Tilt sensors create an artificial horizon. They then measure the degree of tilt from that horizon, or signal an alert when the angle changes. Since tilt sensors detect tilting motion, tilt motion sensor is another common name, as is inclinometer. Tilt sensor applications include auto alarms, camera features and switches.

When looking for tilt sensors online, pay special attention to angle range, as well as the number of directions from which the sensor will detect tilt. Technologically, tilt sensors are a range of devices, each of which fits certain applications better than others. Here are just a few:

1. Capacitive tilt sensors are non-contact.

2. A pendulum sensor relies on gravity by combining a weight and a rotary sensor.

3. Electrolytic sensors are precise and measure pitch and roll.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy tilt sensor components from tilt sensor sources that provide the right information

When it comes to sensors, don't guess. Quality manufacturers and sources will make every part specification clear so you can properly match a product with your application.

I recommend: Digi-Key Corporation publishes data sheets for their products so you know just what you're getting. Besides regular tilt sensors, they also carry orientation sensors. Rieker Incorporated carries both digital and analog inclinometers, including many manual models. They publish a lot of product details right on their web pages, and they also offer detailed PDF files.

Locate specialty tilt sensor manufacturers

Some applications require highly specialized types of sensors. Whether you're looking for multi-directional sensing, miniature sizes, vibration sensors or custom-manufactured parts, the right tilt sensor is out there.

I recommend: SignalQuest carries the omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor, the mems tilt sensor, and shock and vibration sensors. Their products are ultra-miniature. Advanced Orientation Systems, Inc. is another good place to look for specialty items. They sell dual axis, shatter-proof tilt sensors; high sensitivity sensors; threshold detectors and other specialty and custom sensors.

Invest in an auto alarm tilt sensor

A car alarm tilt sensor will remember the angle your car is at when you park it and trigger an alert when that angle changes. Even though the basic models of these sensors are not expensive, it can still pay to shop around for the best auto tilt sensor price.

I recommend: Car Toys sells the Clifford 1 tilt motion sensor for cars, which is a very basic model compared to the 507M or G5, which are offered on many British websites. But the surest and most direct route is to head to Clifford itself.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are totalizer-type tilt sensors for scientific and industrial purposes. Some even include graphing and other data processing features.