HackRF One + SDRangel

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

[HackRF One + SDRangel] provides a platform to build and operate a VHF/UHF amateur radio transceiver, enabling both reception and transmission for hands-on experimentation.

Target Customer

Amateur radio operators, electronics hobbyists, SDR enthusiasts, Linux users

Key Differentiator

Open hardware (HackRF One) with open-source software (SDRangel) that supports both receiving and transmitting across wide frequencies, documented step-by-step setup, and real-world VHF/UHF experimentation

Implementation Timeline

Not specified in the content; described as a step-by-step experimental setup and testing process

Pain Points

1Need an affordable, flexible SDR platform capable of transmitting in addition to receiving
2Desire to explore VHF/UHF (2 m / 70 cm) amateur radio operations with real-world testing
3Requirement for an approachable, modifiable setup with clear configuration steps and practical results

Key Features

1HackRF One hardware (frequency range 1-6000 MHz, 8-bit ADC, 20 MS/s sampling, 20 MHz bandwidth, non-MIMO)
2Transmit capability (Yes) and reception capability (Half-duplex operation described)
3Open-source software SDRangel (GPL 3.0), cross-platform, installable via snap
4Simple TX/RX device configuration and channels with NFM modulation
5PTT automation via Simple PTT feature for switching between receive and transmit

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Amateur Radio Operator

Client Results

1Built a VHF/UHF amateur radio transceiver (2 m and 70 cm) using HackRF and SDRangel
2Achieved transmitted power up to 2.5 W with external amplifier; tested via repeater
3Transmit at 145.025 MHz and receive at 145.625 MHz; tested signal integrity and absence of unwanted harmonics
4Demonstrated practical operation with an external amplifier (M68776) and a 3-element Ula/Yagi antenna
5Verified configurability of SDRangel for switching between receive and transmit and tuning via LO ppm adjustments

Competitive Advantages

1Open hardware project with broad community support and long-term availability
2Cost-effective relative to some alternatives while offering transmit capability
3Open-source software (SDRangel) with cross-platform support and active development
4Flexible setup allowing customization (antennas, amplifiers, filters) and experiments across multiple bands
5Documentation and practical walkthroughs provided (installation, device setup, channel creation, PTT integration)

Key Benefits

1Hands-on building and experimentation with a real VHF/UHF transceiver

2Dual capability: reception and transmission (with caveats described in setup)

3Low-cost platform with open-source tools and documented workflow

4Extensible with additional hardware (amplifiers, filters, antennas) to boost performance

Case Studies & Success Stories

Sборка УКВ трансивера на базе HackRF и SDRangel

Case #1

Experimental build of a VHF/UHF amateur radio transceiver using HackRF One and SDRangel. Setup included adding RX/TX devices, configuring NFM channels, enabling Simple PTT, and adjusting LO ppm. Achieved 2.5 W output with an external amplifier, performed repeater contacts, and validated signal purity and modulation alignment. Practical notes on frequency choices, antenna configurations, and testing with a 3-element Yagi.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

Open hardware SDR platform capable of transmitting and receiving across a broad frequency range, used here to construct and operate a VHF/UHF amateur radio transceiver with SDRangel software.

Target Market

Amateur radio operators, electronics hobbyists, SDR developers, Linux users

Unique Value Proposition

Combines open-hardware flexibility (HackRF One) with open-source, cross-platform SDR software (SDRangel) to enable hands-on experimentation and full-duplex-like capabilities for VHF/UHF amateur radio at a relatively accessible price point

Technical Requirements

Hardware: HackRF One; USB connection; Operating system: Linux (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS mentioned); Software: SDRangel (install via snap and connect USB); Configure RX/TX devices and channels; Internet reference to GitHub and project documentation; Additional hardware for amplification (e.g., M68776) and antennas (e.g., 3-element Yagi); LO ppm adjustments for frequency alignment

Pricing Model

Hardware price for HackRF One cited around $75 USD (UK/US pricing context in content); HackRF price noted as ~74 USD (~5900 RUB) at one time; SDRangel is open-source (no licensing cost) and the setup described uses free/open-source software

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