Proxmark 3 + BlueShark Standalone Module: Assembly & First Use

With the recent release of the Proxmark 3 RDV 4 Standalone Kit, Lab401 Academy presents its assembly and first use tutorial.

Please note that this document does not provide debugging or compiling information, as this frequently changes. If you experience problems, please consult the frequently updated troubleshooting guide here.

The Standalone module brings full-wireless & standalone functionality to the Proxmark 3, while preserving its sleek and compact nature.

The Standalone Module consists of two elements:

• Battery Module (Polymer Lithium-Ion, with integrated power management system)
• Bluetooth Module (BLE 2.0 EDR, default baud rate 115200)

These elements enable full use of the Proxmark without wires or cables, providing:

• Full control via PC, Mobile Phone, etc.
• Proxmark's Standalone Mode: Sniffing, Reading, Simulation, etc

To get started, the module needs to be assembled and attached to your existing Proxmark 3 RDV4.

Assembly Video

If you prefer to follow a video tutorial, please refer to the video.
Step-by-step text instructions can be found below.

This video comes from Lab401 contributor Dominic Villeneuve of DHack Security

Assembly Instructions

To continue, you'll need a few things:

• Proxmark 3 RDV4 (Updated to latest source code)
• Proxmark 3 RDV4 Standalone Module
• Allen-key tool
• (Optional) Case opening spatula / lever / guitar pick

Once you've got everything ready, let's dive in.

1. IMPORTANT: 
   Ensure all cables are removed from your Proxmark Device
   Ensure the power is turned off on the Standalone Module
   
   
2. Remove the plastic cases from your Proxmark device.
    - Removable larger shell
    - Top part of the 'button shell'
   This is easier if you use an opening tool.
   
   
3. - Remove the antenna board to expose the FPC interface.
   - Take the Standalone module, turn it over.
   - Insert the FPC wire into the FPC connector.
   IMPORTANT: Lock the FPC Connector
   .
4. Remove the double-sized tape off the heat-conductor
5. Turn the standalone module up the right way
6. Align the hole positions, and gently insert it onto the Proxmark circuit.
   
7. Align the antenna boards, and replace the screws
   
8. Replace the antenna cover
   
9. Assembly Complete!

First Use Instructions

It's important to get to know your device first:

1. Battery On/Off switch.
   This allows you to power your Proxmark from its battery - you no longer need to have the device plugged in.
   When the device is plugged in, it will automatically charge.
   
   
2. Bluetooth On/Off switch
   Enables / disables the Bluetooth interface
   
   
3. Bluetooth Indicator
   Indicates when Bluetooth is activated
   Blinking Light: BT is activated but not connected.
   Solid Light: BT is connected.

Connecting via Bluetooth

Bluetooth Connections / Control can be made via two methods:

• Standard Mode: Mobile Phone, PC, etc
• Fast Mode: Using a dedicated, specially flashed USB-BLE dongle

Standard Mode

1. Enable Bluetooth on your Proxmark 3 RDV 4 (Switch 2)
2. On your host device (PC/Phone..) scan for Bluetooth devices
3. Select the device RM3_RDV4.0
4. Enter the pairing password of 1234
5. There will be two COM ports that display. We will use the lower COM port number.
6. When the correct COM Port is chosen, the Bluetooth Indicator Light (3 in the image) will change from blinking to solid.
7. You can now control the Proxmark 3 RDV4 via BT serial console.

Fast Mode

1. Install the USB Dongle Driver, available here
2. Plug the Dongle into your computer.
3. Enable Bluetooth on your Proxmark 3 RDV 4 (Switch 2)
4. The device will automatically search and pair with your Proxmark 3. The Bluetooth Indicator Light (3 in the image) will change from blinking to solid.

Additional Use Notes

The Bluetooth interface is connected via UART. The USB and UART interfaces can be used simultaneously - no special switching is required.

The following link has helpful notes on UART usage and baud rates:

The battery charging circuit is turned on by default. Any time a USB cable is inserted, the battery will be automatically charged. The red LED will remain bright when charging.

The red LED will be extinguished when charging is completed.

Dissasembly

 Due to the heat-conductive double-sided tape, when disassembling, you will have to apply a significant amount of force to disassemble.

IMPORTANT: Repeated disassembly will reduce the adherence of the double-sided tape - thermal conductivity will be reduced, which will have an impact on performance and product life.