Forrest Mims' Science Experiments

Chapter 4 Vibration Sensors

Many methods have been improvised, invented, and hacked to sense sudden movements, acceleration, and vibration. Today tiny, solid-state accelerometers are available to do these jobs, and they’re embedded in many smartphones, tablets, and electronic game controllers. These miniature accelerometers are available for reasonable prices, or you can use the smartphone itself for vibration detection.

DIY vs. Solid-State Vibration Sensors

There’s no need for specialized accelerometer circuits if all your project needs is a simple vibration detector. Many DIY methods are available—and some are more sensitive than the solid-state accelerometers in smartphones.

This can be demonstrated with an Einstein Tablet educational ...