Portable RF Hacking Tool with a Sub 1GHz RF Transceiver, BLE and USB

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PandwaRF is a pocket-sized, portable RF analysis tool operating the sub-1 GHz range. It allows the capture, analysis and re-transmission of RF via an Android device or a Linux PC.
 
It removes the ‘standard SDR Grind’ of capturing, demodulating, analysing, modifying and replaying by hand – replacing it with a simple but powerful interface.

 
System Overview

The PandwaRF system consists of two elements: the hardware device and the software controller, either an Android device or a PC. The hardware is a very capable device, tailored for beginners and advanced users alike. Beyond the functionality provided by the Android interface, the PandwaRF can be easily controlled and customised. No need to risk bricking your device or writing in C, the PandwaRF can be controlled by JavaScript, directly on the smartphone. 

  • Capture any data in ASK/OOK/MSK/2-FSK/GFSK modulation from the 300-928 MHz band
  • Transfer the captured data to your smartphone & save/share it
  • Send the captured data in JSON to your own server for post-processing
  • Write your own scripts or use a provided one
  • Transmit
  • Transmit previously captured data or write your own
  • Transmit data from a smartphone or directly from PandwaRF
  • Brute force with a predefined transmission pattern (encoders or devices)
  • Transmit power: +10dBm
  • Analyze
  • Visualize the frequency used by any device using the PandwaRF built-in Spectrum Analyzer
  • Directly show the maximum and average RSSI for a specific frequency band
  • Technical Specs
  • Bluetooth Smart Module ISP130301, based on nRF51
  • CC1111 Low-Power SoC with Sub-1 GHz RF Transceiver
  • Multi frequencies (from 300 MHz to 928 MHz)
  • Multi modulation (ASK/OOK/MSK/2-FSK/GFSK)
  • Transmit and receive in half duplex mode
  • Support data rates up to 500 kBaud
  • Open hardware
  • Full speed USB: 12 Mbps (Linux or Android)
  • Bluetooth Smart 4.0 (Android/iOS)
  • USB charging & battery powered
  • 4 buttons to assign codes
  • 4 Status LEDs
  • 16 Mbit Flash Memory to save custom RF protocols
  • Rechargeable battery powered for stand-alone operation
  • Battery fuel gauge
  • RX amplifier for improved sensitivity: +13dB from 300MHz-1GHz
  • TX amplifier for higher output power: +20dB @ 433MHz & +17dB @ 900MHz
  • SMA connector for external antenna
  • Antenna port power control for external LNA
  • 22-pin expansion and programming header
  • Included: Battery and injection molded plastic enclosure

 More information - https://www.tindie.com/products/comthings/pandwarf-rf-analysis-tool

NVIS Research Paper

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The paper 'Radio communication via Near Vertical Incidence Skywave propagation: an overview' by Rosa Ma Alsina-Pagès and Ben A. Witvliet is now available 

Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) propagation can be used for radio communication in a large area (200 km radius) without any intermediate human-made infrastructure. It is therefore especially suited for disaster relief communication, communication in developing regions and applications where independence of local infrastructure is desired, such as military applications. 

NVIS communication uses frequencies between approximately 3 and 10 MHz. A comprehensive overview of NVIS research is given, covering propagation, antennas, diversity, modulation and coding. Both the bigger picture and the important details are given, as well as the relation between them.

Download - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11235-017-0287-2

Disney Research Demonstrates Open-Air Wireless Charging

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Disney Research has invented a new method of wirelessly charging mobile devices that could someday allow amusement park patrons to walk about freely while also getting their mobile devices charged.

The technology, which Disney has dubbed "quasistatic cavity resonance" (QSCR), enables purpose-built structures such as cabinets, rooms and warehouses to generate quasistatic magnetic fields that "safely deliver kilowatts of power to mobile receivers contained nearly anywhere within."

Disney's wireless charging technology research was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE.

Media Story - http://www.computerworld.com/article/3173305/emerging-technology/disney-research-demonstrates-open-air-wireless-charging.html