[Hackrf-dev] Possibly Defective HackRF One?

[Norm]

Todd Harrison <toddrharrison at ...> writes:

> 
> 
> I'm in just about the same boat. However, I got my HackRF One from the 
kickstarter campaign. I'm not ready to give up just yet because I'm 
going through Michael Ossmann's video lessons and using Pentoo. I 
haven't been getting satisfactory reception from Windows software even 
when using a great 20 meter band loop antenna that is 15 feet off the 
ground. I'm just hoping the Linux setup and software gives better 
results, however, broadcast radio receptions was poor during the first 
video tutorial on Pentoo. I have also update the firmware and CPLD from 
Pentoo. I have not transmitted yet. I'm not a very experienced ham or 
SDR user so I will have to draw my conclusions once I'm done with all 
the video lessons.
> Todd Harrison
> www.ToddFun.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Tue, Oct 28, 2014 at 12:51 PM, Scott Halligan <scott-
Rwy3Yy+Dy4zR7s880joybQ at public.gmane.org> wrote:Hi,
> I am coming to the unfortunate conclusion that I may have a defective 
HackRF One. I purchased it via NooElec and received it back in August. 
Since day one I have noticed reception to be overall poor when compared 
to other devices, both standard scanner/receivers, my bladeRF, and even 
sadly an RTL dongle. I operate in Windows exclusively (except obviously 
for firmware update; see below).
> I initially chalked this up to my inexperience with finding the right 
balance of gain and filtering, but I'm at the point now where I really 
don't think it's me any longer. I am not using an ANT500; in each case I 
am comparing using the same software, MSPS, bandwidth, etc along with 
various external tower mounted antenna both at home and at work (local 
PD with scanner antenna on tower). Sadly without fail in each case the 
HackRF One is coming up in last place. The final straw was viewing known 
signals between 154-156 MHz using SDR# and comparing the HackRF One to 
the RTL dongle. Signals are louder, stronger, and clearer with the RTL 
dongle.
> I have updated the HackRF One to the latest firmware and CPLD using 
Pentoo. Both went without a hitch. I have not made any efforts to crack 
the case to see if anything appears obvious, considering it might void 
any warranty. I have not transmitted at all with it, nor have I had it 
near any strong RF sources.
> I'm sure a few folks may continue to think that my inexperience is the 
culprit, but I doubt that is the case at this point. I'm willing to send 
it back to have it looked at if that's feasible.
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions/assistance.

Did you ever get any resolution to this?  I purchased two HackRF's 
(Kickstarter and Nooelec) and one has issues (extra noise, reduced 
sensitivity, lna appears broken).  I've sent Mike a number of messages, 
but he will not respond.  This has been going on since I got them in 
late August.  Nooelec sent a couple of messages also, with no response.  
It would seem that many stores are selling this item, but do not offer 
any warranty at all, they just refer you back to Mike - who will not 
respond.  Doing more searches now, I can see there are others out there 
with defective units - after the huge delays in delivery this is beyond 
frustrating...Does anyone know how to warranty this through Mike?

Norm