By combining it with a PIC 16F62x series microcontroller it's possible to create a low cost, self leveling platform. The following two designs are refinements of earlier designs I made.
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The Analog Devices ADXL202 accelerometer is a 2 axis sensor that is ideal
as a tilt sensor. By combining it with a PIC 16F62x series microcontroller it's possible to create a low cost, self leveling platform. The following two designs are refinements of earlier designs I made. |
The code has been simplified and rewritten for the 18 pin PIC16F627. While both worked fine in breadboard tests, neither has been tested in working devices. I present them here as examples and perhaps a starting point for your own experiments. I assume no responsibility for their use or performance. |
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The accelerometer and PIC are mounted on the platform to be leveled. They send serial data containing positioning instructions to a serial servo controller located off the platform. This, in turn, controls two servos, one for the X axis and one for the Y axis. The accelerometer "remembers" it's position at power up and adjusts the servos to maintain this position afterwards. Any change in either tilt or pitch will result in an immediate reaction from the servo or servos affected. |
| Original - SSC Drive Version This device outputs async serial designed to interface with a Scott Edwards SSC2 servo controller. |
New - Direct Drive Version Same concept as original device except it drives the R/C servos directly - no serial interface. |
| SSC Version (18k) | Direct Drive (21k) |
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| This easy to build gadget measures and displays +/- 2g on it's 4 digit LED display. | Based on the ADXL202 and the PIC16F88 it will measure g forces to 2 decimal point accuracy. |
This page was updated 7-7-2008