Stealth Wiegand Data Interpreter

Operating Manual for the PPE Stealth Wiegand Data Interpreter


Introduction

The PPE Stealth Wiegand Data Interpreter (WDI) v2 provides a novel approach to initial access and supports physical privilege escalation in badge-based environments (e.g., server rooms or restricted areas) using non-destructive methods.

What is Stealth Mode?

Stealth Mode serves two primary purposes:

  1. To reduce detectability in high-security areas where wireless detection measures are in place.
  2. To reduce power consumption by disabling the wireless access point, lowering CPU frequency, and slowing the main processing loop.

You can enable or disable Stealth Mode using the Stealth Card, which can be programmed with custom values.

What’s Included in the Box?

When you receive your Stealth Wiegand Data Interpreter, the box will contain the following items:

ItemDescription
HID multiCLASS SE ReaderSupports iCLASS (Legacy)/SE/SEOS (Standard Keys), HID Prox, EM, AWID, and Indala (depending on model)
PPE Magnetic Backplate & ElectronicsMounting platform and integrated electronics
PPE Stealth CardEnables/disables wireless AP, extends battery life, improves LF card performance
iCLASS 2k CardUsed to write captured iCLASS/SE/SEOS card data (Proxmark3 required)
T5577 CardUsed to write captured HID Prox, EM, and AWID card data (Proxmark3 required)
Command StripsAdhesive mounting strips (expendable item)
3.7V Lithium BatteryRechargeable via the reader’s USB-C port
Security & Phillips Head ScrewsSecures device for anti-tamper use cases
Spanner Screwdriver BitN/A
Hex Key WrenchN/A

Stealth v1 → Stealth v2 Updates

Hardware Updates

Version 2 of the Stealth Reader has undergone a complete hardware and firmware redesign. The significantly smaller footprint enables integration into compact readers, such as HID’s SIGNO TKS20 line. Key hardware changes include:

ItemDescription
Custom ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8 PCBPurpose-built electronics, replacing Sparkfun Thing Plus-C
Power CircuitAdded a 12V boost converter, eliminating the 9V battery in favor of an integrated 1800mAh 3.7V LiPo battery
Fast LiPo ChargerIntegrated circuit fully charges a depleted battery within two hours
USB-C AccessExternal USB-C port for charging, firmware updates, and serial debugging
External ON/OFF SwitchEasily accessible external switch; removing the backplate is no longer necessary
Improved Read RangeIncreased voltage (12V) enhances reader performance
Extended Run TimeIncreased battery life from 2.5 hours to 4 hours (see Firmware Updates)
Embedded MagnetsMagnets embedded within the backplate ensure a smooth surface for adhesive mounts

Below is the Stealth v2 PCB design (dimensions: 53mm × 30mm):

Firmware Updates

Key improvements in the Stealth v2 firmware include:

ItemDescription
CPU Frequency ManipulationReduced CPU frequency in Normal Mode (160MHz) and Stealth Mode (40MHz) to extend battery life
Loop DelaySlowed processing loop in Stealth Mode preserves battery life; card reads remain reliable
Hidden WiFiOption to hide the SSID for increased stealth
Stealth/MFAS MergeUnified Stealth and MFAS firmware supports capturing keypad entries when paired with compatible readers
Serial DebuggingOption to enable or disable serial output, enhancing OPSEC
ThemesMultiple themes added, including dark mode support

Supported Card & Data Types

Wiegand Formats

The table below summarizes various card data formats supported by the Stealth Reader. Bit positions shown exclude parity bits; implementation may vary by reader.

Card TypeFormatFacility Code BitsCard Number BitsNotes
HID H1030126-bit8 (1–8)16 (9–24)Standard Prox
Indala26-bit8 (1–8)16 (9–25)Requires Indala-capable reader
Indala27-bit12 (1–12)13 (14–26)Requires Indala-capable reader
2804 Wiegand28-bit8 (4–11)14 (13–26)Custom format
Indala29-bit12 (1–12)15 (14–28)Requires Indala-capable reader
ATS Wiegand30-bit11 (2–12)15 (14–28)Custom format
HID ADT31-bit4 (1–4)23 (5–27)ADT-specific format
WEI32 (EM4102)32-bit15 (1–15)16 (16–31)EM4102 format
HID D1020233-bit7 (1–7)24 (8–31)Extended format
HID H1030634-bit16 (1–16)16 (17–32)Extended format
HID Corporate 100035-bit12 (2–13)20 (14–33)Corporate format
HID Simplex (S12906)36-bit8 (1–8)16 (19–34)Simplex format
HID H1030437-bit16 (1–16)19 (17–35)Extended format
HID Corporate 100048-bit22 (2–23)23 (24–46)Extended corporate format

iCLASS Support

Card TypeFormatNotes
iCLASS LegacyStandardLegacy 2k/16k cards
iCLASS SEStandardSecure Element cards
iCLASS SeosStandardLatest generation secure cards
PIV/MF CardsVariousUID extraction only (due to data limitations in data stream)

Additional Features

  • Keypad PIN capture (4-bit)
  • Raw binary data capture
  • HEX data conversion
  • Automatic Wiegand format detection
  • Error detection and filtering
  • EMI and misread filtering

Getting Started

Device Layout & Reader Compatibility

The reader arrives fully assembled, tested, and ready to operate. Reader compatibility depends on the backplate model selected. PPE currently offers backplates for these HID Global readers:

Reader GenerationModel Number / Description
multiCLASS SERP40 size without keypad
multiCLASS SE w/KeypadRP40 size with integrated keypad
SIGNO20TKS size without keypad
SIGNO w/Keypad20KTKS size with integrated keypad

Example installation in HID Global 20KTKS-03-000000 reader:

Wiring Guide

Pinout for reader integration:

Power, Charging, and Connectivity

  • Slide the external switch to the left to power on.
  • Charge with device powered off. Charging indicator: Yellow LED (charging), Green LED (charged).
  • Default Wi-Fi credentials:
    • SSID: doppelgänger_XXXX
    • Password: UndertheRadar

Mounting the Device

You can mount Stealth either using the integrated magnets or with an adhesive material such as Command Strips.

Integrated Magnets

If using the integrated magnets, ensure the mounting surface is ferromagnetic (i.e., capable of attracting magnets) and not made of aluminum or other non-magnetic materials. Verify that the surface provides sufficient magnetic attraction to securely hold the device in place before releasing it.

Command Strips

The Stealth reader comes with large-sized 3M Command Strips for mounting. These strips are rated for 15 lbs and will more than adequately support the weight of the reader (15 ounces). However, it is absolutely critical to choose the appropriate mounting solution for each unique application.

⚠️

If you’re using the Command Strips, follow the manufacturer’s guidance below. Do not attempt to mount the reader in wet, damp, or otherwise unstable conditions. Additionally, avoid mounting the reader on any surface that may be damaged upon removal (e.g., flaking or peeling paint).

SURFACE PREP:
Clean the desired surface with rubbing alcohol to remove grime and dust. This allows the wall hangers to properly bond to the surface. The indoor temperature must be between 50°F and 105°F.

REMOVAL:
Lightly hold the top of the adhesive strip and slowly pull straight down toward the floor to remove it and prevent damage to walls or surfaces.

  • Reset: Access via Reset page.
  • Mounting: Integrated magnets or included Command Strips.

Firmware

Refer to the Doppelgänger Stealth firmware guide for a detailed overview of how the device operates, including configuration and reset procedures.

Writing Card Data

Use the Doppelgänger Assistant for writing card data efficiently.