Summary of AFFORDABLE GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR
This project by Mirel involves building an affordable ground-penetrating radar (GPR) using an Arduino Mega 2560 and antipodal Vivaldi antennas mounted on a compact wagon. The radar transmits signals in the 323 MHz to 910 MHz range, triggered by wheel movement to emit pulses and detect underground reflections. It displays data on an LCD screen, allowing users to identify underground materials and utilities before excavation. The project is open-source, providing hardware and software details for those interested in exploring GPR technology.
Parts used in the Affordable Ground-Penetrating Radar Project:
- Arduino Mega 2560
- Antipodal Vivaldi antennas
- Compact movable wagon
- Switch connected to wheels
- LCD screen
Although radar is typically associated with scanning the sky, it is also used for underground purposes. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is utilized to send signals beneath the surface and analyze their return to determine the presence of buried objects, similar to locating or identifying distant aircraft by detecting radar echoes. This technology can be constructed using some readily available materials at a relatively low price.
This project was created by [Mirel] using an Arduino Mega 2560 and antipodal Vivaldi antennas, which are a specific type of directional antenna. All items are placed on a compact wagon that is easily movable on the ground. A radar is activated by a switch connected to the wheels at set intervals as the wheels turn, emitting a signal and detecting reflections at various points. A range of 323 MHz to 910 MHz is used by it, and it shows a small visualization on an LCD screen connected to the Arduino.
Using this instrument enables you to observe varying densities and depths of materials beneath the surface. This can prove to be extremely useful when commencing a substantial excavation project, identifying rock layers or underground utilities prior to digging. [Mirel] provided all the hardware and software as open-source for this project, so if you want to explore a different approach to GPR, check out this project which includes extensive technical discussions on its operation.
Source: AFFORDABLE GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR
