Signal Intelligence Platform
A sleek, modern web-based front-end for signal intelligence tools.
Unified interface for pager decoding, 433MHz sensors, ADS-B aircraft tracking, satellite monitoring, WiFi reconnaissance, and Bluetooth scanning.
---
## Quick Start
```bash
# Clone and install
git clone https://github.com/smittix/intercept.git
cd intercept
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Run (sudo recommended for full functionality)
sudo python3 intercept.py
```
Open `http://localhost:5050` in your browser. See [Installation](#installation) for external tool setup.
---
## Quick Start WITH UV
```bash
# Clone and install
git clone https://github.com/smittix/intercept.git
cd intercept
uv venv --python 3.11.12 # Or your Python version
.venv\Scripts\activate
uv sync
# Run (sudo recommended for full functionality)
sudo python3 intercept.py
```
Open `http://localhost:5050` in your browser. See [Installation](#installation) for external tool setup.
---
## What is INTERCEPT?
INTERCEPT is a **web-based front-end** that provides a unified, modern interface for signal intelligence tools:
- **rtl_fm + multimon-ng** - For decoding POCSAG and FLEX pager signals
- **rtl_433** - For decoding 433MHz ISM band devices (weather stations, sensors, etc.)
- **dump1090 / rtl_adsb** - For ADS-B aircraft tracking with real-time map visualization
- **Satellite tracking** - Pass prediction and Iridium burst detection using TLE data
- **aircrack-ng** - For WiFi reconnaissance and network analysis
- **hcitool / bluetoothctl** - For Bluetooth device scanning and tracking
Instead of running command-line tools manually, INTERCEPT handles the process management, output parsing, and presents decoded data in a clean, real-time web interface.
---
## AI Use
This project was built with the help of AI — as a tool, not a shortcut.
I spent significant time reviewing, fixing, testing, and validating the code to ensure it works as intended.
This started as a personal project and was released to help more people get into **Software Defined Radio** by lowering the barrier to entry.
AI is no different from using a power tool instead of a hand screwdriver: it helps you work faster, not care less. What matters is that the software works, solves a real problem, and is open for others to learn from and improve.
---
## Features
### 📟 Pager Decoding
- **Real-time decoding** of POCSAG (512/1200/2400) and FLEX protocols
- **Customizable frequency presets** stored in browser
- **Auto-restart** on frequency change while decoding
### 📡 433MHz Sensor Decoding
- **200+ device protocols** supported via rtl_433
- **Weather stations** - temperature, humidity, wind, rain
- **TPMS** - Tire pressure monitoring sensors
- **Doorbells, remotes, and IoT devices**
- **Smart meters** and utility monitors
### ✈️ ADS-B Aircraft Tracking
- **Real-time aircraft tracking** via dump1090 or rtl_adsb
- **Full-screen dashboard** - dedicated popout with virtual radar scope
- **Interactive Leaflet map** with OpenStreetMap tiles (dark-themed)
- **Aircraft trails** - optional flight path history visualization
- **Range rings** - distance reference circles from observer position
- **Aircraft filtering** - show all, military only, civil only, or emergency only
- **Marker clustering** - group nearby aircraft at lower zoom levels
- **Reception statistics** - max range, message rate, busiest hour, total seen
- **Observer location** - manual input or GPS geolocation
- **Audio alerts** - notifications for military and emergency aircraft
- **Emergency squawk highlighting** - visual alerts for 7500/7600/7700
- **Aircraft details popup** - callsign, altitude, speed, heading, squawk, ICAO
### 🛰️ Satellite Tracking
- **Full-screen dashboard** - dedicated popout with polar plot and ground track
- **Polar sky plot** - real-time satellite positions on azimuth/elevation display
- **Ground track map** - satellite orbit path with past/future trajectory
- **Pass prediction** for satellites using TLE data
- **Add satellites** via manual TLE entry or Celestrak import
- **Celestrak integration** - fetch by category (Amateur, Weather, ISS, Starlink, etc.)
