HackBat is an open-source hardware penetration testing device designed for hackers and makers, equipped with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, ESP8266 WiFi module, sub-GHz RF transceiver, NFC, OLED display, and more. Basically it's DIY. An alternative to his popular Flipper Zero wireless hacking tool that you can create and assemble yourself.
Flipper Zero was a victim of its own success, with the Canadian government claiming (falsely) that it could be easily used for car theft and planning to ban it (the situation is still unclear at this point). As such, Flipper Zero alternatives such as the M1 multi-tool device are gaining traction as backup solutions with some additional features. However, closed-source devices can eventually be banned, something that is nearly impossible for open-source hardware devices like HackBat, and policy-making needs to be considered if you want to make these types of devices illegal. There is still a possibility that the person may decide to impose heavy fines…
Key features and specifications of HackBat:
- Microcontroller – Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Cortex-M0 processor (133MHz and 264kB RAM).
- storage
- 4MB (32Mbit) flash by default
- microSD card slot
- Display – 0.96” OLED with 128×64 resolution connected (SH110X driver). Note: OLED with SSD1306 is also supported, but the VCC and GND pins are reversed and two 0 ohm resistors must be soldered.
- wireless
- Texas Instruments CC1101 Sub-1 GHz Transceiver with Coil Antenna (and Optional SMA Antenna Connector)
- The ESP-12F ESP8266 module connects to the RP2040 via UART and is programmable through the RP2040 used as a USB-UART bridge.
- NXP PN532 NFC Module (13.56MHz)
- USB – 1 micro USB port for power, programming (RP2040 and ESP8266), and keyboard emulation
- User Controls – 5 Key D-Pad
- Miscellaneous – 2 user LEDs, 2 additional system buttons
- Power – 5V via micro USB port
- Dimensions – 100 x 42 mm
KiCad hardware design files including schematics, PCB layouts, BoM, Gerbers and some documentation can be found on GitHub and Hackster.io. HackBat is not sold, so you will need to either manufacture and solder a PCB or order a PCBA directly. If you haven't done so already, a few years ago he reported on his experience using NextPCB to order his PCBA for another open source hardware board. It's possible, but it will require some effort, even though the PCB design part is already done.
Another part of this DIY project is the firmware. Pablo Trujillo, the board's manufacturer, hasn't shared any firmware yet, so unless things change, you'll also need to create your own RP2040 firmware to play with HackBat. . Fortunately, this is mainly based on off-the-shelf parts with his Arduino library available, which makes the programming part somewhat simple.
Via ZDNET
Jean-Luc started CNX Software as a part-time job in 2010, then quit his job as a software engineering manager and began writing daily news and reviews full-time in late 2011.
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