Use of Gyro/Accelerometer for Boat Tilt Application?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on using gyroscopes and accelerometers to measure the rocking motion of a boat, specifically its angle from vertical and the velocity of this angle. A 3-axis gyroscope is recommended for capturing the boat's roll, while a combination of gyroscopes and accelerometers may enhance accuracy. Users are advised to consider strap-down gyros for their applications, as well as MEMS gyroscopes like the Analog Devices ADXRS652. The conversation emphasizes the importance of selecting the right sensor type for effective motion detection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gyroscope and accelerometer functionality
  • Familiarity with boat motion terminology (pitching and rolling)
  • Knowledge of strap-down gyroscope technology
  • Basic electronics and sensor integration skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and applications of MEMS gyroscopes
  • Explore the functionality of strap-down gyroscopes in motion detection
  • Learn about integrating sensors with J1939 CAN interface
  • Investigate the Analog Devices ADXRS652 and its use cases
USEFUL FOR

Marine engineers, hobbyist boat builders, and developers interested in motion sensing technologies for boats will benefit from this discussion.

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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