Cap Tech U Badge for DEF CON 31 | Washington D.C. & Maryland Area

Radio and Wi-Fi Detection Device

This DEF CON 31 exclusive, limited edition “badge” was designed by our very own Cap Tech U engineering students! It detects radio and Wi-Fi signals from electronic sources like laptops, smartphones, radios, and other devices! When you get close to anything with a radio or Wi-Fi connection or signal, the badge’s built-in speaker will make a static, buzzing noise!

Many people are unaware of the different hidden electronic signals that can be found in our everyday life. Everything from thermostats to cell phones to slot machines can contain a transmitter or use a radio or Wi-Fi signal.

Did you know...that everyday items can have a radio or Wi-Fi transmitter inside?

Can you guess...which equipment at DEF CON has these transmitters?

Use this badge to find out!

To read more about Cap Tech U at DEF CON 31, visit our blog.

Learn More

This badge is a simple device that amplifies any radio or Wi-Fi signal and detects it when it exceeds a certain threshold. When a signal is detected, a static, buzzing noise will sound through a built-in speaker. The intensity of the sound will fall or rise depending on how strong the signal is. If you hear silence, then the external signal source is off. Try out your badge by turning it on and putting it next to an electronic source when it is on, and when it is off, and see the difference in sound that the badge makes!

This badge uses a simple amplifier, like those found in radios, TVs, electronics, and stereo equipment, in an innovative way to fit inside a pocket-sized device. It is composed of a custom-built circuit board with soldered pin connections on a 3D-printed PCB body. It requires a 9V battery (included) and features an on/off switch for optimized energy use. It was designed for compatibility, functionality, and aesthetics by our talented students who have developed extensive technical skills in hands-on engineering and computer science. It features our university shield logo and motto, as well as the names of our generous sponsors and contributors.

You can "hack" this badge by modding and customizing it! Attach or swap out different connective pieces, like a longer antenna to increase sensitivity to detect long-distance radio or Wi-Fi signals. This would make it possible to listen to AM radio signals from airplanes, nearby radio stations, and other simple transmitters. And you can explore other ways to modify this device. Happy hacking!
DEF CON has a long history of badges which evolved from a standard, plastic attendance badge to a complex, interactive device and a highly sought-after collectible for convention-goers. After DEF CON 10, badges started to branch out into gadgets with electronic elements like LED lights, speakers, motherboards, computer chips, and enhanced design aesthetics. Now, not only the convention itself, but booth vendors as well offer their own brands of badges. It has become a huge success and a great way to get the community more involved in what DEF CON is really all about – exploring the exciting aspects of cybersecurity.

Capitol Technology University has been involved in badge development previously, working with the Aerospace Village for DEF CON 29 to create an aviation-themed edition - Check out the blog on Facebook. This year, we have created something very special for our first original badge, which features a Cap Tech U x DEF CON 31 exclusive design and functionality.

Be one of the few to own this fun, cyber-sleuthing gadget and add it to your badge collection!
Devices like this badge do more than just detect radio and Wi-Fi signals. They help bring awareness to the many hidden devices and signals that are part of our tech-integrated world and our everyday lives. Cybersecurity professionals are interested in this information because it gives insight into what devices are using radio and Wi-Fi signals, how strong the signal is, who else can detect it, and if this signal is encrypted or secure. Analyzing this information can help in the protection of connected devices and in the prevention of unauthorized access to important private data.
CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Become the Detective...Participate in our Photo Contest!

1. Take a selfie, short video clip, or photo of your badge lighting up near a Wi-Fi, cell phone, radio, slot machine, or other radio or Wi-Fi connected electronic device somewhere at the DEF CON 31 convention. Get creative with your photos!

2. Post your best photo on twitter (now X) using #captechu

The top 3 most interesting photos will win a prize!

