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Mehdi

@MehdiHacks

Feb 19, 2023 • 15 tweets • 8 min read • Read on X

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I always optimize space on my electronics and hardware security workbench by using small and portable tools.

Here are some that I use that didn’t exist a few years ago, and are much smaller and/or cheaper than their traditional alternatives;

#hamradio
#electronics
#hwhacking
🧵

@flipper_zero

FlipperZero is an open source portable multi-tool: NFC/RFID reader/emulator, IR transceiver, sub-GHZ transceiver (CC1101 based) , SPI/UART tool, and much more.
It can even function as a U2F token!
More info here: flipperzero.one
@flipper_zero
#flipperzero

TinySA Ultra: small spectrum analyzer with a 4" screen, covering 100 KHz to 6 GHz. Also works as a signal generator.
TinySA.org

NanoVNA family: a portable VNA. Comes in different sizes, brands and prices. Mine covers 50 KHz to 3 GHz.

@crowd_supply

ERASynth Micro: open source signal generator covering 12 MHz to 6 GHz. Was crowd funded on @crowd_supply

@thepine64

Pinecil: portable soldering iron. Can be powered by DC barrel jack or USB-C.
Made by @thepine64
I haven't used my Ersa station since I got this!

MHP-30: small cute portable hot plate preheater made by Miniware.
miniware.com.cn/product/mhp30-…

MEGO: portable power supply with built-in battery. Breadboard compatible. Outputs 4-24V.

Another product from Miniware: programmable & stackable DC power supply. The picture shows 3 products: MDP-P906 a 300W module in the bottom, MDP-P905 a 90W one in the middle, and MDP-M01 the control module on top.
They can also operate independently (without the control module)

@securelyfitz

Tigard: an open source multi protocol tool for hardware hacking designed by @securelyfitz
Supports UART, SWD, JTAG, SPI, I2C.

@sharebrained

Portapack: add-on board for HackRF One to turn it into a portable SDR. Designed by @sharebrained
There are a few firmware options to choose from (I use mayhem)

RF Power Meter by ImmersionRC.
Can measure the calibrated frequencies: 35, 72, 433, 868, 915, 1200, 2400, 5600-6000 MHz
Runs on the internal battery and has an internal 30dB attenuator.

@newaetech

@newaetech's products. Depicted here: PhyWhisperer-USB: USB hacking device (sniffing, fuzzing, fault injection). ChipWhisperer Lite: side channel power analysis tool. PicoEMP: electromagnetic fault injection tool (ChipShouter's low-cost sibling)

@SensePeek

PCBite by @SensePeek
A kit containing magnetic PCB holders and probes with compressible needles to help in hands-free measurements (using a multimeter, logic analyzer or oscilloscope on a device)

It's important to keep in mind that not all of these tools can compete with more professional alternatives (especially the measurement tools), however considering the price, I've found them very useful and accurate enough for hobbyist/DIY/amateur use cases.
End of the 🧵

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More from @MehdiHacks

Mehdi

@MehdiHacks

Dec 1

🧵 9 Lesser-known features of Flipper Zero:

Flipper Zero is normally known for RFID/NFC hacking, sub-GHZ signal hacking, and things like infrared. But it can do much more thanks to its open source nature, third party firmwares, and extensibility (using add-on modules)
Here's 9 things you can do with it:

1/11

2FA: Short for 2-factor authentication. It can act as a hardware 2FA. Similar to YubiKey.

Disclaimer: I'm not saying you should use it as 2FA (I use YubiKey personally and also at work) however it can act as hardware 2FA (U2F over USB)

2/11

You could choose from unofficial firmwares that give your device additional capabilities.
I use "unleashed". It removes some of the Flipper Zero's restrictions, adds new apps, has a bigger database of IR remotes, more Mifare keys, protocol fuzzers, ... (Full list available on )
3/11flipperunleashed.com

Read 11 tweets

Mehdi

@MehdiHacks

Dec 1

🧵 How does an off-the-shelf car GPS jammer work?
A short thread.

