Is it possible to set up a AIR-CAP3702i-A-KP without a controller

[ByronFischer88972]

The AP will only need to broadcast 1 or 2 SSID's on a very small network with minimal traffic. I do not have a controller and the expense of a separate controller is not really worth it. We received this device on a grant and it comes with a 1 year replacement warranty, so if its not possible to configure without an controller is there a different model that I should look into? Thank you!

[mcselltor]

Yes, it is possible. You can convert the AP to autonomous mode by loading another software image:
https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless-mobility-videos/lwapp-lightweight-mode-to-autonomous-conversion-and-vice-versa/ba-p/3100711

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/285029865/type

I would prefer using a 2802i oder 3802i, because these models can be used with Mobility Express as controller itself.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/enterprise-networks/mobility-express/index.html

[Rich R]

No need to go to Mobility Express which is itself legacy (replaced by EWC on Catalyst 9100 APs) and many of us are not fans of ME (which is a cutdown version of AireOS WLC).
Autonomous IOS on your 3702 will be fine - I use one at home. It supports 802.11ac wave 1 so unless you have more advanced requirements I expect that will be fine for your small network needs.
If you don't have access to download the IOS then ask your supplier.

[ByronFischer88972]

Thank you for the very helpful information! Unfortunately I do not have a Cisco service contract as this device was received at a remote location through a grant by a third party. I'm in the rabbit hole of going through the representative that applied for the grant to see if they have any documentation from Cisco that will enable me to attain a service contract number so that I can download the IOS in the link. 

I would love to have a different AP but this is the one I'm stuck with right now.

[Rich R]

The image file you need will look like ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JPJ3a.tar, the important part being ap3g2-k9w7-tar.<version>.tar where ap3g2 refers to the hardware model and k9w7 is autonomous IOS. Sometimes you may be able to find that type of image elsewhere ;)