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T7 Networked Absolute Inclinometer
T7 Networked Absolute Inclinometer
The T7 is a solid state absolute inclinometer that senses tilt angles over a full 360° range in a single axis. A multi-axis version is planned for the future. The T7 is sealed against dust and water (IP-67 rated) for operation in dirty environments. The T7 incorporates a number of breakthroughs to create a new type of inclinometer that is rugged, compact, fast, flexible and easy to use. The T7 is available with two interface options: RS232 or US Digital's CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol. The RS232 version supports a single T7 with up to 100 ft of cable. For users that need longer cable lengths or multiple T7s on a single bus, a US Digital CAN (Controller Area Network) version of the T7 is also available. The USD-CAN protocol to allows a single T7 or a network of up to sixty-four T7s to be easily connected to a single host. Power for each T7 is supplied over the CAN network cable. T7s are networked together as a daisy chain with or without stubs. The host accesses the USD-CAN T7s through US Digital's low cost CANA-232/CANA-485 adapter module. This module allows the host to access each T7 on the network using simple, easy serial port commands, just like the RS232 version. The T7 calculates tilt angle (inclination) by sensing the acceleration from solid state accelerometers integrated into a monolithic chip. Gravity, centrifugal forces, and linear speed changes are all forms of acceleration. The T7 will report the mathematically calculated tilt angle based on all sensed acceleration(s). The serial port interface provides an efficient way to read and write data to a network of T7s. All configurations and parameters are stored in nonvolatile memory. A Windows demo application is provided for displaying the angles and temperature as well as setting operating modes, orientation, zero position, damping / averaging time, direction, and more for every T7 on the network. In addition, a Windows DLL gives the user a set of simple functions to read and write data to a network of T7s. Typical applications include heavy construction equipment, dredging machinery, mining equipment, solar tracking and warehouse automation.
