Just received my hackrf h4m and its amazing

[theguy71]

Hey everyone!
I just got my hands on the new hackrf h4m portapack version, and I am absolutely thrilled! I've been diving into this hobby of sdr devices, and this is my first high performance sdr. Before, I only had an rtl sdr v4. I am really impressed by this device, and it also looks amazing.
I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with these types of devices. Do you have any tips for me getting started? What are some things that I must try with it? Also, are there any common issues with these kinds of devices that I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance!

 

[n0cb]

Agreed. I own the "original" PortaPack and the H2 PortaPack. I broken the switches on the H2 when carrying it in a bag. Power on/off by clicking the encoder wheel on the H2 makes it not that great for tossing the device in a bag. The H4 fixes a lot of the problems with the previous version of the PortaPack.

Install the Mayhem firmware if you haven't already done so.

GitHub - portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware: Custom firmware for the HackRF+PortaPack H1/H2/H4

Custom firmware for the HackRF+PortaPack H1/H2/H4. Contribute to portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

...has some fun apps, plus you can switch it to "HackRF mode" and use it like a HackRF without the PortaPack.

I have heard that the RF amplifier on the HackRF is easily damaged by static discharge or high RF levels. I have not experienced this, I have two of the "official" Great Scott Gadgets HackRFs that are several years old.

 

[theguy71]

Agreed. I own the "original" PortaPack and the H2 PortaPack. I broken the switches on the H2 when carrying it in a bag. Power on/off by clicking the encoder wheel on the H2 makes it not that great for tossing the device in a bag. The H4 fixes a lot of the problems with the previous version of the PortaPack.

Install the Mayhem firmware if you haven't already done so.

GitHub - portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware: Custom firmware for the HackRF+PortaPack H1/H2/H4

Custom firmware for the HackRF+PortaPack H1/H2/H4. Contribute to portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

...has some fun apps, plus you can switch it to "HackRF mode" and use it like a HackRF without the PortaPack.

I have heard that the RF amplifier on the HackRF is easily damaged by static discharge or high RF levels. I have not experienced this, I have two of the "official" Great Scott Gadgets HackRFs that are several years old.

Thank you for the info! I'll definitely be more careful now, lol. I wouldn't want to damage the amplifier. Also, I do have the Mayhem software installed, and it's amazing. I managed to listen to some aircraft and see them on the map. I live near an airport, and it's pretty awesome. Thanks again for the info!

 

[captaindread1]

Thank you for the info! I'll definitely be more careful now, lol. I wouldn't want to damage the amplifier. Also, I do have the Mayhem software installed, and it's amazing. I managed to listen to some aircraft and see them on the map. I live near an airport, and it's pretty awesome. Thanks again for the info!

Im curious how long it took for your H4M to arrive?!? Thanks!!

 

[tutty25]

Hi , is the new portpack h4m work with the old hackrf version ? the one with micro USB ? thanx

 

[theguy71]

Im curious how long it took for your H4M to arrive?!? Thanks!!

Sorry for the late reply I didnt see the email notification. It took 8 days to arrive.

 

[theguy71]

Hi , is the new portpack h4m work with the old hackrf version ? the one with micro USB ? thanx

Yes, it does. You can get the h4m mod online and install it on your hackrf board.

 

[chris451rr]

Hey everyone!
I just got my hands on the new hackrf h4m portapack version, and I am absolutely thrilled! I've been diving into this hobby of sdr devices, and this is my first high performance sdr. Before, I only had an rtl sdr v4. I am really impressed by this device, and it also looks amazing.
I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with these types of devices. Do you have any tips for me getting started? What are some things that I must try with it? Also, are there any common issues with these kinds of devices that I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance!

Be careful do not static zapp it through the antenna (the metal whip is the worst) or get an sma limiter from mini-circuits to use with it,
My favorite use is hunting and recording RF signals, play them back to test digital radios,
and they are parked on ADSB and Pocsag reception. Most always i have the limiter or a high pass on them.
I figured out how to fix them if the front end gets blown, two of the SiGe preamp chips need replaced.
both of mine are as senstitve as nearly any other radio.
The ereid thread on github (hackrf mayhem) has many firmware features added each month. You can upload new firmware and add features to the unit. I have worked with them to fix issues with firmware such as frequency holes.
When you turn it off use the longest possible slow double tap to do so. There is a PAL chip that has a funny state it will get into that will run down the clock battery if this is done too fast.