SENSORS/ACTUATORS

Raspberry Pi - SW520D Tilt Sensor

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

This tutorial instructs you how to use the Raspberry Pi and a SW520D tilt sensor to detect tilt. We will explore:

How to connect the SW520D tilt sensor to the Raspberry Pi
How to program the Raspberry Pi to detect tilt using the SW520D tilt sensor.

Following that, you have the flexibility to modify the code and customize it to trigger an LED or a light (using a relay) upon tilt detection. Alternatively, you can also configure it to control the rotation of a servo motor.

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Raspberry Pi 5
1	×	SW520D Tilt Sensor Module
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Recommended: Screw Terminal Block Shield for Raspberry Pi
1	×	Recommended: Raspberry Pi Prototyping Base Plate & Breadboard Kit
1	×	Recommended: HDMI Touch Screen Monitor for Raspberry Pi

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 detect tilt or orientation changes in its surroundings. 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).

Pinout

The SW520D tilt sensor includes 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 Raspberry Pi's input pin.

image source: diyables.io

The SW520D tilt sensor module features two LED indicators:

One LED indicates the power status.
Another LED indicates 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 closes the contact, and the output pin is set to HIGH.
When the sensor is tilted, the metal ball opens the contact, and the output pin is set to LOW.

Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

To simplify and organize your wiring setup, we recommend using a Screw Terminal Block Shield for Raspberry Pi. This shield ensures more secure and manageable connections, as shown below:

Raspberry Pi Screw Terminal Block Shield

How To Program For SW520D Tilt Sensor

Initializes the Raspberry Pi pin to the digital input mode by using GPIO.setup() function.

GPIO.setup(SENSOR_PIN, GPIO.IN)

Reads the state of the Raspberry Pi pin by using GPIO.input() function.

tilt_state = GPIO.input(SENSOR_PIN)

Raspberry Pi Code - Detecting the tilt

Detailed Instructions

Make sure you have Raspbian or any other Raspberry Pi compatible operating system installed on your Pi.
Make sure your Raspberry Pi is connected to the same local network as your PC.
Make sure your Raspberry Pi is connected to the internet if you need to install some libraries.
If this is the first time you use Raspberry Pi, See how to set up the Raspberry Pi
Connect your PC to the Raspberry Pi via SSH using the built-in SSH client on Linux and macOS or PuTTY on Windows. See to how connect your PC to Raspberry Pi via SSH.
Make sure you have the RPi.GPIO library installed. If not, install it using the following command:

sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install python3-rpi.gpio

Create a Python script file tilt_sensor.py and add the following code:

""" This Raspberry Pi code was developed by newbiely.com This Raspberry Pi code is made available for public use without any restriction For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: https://newbiely.com/tutorials/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-sw520d-tilt-sensor """ import RPi.GPIO as GPIO from time import sleep # Set the Raspberry Pi GPIO pin number where the SW520D tilt sensor is connected SENSOR_PIN = 7 # Set the GPIO mode and configure the tilt sensor pin as INPUT GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM) GPIO.setup(SENSOR_PIN, GPIO.IN) # Initialize the previous state variable with the current state prev_tilt_state = GPIO.input(SENSOR_PIN) try: while True: # Read the current state of the tilt sensor tilt_state = GPIO.input(SENSOR_PIN) # Check for a state change (HIGH to LOW or LOW to HIGH) if tilt_state != prev_tilt_state: if tilt_state == GPIO.LOW: print("Tilt detected!") else: print("Tilt disappeared!") # Update the previous state variable prev_tilt_state = tilt_state # Add a small delay to prevent continuous readings sleep(0.1) except KeyboardInterrupt: # Clean up GPIO settings when Ctrl+C is pressed GPIO.cleanup() print("\nExiting the program.")

Save the file and run the Python script by executing the following command in the terminal:

python3 tilt_sensor.py

Tilt the SW520D sensor back and forth.
See the result in the Terminal.

PuTTY - Raspberry Pi

Tilt detected! Tilt disappeared! Tilt detected! Tilt disappeared!

The script runs in an infinite loop continuously until you press Ctrl + C in the terminal.

Now, we have the flexibility to modify the code and make it trigger an LED or a light when tilt is detected. Additionally, we can even program it to rotate a servo motor. For detailed instructions and more information, please refer to the tutorials provided at the end of this guide.

Troubleshooting

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

Check the orientation: The SW520D is sensitive to its mounting angle. Make sure it is installed in the correct upright position for reliable detection.
Reduce vibrations: The tilt sensor can also react to mechanical vibrations. Mounting it on a stable surface can help minimize false triggers.
Check the wiring: Make sure the VCC, GND, and DO pins are connected correctly.
Check the power supply: Ensure that the power supply is stable and free from any electrical noise for consistent readings.

By following these steps, you should be able to address any potential issues with the SW520D tilt sensor.

Video Tutorial

Function References

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