{"title":"Tech Minds Picks","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoftware-defined radio, Meshtastic, LoRa, and HackRF gear curated from the Tech Minds YouTube channel. Matt covers SDR fundamentals, HackRF tutorials, and off-grid mesh communication — this collection brings together the hardware he actually uses and reviews.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rtl-sdr-blog-v3-software-defined-radio-dipole-antenna-kit","title":"RTL-SDR Blog V3 Software Defined Radio + Dipole Antenna Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA $35 USB dongle that turns your laptop into a radio telescope capable of receiving everything from aircraft transponders to meteor ionization trails at 100 MHz.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftware-Defined Radio (SDR) replaces analogue RF hardware — mixers, filters, demodulators — with digital signal processing algorithms running on a CPU or GPU. The RTL-SDR V3 uses a Rafael Micro R820T2 tuner chip covering 500 kHz–1.766 GHz with a 28.8 MHz sampling bandwidth, converting RF signals to in-phase\/quadrature (I\/Q) baseband pairs that software reconstructs into any modulation scheme: AM, FM, SSB, CW, ADS-B, NOAA weather satellite, ACARS, FlightAware feeds, P25 trunking, even passive radar. The included bias-tee (4.5 V, 180 mA) powers active antennas directly from the USB port.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency range: 500 kHz–1766 MHz (with direct sampling for HF to 28 MHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e28.8 MHz instantaneous bandwidth; R820T2 + RTL2832U chipset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes: SMA dipole antenna set, MCX-to-SMA adapter, 3 m USB cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with SDR#, GNU Radio, GQRX, ADS-B feeder apps; Windows\/Mac\/Linux\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery purchase directly funds independent physics research at the Golden Physics Project.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54144349962532,"sku":"GPP-ELEC-RTLSDR","price":79.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"hackrf-one-sdr-transceiver-spectrum-analyzer-1-mhz-6-ghz","title":"HackRF One — SDR Transceiver \u0026 Spectrum Analyzer 1 MHz–6 GHz","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScan, transmit, replay, and analyze the entire RF spectrum from 1 MHz to 6 GHz.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHackRF One is an open-source software defined radio peripheral capable of both transmission and reception across 6 GHz of spectrum. Unlike receive-only RTL-SDR dongles, HackRF can transmit — making it capable of signal injection, RF testing, replay attacks on 433MHz key fobs, GPS simulation, and full-duplex transceiver applications. The same hardware platform used by security researchers, radio astronomers, and RF engineers worldwide. Runs on GNU Radio, SDR#, GQRX, and every major SDR software stack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency range: 1 MHz–6 GHz half-duplex TX\/RX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSample rate: up to 20 Msps; 8-bit ADC\/DAC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 2.0 powered; open-source hardware and software\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with GNU Radio, SDR#, GRC, gr-osmosdr, HackRF tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery purchase directly funds independent physics research at the Golden Physics Project.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54176198918436,"sku":"GPP-HACKRF-ONE","price":149.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/HackRF-One-fd0-0009.jpg?v=1780551853"},{"product_id":"heltec-wifi-lora-32-v3-esp32-s3-lora-915mhz-oled-meshtastic-ready","title":"Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 — ESP32-S3 + LoRa 915MHz + OLED, Meshtastic Ready","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eESP32-S3 + LoRa SX1262 + 0.96\" OLED on a single board. Flash Meshtastic in 60 seconds.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 integrates an ESP32-S3 (dual-core 240MHz, Wi-Fi, BT 5.0), a Semtech SX1262 LoRa transceiver, a 0.96\" OLED display, and a LiPo battery connector on a compact board designed for Meshtastic mesh networking. Flash the firmware, set your region, and join or create a mesh network with no internet infrastructure. Range: 1–10 km line of sight, up to 20 km with a directional antenna. The most popular hardware platform for Meshtastic deployments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESP32-S3 dual-core 240MHz, Wi-Fi + BT 5.0; Semtech SX1262 LoRa 915MHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e0.96\" 128×64 OLED display; LiPo charge circuit; USB-C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e–148 dBm receiver sensitivity; +22 dBm TX power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArduino IDE + ESP-IDF + MicroPython; Meshtastic firmware pre-tested\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery purchase directly funds independent physics research at the Golden Physics Project.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54176198951204,"sku":"GPP-HELTEC-LORA32-V3","price":64.