The Tactical Pirate

Project status: In active development. The Tactical Pirate combines practical field diagnostics, passive wireless observation, modular hardware and a proper brass-and-copper Stormy Sailors personality in one portable instrument.

What It Is

The Tactical Pirate is built around the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 Plus and customized from the open-source Bruce firmware project. It is intended for troubleshooting, education, research and authorized security assessment—not unauthorized access or disruption.

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth discovery, diagnostics and passive observation
• Sub-GHz CC1101, NRF24, NFC/RFID and infrared tools
• MicroSD capture storage and field-friendly export
• Rotary-control interface designed for the 320×170 display
• Brass, copper and black Victorian naval styling

Embergotchi

Brucegotchi remains fully functional but sails under a new flag as Embergotchi. The change is branding and presentation only. Our development preference is passive capture and useful diagnostics, while preserving the underlying open-source functionality and its licence obligations.

Hardware on Deck

• Core: LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 Plus with ESP32-S3, 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM and 320×170 colour display
• Built in: CC1101, NRF24, PN532, infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphone, speaker, rotary control and microSD
• GPS upgrade: M5Stack U190 GPS/BDS unit with external SMA antenna
• Ethernet Deck: planned PoE-capable ESP32-S3/W5500 deck for authorized wired-network diagnostics
• Field power: 10,000 mAh USB battery pack with low-current or always-on mode

Design Principles

• White hat by design: use only on equipment and networks you own or are explicitly authorized to assess.
• Useful before flashy: favour passive capture, diagnostics and clear evidence.
• Open-source honesty: preserve attribution, source availability and third-party licence notices.
• Field ready: modular accessories, sensible power options, usable controls and reliable storage.
• Stormy Sailors identity: this is not merely a generic tool wearing a pirate sticker.

Current Roadmap

1. Complete the Stormy Sailors interface and provide a dependable back control on every screen.
2. Validate and document infrared, wireless and storage workflows.
3. Add and test the GPS/BDS module and external antenna.
4. Build the PoE Ethernet Deck and authenticated local control link.
5. Prepare source releases, build instructions, licence notices and an operator manual.

Documentation Starts Here

This page will grow with the project. Build notes, tested hardware, firmware releases, operating instructions and known limitations will be added as the Tactical Pirate moves from prototype to reliable everyday carry.