In theory, it is impossible to brick the device, since you can always try the DFU recovery procedure. However, the updating might become fiddly in certain conditions.

Normal procedure

Firmware

Get the latest firmware from the page. Please check the FAQ if you have any additional question.

Windows

1. Connect the device via USB
2. Switch to HackRF mode via the on-screen option (in the PortaPack)
3. Double click flash_portapack_mayhem.bat and follow the instructions
4. Reboot the device

Linux

1. Connect the device via USB
2. Switch to HackRF mode via the on-screen option (in the PortaPack)
3. Upload the firmware with hackrf_spiflash -w new_firmware_file.bin (eg. portapack-h1_h2-mayhem.bin for mayhem firmware or hackrf_one_usb.bin for stock hackrf firmware)
4. Reboot the device

MacOS

HackRF CLI tools for MacOS available through MacPorts or Homebrew

1. If necessary, install the HackRF tools: brew install hackrf
2. Connect the device via USB
3. Switch to HackRF mode via the on-screen option (in the PortaPack)
4. Upload the firmware with hackrf_spiflash -w new_firmware_file.bin
5. Reboot the device

MicroSD card files

Your PortaPack has a slot for a memory card. You need to provide a MicroSD with enough space (16GB is recommended, over 32GB will be omitted due the limits of the FAT32). This is necessary for certain functionality, like the world map, GPS simulator, and others.

Get the latest files from the page. You need to uncompress (using 7-zip) the files from mayhem_vX.Y.Z_COPY_TO_SDCARD.7z to a FAT32 formatted MicroSD card.

Troubleshooting

Please check this guide.