielded the necessary components, a piece of recycled project board, an old busted iPhone headset, and the cheap headset that came with the radio. A few minutes later after some wire trimming and soldering – Voila! – an iPhone to BaoFeng audio interface.

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I tuned the radio into 144.390 MHz (a common 2m APRS frequency) and transmitted an APRS data burst. This resulted in my coordinates and message being received by K2PUT (a local digipeater) which was forwarded to an internet gateway.

Ok that was fun. What next?

When the International Space Station isn’t using its ham radio for voice, it operates as a FM Packet Radio Digipeater on 145.825 MHz.

scene composition: litho, frame 22

So I connected my homemade 2m yagi antenna, tuned to 145.825 and set my digipeater path to ‘VIA ARISS’.

Now all I had to do was wait for the ISS to pass overhead. The ISS completes around 15 orbits a day, so this didn’t take too long.

Using an iPad application called ProSatHD, I was able to determine down to the minute when and where the station would pass overhead.

Continue reading “APRS contact with International Space Station”

12V DC Ammo Can Power Box v1.0

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I wanted to build a custom rugged battery box on a budget for amateur radio communications and emergency charging. The ammo can was found in poor condition at an army surplus and was restored by sanding to remove rust, re-painting, and lubricating the rubber seal. I’m not yet satisfied with the internal fabrication and will continue to improve upon its design later. Future improvements to include: led switch, solar charge controller, improved mounting panel, volt/amp meter.

more photos below and materials list below…

Continue reading “12V DC Ammo Can Power Box v1.0”

Amateur Radio Transmits 1000 Miles On Voice Power

Many of us tried the old “Two tin cans connected by a string” experiment as kids. [Michael Rainey, AA1TJ] never quite forgot it.  Back in 2009, he built “El Silbo”, a ham radio transmitter powered entirely by his voice. El Silbo is a Double Side Band (DSB) transmitter for 75 meters.

via Pocket http://hackaday.com/2013/11/26/amateur-radio-transmits-1000-miles-on-voice-power/

Get into HAM radio for $45 dollars

 Why should I get a HAM radio & license?300px-International_amateur_radio_symbol_svg

  • How will I communicate with friends/family in a disaster scenario when internet/cellular/land communications are disrupted?
  • Could I be helpful in coordinating and relaying messages related to emergency and disaster relief?

What is HAM radio?

  • Amateur radio (also called ham radio) is the use of designated radio frequency spectra for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication.

Do I need a license? Yes

  • There are 3 levels:
    • Technician – Entry Level – VHF/UHF & Limited HF privileges (pdf)
    • General – All tech privileges plus HF privileges (communicate around world) (pdf)
    • Extra – All General privileges + shorter call sign & additional HF privileges (pdf)

How much would it cost to get started? $45

Who can get a tech license? Is the test hard?

  • Just about anyone could take the technician’s exam and pass after putting forth a little effort studying and taking practice tests
    • For Moms, Dads, Sons, Daughters, Sisters, Grandparents, etc.. 8 years old and up
  • Learning morse code is no-longer a requirement
  • Basic math, no algebra or calculus required
  • Simple electronics

 


Chromecast update breaks root-friendly exploit

We hope you weren’t planning to tinker with your Chromecast this weekend. GTVHacker has confirmed that a recent firmware update to Google’s streaming media stick plugs the bootloader exploit that many are using to get root access.

via Pocket http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/02/chromecast-update-breaks-root-friendly-exploit/

Pwnie Express’ Pwn Plug R2 + Solar + Quadcopter = Flying Security Nightmare

Pwnie Express has a knack for stuffing powerful security testing tools into innocuous housings, and this time their flexing that unique talent with the Pwnie Plug R2.

via Pocket http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/31/pwnie-express-pwn-plug-r2/

Pwnie Plug R2 with 4G cell connection + software defined radio + solar battery charger + quadcopter = Flying security nightmare

I want one now!! Makes my Fonera (Jasager) and TPLink pineapple look like toys.. Software Defined Radio….shudder

Core features:

  • Onboard high-gain 802.11b/g/n wireless supporting packet injection & monitor mode
  • Onboard dual Gigabit Ethernet for NAC bypass and network monitoring
  • External high-gain Bluetooth adapter (up to 1000′) supporting packet injection
  • External unlocked 4G/GSM cellular (SIM not included)
  • Automated wired NAC/802.1x/RADIUS bypass
  • Simple web-based administration and in-product updates with “Pwnix UI”
  • One-click Evil AP & Passive Recon services
  • Persistent reverse-SSH access to your target network
  • 6 different covert channels to tunnel through application-aware firewalls & IPS
  • Supports HTTP proxies, SSH-VPN, & OpenVPN
  • Out-of-band SSH access over 4G/GSM cell networks
  • Runs Pwnix, a custom Debian distro based on Kali Linux
  • OSS-based pentesting toolkit includes Metasploit, SET, Kismet, Aircrack-NG, SSLstrip, nmap, Hydra, w3af, Scapy, Ettercap, Bluetooth/VoIP/IPv6 tools, & many more
  • Unpingable and no listening ports in stealth mode

Hardware specs:

  • Processor / RAM: 1.2GHz Armada-370 CPU / 1GB DDR3
  • Disk storage: 32GB microSDHC (Class 10)
  • Onboard wireless: High-gain 802.11b/g/n, packet injection & monitor mode, 8” external antenna
  • Onboard I/O: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0, serial console, microSD slot
  • External high-gain Bluetooth adapter (up to 1000′ range) supporting packet injection & monitor mode
  • Optional support for Zigbee/Zwave, RFID, and Software-Defined Radios (SDR)
  • Voltage: 110-240v (Adapters available)
  • Power draw: 5 watts idle, 15 watts max
  • Dimensions: 5.2″ x 3.7″ x 0.8″
The included unlocked 4G/GSM adapter is:
  • Compatible with SIM cards from AT&T, T-mobile, Vodafone, Orange, and GSM carriers in over 160 countries (SIM card not included)
  • HSDPA/UMTS (850/1700/1900/2100MHz)
  • GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz)