SCE's TinyGPS Gives the Flipper Zero Location Tracking Capabilities for "Subdriving"
Telit module on a compact PCB, hooked into the Flipper Zero's GPIO header, provides a neat twist on the wardriving concept.
Utrecht-based SCE has launched an add-on for the popular Flipper Zero electronic multi-tool gadget, adding a compact Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver to enable "subdriving" functionality.
"Subdriving is a novel feature within the [unofficial Flipper Zero] Xtreme Firmware which functions similarly to wardriving, but it's tailored for sub-GHz signals," SCE explains of what the GNSS add-on unlocks in the Flipper Zero. "This innovative feature allows you to explore and interact with Sub-GHz wireless signals, opening up a world of possibilities!"
Recently featured in our latest Tech Highlight video, the Flipper Zero is a compact device which is part Tamagotchi-inspired virtual pet — though in the style of a Johnny Mnemonic-style "cyberdolphin" creature — and part electronic multi-tool. The stock device includes the ability to interface with the outside world via sub-gigahertz (sub-GHz) radio, Bluetooth, infrared, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Near-Field Communication (NFC), iButton, and general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins.
It's these latter pins to which SCE's compact GNSS add-on connects. Once fitted, the receiver can pick up Global Position System (GPS) signals, and other GNSS constellations, to provide a precise location fix — information which can be used in the modified Xtreme Firmware to build a map of nearby signals received via the sub-GHz radio.
The TinyGPS add-on for the Flipper Zero is available from SCE's Tindie store, priced at $29.99.