Where to get started with IMUs

[Ron Marcus]

I have a client that wants to get speed, angle and acceleration information for a baseball bat. Since I am of the mercury tilt switch and mechanical gyro age, where does one start?
Thanks,
Ron

[Jerson]

Perhaps you are looking for accelerometers? I have a board using the ADX series. I dont have it ready to give you the exact number, but it can do 2 axes tilt.

[Ron Marcus]

Thanks Jerson,
I think I need a gyro too, as the accelerometers drift, and don't show rotational force accurately.
Ron

[mackrackit]

Possible alternative for speed and acceleration?

Back in my Hot Rod days we were playing with "speed of acceleration and force".
Used a small pressure transducer and a ball bearing was held against it. At take off the ball bearing would be forced back against the transducer. Faster take off the more force. Longer acceleration the longer the ball was pushed. When acceleration leveled off , less pressure. The info was recorded on a paper/pin chart. With a little calculation even the slightest change in performance could be determined.

Attach something like this to the end of the bat? Bat travels in an arc so as long as the bat is moving...

Angle? Place sonar/radar sensors in the plate?