Pocket spectrum analyzer from $16 toy

Check out this repurposed IM-Me instant messaging toy turned pocket spectrum analyzer from embedded hacker Michael Ossmann. What’s more, he’s included source. [via YC]

I’ve written custom firmware to turn my IM-Me into a pocket spectrum analyzer, shown here displaying activity of a frequency hopping system at a grocery store. The only change I’ve made to the hardware is the addition of a ribbon cable in order to easily connect to a GoodFET for programming, but this is simply creating a permanent connection to the debug contact points that are already exposed in the battery compartment.