# Setting Up Kali Linux on a HackRF One with Portapack for SDR Use under Windows 10

The HackRF one is an open-source software defined radio (SDR) peripheral that can be used to capture or generate various types of digital signals within the frequency range of around 30 MHz to over 4 GHz. This versatility makes it a popular choice among ham radio operators, hobbyists, and professional engineers alike.

In this article, we will walk through the process of installing Kali Linux on your HackRF one with Portapack, which is an optional daughter card that provides additional I/O capabilities. We'll also cover some basic steps to get started with using these devices for SDR applications under Windows 10.

## Prerequisites

Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:

1. A working HackRF one board

2. The Portapack (optional)

3. An USB 3.0 port on your computer

4. Windows 10 operating system (version 1809 or higher recommended)

### Installing Kali Linux and Setting Up the Environment

First, you'll need to download a suitable image of Kali Linux for your HackRF one board from their official website.

1. Download an appropriate ISO file based on your device's architecture.

2. Use Rufus (or any other tool capable of creating bootable USB drives) to create a liveUSB stick from the downloaded .iso file.

### Booting into Kali and Configuring SDR Tools

Once you've created your boot media, insert it into an empty SD card slot on your HackRF one board. Connect both devices via micro-SD cards using a standard Micro SD -> microSD adapter cable if needed then plug everything up through USB3 to host machine running latest version of Linux distribution preferably Ubuntu/Deconz or similar distros offering out-of-the-box support for RTL2832U-based sticks such as HackRF One.

### Installing SDR Tools

To access the full potential of your HackRTL stick, you'll need some additional software packages installed. Open up Terminal in Kali and run these commands one by one:

```bash

sudo apt update -y && sudo apt install -y gr-sdrsharp sdrangel libhackrf.so0-3.x86_64 # Replace 'x' with your kernel version if necessary

```

### Configuring HackRF One for SDR Use

After installing the required tools, you'll need to configure your HackRTL stick before it can be recognized by SDR applications. Open up Device Manager (or System Information depending on distribution) and look under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers' section where you should see a new entry called 'HackRF' or something similar.

Double-click on this device then click Properties button at bottom right corner of resulting dialog box that opens; switch to 'Advanced' tab here:

* Underneath 'Data transfer size (bytes)', select 1024.

* In the next window, make sure all boxes are checked under 'Power management'.

Reboot your system once finished with these changes.

### Using SDR Tools

Now you're ready to start playing around! Launch any of your favorite SDR software like GNU Radio Companion (GRC), gr-osmosdr or even just plain old `rtl_fm` from terminal:

```bash

sudo apt-get install -y gnuradio rtl-sdr

```

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to get things working, here are some common problems and their solutions:

### HackRF one not recognized by SDR software

1. Make sure the device is properly connected via USB 3.0.

2. Try disconnecting/reconnecting it from your computer's USB port(s).

3. Ensure that you have installed all necessary drivers for your operating system (see above).

### No signal detected or poor reception quality

1. Check antenna connections and ensure they are securely attached to both the HackRF one board and the external Antenna.

If none of these suggestions help resolve issues, feel free to ask questions in our forum section where experienced users will be happy to provide more detailed assistance!

Windows 10 hackrf one