SENSORS/ACTUATORS

INTERNET OF THING (IoT)

Arduino Nano ESP32 - Ethernet

Arduino Nano ESP32 - SW520D Tilt Sensor

The SW520D tilt sensor module has the capability to detect tilt or orientation changes in its surroundings. It can be utilized to create tilt-responsive projects like an alarm that activates when an object is disturbed or a servo motor that responds to orientation changes.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the Arduino Nano ESP32 and a SW520D tilt sensor to detect tilt. We will delve into the following:

Connecting the SW520D tilt sensor to the Arduino Nano ESP32
Programming the Arduino Nano ESP32 to detect tilt using the SW520D tilt sensor.

Following that, you have the flexibility to modify the code to trigger an LED or a light (using a relay) upon tilt detection, or even enable a servo motor to rotate.

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Arduino Nano ESP32
1	×	USB Cable Type-A to Type-C (for USB-A PC)
1	×	USB Cable Type-C to Type-C (for USB-C PC)
1	×	SW520D Tilt Sensor Module
1	×	Breadboard
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Optionally, 5V Power Adapter
1	×	Recommended: Screw Terminal Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1	×	Recommended: Breakout Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1	×	Recommended: Power Splitter for Arduino Nano ESP32

Or you can buy the following kits:

DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .

Overview of SW520D Tilt Sensor

The SW520D tilt sensor module can be used to detect tilt or orientation changes in the surrounding environment. Inside the module, there is a small metal ball that rolls between two electrical contacts depending on the tilt angle. The module outputs a simple digital signal (ON/OFF), which makes it easy to interface with the Arduino Nano ESP32.

The SW520D Tilt Sensor Pinout

The SW520D tilt sensor has three pins:

VCC pin: needs to be connected to VCC (3.3V to 5V)
GND pin: needs to be connected to GND (0V)
DO pin: is an output pin: HIGH when the sensor is upright and LOW when the sensor is tilted. This pin needs to be connected to Arduino Nano ESP32's input pin.

image source: diyables.io

The SW520D tilt sensor module has two LED indicators:

One LED indicator shows the power status.
Another LED indicator shows the tilt state, turning on when the sensor is upright and off when it is tilted.

How It Works

Here's how the output pin of the sensor behaves:

When the sensor is upright, the metal ball inside closes the contact, and the output pin is set to HIGH.
When the sensor is tilted, the metal ball inside opens the contact, and the output pin is set to LOW.

Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

How To Program For SW520D Tilt Sensor

Initializes the Arduino Nano ESP32 pin to the digital input mode by using pinMode() function. For example, pin D3

pinMode(D3, INPUT);

Reads the state of the Arduino Nano ESP32 pin by using digitalRead() function.

int tiltState = digitalRead(D3);

Arduino Nano ESP32 Code - Detecting the tilt

/* * This Arduino Nano ESP32 code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano ESP32 code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano-esp32/arduino-nano-esp32-sw520d-tilt-sensor */ #define SENSOR_PIN D3 // The Arduino Nano ESP32 pin D3 connected to the DO pin of the SW520D tilt sensor int prev_tilt_state = HIGH; // The previous state from the input pin int tilt_state; // The current reading from the input pin void setup() { // Initialize the Serial to communicate with the Serial Monitor. Serial.begin(9600); // initialize the ESP32's pin as an input pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); } void loop() { // read the state of the ESP32's input pin tilt_state = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN); if (prev_tilt_state == HIGH && tilt_state == LOW) Serial.println("The tilt has been detected"); else if (prev_tilt_state == LOW && tilt_state == HIGH) Serial.println("The tilt has disappeared"); // save the the last state prev_tilt_state = tilt_state; }

Detailed Instructions

If this is the first time you use Arduino Nano ESP32, see how to setup environment for Arduino Nano ESP32 on Arduino IDE.
Copy the above code and open with Arduino IDE
Click Upload button on Arduino IDE to upload code to Arduino Nano ESP32
Tilt the SW520D sensor back and forth
Check out the result on the Serial Monitor.

Newbiely | Arduino IDE 2.3.8

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Newbiely.ino

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8 Serial.println("Hello World!");

Output

Serial Monitor

Message (Enter to send message to 'Arduino Nano ESP32' on 'COM15')

New Line

9600 baud

The tilt has been detected The tilt has disappeared The tilt has been detected The tilt has disappeared

Ln 11, Col 1

Arduino Nano ESP32 on COM15

Now, we have the freedom to personalize the code and make it trigger an LED or a light when a tilt is detected. We can even make a servo motor rotate according to the tilt input. For more detailed guidance and step-by-step instructions, you can refer to the tutorials provided at the end of this tutorial.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with the SW520D tilt sensor's functionality, please consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check the orientation: The SW520D is sensitive to its mounting orientation. Make sure it is installed in the correct upright position for reliable detection.
Reduce vibrations: Mechanical vibrations can affect the tilt sensor's performance. To minimize false triggers, try mounting the sensor on a stable surface.
Check the wiring: Make sure the VCC, GND, and DO pins are connected correctly.
Check the power supply: Ensure that the power supply is clean and stable for consistent readings.

Video Tutorial

Function References

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