MonsterRF

MonsterRF is an expanded version of the MonsterC5 wireless security research platform, built around the ESP32-C5 chipset. It retains the complete feature set of the standard MonsterC5 while introducing additional hardware expansion options for radio-frequency research and custom wireless projects.

Designed by Lab5, MonsterRF is intended for professionals, security researchers, developers, and advanced enthusiasts working with Wi-Fi auditing, protocol experimentation, red-team simulations, embedded development, and authorized RF research.

The first release of MonsterRF is designed for the M5Stack Tab5. Support for connecting MonsterRF through the M-Bus interface to the M5Stack CoreS3 and Core2 will follow shortly afterward.

Key Features

• ESP32-C5-based wireless research platform
• Full functionality of the standard MonsterC5
• Support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi
• Designed for Wi-Fi auditing, monitoring, and experimentation
• 8-pin expansion slot for additional radio modules such as CC1101 or nRF-based modules and others
• Dedicated internal slot for an ATGM336H-series GPS module
• Additional three-pin connection for soldering and using a different external GPS module
• microSD card support for logs, firmware resources, and collected data
• USB-C for power, connectivity, and firmware flashing
• External Wi-Fi antenna support
• Open ecosystem for custom firmware, modules, and development workflows
• Compact design suitable for portable and field use
• Initially designed for the M5Stack Tab5
• Planned M-Bus compatibility with M5Stack CoreS3 and Core2

RF Expansion

MonsterRF includes an additional 8-pin expansion slot that can be used to connect compatible RF modules, including modules based on the CC1101 or nRF chipsets.

Depending on the installed module, firmware, antenna, and regional regulations, this allows developers to experiment with additional wireless protocols and frequency bands beyond the ESP32-C5’s native Wi-Fi capabilities.

The RF module is an optional expansion and is not permanently integrated into the main board, giving users the flexibility to choose the module best suited to their project.

GPS Options

MonsterRF provides two flexible GPS integration options:

• A dedicated internal slot for a compatible ATGM GPS module
• An additional three-pin connection allowing users to solder and connect a different GPS receiver
• And old good M5Stack GPS Grove port is still with us

This makes it possible to use the integrated GPS option or adapt the device to another GPS module depending on the project requirements.

Device Compatibility

The first production release of MonsterRF is intended for the M5Stack Tab5.

Shortly afterward, MonsterRF will also support connection through the M-Bus interface to:

• M5Stack CoreS3 - Software still in testing
• M5Stack Core2 - Software still in testing

This will allow the same MonsterRF platform to be used with multiple M5Stack host devices.

Use Cases

• Authorized wireless security assessments
• Red-team simulations in controlled environments
• Wi-Fi research and protocol experimentation
• Sub-GHz and other RF experimentation with compatible expansion modules
• GPS-assisted wireless data collection
• Embedded development and firmware prototyping
• Development of custom RF modules and tools
• Educational and laboratory-based cybersecurity work

Who It Is For

MonsterRF is intended for:

• Security researchers
• Penetration testers
• Red-team operators
• Wireless and RF engineers
• Embedded developers
• Advanced makers and hardware hackers
• Developers building custom firmware or expansion modules

Important Notice

MonsterRF is intended exclusively for authorized security testing, research, development, and educational use.

Users are solely responsible for ensuring that the device, connected RF modules, selected frequencies, transmit power, antennas, and firmware comply with all applicable local laws and regulations. Testing and radio transmission should only be performed on systems, networks, devices, and environments you own or are explicitly authorized to assess.

Open Development

MonsterRF is part of Lab5’s open and community-driven hardware ecosystem. It is designed for users who value transparency, experimentation, modularity, and custom workflows.

By combining the complete MonsterC5 platform with an additional RF expansion slot and flexible GPS connectivity, MonsterRF provides a foundation for building specialized wireless research tools without limiting users to a single radio module or firmware environment.

What’s in the Box

Each MonsterRF package includes:

• MonsterRF PCB
• External Wi-Fi antenna
• 3D-printed enclosure designed for the selected M5Stack configuration
  

Not Included

Unless explicitly selected as part of the purchased configuration, the following items are not included:

• M5Stack Tab5, CoreS3, or Core2
• CC1101, nRF, or other 8-pin expansion module
• GPS module and GPS antenna
• microSD card
• Grove cable

MonsterRF supports microSD cards from 1 GB up to 1 TB