Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: quazz209 on October 08, 2008, 12:52:16 PM

Title: Servo that can respond to tilt sensor
Post by: quazz209 on October 08, 2008, 12:52:16 PM
I have searched and read around here while doing research for a project I would like to make. It seems like a great resource and I was hoping you guys could help me out.  I would like to use an accelerometer as a tilt sensor which feeds back to a microcontroller and can actuate a servo in response to the tilting to keep a shaft oriented in same direction the entire time. Through approx a 90 degree range of motion. I have some embedded control experience but it has been years since college and would appreciate any suggestions on methods/components that will make this as easy as possible to execute. I will also need this to operate on 12VDC, and would rather purchase assembled components than build themself. Any guidance you guys may have is appreciated.
Title: Re: Servo that can respond to tilt sensor
Post by: Admin on October 10, 2008, 04:31:48 AM
Its actually pretty simple, probably even easier than a photovore actually. Buy an accelerometer, hook it up to the ADC of a microcontroller, then feed the output to control servos.

Anything like the video on this page?
http://www.societyofrobots.com/sensors_accelerometer.shtml

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I will also need this to operate on 12VDC
Just use a voltage regulator to get the typical 5V.

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would rather purchase assembled components than build themself
I always feel the same way. Here you go:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_parts_list_sensors.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_parts_list_microcontrollers.shtml
Title: Re: Servo that can respond to tilt sensor
Post by: quazz209 on October 10, 2008, 07:01:23 AM
Unfotuantely that video does not seem to want to work for me.. ???

Are there any specific microcontrollers you would recommend for such a simple application that would also be user friendly to a newbie such as myself? I would like to keep the programming as simple as possible.

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Servo that can respond to tilt sensor
Post by: Admin on October 10, 2008, 07:16:27 AM
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Unfotuantely that video does not seem to want to work for me..
Its a youtube video . . . please tell me you've used youtube before!!!

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Are there any specific microcontrollers you would recommend for such a simple application that would also be user friendly to a newbie such as myself?
Well, I'd recommend mine as the simplest and best, but its a bit overkill and overpriced for your particular application. :P

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_faq.shtml#best_microcontroller