Simple Shock/Vibration Switch/Sensor

This is a simple switch sensor that can detect shocks and vibrations. It is composed of a spring, two jumper wires, three pieces of scrap wire, and a micro controller (Optional). This sensor would work great for safety switches, security alarms, and to monitor wear and tear on mechanical systems.

A huge thank you to instructables, autodesk, MediaTek, and Penolopy Bulnick for sending me the Link It One used in this instructable.

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For this instructable you will need:

- One long jumper wire

- One short jumper wire

- Two straight pieces of scrap wire

- One bent scrap wire

- One spring

- One solder less bread board

Poke the short jumper wire through the spring and place it onto the solderless bread board. Then place one of the short pieces of scrap wire through the spring in the same row on the bread board. The distance between the jumper wire and the piece of scrap wire will adjust the sensor's sensitivity. The closer the scrap wire is the the jumper wire the more sensitive the sensor will be.

No I am not talking about football ;-) It is time to add the contacts to the sensor, first use the bent piece of scrap wire as a jumper between the two rows opposite the spring. Then place the longer jumper wire in one row, and the second straight piece of scrap wire in the other. You may need to bend the spring to make sure that it stays between the two contacts.

To use with your micro controller, designate one digital pin as an output and the other as an input. I wrote a simple program that would flash an LED three times if the sensor was tripped. My sensor turned out to be quite sensitive at its maximum sensitivity. Knocking on a table or knocking on a door it was taped to was enough to set it off. On my sensor's lowest setting it was still able to detect the opening of a door or being gently picked up, although it will all depend on the strength of your spring.

Have a great day and make sure to post any improvements or insights about your sensors.