Want to measure 2 different angles and make a calculation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a project involving the measurement of two different angles and the subsequent calculation of a final value based on these measurements. Participants explore potential hardware and software solutions, particularly focusing on inclinometers and other devices suitable for angle measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using inclinometers for measuring angles but expresses uncertainty about the appropriate hardware and software to use.
  • Another participant requests more details about the project, including the specific angles being measured and the desired output format.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of providing a clear statement of purpose, noting the mechanical nature of angle measurement in the context of an electrical engineering forum.
  • One participant proposes using a rotary encoder as a potential device for measuring angles, specifically recommending the absolute angle measuring version.
  • Another participant mentions that common methods for processing the angle measurements include using a microcontroller or a data acquisition device interfaced with a PC.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and detail regarding the project requirements, leading to multiple suggestions for hardware and software solutions. No consensus is reached on a specific approach or device.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for more information about the setup and measurement context, indicating that the choice of measurement device may depend on specific project requirements and outputs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in angle measurement techniques, hardware selection for engineering projects, and those seeking advice on interfacing measurement devices with microcontrollers or PCs.

botlfed98
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i have a project where I need to measure 2 different angles and then take those 2 measurements and compute a final number. I was thinking about using inclinometers to do the measuring of the angles but am really stuck on what hardware/software to use. I was hoping to find something that is already off the shelf and can be purchased for a relatively reasonable amount. Please let me know if you guys have any ideas, your help is greatly appreciated!
 
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if you need more info on what I am trying to do please just ask...thanks!
 
Welcome to Physics Forums

Since this is the electrical engineering forum and angles (apart from phase angles) are mechanical I think a clear statement of purpose is appropriate.
 
botlfed98 said:
if you need more info on what I am trying to do please just ask...thanks!
Why don't you just tell us instead of waiting to be asked?
 
Can you draw us a picture of your setup (the more detailed the better), and/or elaborate on what it is that you're trying to measure? There are a great many ways to measure angles, however, none are universally applicable. As well, what sort of output are you looking for? Are you interfacing with a microcontroller? Do you just want a display of the angle? Do you need it on your PC?

To paraphrase Jerry Maguire, "Help us help you!"
 
DaveC426913 said:
Why don't you just tell us instead of waiting to be asked?

sure, didn't know if it really was important what I'm trying to measure...measuring the angle in which rail is tilted inwards towards the inside of the track and then want to do compute a final number dependent on the 2 measured angles.
 
botlfed98 said:
i have a project where I need to measure 2 different angles and then take those 2 measurements and compute a final number. I was thinking about using inclinometers to do the measuring of the angles but am really stuck on what hardware/software to use. I was hoping to find something that is already off the shelf and can be purchased for a relatively reasonable amount. Please let me know if you guys have any ideas, your help is greatly appreciated!

botlfed98 said:
sure, didn't know if it really was important what I'm trying to measure...measuring the angle in which rail is tilted inwards towards the inside of the track and then want to do compute a final number dependent on the 2 measured angles.

One device you can use to measure the angle is a "rotary encoder" -- you would probably want to use the absolute angle measuring version:

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...der&gbv=2&aq=0&aqi=g6g-m4&aql=&oq=rotary+enco

.
 
yes i know how to measure the angles that I need to measure but am stuck on the next piece of hardware/software to use that would take my 2 signals/outputs and make a final calculation
 
botlfed98 said:
yes i know how to measure the angles that I need to measure but am stuck on the next piece of hardware/software to use that would take my 2 signals/outputs and make a final calculation

Well, the two most common ways would be to use a microcontroller (uC), or use a data aquisition device interfaced to a PC.
 

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