Radar

The Radar project is a comprehensive project that combines software, hardware and mechanics of the SMD family. There are specially designed 3D parts for the mount system of the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module. The mount system and 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder work together to turn around the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module to have a radar-like working principle.

Project Key Components

1. SMD

   The SMD acts as a bridge between the script and the modules. It is responsible for interpreting the commands sent by the script and translating them into actions that read input from the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module and meanwhile, actuate the motor for the continuous reading of the script.

2. 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder

   The 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder is used to rotate the radar mechanism in a full circle. The user can precisely control the motor and get the position through the built-in encoder.

3. Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module

   The Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module measures the surroundings every cycle through its spin.

4. 3D Printed Parts

   Custom 3D printed parts allow the user to mount the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module on top of the BDC motor.

5. SMD Libraries

   The SMD library is at the heart of the application. It communicates with the SMD using a specific communication protocol, sending commands to read the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module and actuate the BDC motor to spin the module around.

Project Key Features

• Rotating Radar Scan

  The rotation of the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module make the system seem like a geniune radar.

• Real-time Distance Visualization

  The script receives distance data continuously, allowing the user to visualize the data around a circle plot, just like a radar.

Project Wiring Diagram

Getting Started

1. Hardware Setup

   • Connect the SMD to the PC or Arduino board using USB Gateway Module or Arduino Gateway Module.

   • Mount the custom 3D printed mount parts on the BDC motor.

   • Connect the 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder to the motor ports of the SMD and the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module to the SMD using an RJ-45 cable.

   • Mount the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module on top of the motor mount parts

   • Make sure that the SMD is powered and all connections are correct.

2. Run the Application

   • Execute the Python script, initiating the Radar application.

   • Observe the rotation of the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module in a full circle.

   • See the continuous data from the terminal.

3. Experiment and Customize

   • Experiment with different scanning speeds, put different objects near the radar.

   • Implement a plotting library and plot the data on a circle plot.

Project Codes

Python Code

from smd.red import*
import time
port = "COM13"
m = Master(port)
m.attach(Red(0))

print(m.scan_modules(0))



m.set_shaft_rpm(0,100)  #rpm and cpr values are depend on the motor you use.
m.set_shaft_cpr(0,6533)
m.set_control_parameters_velocity(0,10,1,0) #SMD 0, Kp, Ki, Kd
setpoint = -20000

m.set_operation_mode(0, 2)    #sets the operating mode to 2 represents Velocity control mode.
m.set_velocity(0, 2000)       #sets the setpoint to 2000 RPM.   
m.enable_torque(0, True)      #enables the motor torque to start rotating

while True:

    distance = m.get_distance(0, Index.Distance_1)
    # print(distance)
    m.set_velocity(0, 2000)
    print(m.get_position(0))

    if m.get_position == 9205:
        m.set_velocity(0, -2000)

Arduino Code

Hardware Designs

85KB

3D Piece.STEP

718KB

Assembly.STEP