mack@frc2.frc.ri.cmu.edu (Clark McDonald) (10/18/90)
>I wonder if any kind of acceleration, even increased acceleration to >make it up the incline, would cause trouble if a "pendelum" is used? Well, a few years ago now, I had the chance to disassemble an inclinometer that was sold to us (for quite a few US $$$) by a reputable well-known firm that I will leave unnamed. After removing the cover of this discus-shaped device, I found three things inside it: 1) A potentiometer 2) A fishing weight, attached to the pot's shaft 3) Silicone Damping Fluid -- that's right, the entire gizmo was flooded with the damping fluid. This goo is the sticky stuff that kept the weight from rebounding on acceleration, jolts, etc. You can purchase silicone damping fluid at electronics parts houses. It is used to damp the cueing action on those old fashioned record turntable arms. It comes in various weights. As an aside, I have since duplicated this setup and gotten great results. At least at the slooowww speeds my home-brew robots move at. --mack -- Clark (Mack) McDonald ARPA: mack@frc.ri.cmu.edu Field Robotics Center Carnegie Mellon University (412) 268-6555 Pittsburgh, PA 15213