If you are interested in embedded systems and sensor-based projects, building a DIY Radar Simulation using Arduino, Ultrasonic Sensor, and Servo Motor is a perfect project to begin with. It combines concepts of electronics, coding, and simulation, while also giving a clear visualization through Processing IDE (for the graphical radar interface) and Proteus simulator (for hardware verification).
📡 Project Overview
This radar simulation mimics how real radars detect objects by sending signals and measuring reflections.
- An Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) sends out sound pulses and waits for their echo to return.
- The Arduino Uno calculates the time taken for the echo and converts it to distance.
- A Servo Motor rotates the ultrasonic sensor between 15° to 165°, scanning the environment.
- The Arduino sends angle and distance data over the Serial Port.
- The Processing sketch visualizes this data on the screen as a real-time radar display.
This is especially useful in simulation tools like Proteus, where you can test the response of the circuit before making actual hardware connections.
🛠️ Hardware Components
- Arduino Uno
- Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)
- Servo Motor (SG90 or similar)
- Jumper wires
- Optional: Breadboard for clarity
⚙️ Pin Connections Table
| Component |
Pin on Component |
Pin on Arduino Uno |
Notes |
| Ultrasonic Sensor |
VCC |
5V |
Power supply |
| Ultrasonic Sensor |
GND |
GND |
Ground |
| Ultrasonic Sensor |
TRIG |
D10 |
Trigger pin |
| Ultrasonic Sensor |
ECHO |
D11 |
Echo pin |
| Servo Motor |
VCC |
5V |
Power supply |
| Servo Motor |
GND |
GND |
Common ground |
| Servo Motor |
Signal |
D12 |
Control signal |
| Arduino Uno |
USB |
PC USB Port |
Serial communication with Processing |
✅ CONTENT UNLOCKED! Full Project Details Below:
🔧 How It Works
- The **Arduino sketch (`sketch_oct1a.ino`)** moves the servo motor step by step. At each angle, it triggers the ultrasonic sensor and measures distance.
- The measured values are transmitted through the **Serial port** in the format `Angle,Distance.`
- The **Processing sketch (`sketch_251001a.pde`)** reads this data, processes it, and displays a **green scanning radar interface** with detected objects highlighted in **red**.
This mimics the way a radar system sweeps through its field of view and marks obstacles.
🖥️ Simulation in Proteus
- Create the circuit in **Proteus**, connecting Arduino Uno, Ultrasonic Sensor, and Servo Motor according to the pin table above.
- Load the **Arduino code (`.ino`)** into the Proteus Arduino Uno microcontroller.
- Run the simulation to see the servo scanning and the ultrasonic sensor measuring distances.
- Open **Processing IDE** and run the radar display sketch to visualize the radar interface in real time.
✅ Conclusion
This DIY Radar project is a great way to understand the basics of:
- **Servo control**
- **Ultrasonic sensing**
- **Serial communication between Arduino and PC**
- **Graphical interfacing via Processing**
In Proteus, it is particularly useful for safe testing and debugging when actual hardware is not available.
It is an engaging project for students, hobbyists, and anyone learning **Arduino + Sensor Fusion + Visualization**.
✅ Link
