Hummingbird Electronics manufactures a range of user configurable tilt-switches. Applications for tilt-switches vary widely, and so do the parameters required for optimum performance.
Measuring tilt in environments where there is excessive vibration has always been a challenge. Hummingbird Electronics now produce a vibration tolerant gyro-stabilised tilt-switch which can be configured via USB.
Power Performance
Configurable tilt-switches measure pitch and roll angles with high accuracy by measuring the earth's gravitational field. Unfortunately, vibration is also measured as a force and so is translated into a change in angle.
Hummingbird Electronics' have integrated a 3- axis gyroscope and 3-axis magnetometer into their gyro-stabilised tilt-switches. By fusing the measurements from the accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer, a vibration resilient tilt switch is created.
Two internal voltage free relays can be programmed to close or open at various combinations of the measured pitch and roll. For maximum flexibility, normally open, normally closed and common outputs are available.
An integrated USB interface means that the sensor can be configured in-application using a laptop. The USB interface allows the following configuration:
• Set alarm conditions as a combination of pitch and roll.
• Set hysteresis on each alarm output to avoid erratic switching at the set-point.
• Zero the sensor to eradicate small offsets due to mounting.
• Apply variable damping to slow down the sensor response if this is desired.
The configuration software also facilitates real-time monitoring of the pitch, roll and relay status. A scrolling graph allows the user to evaluate sensor response.
The configuration software is free of charge and is available for download.
Rugged Hardware
The configurable tilt-switches are supplied in a rugged aluminium enclosure that is splash-proof. Provision for screw mounting when required is provided.
Power to the unit and outputs are provided through colour coded wires.
