intercept/README.md

INTERCEPT

Signal Intelligence

A sleek, modern web-based pager decoder using RTL-SDR and multimon-ng.
Decode POCSAG and FLEX pager signals with a futuristic SpaceX-inspired interface.

Screenshot

---

Features

• Real-time decoding of POCSAG (512/1200/2400) and FLEX protocols
• Web-based interface - no desktop app needed
• Live message streaming via Server-Sent Events (SSE)
• Message logging to file with timestamps
• Customizable frequency presets stored in browser
• RTL-SDR device detection and selection
• Configurable gain, squelch, and PPM correction

Requirements

Hardware

• RTL-SDR compatible dongle (RTL2832U based)

Software

• Python 3.7+
• Flask
• rtl-sdr tools (rtl_fm)
• multimon-ng

Installation

1. Install RTL-SDR tools

macOS (Homebrew):

brew install rtl-sdr

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt-get install rtl-sdr

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S rtl-sdr

2. Install multimon-ng

macOS (Homebrew):

brew install multimon-ng

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt-get install multimon-ng

From source:

git clone https://github.com/EliasOewortal/multimon-ng.git
cd multimon-ng
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make
sudo make install

3. Install Python dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

4. Clone and run

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/intercept.git
cd intercept
python3 intercept.py

Open your browser to http://localhost:5050

Usage

1. Select Device - Choose your RTL-SDR device from the dropdown
2. Set Frequency - Enter a frequency in MHz or use a preset
3. Choose Protocols - Select which protocols to decode (POCSAG/FLEX)
4. Adjust Settings - Set gain, squelch, and PPM correction as needed
5. Start Decoding - Click the green "Start Decoding" button
6. View Messages - Decoded messages appear in real-time in the output panel

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

Message Logging

Enable logging in the Logging section to save decoded messages to a file. Messages are saved with timestamp, protocol, address, and content.

Default Frequencies (UK)

• 153.350 MHz - UK pager frequency
• 153.025 MHz - UK pager frequency

You can customize these presets in the web interface.

API Endpoints

Endpoint	Method	Description
/	GET	Main web interface
/devices	GET	List RTL-SDR devices
/start	POST	Start decoding
/stop	POST	Stop decoding
/status	GET	Get decoder status
/stream	GET	SSE stream for messages
/logging	POST	Toggle message logging
/killall	POST	Kill all decoder processes

Troubleshooting

No devices found

• Ensure your RTL-SDR is plugged in
• Check rtl_test works from command line
• On Linux, you may need to blacklist the DVB-T driver

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

Device busy error

• Click "Kill All Processes" to stop any stale processes
• Unplug and replug the RTL-SDR device

License

MIT License - see LICENSE for details.

Acknowledgments

• rtl-sdr - RTL-SDR drivers
• multimon-ng - Multi-protocol decoder
• Inspired by the SpaceX mission control aesthetic

Disclaimer

This software is for educational and authorized use only. Ensure you comply with local laws regarding radio reception and privacy. Intercepting private communications without authorization may be illegal in your jurisdiction.