Detecting Whether Robot is Level

[blake987123]

I plan on building a hexapod in which the chassis is always level. My plan is to let it adjust the legs to make the chassis perfectly level. I had some ideas, but after research I don't think any of them would work. Please, does anyone have any ideas for sensors?

[Razor Concepts]

Accelerometer. Dimension engineering has a 3-axis one, sparkfun has a bunch also.

[Joker94]

tMy suggestion on is an acelerometer. And if yopu want to keep it level you will most likly need a 3 axis one.

Some thing like this would br good as it is small and not over kill for what you need.

http://www.dimensionengineering.com/DE-ACCM3D2.htm

[blake987123]

Just wondering, why would i need the z axis on an accelerometer for this application?

[billhowl]

Accelerometer are expensive, This "poor man's" accelerometer! Tilt sensors are switches that can detect basic motion/orientation and only cost USD $2.


Cutaway of rolling-ball type tilt sensor

The metal tube has a little metal ball that rolls around in it, when its tilted upright, the ball rolls onto the contacts sticking out of end and shorts them together. While not as precise or flexible as a full accelerometer, tilt switches can detect motion or orientation simply. Another benefit to them is that the big ones can switch power on their own. Accelerometers, on the other hand, output digital or analog voltage that must then be analyzed with extra circuitry.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilt_sensor
http://www.ladyada.net/learn/sensors/tilt.html
http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=173

[blake987123]

Thanks for all your ideas, but I think I'm going with the accelerometer. I don't think tilt sensors are accurate enough for my prjoect.

[Joker94]

i think that is a good idea as you can use the accelerometer on any project you want so it is a good investment in the long run.