QuadRF can spot drones and see WiFi through my wall (jeffgeerling.com)

Article summary

The QuadRF is a handheld phased-array radio built around a Raspberry Pi 5 and an FPGA board, capable of spotting drones and seeing WiFi through walls. It uses advanced signal processing and beamforming, and can stream and decode RF signals. The device is part of a larger project to create a Moon-scale antenna array for radio experiments and astronomy. The QuadRF is available for pre-order on Crowd Supply, with a basic kit starting at $499.

Main themes

• Phased array technology
• RF signal processing
• Drone detection
• WiFi analysis
• Open source hardware
• Export controls

What commenters say

• The QuadRF could be useful for EMC compliance testing, allowing for local soft-run testing on-site to identify potential issues before formal testing.
• Some commenters believe that traditional signal analyzers are more suitable for EMC testing, and that the QuadRF's capabilities are not unique or particularly useful in this context.
• The QuadRF's ability to track drones could be a valuable tool for airports and other organizations dealing with drone-related issues, but its effectiveness in this area is debated.
• The device's limited frequency range and detection angle may limit its usefulness for certain applications, such as detecting drones with active RF comms or those flying autonomously.
• Some argue that open source hardware and software are the future of innovation, allowing for faster development and more affordable solutions, while others note that export controls can pose challenges for open source projects.
• The QuadRF's capabilities are seen as a demonstration of what can be achieved with open source technology, and some commenters speculate about the potential implications for government surveillance and national security.