- **Next pass countdown** - time remaining, visibility duration, max elevation
- **Telemetry panel** - real-time azimuth, elevation, range, velocity
- **Iridium burst detection** monitoring (demo mode)
- **Multiple satellite tracking** simultaneously
### 📶 WiFi Reconnaissance
- **Monitor mode** management via airmon-ng
- **Network scanning** with airodump-ng and channel hopping
- **Handshake capture** with real-time status and auto-detection
- **Deauthentication attacks** for authorized testing
- **Channel utilization** visualization (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- **Security overview** chart and real-time radar display
- **Client vendor lookup** via OUI database
- **Drone detection** - automatic detection via SSID patterns and OUI (DJI, Parrot, Autel, etc.)
- **Rogue AP detection** - alerts for same SSID on multiple BSSIDs
- **Signal history graph** - track signal strength over time for any device
- **Network topology** - visual map of APs and connected clients
- **Channel recommendation** - optimal channel suggestions based on congestion
- **Hidden SSID revealer** - captures hidden networks from probe requests
- **Client probe analysis** - privacy leak detection from probe requests
- **Device correlation** - matches WiFi and Bluetooth devices by manufacturer
### 🔵 Bluetooth Scanning
- **BLE and Classic** Bluetooth device scanning
- **Multiple scan modes** - hcitool, bluetoothctl
- **Tracker detection** - AirTag, Tile, Samsung SmartTag, Chipolo
- **Device classification** - phones, audio, wearables, computers
- **Manufacturer lookup** via OUI database
- **Proximity radar** visualization
- **Device type breakdown** chart
### 🔔 Browser Notifications
- **Desktop notifications** for critical events (even when tab is in background)
- **Alerts for**: Drone detection, Rogue APs, Handshake capture, Hidden SSID reveals
- **Permission requested** on first interaction
### ❓ Help System
- **Built-in help page** accessible via ? button in header
- **Icon legend** for all stats bar icons
- **Mode-by-mode guides** with tips and instructions
- **Keyboard shortcut**: Press Escape to close
### 🎨 User Interface
- **Mode-specific header stats** - real-time badges showing key metrics per mode
- **UTC clock** - always visible in header for time-critical operations
- **Active mode indicator** - shows current mode with pulse animation
- **Collapsible sections** - click any header to collapse/expand
- **Panel styling** - gradient backgrounds with indicator dots
- **Tabbed mode selector** with icons (grouped by SDR/RF and Wireless)
- **Consistent design** - unified styling across main dashboard and popouts
- **Dark/Light theme toggle** - click moon/sun icon in header, preference saved
- **Keyboard shortcuts** - F1 or ? to open help
### ⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|-----|--------|
| F1 | Open help |
| ? | Open help (when not typing) |
| Escape | Close help/modals |
### General
- **Web-based interface** - no desktop app needed
- **Live message streaming** via Server-Sent Events (SSE)
- **Audio alerts** with mute toggle
- **Message export** to CSV/JSON
- **Signal activity meter** and waterfall display
- **Message logging** to file with timestamps
- **Multi-SDR hardware support** - RTL-SDR, LimeSDR, HackRF
- **Automatic device detection** across all supported hardware
- **Hardware-specific validation** - frequency/gain ranges per device type
- **Configurable gain and PPM correction**
