Low-Cost Drone Platform to Run an AWR1642 Radar with a Microcontroller

Aerial radar imaging is used in a variety of applications, including environmental mapping, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response. We introduce a lightweight and cost-effective drone platform equipped with the Texas Instruments AWR1642 automotive radar, repurposed for aerial radar imaging. In order to achieve greater cost-efficiency, we utilize the commercially available DJI Mini 2 SE drone. However, our platform can be used with any drone with sufficient lift capabilities, thanks to the modular design. The design emphasizes portability, with a modular architecture that integrates the radar seamlessly alongside auxiliary sensors for enhanced situational awareness at a low cost.