Winners will be announced, and prizes will be awarded, at our reception:

Carlos 'N Charlie’s

Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

3555 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. PDT

Contest Rules: Only one photo per contestant will count as an entry. One prize will be awarded to each of the top three photo entries. Winning photos are at the sole discretion of the contest owner. Contestants must post one photo entry to twitter using #captechu by 5:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, August 10, 2023 to be considered. Winners must be present at reception to receive prize or otherwise forfeit. Contestants must be aged 18 years old or older. Photos must be taken with consideration for safety and respect for others’ privacy. No refunds or exchanges offered on badge purchases. Prizes have no cash value. For more information about Capitol Technology University, visit our website at www.captechu.edu.

Gallery

Cap Tech U Student Elijah Emory with Prof Hansen testing DEF CON 31 Badges

Cap Tech U Professor Uses Badge Receiver to Test Frequency Detection

Badge CNC Machine Testing with Professor Connor

Badge Copper Circuit Piece Carving by CNC Machine

Set of red DEF CON 31 badges in production

Badge Final Product

HERE IT IS! The final product of our DEF CON 31 Badge! Complete with pin connections, battery, speaker, and on/off switch, this bright red board is a showstopper in functionality and design! Attendees will be able to purchase these at our booth in the Exhibitor's Hall at Caesars Forum during all four days of the convention! These are limited edition, however, and only 100 will be available, so if you'll be at DEF CON, make our booth your first stop!

Badge Board in Final Phases

Complete with the university motto in Latin "Either Find A Way Or Make One" and morse code imprint of the contributing students' names, this 3D-printed badge board serves as the base for all the circuitry attachments of the final badge product.

Badge Prototype Model

This model was used as the prototype for developing the final, smaller version of the official badge.

Badge Passive Receiver

These smaller devices are called passive receivers that are being used to test the badges and reflect the size and functionality of the final product, including the yellow LED lights that blink when the badge is near a radio or WiFi-connected source.

Badge Testing

Cap Tech U Astronautical Engineering Student Elijah Emory is working with Professor Rick Hansen in performing tests of the DEF CON 31 Badges.

Badge Testing and Development

Cap Tech U student Mike Prebble assists in the badge testing and development.

Badge Passive Receiver Detection Testing

Cap Tech U Professor Rick Hansen uses badge passive receivers with a walkie-talkie to test radio frequency detection.

Badge CNC Machine Testing

Cap Tech U Professor Chuck Connor is testing a new CNC machine that will be used to create materials for the badges. A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine processes a piece of material to meet specifications by following coded programmed instructions without the need for a manual operator directly controlling the machining operation.

Badge Carving by CNC Machine

This piece of copper is a circuit that has been carved using the CNC machine.

Badge CNC Machine

A close up of the CNC Machine being used to create badge materials.

Badges in Production for Completion

The badges are almost ready! This image shows the official badge being assembled with 3D-printed baseboard, switch pins, antenna, and other attachments added. Next steps include adding speakers, batteries, amps, and lanyards!

Our Badge Sponsors

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following DEF CON 31 Badge project contributors. Through their generous support, this project was made possible.

Sponsors
Clarity Cyber	APS Global LLC

Designers (Faculty)	(Students)
Dr. Charles Conner	Elijah Emory
Dr. Rick Hansen	Michael Prebble

Manufacturers (Students)
Silas Charles	Stoil Avramov
Holy Negussie	Elijah Emory
Michael Prebble	Omar Brown
Josine Mamno	Christian Michael
Bri'Yanna Cobb

Badge PCBs manufactured by PCBway and JLCPCB

Original Design
Paul Beaumont created the original circuit schematic that was utilized in creating our design and PCB. His design can be found by visiting his site.

Cybersecurity and Engineering Programs at Cap Tech U

At Capitol Technology University, we offer degree programs in cyber and information security such as cybersecurity and cyber analytics, as well as an array of engineering degrees to ensure our students are prepared to enter the industry in these growing areas of study. You will practice hands-on technical skills in our laboratories and learn from expert faculty who have experience in the field, giving you important insight into the real workplace environment. You will also benefit from our partnerships with leading tech industries around the world – all who are seeking cyber professionals like YOU to fill top positions in their companies!

For more information, visit our website.