Printer Friendly Forum Posts - affordable rugged electronic inclinometer

I need an affordable, rugged electronic inclinometer

(A) having a range greater than +/- 45 degrees (but less than +/- 80 degrees is okay),

(B) that will work within the common industrial device temperature range (-40 to +85 C), and

(C) that can operate in conditions of severe vibration and shock.

I don't have actual "g" measurements, frequencies and the like regarding how severe the environment in which it must perform can get, but examples of that shock and vibration would be as follows:

(1) Vibrating dump bed of a dump truck (common with transporters of asphalt and certain "sticky" soils). Note: the "gate slam" is also used in this application to help ensure complete material release;

(2) "Unimproved surface" aircraft landing gear;

(3) Off-road and competition motorcycling, and/or a heavily-laden economy car repeatedly hitting a large pothole at the posted speed limit.

I may end up using a shock/vibration damping mount, but I prefer the device itself to be reasonably robust.

The device should respond very quickly, accurately and precisely to a dynamic input that could see angular variations greater than full scale in periods of less than 1 second (though that would be very unusual).

I'm hoping I can get the unit I need for significantly less than $100, but am willing to consider pricier alternatives during the prototyping stage of my project.

Thanks in advance for whatever help you give.