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/2-500x500.png?v=1780551893"},{"product_id":"lilygo-t-beam-v1-2-esp32-lora-915mhz-gps-neo-6m-meshtastic-node","title":"LILYGO T-Beam V1.2 — ESP32 + LoRa 915MHz + GPS NEO-6M — Meshtastic Node","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS-enabled Meshtastic node out of the box. Build your off-grid mesh network with location awareness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe LILYGO T-Beam combines an ESP32 (dual-core 240MHz), a Semtech SX1276 LoRa module, a u-blox NEO-6M GPS receiver, and an 18650 battery holder into a single board designed for mobile Meshtastic nodes. Every node broadcasts its GPS coordinates across the mesh, enabling real-time position sharing across a decentralized network with no internet or cell towers. The standard platform for backcountry communications, emergency preparedness, and off-grid deployments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESP32 dual-core 240MHz; SX1276 LoRa 915MHz; +20 dBm TX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eu-blox NEO-6M GPS — 3.5m accuracy, 1Hz update\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18650 holder + TP4056 charge controller + AXP192 power management; USB-C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeshtastic firmware pre-tested; RP-SMA LoRa antenna included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery purchase directly funds independent physics research at the Golden Physics Project.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54176199115044,"sku":"GPP-TBEAM-V12-915","price":99.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/Q408-LILYGO-T-Beam_6.jpg?v=1780942624"},{"product_id":"915mhz-lora-fiberglass-antenna-3-dbi-omnidirectional-rp-sma-male","title":"915MHz LoRa Fiberglass Antenna — 3 dBi Omnidirectional, RP-SMA Male","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReplace the rubber duck. Double your Meshtastic range with a properly tuned 3 dBi antenna.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe stock antennas shipped with most LoRa boards are electrically short rubber duck designs with near-zero or negative gain. A properly tuned fiberglass omnidirectional antenna provides 3 dBi over isotropic — roughly double the effective transmission power and noticeably extended range in Meshtastic, TTN, and LoRaWAN networks. This antenna is cut and tuned specifically for the 915 MHz North American ISM band used by Meshtastic, The Things Network, and most LoRa deployments in Canada and the USA.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency: 915 MHz; gain: 3 dBi; VSWR: \u0026lt;1.5; impedance: 50Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFiberglass radome over tuned aluminum radiator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnector: RP-SMA male — fits Heltec, LILYGO T-Beam, RAK WisNode, most LoRa modules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: 195mm; IP67 weatherproof; suitable for outdoor permanent mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery purchase directly funds independent physics research at the Golden Physics Project.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54176199147812,"sku":"GPP-LORA-ANT-915-3DBI","price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/Sc4d426405c4e475dbe6593f1577805f8c.jpg_480x480q75.webp?v=1780993457"},{"product_id":"sdrplay-rsp1b-wideband-software-defined-radio-receiver","title":"SDRplay RSP1B — Wideband Software Defined Radio Receiver","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe SDRplay RSP1B is a wideband software-defined radio receiver covering 1 kHz to 2 GHz. Reviewed and recommended by Tech Minds in February 2024, who noted that the improved noise performance under 1 MHz results in significantly better reception of NDB signals from airports — a real-world improvement over the RSP1A. Matt demonstrated the RSP1B with SDRplay's SDRconnect software, showing features including IQ recording, asymmetric notch filtering, and the remote server capability for network-based SDR use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe RSP1B covers a wider frequency range than the RTL-SDR V3, includes a built-in bias-T for powering active antennas, and operates at up to 10 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Compatible with SDRuno, SDRconnect, GNU Radio, SDR#, and HDSDR.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency range: 1 kHz – 2 GHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eADC: 14-bit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstantaneous bandwidth: up to 10 MHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoftware: SDRconnect (Windows\/macOS\/Linux\/Raspberry Pi)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB powered, no external supply required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs reviewed by Tech Minds (YouTube: @TechMinds2016) for software-defined radio and amateur radio applications.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54178518434084,"sku":"GPP-SDRPLAY-RSP1B","price":199.