Servo that can respond to tilt sensor

[quazz209]

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.

[Admin]

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

I will also need this to operate on 12VDC

Just use a voltage regulator to get the typical 5V.

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

[quazz209]

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!

[Admin]

Unfotuantely that video does not seem to want to work for me..

Its a youtube video . . . please tell me you've used youtube before!!!

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.

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