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Various Projects Find Hidden SDR Capabilities in ESP32 Microcontrollers

288 points · 67 comments · nkw

  1. mallets · · focus · HN ↗
    So many $1 wireless ICs have a powerful "SDR", but will never be documented due to certification/compiliance/export-control reasons. The projects listed here rightly limited the scope to RX-only but Espressif might be forced to "patch" this away if arbitrary TX too is possible (or starts making headlines). Hope it doesn't come to that, more cheap options for RF-to-bits is always welcome.

    On a technical note, not much I can find about the signal quality. Phase noise, images, DC Offset, etc. Have to get my hands on one, ESP32-S31 seems promising.

    1. ErroneousBosh · · focus · HN ↗
      > The projects listed here rightly limited the scope to RX-only but Espressif might be forced to "patch" this away if arbitrary TX too is possible

      Why would they? It's perfectly legal to operate radio transmitters on any frequency you like, if you hold a suitable licence.

      1. mallets · · focus · HN ↗
        Legal for end-user, sure. But Espressif might run into trouble with regulators like FCC.
        1. ErroneousBosh · · focus · HN ↗
          Then sell them in the UK, where the FCC is entirely irrelevant.

          We treat RF like your lot treat Mexican fireworks.

          1. gamblor956 · · focus · HN ↗
            Our border control confiscates Mexican fireworks.
            1. Joker_vD · · focus · HN ↗
              And illegally entering Mexican immigrants too, yes. In practice, neither seems particularly effective.
          2. compiler-guy · · focus · HN ↗
            This would mean throwing away a giant market for what are generally pretty niche use cases. Very cool use cases, sure. But not worth giving all those sales up in favor of gray-market importers.
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