Can I Use a 3-Axis Accelerometer to Measure 2 Forces?

[mx tommy]

ok, Don't know if this is the right forum, but I'd like some help with this

I'm making a project that needs to read acceleration in any direction. I have a 3 axis accelerometer, who's orientation is random, unknown, and changing. So my question is, is it possible to read 2 forces of acceleration (gravity, and the force to be measured) with only this? Or do I absolutely need other sensors like gyroscopes etc...

 

[SGT]

If the axes of your accelerometer can have any random orientation, you have no means of knowing the forces involved. You must have some information of their orientation relative to the vertical, for instance. The logical sensor to provide such measurement is a gyroscope.

 

[Danger]

Why, may I ask, are you using a randomly-oriented accelerometer? Is it just some test to see if you can overcome that, or is it a defective unit?