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Review & Teardown of a Cheap GPS Jammer

Accepted submission by Phoenix666 at 2017-11-30 15:32:54
Hardware

Anatomy of a "signal generator" [livejournal.com]:

Generally, “jammers” — which are also commonly called signal blockers, GPS jammers, cell phone jammers, wifi jammers, etc. are radio frequency transmitters that are designed to block, jam, or otherwise interfere with radio communications.

A jammer can block radio communications on devices that operates on a given radio frequencies within its range (i.e., within a certain distance of the jammer) by emitting a noise radio carrier. A GPS jammer generates a 1575.42 Mhz [wikipedia.org] interference to prevent your GPS unit from receiving correct positioning signals. The GPS jammer is typically a small, self-contained, battery powered and transmit signal over a small radius. Though illegal to use, these low-tech devices can be bought on the internet for as little as $25 [bit.ly]. Since they can block devices that record a vehicle’s movements, they’re popular with truck drivers who don’t want an electronic spy in their cabs. They can also block GPS-based road tolls that are levied via an on-board receiver. GPS jamming technology will also disable autopilot in drones [wired.com] to protect individuals' privacy.

In the US federal law prohibits the sale or use of a transmitter (e.g., a jammer) designed to block, jam, or interfere with wireless communications. For this reason some jammer retailers now label jammers as “signal generator kit” so it will just slip through customs and them is to purchaser sole responsibility for ensuring that the operation complies with the applicable laws. One of these “GPS signal generator kit” is the Dealextreme QH-1 Professional GPS Signal Generator Module (It seems that the QH-1 GPS jammer ran out of stock and will not be manufactured anymore, but you can still find HJ-3A GPS and cell phone jammer [bit.ly].). I’ve always wondered what’s inside these jammers, given their cost, so i purchased one “signal generator module” and put under test with RF laboratory equiment, disassembled and photographed them for all to enjoy.

But is it cheaper than tinfoil?


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