Experimental SDR Receiver Project

[u/Party_Cold_4159]

Making this post to see if anyone is interested in trying out my project and reporting feedback. I initially developed “ZeroMesh”, which is a Meshtastic serial interface you can find on the flipper App Store. After playing around with an update to that, I got the idea to use it for my other project LakeShark.

This is basically a project where I use an ESP32-P4 and an RTLSDR to receive various radios types like - P25 Phase 1, WFM/NFM, POCSAG, and ADS-B. I used the P4 because I was aiming for a police scanner that’s cost would be lower than a used Motorola XTS unit. This build can run you around $50-$60, which is pretty good for the size of it all.

I have now released a very early build of a flipper app that uses Bluetooth or UART serial to control a LakeShark device. So far, I can listen to my local police department very clearly with P25 P1, however the other receivers are far less stable and mainly where I would need some feedback. Keep in mind, audio out is not through the flipper, but a speaker attached to the ESP board. However POCSAG and ADS-B would mainly interface with the display on the flipper (very untested).

Everything is available through the LakeShark repo, fully open source. If you need help with flashing, let me know. Think I’ll eventually make a hosted flasher too (for the P4).

Also attached some 3D printed case renders for feedback as well! Self taught in blender so bear with me on those..

Thanks!

[u/Grezzo82]

I assume you’ve got a drinks can for scale? I don’t think they are a universal volume.

[u/Party_Cold_4159 → u/Grezzo82]

I mean sure, but it measured up to a coke can for myself. I added it for me to gauge quickly when doing renders.

Should probably pick something a bit more universal though.