SW-520D Ball Tilt Sensor Module for Angle and Vibration Detection

The SW-520D Tilt Sensor module is a ball-switch angle and vibration detector. When the module is tilted past its trigger direction, the internal metal ball changes contact state, allowing a controller to detect orientation, shake, movement, or anti-tamper events.

The module provides a simple digital signal, making it easy to use in Arduino and robot projects. It is not a precision inclinometer; it is a reliable low-cost switch for detecting whether the board has crossed a mechanical tilt threshold.

Use it for wake-up triggers, fall detection demos, object orientation checks, toy interactions, and safety interlocks where a digital tilt state is enough.

Technical Specifications

Board Layout & Label Guide

• SW-520D switch: Internal ball makes or breaks contact when tilted.
• Trigger direction: Test orientation before final mounting.
• G pin: Power ground.
• V pin: 3.3 V or 5 V power input when used on a module board.
• S pin: Digital output to controller GPIO.
• Mounting area: Fix firmly so vibration does not create false triggers.
• Debounce note: Use software debounce for shake or impact detection.

Application Scenarios

1. Digital Threshold Readout

Read the digital output from SW-520D Tilt Sensor and print its trigger state for threshold adjustment.

const int SENSOR_PIN = 2;void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200);}void loop() { int state = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN); Serial.println(state == LOW ? “triggered” : “normal”); delay(100);}

2. LED or Alarm Output

Mirror the sensor trigger to an LED, buzzer driver, or relay input.

const int SENSOR_PIN = 2;const int ALARM_PIN = 8;void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); pinMode(ALARM_PIN, OUTPUT);}void loop() { bool triggered = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN) == LOW; digitalWrite(ALARM_PIN, triggered ? HIGH : LOW);}

3. Event Counter

Count stable trigger events with a debounce delay for tilt, temperature, or comparator modules.

const int SENSOR_PIN = 2;unsigned long events = 0;unsigned long lastEvent = 0;void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200);}void loop() { if (digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN) == LOW && millis() – lastEvent > 300) { events++; lastEvent = millis(); Serial.println(events); }}

Packing List

• 1 x SW-520D Angle Sensor Ball Tilt Module

FAQ

Q: Is it a precision angle sensor?
A: No. It is a digital tilt switch, not an accelerometer or inclinometer.

Q: Can it detect vibration?
A: Yes. Movement can cause repeated contact changes that firmware can count.

Q: Does orientation matter?
A: Yes. Test the trigger direction before mounting.

Q: Can it work with Arduino?
A: Yes. Read the signal pin with a digital input on an Arduino-compatible board or OpenELAB UNO R3 Intermediate Kit V2.

Q: Why does it bounce?
A: The metal ball contact is mechanical, so debounce logic is expected.

Q: Can it detect exact degrees?
A: No. Use an accelerometer for precise tilt angle measurement.

Q: Is it active-low?
A: Many module circuits output low on trigger, but verify with your board and code.

Q: Where is it useful?
A: Anti-tamper switches, toys, fall demos, wake triggers, and simple orientation detection.