Introduction: Long Range WiFi Scanner Using ESP8266
In this Instructable I make a battery powered portable long range 2.5 band WiFi scanning device used to determine which channel is best for my home network. It can also be used to find open WiFi access points on the go. Cost to make: About $25 dollars I reused some stuff.
EDIT: After assembling this device I've found many different uses for it. Wi-Fi repeater, AP, router with a Ethernet to USB adaptor, range extender for a drone. I cant believe what this little chip can do. and now its mobile!
This 2.5 WiFi band network tool is made with an ESP8266 Node MCU. I am not showing you how to program the ESP, there is enough information out there for that. I will link where to find the stuff I used (both hardware and software).
I used the nodemcu because I can flash what ever software that may be useful in a given situation.
Step 1: Parts List.
1-ESP8266 NodeMCU. $8.39
HiLetgo New Version ESP8266 NodeMCU LUA CP2102 ESP-12E Internet WIFI Development Board Open source Serial Wireless Module Works Great with Arduino IDE/Micropython https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010O1G1ES?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
1- Small battery bank. $ let’s say 10 bucks I had an old one. I linked similar battery. Make sure it has usb pasthrough so you can use the ESP and charge the battery at the same time.
https://www.google.com/search?q=motorola+slim+battery+bank&client=firefox-b-1&sa=X&biw=414&bih=614&tbs=vw:l,ss:44&tbm=shop&prmd=sivn&srpd=3612549438345573479&prds=num:1,of:1,epd:3789906267443459947,paur:ClkAsKraX1Z8bFNnMHN-rq6x8HB605cNX5KVjx46ujJi-dQk-_HAbIB_PtqVFyszoH3eAmDVqTG201IA38rMlYl7rfUqwWZXg7OjfhF7nxQs6tZBfQzAZNyujxIZAFPVH73r0sVOF3KE1vKu1_i3Hk3vFDOmNg,cid:13432790954001337148&ved=0ahUKEwiakvXEx_jZAhVB71QKHTuTB3gQgjYI4wQ
2- WiFi antennas from old network card. $YAY free!
If you insist on buying a par...$9 bucks
Highfine 2 x 6dBi 2.4GHz 5GHz Dual Band WiFi RP-SMA Antenna + 2 x 35cm U.fl / IPEX Cable for Wireless Routers Mini PCIe Cards Network Extension Bulkhead Pigtail PCI WiFi WAN Repeater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GMBUS8O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hh9RAbH62CEJS
2- Small pieces of wire. $ come on... look around.
1- Roll of super cool carbon fiber tape stuff. $ 5 auto parts store or amazon.
3D Carbon Fiber Film Twill Weave Vinyl Sheet Roll Wrap (12" X 60", Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O36U76E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nj9RAbE09H9GM
1- Roll of double sided tape. $ are you even trying to use stuff at your home??
Tools:
Hot glue, wire cutters, metal file, soldering iron, a knife I think... yeah that’s sounds about right. Next step!
Step 2: Program Your ESP8266 to Do What You Want.
Full credit goes to its developer!! He did a great job and all the work.
https://github.com/spacehuhn/esp8266_deauther
Disclaimer it is illegal to deauthenticate other peoples networks or to use this on public Wi-Fi! Don’t do it!
I don’t intend to use it as a deauthorization tool. With that said I have messed with the children while they were watching YouTube.
Step 3: Prep the Parts
I had to file back part of the antenna plastic so they would fold up and down without binding on battery bank. I also removed the screw caps to make it easy to attach the wires and sealed them up with some heat shrink tubing.
Step 4: Reason I Added the Antenna.
Step 5: Put It Together
Step 6: Looks Good and Works Great for As Compact As It Is.
Let me know if you liked this or drop me a comment. Thanks for checking this project out.