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

AI Thread Summary
Reading acceleration in any direction with a 3-axis accelerometer requires knowledge of its orientation to distinguish between gravitational and measured forces. Without additional sensors like gyroscopes, it is impossible to accurately determine the forces involved due to the random orientation of the accelerometer. The discussion highlights the necessity of understanding the accelerometer's alignment relative to vertical for accurate readings. Using a randomly-oriented accelerometer poses challenges that may not be practical for the intended project. Additional sensors are recommended to overcome these limitations and achieve reliable measurements.
mx tommy
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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...
 
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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.
 
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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?
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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