Interfacing Tilt Ball Switch using Arduino

Updated: May 8, 2022

In this project, we use a tilt ball switch that powers the circuit based on its orientation. The tilt ball switch will have a freely moving metal ball inside the cylinder. Based on the position or orientation of the switch, the ball will turn ON the switch by coming into contact with the two terminals and vice versa.

Hardware requirements:

Arduino UNO:

Arduino UNO

The Arduino is a programmable #microcontroller, it's an open-source electronics proto-type platform. It interacts with the user by receiving input with the aid of sensors and provides the output employing LED, buzzer, etc.,

In order to know more about the Arduino UNO, refer to this article.

Breadboard:

Breadboard

A #breadboard is a flat piece of wood that is provided with holes that allow users to build a circuit including the components and connections without the need for soldering due to which it is reusable and finds its best usage for the students who are new to build circuits. The holes in any horizontal line will be in series whereas the vertical holes remain at an equipotential state. There are different sizes of breadboards available in the market which include "full size", "half-size" and, "mini-size" breadboards.

LED:

LED's

LED is a semiconductor light source that emits light when a current passes through it. Electrons in the semiconductor combine with holes by passing through the gap which inturns release energy in the form of photons.

Resistor:

220-ohm resistors

A resistor as the name signifies opposes the flow of electrons. The Resistor is a passive element and has two terminals. They are used to monitor the current flow and also as voltage dividers. The #resistor that we would use in this circuit is a 220-ohm resistor and the color code for this resistor is Red, Red, Brown & Gold.

Tilt ball switch:

Tilt ball switch

This switch is turned ON & OFF based on the orientation of the switch.

Operation of tilt ball switch

The metal ball placed in the cylinder makes and breaks the contact thus turning the switch ON & OFF respectively.

Software requirements:

Arduino IDE:

Arduino IDE Logo

The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a cross-platform application (for Windows, macOS, Linux) that is written in functions from C and C++. It is used to write and upload programs to Arduino compatible boards, but also, with the help of third-party cores, other vendor development boards.

Circuit connection:

Circuit diagram - Interfacing tilt ball switch with Arduino

Circuit connection involves the following steps:

The Anode of the LED is connected to PIN number 9 of the Arduino and the Cathode of the LED is connected to the ground via a 220-ohm resistor.
One terminal of the tilt sensor is connected to PIN number 8 and its other terminal is connected to the ground of the Arduino.

Code

Interfacing Tilt Ball Switch using Arduino-project code

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Working:

The circuit is connected and the code is uploaded. If the switch is tilted, the metal ball loses its contact and the switch is OFF in this case. Thus, LED will not glow.

Circuit in OFF state

If the sensor is not tilted, the metal ball will be in position and makes contact with the terminals, thus resulting in closing the switch, and LED glows.