Radar Using Ultrasonic Sensor
Radar Using Ultrasonic Sensor
Introduction:
In this project, you will be building a simple radar system using an Arduino Uno
R3, a 4-pin ultrasonic sensor, and a micro servo motor. The radar will be able
to detect objects within a certain range and display the results on a serial monitor
or a visual display. The ultrasonic sensor will emit sound waves and detect the
time taken for the waves to bounce back from an object, while the servo will
rotate to cover different angles, simulating a scanning radar. This is an excellent
beginner project that blends the basics of electronics, programming, and
mechanics.
Components:
1. Arduino Uno R3:
○ The microcontroller used to process data and control the radar
system.
○ It acts as the brain of the project, receiving inputs from the sensor
and controlling the servo motor.
2. 4-Pin Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04):
○ Works by emitting sound waves and detecting the reflected wave,
calculating the distance between the sensor and an object.
○ Pins:
■ VCC: Power input (5V from the Arduino).
■ Trig: Trigger input (to send ultrasonic pulses).
■ Echo: Output (returns the signal after hitting an object).
■ GND: Ground.
3. Micro Servo Motor:
○ Responsible for rotating the ultrasonic sensor in small increments to
cover different angles.
○ It allows the radar to sweep a range (e.g., 0° to 180°), giving a wider
detection field.
4. Breadboard:
○ Used for creating temporary circuits without soldering.
○ This allows easy connections between the Arduino, sensor, and
servo.
5. Jumper Wires:
○ Connect the components to the breadboard and Arduino, enabling
communication between the devices.
Circuit Design:
Code Overview:
● Servo Control: The servo motor will be programmed to rotate the
ultrasonic sensor in small steps across a range of angles (e.g., 0° to 180°).
● Ultrasonic Measurement: The Arduino will send a trigger pulse, and the
ultrasonic sensor will measure the time it takes for the echo to return,
calculating the distance.
● Output: The distance measurements will be displayed on a serial monitor
or plotted graphically (for instance, using Processing or a custom display).
How It Works:
This radar system operates by using an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a servo
motor, which scans its surroundings by rotating across a specified angle
(typically 0° to 180°). The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency sound waves,
and when these waves hit an object, they bounce back (echo). The sensor
measures the time taken for the sound waves to return and uses this information
to calculate the distance between itself and the object.
Conclusion:
This Arduino-based radar system provides a simple yet effective way to mimic
real-world radar technology. It demonstrates key concepts of distance
measurement using ultrasonic waves and mechanical control using servo
motors. Whether you aim to develop obstacle-detection systems for robots or
security applications, this project offers a practical starting point. By incorporating
more advanced features, such as graphical displays or integrating with other
sensors, this basic radar project can evolve into a more sophisticated system,
perfect for learning and experimentation.