CM-R1
The most complicated project I have done so far, I aim to create a compact, accurate, and directional FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) radar system.
Overview
My most ambitious project yet, the CM-R1 is my idea for a compact, portable, and accurate directional FMCW radar. Many details are still muddy, because as I have learned,
a lot goes into making a radar system, especially FMCW instead of CW or pulsed.
I have spent months researching and learning about radar systems, signal processing, antennas, and RF electronics.
I will detail the current plan as of 12/2/25 using bullet points:
- ADALM-PLUTO SDR operating monostatically on the 23cm Ham band.
- Electrically rotatable Yagi or Parabolic transmission antenna.
- The system will use one of 3 antenna configurations:
- The same antenna for TX and RX configured monostatically, using an RF circulator (I am unsure if this is possible, I will do more research)
- Seperate TX and RX antennas configured bistatically (this will cause difficulty on the 23 cm band as I will have to space the TX and RX antennas quite far apart)
- Raspberry Pi for most of the calculations and processing.
- Likely an ESP32 or similar to control the rotating antenna, communicating over USB with the Pi.
- Any other RF filtering and amplification that may be required.
- A 3d printed or wooden housing for portability and protection of sensitive parts.
Images
No pictures yet :(