What defines a Raspberry Pi project as tactical? Media-Grizzly, a maker and developer, has their ideas with this unique, portable Pi-powered software-defined radio (SDR) system they developed from scratch, known as the D.E.S.E.R.T Pi-Powered Tactical System.
It not only functions as a portable SDR, but it also serves as a drone jammer, disabling surrounding drones with the flip of a switch. It has a few features, but there is plenty of room for future development.
Media-Grizzly’s D.E.S.E.R.T Pi-Powered Tactical System is packed in a portable case and has a decent assortment of devices to experiment with. We don’t yet have a whole construction list, but we do notice a lovely, laser-engraved faceplate with a keyboard, power LED, USB connection, and an LCD in the center. However, the most appealing input is the large red switch in the corner labeled “DE-AUTH”.
According to Media-Grizzly, this DE-AUTH switch is specifically designed to interface with drone communications. It’s crucial to note that the legality of such interference varies widely depending on where you live, and Media-Grizzly tells us that this is only a theoretical use case.
Nonetheless, the drone jammer would function by connecting an antenna and activating the switch. Any drone within range of the antenna will lose signal when engaged.
The D.E.S.E.R.T Pi-Powered Tactical System is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4B, although Media-Grizzly guarantees compatibility with everything from a Pi Zero to a Raspberry Pi 4B, while a Pi 5 might work with some extra effort. It’s powered by a 12V battery and has a 5V buck converter.
The Pi draws approximately 5 Watts, whereas the entire system draws approximately 17 Watts. Media-Grizzly intends to install an Adafruit INA219 to monitor power usage on the screen in real-time.
As of this writing, no source code for the project has been shared. However, Media-Grizzly indicated in the project thread that they intend to release the code he created for the D.E.S.E.R.T Pi-Powered Tactical System and would upload it to a GitHub website shortly. If you want to learn more about how it works, follow them for future updates.
