TILT SENSOR
General Description:
A Tilt Sensor, also known as a Tilt Switch, detects the orientation of an object, though it doesn't measure the angle of tilt as accelerometers do. Instead, it indicates whether the sensor is tilted or not.
A Mercury switch-based tilt sensor module outputs high when tilted, requiring a 5V DC input. It typically has three terminals: input, ground, and output. Inside, there's a glass tube with two electrodes and a liquid mercury ball. When the sensor is tilted in a particular direction, the mercury ball moves, opening or closing the circuit.
Working Principle:
Tilt sensors are made up of a plastic or glass tube, with two pieces of wire and a metal ball inside:
- When the tube is tilted forward, the ball rolls forward and only contacts one wire.
- When the tube is tilted backward, the ball rolls back and contacts both wires.
- This allows current to flow between the two wires. We can detect this high or low signal with the Arduino to determine if the sensor is tilted or not.
Specifications:
- Tilt sensor consists of 3 pins: GND, VCC, DO (Output Signal).
- Operating Voltage: 3.3 V to 5 V.
- Maximum output current: 15mA.
- Output Type: Digital.
- Tilt Angle Threshold: Typically, around 45° (can vary depending on model).
Requirements
| S. No. | Component Name | Values |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Resistors | 470R |
| 2 | LED | |
| 3 | Tilt Sensor |
Pin configuration:
| S. No. | Pins | Pin Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S | Output Digital Pin |
| 2 | VCC | 3.3V - 5V |
| 3 | GND | Common Ground |
Applications:
- Interactive Games and Toys.
- Security and Alarm Systems.
- Automation and Robotics.
- Art installations and Displays.