There are many ways to perform radio signal jamming (and also detect or protect against it), however the most basic concept is this: a jammer saturates the input of the target's receiver system by noise, in a way that it can't receive/detect/decode the desired radio signal anymore. It reduces the signal to noise ratio.
It's like if you want to listen to someone, but I shout at you in close proximity, so you can't hear that person. (I hope experts don't shout at me for this simplistic example)
There are many legal and illegal use cases for a jammer: military, law enforcement, car theft, protection against tracking etc.

1/4

The GPS jammer in this thread, is sold on Amazon and AliExpress under different titles, but it's mainly to be used in cars (there are also more powerful handheld models covering multiple frequencies with higher power, to jam mobile signals)
Please note that running a jammer is illegal in many countries. This thread serves only an educational purpose.
For this thread, I was lucky to get some pictures and measurements done by @RFAmirhosein in his lab.
Here's how it looks inside.
It has 4 main components we're interested in. I have marked them:
1. 7805: a voltage regulator IC to convert car's lighter voltage (12V) to 5V.
2. 555: timer IC generating the modulation signal (this is probably the most famous IC of all time)
3. Murata MQK301-1528: a VCO (oscillator) for the frequencies 1466-1590MHZ (GPS L1 frequency is 1575MHZ)
4. The RF amplifier IC, amplifying the generated signal, before sending it to the antenna.

2/4

Let's look at the frequency spectrum using a spectrum analyzer:
Left: spectrum before turning on the jammer.

Middle: wide band frequency spectrum after turning on the jammer ( running a jammer with antenna is not legal, so here the output of the jammer is directly connected to the input of the spectrum analyzer, using a cable, in a lab)
There are 3 peaks: one at 1.575GHZ (GPS frequency. Main output of the jammer) and its 2nd and 3rd harmonics (basically 2x and 3x the output signal)

Right: closer look at the 1.575GHZ frequency, and frequencies close to it. The output is about 13dBm

13dBm (20mW) might not be much power, but the GPS signal is millions of times weaker, so it doesn't take much power to jam it.

3/4

Read 4 tweets

Mehdi

@MehdiHacks

Nov 25

🧵 What are the most compact tools I carry when traveling or when going absolutely light to do electronics test or hardware/physical pen test?

Disclaimer: it's only 9 tools out of many. It's not a full list. I just love these small gadgets for their sheer size/weight.

1/10

1. Pokit Pro: portable oscilloscope/multimeter/logger. Needs a phone to work (doesn't have display). Uses Bluetooth to connect.
Very light, software is updated frequently, accurate enough for most use cases.
Here I show it measuring a 5V calibrated DC voltage.

2/10

2. Flipper Zero.
I think most of you already know it. It's a great standalone multi tool. Features are so many to list here: RFID/NFC reader/emulator (hacking access cards), Bluetooth, iButton, sub-GHZ transceiver (hacking parking remote control), infrared transceiver (hack TV remote control) , SPI flash programmer, ...
The most important feature is its standalone use (no computer needed)
Can be used with third party firmware to add more features.
(Will write a dedicated detailed thread on its capabilities)

3/10

Read 12 tweets

Mehdi

@MehdiHacks

Nov 23

🧵 How to organize your electronics desk and save space? 9 tips.

Disclaimer: my profession is first and foremost software. Hardware is my hobby, so take these with a grain of salt.

This is my workshop. It's a separate desk from where I do my 9-5 job (with a laptop and 2 monitors)
These are the lessons I have learnt in the past few years while upgrading and optimizing my desk space:

1. It's a never ending process. You will always come up with ideas to improve the desk space usage, tool placement, etc. So don't try to make it perfect. Good enough for now is better than perfect in an imaginary future.

1/9

2. There is no correct way to do things. Sort your tools and place them on the desk (or not) based on your work's requirements. Someone working on FPGA or embedded systems has much different requirements than someone repairing RF equipment, than someone building robots.
2/9

3. Use tools that can be mounted vertically or on an arm. In the first post you can see that the monitor, desk lamps and the microscope are all mounted using arms to save desk space.
When you don't need the lamp or microscope, they can be rotated and put aside.
Also: put devices on top of stable devices while not in use (I put my soldering iron on the fume extractor)
3/9

Read 9 tweets

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