DIY Arduino ultrasonic Sonar - Radar on TFT display

Summary

This video demonstrates how to build a simple, self-contained ultrasonic sensor device that displays results on a 3.2-inch TFT color display, simulating a radar system. Using an Arduino Nano, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, and display, the device scans for obstacles in a 180° range, marking them with red dots and displaying distances in centimeters. The system is powered by either USB or an external source, with customizable color options. This project, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, offers an easy-to-make, visually effective solution for distance measurement, with potential for further refinement in a single, slanted enclosure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ultrasonic sensors use high-frequency sound waves (above 20 kHz) to measure distances by calculating the time taken for the sound waves to return after hitting an object.
• 😀 The device works by sending out a sound wave and then measuring the time it takes for the wave to bounce back, allowing distance calculation using the speed of sound in air.
• 😀 Previous builds of this device displayed results on a PC monitor, but this project aims to make it independent by using a TFT color display.
• 😀 The system includes an Arduino Nano, a 3.2-inch TFT display, an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04), a small servo, and several resistors.
• 😀 A key feature of the setup is a servo that rotates the ultrasonic sensor to scan the environment and measure distances at various angles.
• 😀 The project was based on an idea found on the internet and expanded upon, improving the original design with a larger display for better clarity.
• 😀 The device can measure distances and display them visually on the TFT display, showing objects as red dots within a radar-like scanning image.
• 😀 When objects are detected within the range of the sensor, the device marks them with red dots on the screen, along with the distance in centimeters.
• 😀 The device displays yellow dots for objects that are beyond 1 meter, indicating an out-of-range condition.
• 😀 The device is designed to be simple and effective, requiring minimal components and providing a self-contained solution that doesn't rely on a PC or external software for operation.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the ultrasonic sensor in this project?

The ultrasonic sensor emits sound waves at frequencies above 20 kHz and measures the time it takes for these waves to bounce back from objects to calculate distances.

Why is the device referred to as a sonar instead of a radar?

It is called a sonar because it uses sound waves to detect distances, while radar uses electromagnetic waves. The confusion arises from the similar visualization and functionality.

What components are needed to build this ultrasonic sensor device?

The project requires an Arduino Nano, a 3.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240x320 pixels and an ILI9341 driver chip, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, an SG90 servo motor, and resistors for signal level shifting.

What is the advantage of using a 3.2-inch TFT display instead of a 1.8-inch display?

The 3.2-inch display provides a larger surface, making the image clearer and more visible, compared to the smaller 1.8-inch display.

How is the scanning process performed by the device?

The ultrasonic sensor is mounted on a servo motor, which rotates from 180° to 0° and vice versa, scanning the environment and detecting objects. Obstacles are shown as red dots on the display, along with the scanning angle and distance.

What happens when an object is detected at a distance greater than 1 meter?

When an object is detected at a distance greater than 1 meter, yellow dots are displayed on the last arc of the screen to indicate that the object is out of range.

What additional feature helps in understanding the distance of objects?

The display includes three green arcs that mark specific distances, making it easier to visually estimate the distance of detected objects.

Can the device be powered by different sources?

Yes, the device can be powered by an external power source or via USB, providing flexibility for different use cases.

How does this device differ from similar devices that display results on a PC monitor?

Unlike devices that require an external PC monitor and software, this project is self-contained, with results shown directly on the TFT display, making it simpler and more portable.

How can users customize the display of the device?

The display colors and visual elements can be easily changed in the code according to the user's preferences, allowing for a customized user experience.