stormrider.io
SDR with a Raspberry Pi 4
A picture-free, narrative tutorial: wiring up a HackRF One to a Pi 4, catching your first signals, and fun things to try.
No images yet — placeholders until the reshoot.
Hooking it up
- USB: Plug the HackRF One into a Pi 4 USB port.
- Power: Use a strong Pi USB‑C supply (3A or better).
- Antenna: Attach an antenna to the HackRF’s SMA jack.
- Cooling: Provide airflow with a small fan for long sessions.
- Space: Keep antenna away from Pi cables to reduce noise.
First boot on the Pi
lsusb | grep -i hackrf
hackrf_info
Use these commands to confirm the HackRF is visible to your system.
What it feels like
When you start the spectrum waterfall, it feels like opening a window: bright spikes, shimmering signals, and hidden voices everywhere.
Fun things to try
- FM radio
- Weather satellites
- Airband chatter
- APRS packets
- WWV time signals
- ADS‑B aircraft tracking