- **Device intelligence** dashboard with tracking
- **GPS dongle support** - USB GPS receivers for precise observer location
- **Disclaimer acceptance** on first use
- **Auto-stop** when switching between modes
---
## Requirements
### Hardware
- **SDR Device** (one of the following):
- RTL-SDR compatible dongle (RTL2832U based) - most common, budget-friendly
- LimeSDR / LimeSDR Mini - wider frequency range (100 kHz - 3.8 GHz)
- HackRF One - ultra-wide frequency range (1 MHz - 6 GHz)
- WiFi adapter capable of monitor mode (for WiFi features)
- Bluetooth adapter (for Bluetooth features)
### Software
- Python 3.9+ recommended (3.7+ may work but is not fully tested)
- Flask, skyfield, pyserial (installed via `requirements.txt`)
- rtl-sdr tools (`rtl_fm`)
- multimon-ng (for pager decoding)
- rtl_433 (for 433MHz sensor decoding)
- dump1090 or rtl_adsb (for ADS-B aircraft tracking)
- aircrack-ng (for WiFi reconnaissance)
- BlueZ tools - hcitool, bluetoothctl (for Bluetooth)
## Installation
### Install external tools
Install the tools for the features you need:
#### Core SDR Tools
| Tool | macOS | Ubuntu/Debian | Purpose |
|------|-------|---------------|---------|
| rtl-sdr | `brew install librtlsdr` | `sudo apt install rtl-sdr` | RTL-SDR support |
| multimon-ng | `brew install multimon-ng` | `sudo apt install multimon-ng` | Pager decoding |
| rtl_433 | `brew install rtl_433` | `sudo apt install rtl-433` | 433MHz sensors |
| dump1090 | `brew install dump1090-mutability` | `sudo apt install dump1090-mutability` | ADS-B aircraft |
| aircrack-ng | `brew install aircrack-ng` | `sudo apt install aircrack-ng` | WiFi reconnaissance |
| bluez | Built-in (limited) | `sudo apt install bluez bluetooth` | Bluetooth scanning |
#### Additional SDR Hardware (Optional)
For LimeSDR or HackRF support, install SoapySDR and the appropriate driver:
| Tool | macOS | Ubuntu/Debian | Purpose |
|------|-------|---------------|---------|
| SoapySDR | `brew install soapysdr` | `sudo apt install soapysdr-tools` | Universal SDR abstraction |
| LimeSDR | `brew install limesuite soapylms7` | `sudo apt install limesuite soapysdr-module-lms7` | LimeSDR support |
| HackRF | `brew install hackrf soapyhackrf` | `sudo apt install hackrf soapysdr-module-hackrf` | HackRF support |
| readsb | Build from source | Build from source | ADS-B with SoapySDR |
> **Note:** RTL-SDR works out of the box. LimeSDR and HackRF require SoapySDR plus the hardware-specific driver.
### Install and run
**Option 1: Automated setup (recommended)**
```bash
git clone https://github.com/smittix/intercept.git
cd intercept
./setup.sh # Installs Python deps and checks for external tools
sudo python3 intercept.py
```
**Option 2: Manual setup**
```bash
git clone https://github.com/smittix/intercept.git
cd intercept
pip install -r requirements.txt
sudo python3 intercept.py
```
**Option 3: Using a virtual environment**
```bash
git clone https://github.com/smittix/intercept.git
cd intercept
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate # On Linux/macOS
pip install -r requirements.txt
sudo venv/bin/python intercept.py
```
Open `http://localhost:5050` in your browser.
> **Note:** Running as root/sudo is recommended for full functionality (monitor mode, raw sockets, etc.)
### Check dependencies
Run the built-in dependency checker to see what's installed and what's missing:
```bash
python3 intercept.py --check-deps
```
This will show the status of all required tools and provide installation instructions for your platform.
