HackRF One + PortaPack H2 — portable SDR combo for hands-on radio experimentation

What is it?

This listing pairs a HackRF One software-defined radio (1 MHz–6 GHz, half-duplex transceiver) with the PortaPack H2 expansion — a 3.2″ touchscreen module that attaches directly to the HackRF for laptop-free operation. Together they form a highly capable, portable SDR platform for signal monitoring, decoding, recording/replay (IQ files), spectrum analysis, and on-the-air experiments using community firmware such as Mayhem or Havoc.

Core technical summary / quick specs

Frequency coverage: 1 MHz to 6 GHz (HackRF One)

Sample rate: up to 20 MS/s, 8-bit I/Q samples

Half-duplex transceiver (software TX/RX)

PortaPack H2: 3.2″ 240×320 resistive touch TFT, touch + nav controls, headphone jack, mic input, RTC (CR1220), microSD slot, speaker jack, ADC/DAC audio I/O

High-precision TCXO (0.5 ppm) for stable frequency reference

Runs Mayhem/Havoc/other third-party PortaPack firmware (firmware update via microSD)

Power: USB battery pack (portable), DC 2.1 for base use — PortaPack requires external battery for standalone use

I/O: SMA antenna connector, SMA clock in/out for sync, USB-2.0 high speed, GPIO/pin headers for expansion

Optional H/W improvements in R9: MAX2839, Si5351A clock distro, diode on antenna power rail

Compatibility & required accessories

PortaPack H2 is compatible only with HackRF One (not compatible with older Jawbreaker boards). Experimental partial compatibility with some HackRF Blue units has been reported but not guaranteed. If your HackRF has an RF shield or nonstandard mods, verify mechanical fit.

PortaPack standalone operation requires an external USB battery (or DC supply); quality of the battery affects noise performance — avoid noisy/poor regulators.

For certain features (world map, GPS emulator, large file operations), you will need a microSD card >1 GB formatted FAT32. Use high-quality microSD cards for reliability.

Firmware: device ships compatible with Mayhem v1.8.x by default (or vendor-specified). Users can upgrade to latest Mayhem or install Havoc/Furrtek variants for additional decoders and transmit modes.

Why we made it (design intent / target user)

We built and supply this HackRF+PortaPack H2 bundle for electronics hackers, RF enthusiasts, field experimenters, and developers who want a portable, laptop-free SDR toolchain. The combination brings a fully interactive touchscreen interface, real-time spectrum waterfall, recording/replay, and multiple transmit/receive utilities into a compact, battery-operable package — ideal for spectrum exploration, quick demos, hardware testing, and learning RF concepts hands-on.

What makes it special (unique value & notable features) 

Laptop-free portability — attach PortaPack H2, add a USB battery, and you have a self-contained SDR with touch controls and audio I/O. Great for fieldwork and on-the-go experimentation.

High fidelity timing — the built-in TCXO (0.5 ppm) and RTC improve frequency accuracy and timestamping for recordings and replay, which matters for coordinated experiments and ADS-B decoding.

Extensive community firmware support — Mayhem and Havoc add a huge set of decoders and transmitters (IQ replay, SSTV, POCSAG, OOK, Morse, ADS-B, telemetry receivers and more), enabling many use cases out of the box.

Record & replay workflows — capture raw IQ to microSD and replay signals over the air (useful for development and lab testing). Replay and signal generation features are powerful for prototyping and QA.

Rich I/O — microphone TX, headphone output, RTC, microSD, headphone/speaker, ADC/DAC audio paths, and SMA clock in/out let you integrate the unit in more complex test setups.

Open hardware & software ethos — HackRF One is open source hardware; you can modify, extend, and develop custom tools easily. The PortaPack expands real-world usability without losing HackRF compatibility with GNU Radio, SDR#, and other host tools.

Key user scenarios / examples

Field spectrum surveys — battery-powered waterfall + spectrum display, quick scans from HF up to microwave bands. 