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/RSP1Bpic1-scaled.jpg?v=1780551866"},{"product_id":"hackrf-one-portapack-h4m-portable-sdr-transceiver-combo","title":"HackRF One PortaPack H4M — Portable SDR Transceiver Combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe HackRF One with PortaPack H4M is the portable SDR setup featured extensively by Tech Minds (YouTube: @TechMinds2016), who produced a complete beginner's guide to the HackRF and PortaPack with Mayhem Firmware. The PortaPack H4M has become one of the most recommended HackRF PortaPack options — it surpasses the original PortaPack in quality and features at a lower price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe HackRF One covers 1 MHz to 6 GHz with both transmit and receive capabilities (half-duplex), making it useful for signal analysis, replay attacks, spectrum scanning, and learning RF fundamentals. The PortaPack H4M adds a touchscreen display and battery so you can run it completely standalone, without a PC. With Mayhem Firmware installed, you get access to a wide suite of RF tools including Meshtastic-compatible LoRa sniffing, POCSAG paging, NFC analysis, and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency: 1 MHz – 6 GHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHalf-duplex transceiver (transmit and receive)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortaPack H4M: touchscreen, SD card slot, battery operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with Mayhem Firmware for expanded capabilities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen-source hardware by Great Scott Gadgets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs featured in Tech Minds' beginner HackRF\/PortaPack tutorial series on YouTube.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54178534785316,"sku":"GPP-HACKRF-PORTAPACK-H4M","price":399.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/PortaPack-H2-and-HackRF-assembled.jpg?v=1780563281"},{"product_id":"lilygo-t-beam-supreme-esp32-s3-lora-915mhz-gps-meshtastic","title":"LILYGO T-Beam Supreme — ESP32-S3 + LoRa 915MHz + GPS + Meshtastic","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe LILYGO T-Beam Supreme is the upgraded flagship of the T-Beam Meshtastic node lineup, built around the ESP32-S3 and featuring the SX1262 LoRa chip (improved sensitivity over the older SX1276). Tech Minds (YouTube: @TechMinds2016) tested LILYGO LoRa devices for Meshtastic compatibility and showed how to flash firmware using the online Meshtastic flasher tool. The T-Beam Supreme is the community-recommended upgrade for anyone who wants the full feature set: GPS, battery charging, LoRa, and a display, all integrated on one board.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe T-Beam line is the most-recommended Meshtastic hardware for newcomers: it includes GPS for location sharing on the mesh, an 18650 battery holder with charge management, and can run standalone for days. The Supreme version adds the more sensitive SX1262 radio chip and ESP32-S3 for improved performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMCU: ESP32-S3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoRa: SX1262, 915 MHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGPS: u-blox GPS module\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattery: 18650 holder + charge management\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeshtastic firmware compatible (flash via browser)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional: OLED display header\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs tested by Tech Minds in his Meshtastic-compatible LILYGO LoRa devices video; the T-Beam line is his go-to for Meshtastic hardware demonstrations.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54178584756516,"sku":"GPP-TBEAM-SUPREME-915","price":79.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/LILYGO-T-BEAM_10_3bb84be5-da09-4626-8b93-99be997d49b8.jpg?v=1780551888"},{"product_id":"tech-minds-hackrf-starter-kit-1","title":"Tech Minds HackRF Starter Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eGet started with Software Defined Radio (SDR) the right way with this curated bundle recommended by Matt M0DQW of \u003cstrong\u003e@TechMindsOfficial\u003c\/strong\u003e on YouTube. Whether you're new to SDR or looking to level up from a basic dongle, this kit pairs the powerhouse HackRF One PortaPack H4M with the high-performance SDRplay RSP1B — covering everything from passive listening and signal analysis to active transmit experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe HackRF One with PortaPack H4M gives you a full-colour touchscreen interface and Mayhem firmware so you can explore signals on-the-go without a laptop. The SDRplay RSP1B adds exceptional sensitivity and 14-bit ADC performance for serious monitoring work back at your bench. Together they cover 1 kHz to 6 GHz and make a formidable beginner-to-advanced SDR station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHackRF One PortaPack H4M — standalone SDR transceiver with touchscreen and Mayhem firmware\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSDRplay RSP1B — 1 kHz–2 GHz wideband SDR receiver with 14-bit ADC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWatch the Beginner Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n7N7G_9tj9w\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVideo credit: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@TechMindsOfficial\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e@TechMindsOfficial\u003c\/a\u003e — HackRF PortaPack H4M Beginners Guide. Matt covers setup, Mayhem firmware, and the most useful SDR apps to get started with your new hardware.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Physics Project","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54190232699172,"sku":"GPP-BUNDLE-TECHMINDS-HACKRF","price":549.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/2879\/9524\/files\/hackrf-one-VB5A0634_8a820ad9-944e-43ce-854d-11fbc88d3fe7.jpg?v=1780679615"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.goldenphysics.org\/collections\/tech-minds-picks.oembed","provider":"Golden Physics Project","version":"1.0","type":"link"}