### Command-line options
```
python3 intercept.py --help
-p, --port PORT Port to run server on (default: 5050)
-H, --host HOST Host to bind to (default: 0.0.0.0)
-d, --debug Enable debug mode
--check-deps Check dependencies and exit
```
---
## Usage
### Pager Mode
1. **Select Hardware** - Choose your SDR type (RTL-SDR, LimeSDR, or HackRF)
2. **Select Device** - Choose your SDR device from the dropdown
3. **Set Frequency** - Enter a frequency in MHz or use a preset
4. **Choose Protocols** - Select which protocols to decode (POCSAG/FLEX)
5. **Adjust Settings** - Set gain, squelch, and PPM correction as needed
6. **Start Decoding** - Click the green "Start Decoding" button
### WiFi Mode
1. **Select Interface** - Choose a WiFi adapter capable of monitor mode
2. **Enable Monitor Mode** - Click "Enable Monitor" (uncheck "Kill processes" to preserve other connections)
3. **Start Scanning** - Click "Start Scanning" to begin
4. **View Networks** - Networks appear in the output panel with signal strength
5. **Track Devices** - Click 📈 on any network to track its signal over time
6. **Capture Handshakes** - Click "Capture" on a network to start handshake capture
### Bluetooth Mode
1. **Select Interface** - Choose your Bluetooth adapter
2. **Choose Mode** - Select scan mode (hcitool, bluetoothctl)
3. **Start Scanning** - Click "Start Scanning"
4. **View Devices** - Devices appear with name, address, and classification
### Aircraft Mode
1. **Select Hardware** - Choose your SDR type (RTL-SDR uses dump1090, others use readsb)
2. **Check Tools** - Ensure dump1090 or readsb is installed
3. **Set Location** - Choose location source:
- **Manual Entry** - Type coordinates directly
- **Browser GPS** - Use browser's built-in geolocation (requires HTTPS)
- **USB GPS Dongle** - Connect a USB GPS receiver for continuous updates
4. **Start Tracking** - Click "Start Tracking" to begin ADS-B reception
5. **View Map** - Aircraft appear on the interactive Leaflet map
6. **Click Aircraft** - Click markers for detailed information
7. **Display Options** - Toggle callsigns, altitude, trails, range rings, clustering
8. **Filter Aircraft** - Use dropdown to show all, military, civil, or emergency only
9. **Full Dashboard** - Click "Full Screen Dashboard" for dedicated radar view
### Satellite Mode
1. **Set Location** - Choose location source:
- **Manual Entry** - Type coordinates directly
- **Browser GPS** - Use browser's built-in geolocation
- **USB GPS Dongle** - Connect a USB GPS receiver for continuous updates
2. **Add Satellites** - Click "Add Satellite" to enter TLE data or fetch from Celestrak
3. **Calculate Passes** - Click "Calculate Passes" to predict upcoming passes
4. **View Sky Plot** - Polar plot shows satellite positions in real-time
5. **Ground Track** - Map displays satellite orbit path and current position
6. **Full Dashboard** - Click "Full Screen Dashboard" for dedicated satellite view
7. **Iridium Mode** - Switch tabs to monitor for Iridium burst transmissions
### Frequency Presets
- Click a preset button to quickly set a frequency
- Add custom presets using the input field and "Add" button
- Right-click a preset to remove it
- Click "Reset to Defaults" to restore default frequencies
---
## Troubleshooting
### Python/pip installation issues
**"ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'flask'":**
```bash
# You need to install Python dependencies first
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Or with python3 explicitly
python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt
```
**"TypeError: 'type' object is not subscriptable":**
This error occurs on Python 3.7 or 3.8. Please upgrade to Python 3.9 or later:
```bash
# Check your Python version
python3 --version
# Ubuntu/Debian - install newer Python
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3.10
# Or use pyenv to manage Python versions
```
**"externally-managed-environment" error (Ubuntu 23.04+, Debian 12+):**
```bash
# Option 1: Use a virtual environment (recommended)
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Option 2: Use pipx for isolated install
pipx install flask skyfield
# Option 3: Override the restriction (not recommended)
pip install -r requirements.txt --break-system-packages
```
**"pip: command not found":**
```bash
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install python3-pip
# macOS
python3 -m ensurepip --upgrade
```
**Permission denied errors:**
```bash
