Use of Gyro/Accelerometer for Boat Tilt Application?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of gyroscopes and accelerometers to measure the rocking motion of a boat, specifically focusing on the side-to-side movement known as rolling. Participants explore the requirements for accurately determining the boat's angle from vertical and the velocity of this angle, considering different types of sensors and their configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether a 2-axis or 3-axis gyroscope is sufficient for measuring the boat's angle and its velocity, or if an accelerometer is also necessary.
  • Another participant notes that ships have historically used gyroscopes for this purpose and suggests purchasing an existing solution.
  • A different reply indicates that gyroscopes can provide the change of angle, while accelerometers measure the rate of change, recommending a 3-axis gyroscope for comprehensive movement detection.
  • One participant mentions the concept of a strap-down gyro, clarifying that consumer-grade devices may not deliver the expected spatial information and suggesting the use of multiple single-axis units for pitch and roll measurements.
  • A participant references a specific type of MEMS gyroscope and asks whether an analogue or digital output is needed, providing links to potential products.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for a sensor compatible with the J1939 CAN interface and seeks recommendations for such devices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity of using both gyroscopes and accelerometers, with some advocating for a combination while others suggest that a gyroscope alone may suffice. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal configuration of sensors for the intended application.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the accuracy and reliability of consumer-grade gyroscopes, as well as the potential need for multiple sensors to achieve the desired measurements. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding the output type required for integration with existing systems.

TBan
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Hello,

I'm looking to try to use a gyroscope to determine the rocking motion (just side to side - not back and forth) of a boat while it is traveling forward or sitting still in the water. Specifically, I'm looking for the boat's angle from vertical and this angle's velocity. Can I do this with just a (2-axis, 3 axis?) gyroscope? Or would I need a gyroscope as well as an accelerometer? Any experience with mounting gyro devices?

Thanks for your help :)
 
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The side to side movement is called rolling and the forward-aft is called pitching. Ships have been using gyros for this for a long long time.
Every ship has it. Just buy it.
 
Thanks for the reply. I do know that most ships have this, I wanted to know if just a 3-axis gyroscope will do it, or should I get something that also has accelerometers?
 
Gyroscopes should give you the change of angle and acc.meters rate of change I think. If you are making one make it for all movement. Use a 3axis one. I'm sorry but I don't know much else about it.
Level sensor apps on a smartphone can be reprogrammed to output on a scale. Though accuracy would be a concern
 
Last edited:
TBan said:
Hello,

I'm looking to try to use a gyroscope to determine the rocking motion (just side to side - not back and forth) of a boat while it is traveling forward or sitting still in the water. Specifically, I'm looking for the boat's angle from vertical and this angle's velocity. Can I do this with just a (2-axis, 3 axis?) gyroscope? Or would I need a gyroscope as well as an accelerometer? Any experience with mounting gyro devices?

Thanks for your help :)

You would probably opt for a so-called strap-down gyro (it's not really a gyroscope). Consumer grade are usually memes. They're far cheaper. Everybody calls them gyroscopes, but they deliver different spatial information. A single strap-down will tell you how much the boat has rotated about a given axis. For pitch and roll, you'll need a minimum of two single axis memes or a dual axis meme unit.
 
Thanks for the replies! I would prefer if the sensor could work as J1939 CAN interface. Do you know of any devices like this?
 

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