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Lesson 12 Accelerometer

12

Introduction

Micro:bit has integrated multiple sensors including accelerometer. Today, we are going to use accelerometer to make an level device and display the inclination on NeoPixel ring in bar chart format.

Component List

Hardware:

Tips: If you want all components above, you may need Micro:bit Starter Kit.

Software:

Microsoft Makecode Online Editor

Major Component Introduction

Accelerometer

There is an accelerometer on your micro:bit which detects the speed change of micro:bit. It converts analog information into digital form that can be used in micro:bit programs. Output is in milli-g. The device will also detect a small number of standard actions, e.g. shake, tilt and free-fall.

The corresponding X, Y, Z axle direction of accelerometer are showed below:

Hardware Connection

Please complete hardware connection according to the picture below.

After connection, you will see:

Programming

Open Microsoft Makecode, write your code in the edit area. I would like to suggest you program by yourself first.

Of course, you can download the whole program from the link below.

https://makecode.microbit.org/_R2yHPUecyh2i

Code Explain

show bar graph
Display the value with bar chart format just similar to plot bar graph.

Acceleration
Get the acceleration value (milli g-force) in one of three dimensions, or the combined force in all directions (x, y, and z).

Experiment Result

With the inclination of micro:bit, LED bead on Neopixel ring gradually illuminated one by one. The bigger inclination angle, more LED beads will be illuminated.

Think

In this case, we have judged the inclination of one direction(X axle) only. If we want to test the inclination of a flat surface( say XY flat surface), then how to design circuit and program. We look forward to your comments and further discussions with us.