DIY Arduino Radar Project

Learn how to build a simple radar system using an Arduino, ultrasonic sensor, and a servo motor.

Step 1: Gather Components

Arduino Uno
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)
Servo Motor
Jumper Wires
Breadboard
Potentiometer (Optional, for adjusting sensitivity)

Step 2: Wiring the Components

Connect the ultrasonic sensor and servo motor to the Arduino as follows:

Ultrasonic Sensor VCC to Arduino 5V, GND to GND, Trig to Digital Pin X, Echo to Digital Pin Y.
Servo Motor VCC to Arduino 5V, GND to GND, Signal to Digital Pin Z.
(Optional) Potentiometer VCC to 5V, GND to GND, Wiper to Analog Pin A0.

Step 3: Arduino Code


          #include <Servo.h>
          Servo servoMotor;
          const int trigPin = X;
          const int echoPin = Y;
          const int servoPin = Z; // Define the servo signal pin
          const int potPin = A0;   // Optional potentiometer pin

          void setup() {
            servoMotor.attach(servoPin);
            pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
            pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
            Serial.begin(9600);
          }

          void loop() {
            int angle;
            if (analogRead(potPin) > 512) { // Optional: control angle with potentiometer
              angle = map(analogRead(potPin), 513, 1023, 0, 180);
            } else {
              angle = map(analogRead(potPin), 0, 511, 180, 0);
            }

            servoMotor.write(angle);
            delay(15); // Small delay for smooth movement
            long duration = measureDistance();
            int distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;
            Serial.print("Angle: ");
            Serial.print(angle);
            Serial.print(", Distance: ");
            Serial.print(distance);
            Serial.println(" cm");
            delay(100);
          }

          long measureDistance() {
            digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
            delayMicroseconds(2);
            digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
            delayMicroseconds(10);
            digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
            return pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
          }

Step 4: Assembly and Testing

Mount the ultrasonic sensor on the servo motor. Upload the code to the Arduino and test the radar's functionality.