Rayhunter, installed and tested

A pocket detector for cell-site simulators.

An Orbic 4G hotspot running the EFF's open-source Rayhunter software, set up before it ships. Turn it on, keep it with you, and check the line on the screen.

See the device $64.99 USD
  • Green line: nothing unusual seen.
  • Red line: suspicious network behavior. Check the logs.

Most orders ship within 48 to 72 hours. 50+ devices shipped, flashed and tested by hand. Zero defective units, and every one is covered by a 30-day replacement guarantee.

Rayhunter Stingray Detector

How it works

  1. Turn it on

    Charge it, press the power button, and keep it in a bag, pocket or car. Nothing to install and no account to make.

  2. Glance at the line

    A green line on the screen means Rayhunter has seen nothing unusual. A red line means it saw network behavior that cell-site simulators are known for.

  3. Check the logs

    Join the device's Wi-Fi, open 192.168.1.1:8080 in a browser and download the capture. Analyze it yourself or send it to me and I'll take a look.

What it can and can't tell you

Detection tools are only useful if you know their limits, so here they are up front.

What it does

  • Runs the EFF's open-source Rayhunter on a 4G LTE hotspot, installed and tested before it ships.
  • Watches how the cell network treats its own connection and flags patterns used by IMSI catchers ("stingrays").
  • Records packet captures you can download and analyze. Double-tap the power button to start or stop a manual recording.
  • Works without any technical setup.

What it doesn't do

  • It only watches 4G LTE. It can't see 2G, 3G or 5G.
  • A red line is a warning worth investigating, not proof that someone is targeting you.
  • It can't catch every surveillance technique, and it doesn't block or jam anything.
  • It doesn't protect your phone. It tells you when to think about what your phone is doing.

What's in the box

Everything you need, charged and ready.

What's in the box
Device Orbic RC400L 4G LTE hotspot (Kajeet / Verizon)
Software EFF Rayhunter, latest release at shipping
SIM Verizon 4G LTE SIM, pre-installed
Battery 3000 mAh, removable
Charging Wall charger and USB-C cable
Also included Printed instruction guide
Condition New in box (recent batches); packaging may vary
Updates Lifetime update eligibility ($10 mail-in service)

Who it's for

Journalists, organizers and protesters

People whose phones are worth watching, at events where stingrays have been used. Including anyone worried about ICE.

Researchers and the curious

A ready-made Rayhunter you can log with, without hunting down a supported hotspot and flashing it yourself.

Who's behind this

Hi, I'm Kev.

I'm a data analyst by day. By night, I'm the founder of Guru Technology Services, where I work as a systems architect and engineer, building and shipping systems and custom tools.

I started Stingray Hunter because I think everyone has a right to privacy, whatever their technical skills, and stingray detection should be cheap and easy to get.

More about me

Questions

What is a stingray?

A cell-site simulator, also called an IMSI catcher or "stingray", pretends to be a cell tower so nearby phones connect to it. That lets whoever runs it identify and locate phones in the area, and in some cases intercept traffic.

Is this legal?

Yes. It's an ordinary hotspot running open-source software. It doesn't jam or interfere with any network; it only watches its own connection. You're still responsible for following the laws where you use it.

What should I do if the line turns red?

Depending on your situation, the EFF suggests turning off your phone until you've left the area and telling the people with you to do the same. Then download the capture from the device. You can send it to me, or share it with the EFF to help their research.

Do I need technical knowledge?

No. It arrives set up. Turn it on and watch the line. The logs are there if you want them, and the guide walks through getting them.

Does it need a SIM card or a data plan?

It needs a SIM card, and one comes pre-installed. It doesn't need a data plan or any monthly service. The SIM lets the hotspot talk to nearby cell towers, and that's the traffic Rayhunter watches. It doesn't need internet access to work.

How do updates work?

When an important Rayhunter update comes out, I'll email you. Mail the device to me with the $10 update service: I install the latest version, test it and ship it back. The fee covers return shipping.

How long does shipping take?

Most orders ship within 48 to 72 hours. During shortages it can take up to two weeks. Every device is updated and tested the day it ships.

Can I return it?

Every device comes with a 30-day replacement guarantee. If it stops working within 30 days of delivery, email me and I'll send you a prepaid return label. Once I've received and inspected the original, I'll ship you a replacement, flashed and tested. A red line isn't a defect; it means Rayhunter is doing its job.

If something's wrong, talk to me first at kev@gurutechnology.services. I do accept returns in some situations, but I'll work through the problem with you before any refund.

I'm one person building these and selling them at a fair price, so please read the full description before you order. It covers exactly what you're getting and how it works.

How can I pay?

Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay at checkout. PayPal isn't accepted. To pay with crypto, email kev@gurutechnology.services; crypto orders get 15% off. Please use a real email address and phone number when you order.

Are you affiliated with the EFF?

No. Rayhunter is free, open-source software made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and I don't own any part of it. This is a convenience service: a device with Rayhunter already installed and tested, for people who'd rather not flash one themselves. The source and install instructions are on the EFF's GitHub.

What data do you keep about me?

I don't keep any customer records outside Shopify. Your order details stay in Shopify only for as long as needed to ship and support your order. This site uses Google's ad tag to measure ad performance.