LakeShark Puts a Powerful Radio Scanner in Your Pocket

Software-defined radios (SDRs) are incredibly versatile tools that allow users to receive and analyze radio signals ranging from ordinary FM broadcasts to aircraft transmissions. Unfortunately, getting the most out of them requires a computer running specialized software. But what if you could squeeze that functionality into a pocket-sized device? That's exactly what LakeShark, an open source project developed by SAMS0N1TE, was built to do.

LakeShark transforms inexpensive ESP32-P4 development boards into portable radio scanners and wireless experimentation platforms. Compatible hardware includes the LILYGO T-Display P4, Waveshare ESP32-P4-NANO-DB, and several other ESP32-P4-based devices. Depending on the configuration, the system can receive and decode radio signals, track aircraft, communicate over LoRa networks, and perform a variety of other RF-related tasks without requiring a separate computer.

One of the most powerful configurations uses the LILYGO T-Display P4, which combines an Espressif ESP32-P4 microcontroller with a 4.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen sporting a resolution of 568×1232 pixels. The board also includes GPS and motion sensing, along with either an SX1262 LoRa transceiver or a newer LR2021 radio, depending on the model.

While the SX1262 primarily handles LoRa communications, the LR2021 provides far more flexibility. LakeShark can use it to receive P25 digital voice, analog FM broadcasts, ADS-B aircraft transmissions, and pager signals without requiring an external SDR receiver. Recent firmware updates even allow specialized programs to run on the LR2021's internal processor, offloading tasks such as FFT processing and frequency sweeps from the ESP32-P4.

For configurations without those capabilities, users can connect an external RTL-SDR receiver over USB. This enables reception of P25 Phase I trunked radio systems, FM broadcasts, POCSAG pager messages, and ADS-B transmissions. Experimental support for the HackRF One is also available, although some features are still under development.

LakeShark's functionality extends beyond just radio scanning. Its collection of applications includes MeshCore communication, sub-GHz signal capture and replay, FT8, GPS utilities, offline maps, and even a music player. An optional detachable MIX-RF keyboard for the T-Display P4 adds physical controls alongside CC1101, nRF24, and NFC hardware.

Not every configuration needs a built-in display. Waveshare ESP32-P4 boards can operate as headless receivers controlled through a serial terminal or a connected Flipper Zero. The newer LakeShark Desktop environment also allows applications to run in windows on a PC while the ESP32-P4 hardware handles the actual radio processing.

The project is available on GitHub under the GPL-3.0 license, complete with source code, firmware, and installation instructions. With support for multiple development boards, a growing collection of applications, and increasingly capable onboard radios, LakeShark offers an appealing alternative to dedicated radio scanners and bulky SDR setups. Whether you're interested in monitoring aircraft, experimenting with wireless protocols, or exploring the radio spectrum, there's plenty here to keep you busy.