At its core, a SensorGnome is powered by a mini computer – either a Raspberry Pi or a BeagleBone. The mini computer runs the software that listens for and records the radio data picked up by the antennas. In addition to the mini computer, a SensorGnome will have one or more USB dongles -- "software-defined radios" -- that take the raw radio signals from the antennas and convert it into a digital form that can be recognized and recorded by the mini computer. Finally, the SensorGnome will include a GPS and power supply, all of which is typically housed in a heavy-duty plastic case.