Protocol research & reverse engineering — use OOK/ASK decoders and IQ recording to study simple remote keyfobs and low-rate ISM protocols (use ethically and legally).

ADS-B / aircraft tracking — enable ADS-B receive on the PortaPack to monitor aircraft with map view (requires appropriate antenna and firmware support).

SSTV and voice TX (where legal) — experiment with voice/Band modes using onboard mic TX and FM transmit features on Havoc (observe local regulations). 

Education & demos — hands-on SDR demos for classrooms and maker events without needing a laptop.

Detailed feature list (selected)

1 MHz–6 GHz RX/TX with software-configurable RX/TX gain and baseband filters 

Up to 20 MS/s 8-bit I/Q capture (suitable for many wideband SDR tasks) 

SMA female antenna connector, SMA clock in/out for multi-device sync

High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for host mode (GNU Radio, SDR#) and firmware updates 

PortaPack H2 hardware: 3.2″ TFT 240×320 resistive touch, nav switch, rotary wheel, microSD slot, CR1220 RTC battery, DC 2.1 power input, audio I/O, speaker pad 

Built-in practical utilities in Havoc/Mayhem: IQ replay, microphone FM TX, CTCSS, SSTV TX, POCSAG TX/RX, Morse, AFSK, RDS, meteorological radiosonde receiver support, RSSI audio pitch output, and more 

Firmware & software notes

Shipping firmware may be Mayhem v1.8.x (confirm at time of purchase). Users can update to the latest Mayhem/Havoc releases by copying firmware and apps to the microSD card. Follow official/havoc/mayhem project instructions. 

Havoc typically provides a richer set of decoders/tx modes; many advanced users prefer Havoc for its extended toolset. 

For desktop use, HackRF One works with GNU Radio, SDR#, GQRX, CubicSDR, and other host software — use HackRF mode to connect to a computer. 

Hardware revision notes (R9 / improvements) 

R9 upgrades: MAX2837 → MAX2839, Si5351C → Si5351A clock distribution, added diode on antenna port power rail. These hardware changes improve performance and clocking flexibility. 

Limitations & realistic expectations

HackRF One is half-duplex, so you cannot TX and RX simultaneously. 

Receive sensitivity and selectivity vary by band; HackRF is a versatile development platform but will not always match dedicated purpose-built receivers for some narrowband HF or VHF tasks. 

PortaPack H2 requires an external battery for standalone operation — battery quality affects noise floor. 

Some advanced transmit modes are powerful and potentially regulated. Do not transmit on licensed bands or use modes that violate local laws. Always obey your country’s RF regulations and licensing rules. 

Safety & legal notice (must read)

This device can transmit RF energy. Users are fully responsible for complying with all local, state, and national regulations regarding radio transmissions. Many transmit modes (e.g., POCSAG, RDS, some OOK/remote control emulation) may be illegal to use on public airwaves without authorization. Use transmit features only for legal tests in controlled environments (Faraday cage), on permitted experimental bands, or with appropriate licenses. The seller does not condone illegal transmissions and will not provide guidance that facilitates unlawful use. 

What’s in the box (typical)

HackRF One board (assembled) 

PortaPack H2 module (3.2″ touchscreen) 

Basic connectors / screws / standoffs for mechanical assembly (if shipped disassembled) 

Quick start notes (firmware, SD card tips) — may ship with Mayhem v1.8.x preinstalled 

Support & community

Tindie buyers are encouraged to join the active HackRF, PortaPack, Mayhem and Havoc communities (GitHub, mailing lists, forums) for firmware updates, tips, and advanced usage. Community support is invaluable for custom workflows. 

Notes & recommendations

For field use, pair the PortaPack with a high-quality USB battery pack (low noise). 

Use a >1 GB FAT32 microSD card for full firmware features and map/GPS assets.   Keep a laptop handy for advanced signal processing work; HackRF retains full host connectivity for GNU Radio and other software when not in standalone mode. 

Always test TX functions in a shielded environment if unsure, and stay within legal bands.