01
Environment scan
The sensor module samples distance readings across a swept field of view.
A.01Mission dossier
Mission entry / 03
Sonar Detection Module
Built using ultrasonic distance sensing, servo-based scanning, and embedded control systems to simulate low-cost environmental mapping and target detection. The project explores signal acquisition, scan timing, realtime rendering, and interactive telemetry-inspired visualization techniques.
SonarESP32EmbeddedRealtimeSignal processingTelemetry
Playback moduleHero media reserved
ScopeLive frame
image
B.01
Overview
The ultrasonic scanner project started as a simple experiment in object detection using a rotating distance sensor and a servo motor. By sweeping an ultrasonic sensor across an environment and mapping the returned distances, the system reconstructs a live radar-style view of nearby objects in realtime.
What began as a quick weekend build unexpectedly turned into one of the most visually satisfying projects I had worked on. It forced me to think beyond just “making the sensor work” and into topics like spatial mapping, signal timing, serial communication, and realtime visualisation. The result felt somewhere between a submarine sonar display and a retro sci-fi targeting system, which naturally made it irresistible to turn into a video.
C.01
System architecture
Sensing signal chainAcoustic scan -> spatial display
02
Servo positioning
A controlled rotational sweep pairs each distance sample with an angular position.
03
Signal acquisition
Ultrasonic readings are captured and filtered into usable distance measurements.
04
Detection logic
Thresholds and timing behavior convert raw range data into target-like detection events.
05
Realtime visualization
The scan state is rendered as a telemetry-inspired spatial display for inspecting the environment.
D.01
Engineering challenges
Timeout functions
This was essentially my first introducting into realtime program, and the importance of optimised function calls, and why functions take different amounts of time. What I originally thought was a hardware issue to do with a crappy microcontroller was actually entirely down to my inability to write efficient code. In essence: I was waiting for echoes to return from objects that didn't exist.
China & Cheap Servos
The SG-90s. Arguably one of the most iconic entry level motors. Cheap, accessible, and utter rubbish. Blew through about 3 of them trying to move 50 grams worth of sensor and 3D printed mounts before sensibly deciding to upgrade to the superior MG-90s featuring metal gears.
E.01