orentation detection

[comwarrior]

i'm after a way of detecting if something is level. Basicly to make a self leveling table.
So, the sensor needs to be able to detect if it is not level to the ground, or more precisely the gravity source (earth).

I looked at 3 axis mems gyro chips but these seem to detect rotational movement not tilt angles.

Does anyone know of / recommend a chip for doing this? I need an accuracy of 0.1 deg as a minimum.

Thanks

[rsocor01]

What about this?

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mountain-Switch/107-2005-EV/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuRFIlaTiDGn6wXOgQixfplyMwt%2fDHv7Kc% 3d

I think this part has a metal rolling ball inside that is used to detect tilt. Also, look for vibration and tilt sensors at mouser.com.

[comwarrior]

a tile switch isn't going to do it... it needs to know what it's X and Y angels are and not just an on off signal.

[pedja089]

Did you see this http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/content.php?r=210-Angle-determine-tilt-from-3-axis-g-sensor

[HenrikOlsson]

Hi,
If the object (table in your case) is stationary, ie not accelerating in X, Y or Z then using an accelerometer should work fine.
If the table is going to move in X, Y or Z (like a Segway or self balancing robot etc) then using only an accelerometer won't work properly because it will pick up those accelerations as well and you won't know the real tilt angle.

/Henrik.

[comwarrior]

hi henrik,
Thanks for that it is stationary, and i've found a chip that will work for me, ADXL345 from Analog Devices.
Now, the fun bit is writing the software for it...