Flipper Zero Gets Major Firmware Update, Can Eavesdrop on Walkie-Talkies

Post by Aloha » Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 12:36 AM UTC

imroot wrote: post #8

solardev wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just got my GPRS radio license and this was a really strange phenomenon to encounter. Apparently the FCC doesn't allow actual encrypted comms in this part of the spectrum, so the "privacy" codes, like you said, are really more just convenience codes, more noise cancelation than anything for privacy or security. It was weird trying to explain this to my family, too. Basically just had to tell them "Nothing you say i…

Get an itinerant frequency -- $300, requires no coordination, and you can encrypt your comms. One of the (ham) radio clubs that I'm a member of does this as a benefit for the group, and it's something that's nice to have: I can give my wife a radio and not worry about what she may or may not say if we have to take two separate cars when we road trip. I've been meaning to do the process myself, but, I haven't had the…

Post by solardev » Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 12:41 AM UTC

wferrell wrote: post #9

imroot wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Get an itinerant frequency -- $300, requires no coordination, and you can encrypt your comms. One of the (ham) radio clubs that I'm a member of does this as a benefit for the group, and it's something that's nice to have: I can give my wife a radio and not worry about what she may or may not say if we have to take two separate cars when we road trip. I've been meaning to do the process myself, but, I haven't had the…

Cool! What sort of radio do you use? My friend and I tried to do -- the two of us in different cars driving down the same stretch of highway this with GPRS radios and very quickly we were not able to pick up the other's broadcast. We assumed it was that we didn't have big enough antennas and were not using a repeater. Note - others were driving we were each a passenger in our respective cars.

Post by runjake » Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 12:50 AM UTC

jasonjayr wrote: post #5

vueko wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Seriously. People really need to understand that CTCSS and DCS aren't actually privacy features, but convenience features for filtering out _other_ people's transmissions a user isn't interested in. It's the exact opposite of privacy. I guess the marketing as "privacy codes" worsens the situation.

I got my hands on one of those cheap UV-K5 Radios and the first thing I did was try to listen in to one of my FRS Radios and discovering all their channels & sub channels/privacy codes. Discovered this list while learning & researching: https://www.k0tfu.org/reference/frs-gmrs-privacy-codes-demys...

Post by paulmd » Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 1:21 AM UTC

sholladay wrote: post #11

vueko wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Seriously. People really need to understand that CTCSS and DCS aren't actually privacy features, but convenience features for filtering out _other_ people's transmissions a user isn't interested in. It's the exact opposite of privacy. I guess the marketing as "privacy codes" worsens the situation.

What would you call them, then? “Isolation codes” or “subchannels”, maybe? I’ve seen some use of the former, but both are imperfect terms. I’ve yet to hear a suggestion that’s particularly better. A term that’s only slightly better won’t gain any traction.

Post by blackeyeblitzar » Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 1:26 AM UTC

vueko wrote: post #3

lupusreal wrote: post #2

Walkie-talkies can "eavesdrop" on walkie-talkies...

Seriously. People really need to understand that CTCSS and DCS aren't actually privacy features, but convenience features for filtering out _other_ people's transmissions a user isn't interested in. It's the exact opposite of privacy. I guess the marketing as "privacy codes" worsens the situation.