WiFi Shuriken

WiFi Shuriken is a standalone wardriving device built for fast, reliable dual-band Wi-Fi collection. With integrated GPS, onboard WiGLE CSV logging, and no phone or laptop required, it captures networks across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands in a compact dedicated scanner. Just add your own microSD card and your choice of six RP-SMA antennas such as these Bingfu antennas from Amazon and it is ready to go.

Coordinated six-channel scanning

Six scanners. Six different channels. The Shuriken’s six ESP32-C5 scanners are centrally scheduled, so they scan different channels at the same time instead of duplicating work.

Modern 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz coverage

Built for modern dual-band wardriving. The Shuriken captures both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, which matters because modern Wi-Fi is no longer concentrated on 2.4 GHz.

Wi-Fi radios stay focused on finding Wi-Fi

The scanners scan. They do not waste time managing the device. The Shuriken does not rely on the scanner radios to talk to each other, relay results over Wi-Fi, or act as part of a wireless backhaul. The Wi-Fi hardware is used for finding networks.

Built for practical use

Small, simple, and driving-friendly. The Shuriken is designed to be used in the real world: simple status LED, no distracting screen to babysit, no complicated UI. Just plug it in and it logs directly to WiGLE CSV. It is meant to be mounted, powered, and trusted during a drive.

Easy to power

Just plug in a USB-C cable and it runs. With its low power requirement, it's easy to power from a car's built-in USB ports, a lighter adapter, or a power bank. 

My recommendations

Buy a quality microSD card. While I aim for high card compatibility, cheap cards are prone to data corruption. I have done all of my testing with Samsung, Sandisk, and Micro Center cards without issue. 2-32GB cards work great. Anything larger should work, but has not been tested. The DEFCON32 badge SD card does NOT work.

Use a right angle USB-C cable. The connector will be shielded from bumps by the edges of the case. The cable will also be routed over the microSD card slot, protecting the card from being knocked loose by accident. I use Ainope cables from Amazon.

The Shuriken works best with externally mounted antennas. In trying to keep the device as compact as possible, the antenna connectors are very close together. It does work with directly attached antennas, but you will see much better results if you can mount antennas outside your vehicle with a bit of separation. My antenna of choice is a six element AccelTex antenna.