This is a solution for where you need detect when something has shifted from it’s desired orientation. It’s a simple ball-in-a-sleeve that when rolled to one end closes a contact. Actually, it’s a pair of balls, the second ball reinforces the bridging of the contacts by the first ball.

In it’s simplest application, it could be hung straight down and would close only if it were swung over 90° in any orientation. Team up 2 or 3, adjust the angles, and you could have it report when orientation shifts past any one of their angles. Sort of a really poor-man’s gyro/g-force sensor.

Note: The orientation of the pins will affect the responsiveness of the sensor. Laid horizontally, the balls will bridge the sensor pins much more easily than if the pins are laid vertically.

Specifications:

• SW-520 dual-ball sensor
• 15° deflection-off-horizontal activation
• 6~20 ohm measured “on” resistance in vertical orientation
• 20mA Maximum current
• 20V Maximum voltage
• 5.4mm diameter cylinder
• 12.2mm body length
• 24.5mm overall length
• Normally open/closed (depending on installation orientation)
• Sold in packs of 4the bridging of the contacts by the first ball.

In it’s simplest application, it could be hung straight down and would close only if it were swung over 90° in any orientation. Team up 2 or 3, adjust the angles, and you could have it report when orientation shifts past any one of their angles. Sort of a really poor-man’s gyro/g-force sensor.

Specifications:

• 6~20 ohm measured “on” resistance in vertical orientation
• Designed for low-voltage operation
• 5.4mm diameter cylinder
• 12.2mm body length
• 24.5mm overall length
• Normally open/closed (depending on installation orientation)
• Sold in packs of 4