Software Radio / OpenBTS - The Well Tempered Hacker Ep 4

We'll take a look at the Ettus Research N210 software programmable radio (or Universal Software Radio Peripheral - USRP) and set up a complete GSM cell "base station" using OpenBTS. We'll also use the same radio to scan a wide frequency range and listen to FM radio using GNURadio. The Ettus Research N210 is available from http://ettus.com/ for roughly $2,700 including the board (WBX) and antenna setup I'm using in this video.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• USRP
• Ettus Research
• N210
• OpenBTS
• GNURadio
• Well Tempered Hacker
• smart phones
• radio
• cell phones
• tutorial
• wireless
• gadgets
• technology
• electronics
• howto
• computers
• cellphones
• diy
• educational
• software

[Dusty696969]

can you use this to listen in on GSM broadcast. Like listening to cell phone conversations? Also is this legal to own in the U.S. I seen other similar software radios that can intercept GSM signals and can listen to GSM broadcast. If this is legal in the U.S. where can you buy these?

[anders94]

@Dusty696969 Yes, you can listen but no you can't understand it - GSM transmissions are encrypted. However, if you run your own BTS and handsets decide to camp to that, you obviously have access to calls that way. It is legal to buy these in the US, but it generally isn't legal to run them on public frequencies. As with any transmitter in licensed frequencies, you need to check with the FCC and make sure you comply with regulations. The URL where you can get these is in the description.

[gauravpride1985]

Which programming language is used to program this device and what is specification of the development board.

[anders94]

@gauravpride1985 Using gnu radio, you build flowchart-like programs visually that get compiled and sent to the FPGA on the radio. The most common non-visual way to do the same thing is based in python, so I suppose this is the direct answer to your first question. The development daughterboards I use here are defined here: ettus.com/downloads/ettus_daug­hterboards.pdf

[anders94]

@syirrus depends on the radio board you use. I get about 2 blocks with mine but in theory you can go 35km.

[anders94]

Here's a parts list for the project demonstrated in this video. Keep in mind this is overkill for just what I am doing.

From Wherever:

1 x MacBook Pro $??? (using Linux here would definitely be easier)

2 x Nexus One phones $??? (you can use any GSM phone)

from ettus.com:

1 x UN210-KIT $1700

1 x WBX $450

2 x VERT900 $35/per

You can substitute the lower-cost UN200-KIT or even the UB100-KIT for $650. The E100 series includes an embedded Linux machine but will only drive 1 phone call at a time.

[how367]

Base on theory, one could use this as A 911 service on their cell, the cell would connect to this then this could connect to emergency radio frequency that is in the area if the power goes out & this could be connected to A car battery or solar, and the also need to be connected to A packet note to send location

[Dusty696969]

@anders94 Thanks

[smashthestack]

Great video :) Thanks a bunch

[nitestick89]

Subscribed, great vid :D

[syirrus]

What is the transmit range of setting up a BTS?