Lighting an LED with A Tilt Switch

Tilt sensors allow you to detect orientation or inclination. Their simplicity makes them popular for toys, gadgets, and appliances. When the sensor is oriented so that that end is downwards, the mass rolls onto the poles and shorts them, acting as a switch throw. Below is an example of what it would look like if you build this circuit with an Arduino kit. We will build this step-by-step in TinkerCad Circuits:

Step 1: Connect the Arduino board with the breadboard

Step 2: Connect the tilt switch

Land one side onto the positive bus, and connect the other side to any empty row

STEP 3: Add LED

Long leg connected to same row as the Tilt Switch, other leg can land in any other free row

Step 4: Add 220 Ohm Resistor

One leg lands in the same row as the short LED leg, the other Leg can go in any unoccupied row or directly connected to the “-” bus.

Step 5: Test your circuit

Click “Start Simulation”. When you place the tilt switch upright, your circuit should light up! When you place the tilt switch horizontally, your circuit should turn off!