The HackRF entry in the main menu switches the device from Mayhem firmware into standard HackRF mode. In this mode the PortaPack operates as a plain HackRF One, fully compatible with GNU Radio, GQRX, SDR#, and any other software that supports the HackRF via USB — without any additional flashing or modification.

Switching to HackRF mode

Select HackRF from the main menu. A confirmation dialog appears:

"This mode enables HackRF functionality. To return, press the reset button."

Select Yes to confirm. The Mayhem UI shuts down and the HackRF firmware takes over.

Note

All PortaPack inputs — the encoder dial, buttons, and touchscreen — are inactive in HackRF mode. The display shows a static block diagram at startup, and adds live values once an SDR application connects via USB.

Firmware version in HackRF mode

When in HackRF mode, hackrf_info still reports the Mayhem firmware version, for example:

─$ hackrf_info
hackrf_info version: 2024.02.1
libhackrf version: 2024.02.1 (0.9)
Found HackRF
Index: 0
Serial number: 00000000000000009xxxxxxxxxxxxxx3
Board ID Number: 2 (HackRF One)
Firmware Version: n_250606 (API:1.08)
Part ID Number: 0xa000cb3c 0x0066476c
Hardware Revision: r10
Hardware does not appear to have been manufactured by Great Scott Gadgets.
Hardware supported by installed firmware:
    HackRF One

This is expected — the HackRF USB interface is provided by the Mayhem firmware image, so the version string reflects Mayhem, not the original HackRF firmware.

Driver requirements

Linux / macOS: The HackRF is supported natively by the libhackrf package. Install it via your package manager (e.g. sudo apt install hackrf, brew install hackrf) and the device will be recognized automatically.

Windows: Windows does not include a HackRF driver by default. You need to install the WinUSB driver using Zadig:

1. Download and run Zadig from https://zadig.akeo.ie
2. Select Options → List All Devices.
3. Select HackRF One from the dropdown.
4. Select WinUSB as the driver and click Install Driver or Replace Driver.

Once installed, the HackRF will be recognized by GQRX (via GNU Radio), SDR#, and hackrf_transfer.

Note

If you previously used the PortaPack with the SD-Over-USB app on Windows, a different driver may already be assigned to the device. Zadig will let you replace it.

Returning to Mayhem

To return to Mayhem firmware, press the RESET button — it is on the top of the PortaPack, the outer (right) one. See Hardware-overview for its exact location.

Note

There is no software way to exit HackRF mode. Only the RESET button will return the device to Mayhem.

Use cases

HackRF mode is useful when you need to use the HackRF with PC-based SDR software directly — for example to use GQRX or SDR# for wideband monitoring, run GNU Radio flowgraphs, or use hackrf_transfer for raw capture and replay from the command line.

To leave this mode, press the reset button. It is on the top of the PortaPack the outer (right) one.

PortaPack in HackRF Mode	HackRF Mode connected to gqrx