Designed by OpenSourceSDRLab, the PortaRF is an open-source software-defined radio (SDR) that integrates HackRF One and the PortaPack H4M into a single device. It’s a standalone device that supports transmitting and receiving radio signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz.
Traditionally, a portable HackRF setup meant stacking a PortaPack on top of the main board. PortaRF replaces this with a single PCB, making it more compact, easier to use, and with improved signal quality. It also adds a larger display, more flash, and a bigger battery.
PortaRF specifications:
- MCU – NXP LPC432 dual core ARM Cortex M4/M0 (LPC4320FBD144) microcontroller
- CPLD
- Xilinx XC2C64A CoolRunner-II
- AGM AG256SL100
- RF ICs
- Frequency range – 1 MHz to 6 GHz (Transmit and Receive)
- Storage
- 2MB SPI Flash (W25Q16DV) provides more space for the Mayhem firmware
- MicroSD card slot
- Display – 4.0-inch IPS full-view high-definition resistive touch screen (upgraded from the original 3.2-inch non-IPS matte screen)
- Audio
- Built-in dual speaker sound holes
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port for
- Expansion
- Board-to-board connector for add-on boards
- Optional ESP32-S3-based AI MDK extension board (with extension board variant)
- Misc
- Light guide column LED status indicators
- Gamepad-style directional buttons for spectrum scanning and UI navigation
- Rotary knob for navigation
- CR2032 battery for the RTC
- Power, RX, TX, USB, RF, 1.8V LEDs on top
- Power
- USB Type-C port for charging
- 3,000mAh lithium battery equipped with overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, and overcurrent protection
- Dimensions – TBD
- Enclosure – Custom snap-fit shell
One unique add-on for PortaRF is the AI MDK extension board. It’s optional, and if you choose that version, it comes pre-installed on the back of the PCB. It adds basic voice control (beta), letting you do things like wake the device, switch apps, or reboot using voice commands.
The device supports both receive and transmit functions. On the receive side, it can capture and decode signals like ADS-B, AIS, Bluetooth, NRF24L01, analog TV, weather radiosondes, TPMS, and pagers. On the transmit side, it can send signals such as ADS-B, APRS, key fob emulation, Morse code, SSTV, RDS, and OOK.
OpenSourceSDRLab maintains a fork of the Mayhem firmware specifically for the PortaRF, though it is very similar to the main portapack-mayhem branch. You can find the hardware documentation, 3D shell designs, and firmware bin files on the OpenSourceSDRLab GitHub repository, as well as the main Mayhem Firmware repository.
Previously, we have written about various other SDRs like the Phase Loom, the VU GPSDR, the AntSDR E200, and other products like uSDR, xSDR, and LimeSDR Micro, which usually need a computer to run or come in an M.2 form factor that plugs into a laptop or PC to work as a full SDR.
The PortaRF is available now on AliExpress for about $285, and on the OpenSourceSDRLab store starting at $220 for the standard bundle (device, USB-C cable, and antenna), while the AI MDK version is priced at $255. Orders ship from China.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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