In the initial post titled “Garage Door Opening,” we encountered a significant obstacle in correctly detecting the signal from the garage remote due to the use of inappropriate equipment. The experiment initially involved a makeshift method using a yardstick—an unconventional choice since it lacks the capabilities of a Software Defined Radio (SDR). SDRs are preferred for their ability to capture signals in their unprocessed form, enabling detailed analysis. Consequently, I opted to buy the “Nesdr Smart v5” from Nooelec because of its immediate availability, which was crucial for the urgency of the project. This model serves as a practical substitute for the highly esteemed and commonly recommended RTL-SDR.com model. ...

Welcome to the “From Zero to Hardware Hacker” series, where I document my foray into the world of hardware hacking. Recently, on the recommendation of my CTF peers, I purchased a Yardstick One. Initially unfamiliar with the specifics, I researched and found that the ANT500 antenna, covering a frequency range of 75 MHz to 1 GHz, is highly recommended for beginners—though I’m still exploring why. As a novice equipped with an affordably priced radio-controlled garage door, I’ve chosen this as my entry point into RF hacking. For security reasons, I will omit certain details like brand names and models. This series will chronicle my journey into a new aspect of cybersecurity: hardware hacking. ...