# Install to user directory instead
pip install --user -r requirements.txt
```
### No SDR devices found
- Ensure your SDR device is plugged in
- Check `rtl_test` (RTL-SDR) or `SoapySDRUtil --find` (LimeSDR/HackRF)
- On Linux, you may need udev rules (see setup.sh output)
- On Linux, blacklist the DVB-T driver:
```bash
echo "blacklist dvb_usb_rtl28xxu" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-rtl.conf
sudo modprobe -r dvb_usb_rtl28xxu
```
### No messages appearing
- Verify the frequency is correct for your area
- Adjust the gain (try 30-40 dB)
- Check that pager services are active in your area
- Ensure antenna is connected
### WiFi monitor mode fails
- Ensure you're running as root/sudo
- Check your adapter supports monitor mode: `iw list | grep monitor`
- Try: `airmon-ng check kill` to stop interfering processes
### Device busy error
- Click "Kill All Processes" to stop any stale processes
- Unplug and replug the SDR device
- Check if another application is using the device: `lsof | grep rtl`
### LimeSDR/HackRF not detected
- Ensure SoapySDR is installed: `SoapySDRUtil --info`
- Check the driver module is loaded: `SoapySDRUtil --find`
- Verify permissions (may need udev rules or run as root)
### GPS dongle not detected
- Ensure pyserial is installed: `pip install pyserial`
- Check the device is connected: `ls /dev/ttyUSB* /dev/ttyACM*` (Linux) or `ls /dev/tty.usb*` (macOS)
- Verify permissions: you may need to add your user to the `dialout` group (Linux):
```bash
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
```
- Most GPS dongles use 9600 baud rate (default in INTERCEPT)
- The GPS needs a clear view of the sky to get a fix
---
## Configuration
INTERCEPT can be configured via environment variables:
| Variable | Default | Description |
|----------|---------|-------------|
| `INTERCEPT_HOST` | `0.0.0.0` | Server bind address |
| `INTERCEPT_PORT` | `5050` | Server port |
| `INTERCEPT_DEBUG` | `false` | Enable debug mode |
| `INTERCEPT_LOG_LEVEL` | `WARNING` | Log level (DEBUG, INFO, WARNING, ERROR) |
| `INTERCEPT_DEFAULT_GAIN` | `40` | Default RTL-SDR gain |
Example: `INTERCEPT_PORT=8080 sudo python3 intercept.py`
---
## License
MIT License - see [LICENSE](LICENSE) for details.
## Author
Created by **smittix** - [GitHub](https://github.com/smittix)
## Supported SDR Hardware
| Hardware | Frequency Range | Gain Range | TX | Notes |
|----------|-----------------|------------|-----|-------|
| **RTL-SDR** | 24 - 1766 MHz | 0 - 50 dB | No | Most common, budget-friendly (~$25) |
| **LimeSDR** | 0.1 - 3800 MHz | 0 - 73 dB | Yes | Wide range, requires SoapySDR |
| **HackRF** | 1 - 6000 MHz | 0 - 62 dB | Yes | Ultra-wide range, requires SoapySDR |
The application automatically detects connected devices and shows hardware-specific capabilities (frequency limits, gain ranges) in the UI.
---
## Acknowledgments
- [rtl-sdr](https://osmocom.org/projects/rtl-sdr/wiki) - RTL-SDR drivers
- [multimon-ng](https://github.com/EliasOenal/multimon-ng) - Multi-protocol pager decoder
- [rtl_433](https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433) - 433MHz sensor decoder
- [dump1090](https://github.com/flightaware/dump1090) - ADS-B decoder for aircraft tracking
- [SoapySDR](https://github.com/pothosware/SoapySDR) - Universal SDR abstraction layer
- [LimeSuite](https://github.com/myriadrf/LimeSuite) - LimeSDR driver and tools
- [aircrack-ng](https://www.aircrack-ng.org/) - WiFi security auditing tools
- [BlueZ](http://www.bluez.org/) - Official Linux Bluetooth protocol stack
- [Leaflet.js](https://leafletjs.com/) - Interactive maps for aircraft tracking
- [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) - Map tile data
- [Celestrak](https://celestrak.org/) - Satellite TLE data
- Inspired by the SpaceX mission control aesthetic
---
## ⚠️ Disclaimer
**This software is for educational purposes only and intended for use by cybersecurity professionals in controlled environments.**
By using INTERCEPT, you acknowledge that:
- You will only use this tool with proper authorization
- Intercepting communications without consent may be illegal in your jurisdiction
- WiFi deauthentication and Bluetooth attacks should only be performed on networks/devices you own or have explicit permission to test
- You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
- The developers assume no liability for misuse of this software
A disclaimer must be accepted when first launching the application.