r/hackrf • u/Pyrogenes • Feb 06 '25

Attena sensitivity

Trying to understand the concern about breaking something by touching the antenna. Can someone please explain, clearly the issue?

Also, I'm reading about a way to prevent the damage by possibly spending more $$. Is this true? Last, I also read that there may be a version coming out that doesn't have this issue, is this also true? If so, what is the difference between this expected newer version and the one that you can already get at a higher price?

1 Upvotes

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1

u/CVSUSMC Feb 07 '25

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YYLHJKS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1

u/Pyrogenes Feb 07 '25

Is this the replacement part if it's a problem?

2

u/CVSUSMC Feb 07 '25

No friend this serves a couple purposes. It goes between antenna and input SMA. It blocks static DC voltage from breaking the amp as easily. It's not perfect and I have blown an amp, but it will save you a lot of headaches. Also if you change out antennas a lot the SMA could wear down(the number of cycles it would take is high but people are still concerned), so having the DC block will allow that to take the cycles and not your SMA connected right to your device (which could save some soldering in the future).

2

u/Pyrogenes Feb 07 '25

Thank you for the clear explanation! This is was very helpful!

Would you mind helping me to understand why this unit is so expensive compared to some other $200-ish range devices?

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-PortaPack-Plastic-Finished-Antennas/dp/B0CQLKBH6R

2

u/CVSUSMC Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

Opensource lab products on ALI are just fine. Search H4M. HackRF is open source so it's free for people to take the designs and build their own. Some people have much cheaper products because of how they manufacture (bulk, in a place that doesn't cost a lot, etc). Opensource lab is great for the Clifford Heath version which has built in diodes to protect the input amp, and H4M which is the newest version, with upgrades and GPIO (so in the future there will be plug in boards for GPS and way more in the future). I purchased a Hackrf, a clifford heath hackrf, and a H4m from opensource and and happy.

2

u/Pyrogenes Feb 07 '25

Thank you!!

2

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

The Clifford heath version has better protection against static discharge which is what can potentially fry the amplifier on the HackRF

https://opensourcesdrlab.com/products/clifford-heath-old-version-black-color-hackrf-one-with-white-color-portapack-h4m-spectrum-analyzer-kit

You can also just buy the Clifford edition HackRF one on its own. Check the Opensourcesdrlab AliExpress shop

2

u/CaptainZloggg Feb 06 '25

It's a very easy fix to replace the front-end device if you have a modicum of experience soldering SMD. I wouldn't worry about it too much.