Gyros and accelerometers

Thread Starter

tornado151

Joined Apr 15, 2010
34
Hi,
What is the difference between a gyro and accelerometer?

I believe that they can both detect rotation?

Which is the most accurate?

Thanks
 

hspalm

Joined Feb 17, 2010
201
An accelerometer detects acceleration force, and does not have to be multi-dimensional. This means it can detect something like how hard you swing or "accelerate" a device, like in a nintendo wii control. A gyroscopes main purpose is what you said, to detect which dimension a device is leaning, sort of speak.
 

SgtWookie

Joined Jul 17, 2007
22,230
Take a look at MEMS motion sensors. A couple of example part numbers are LIS3L06AL, LIS33DE, both can sense motion in all 3 axis. You'd need to use a microcontroller to interface with them.

If that looks too difficult, Radio Shack stores generally stock a 2-axis accelerometer for around $33: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2909788
You'll still need a uC or other circuitry to get the data out of it.

The missile rate gyro Marshallf3 linked to could work, but be aware that you will need one complete circuit & gyro per axis to be tracked, and they will have to be physically linked together.
 
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