HackRF H4M ADS-B Aircraft Tracking with Map

Prerequisites

• HackRF PortaPack H4M with Mayhem firmware v2.0.1+ installed
• MicroSD card formatted to FAT32 containing ADS-B map files (/ADSB/world_map.bin, world_map.jpg)
• ADS-B antenna (12 dBi, 700 MHz–2700 MHz) — included in some of our bundles
• Internet access

Configure ADS-B RX App

1. Navigate to Receive → ADS-B RX on your PortaPack H4M.
2. We recommend using the 12 dBi 700 MHz–2700 MHz antenna included in our bundles for best reception.
3. Adjust gain: LNA ~40 dB, VGA ~32 dB.
4. Aircraft icons will appear if any are detected. When a green indicator appears next to an aircraft, press Select to center it on the map.

Interact with Aircraft Data

• After selection, view details: ICAO address, callsign, country, coordinates and aircraft type.
• Use See on Map to zoom in on the aircraft’s position.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Position your antenna with an unobstructed sky view to maximize reception.
• Confirm SD card integrity and FAT32 format to prevent map-file read errors.
• Keep Mayhem firmware updated for the latest ADS-B RX improvements.
• If the map fails to load, re-copy the map files ensuring correct filenames and case sensitivity.

Enhance Your Setup & Purchase

For optimal ADS-B performance on your HackRF H4M, we recommend the 12 dBi 700 MHz–2700 MHz antenna included in our SDR bundles.