Project Starbeam: A Modular Signal Intelligence Platform for Tactical & Security Applications

Project Starbeam is here—and it’s unlike anything else in the open-source hardware world. Designed for researchers, hobbyists, and professionals alike, this project brings advanced signal intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities into a compact, affordable, and highly customizable platform.

At its heart is a custom 4-layer PCB powered by the ESP32-WROOM-32D and packed with up to five radio modules, with full support for HackRF One integration. Whether you’re exploring wireless security, testing drone countermeasures, or training for RF-based threats, Starbeam is built to adapt to your mission.

🛰️ Why Project Starbeam?

Born out of the need for accessible yet powerful SIGINT tools, Project Starbeam offers:

• Multi-band RF signal generation & analysis
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi jamming (educational use only)
• Drone signal interference testing
• Modular architecture to expand based on your use case
• Integration with HackRF One for full-range RF operations (1 MHz–6 GHz)

From tactical deployments to classroom simulations, this tool is shaping up to be a Swiss army knife for RF security testing.

🧠 What’s Under the Hood?

🔹 ESP32-WROOM-32D Microcontroller

Dual-core, fast, and efficient. This microcontroller runs the show with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a 32-bit processor, and enough GPIOs to handle multiple radios at once.

🔹 Flexible Radio Configurations

Choose between multiple configurations depending on your application:

• Config A: 5x NRF24L01+PA+LNA (ideal for 2.4GHz spectrum work)
• Config B: 3x NRF24 + 2x CC1101 (for expanded coverage down to 433 MHz)
• Config C: Up to 5x CC1101 modules (custom use)

Each setup is controlled by simple DIP switch toggles for routing control across the radios.

🔹 HackRF One Support

Need to go beyond 2.4GHz? Starbeam integrates with HackRF One, letting you scan, analyze, and generate signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. Just plug it into your Raspberry Pi via the TX/RX header and you’re good to go.

🛠️ How to Build Your Own Starbeam

PCB Order Link: Click here to get your Starbeam PCB

Once you receive your pre-assembled board (PCBA), you’ll need the following components:

• ESP32-WROOM-32D: Buy here
• SSD1306 0.96” OLED Display (128×64): Buy here
• NRF24 Modules (x5): Buy here
• CC1101 Modules (x2): Buy here
• USB-C Power Module: Buy here

🔌 Note: Always double-check capacitor orientation and USB-C wiring during soldering.

💻 Setting Up the Software

1. Install Arduino IDE:
   Download here
2. Add Required Libraries:
   • Place the SmartRC-CC1101-Driver-Lib2 in your Arduino/libraries folder.
3. Open and Upload Code:
   • Extract the Starbeam code .zip file.
   • Open the .ino file in Arduino IDE and upload it to your ESP32.

🔗 Want a walkthrough? Video tutorials are available via the Hakr Hardware Club: Join here

🔍 Key Capabilities

• RF Signal Generation – Simulate known signal patterns for testing.
• Frequency Scanning – Monitor activity across multiple RF bands.
• Signal Replay – Copy and replay signals for behavior analysis.
• Flexible Module Swapping – Adapt to your use case with ease.
• Open Architecture – Customize, upgrade, or fork—it’s your lab.

🔐 Use Cases

Project Starbeam is more than a dev board—it’s a tool for real-world scenarios:

🔸 Tactical & Field Security

• Identify unauthorized transmitters
• Simulate interference for secure channel testing
• Evaluate encrypted signal strength in the wild

🔸 Border & Infrastructure Monitoring

• Detect rogue frequencies in restricted zones
• Analyze signal anomalies around sensitive facilities
• Trace and locate 2.4GHz-based threats

🔸 Cyber & RF Forensics

• Capture and analyze RF evidence
• Match signal fingerprints to devices
• Document communication patterns over time

🔸 Education & Simulation

• Teach RF theory in practice
• Simulate attacks in a classroom
• Train personnel with hands-on SIGINT tools

📡 Starbeam 2.0 Incoming…

A new version is already in the works: Starbeam v2.0, featuring 10 NRF radios, 2 ESP32s, and a BW16 module. This upgrade promises increased channel coverage and better simultaneous signal manipulation.

💬 Final Thoughts

Project Starbeam isn’t just a device—it’s a platform. Affordable, flexible, and open-source, it’s designed for developers and defenders who need to work smarter in RF-heavy environments.

Whether you’re monitoring signals at a checkpoint, training security teams, or analyzing captured RF traffic, Starbeam has your back.

Visit https://github.com/dkyazzentwatwa/project-starbeam