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Picking the right accelerometer can feel like finding a needle in a haystack—there are tiny chips for hobby boards, rugged industrial sensors for machines, and precision lab-grade units for testing. The wrong choice can mean noisy data, failed mounting, or wasted money. If you want reliable vibration readings, motion sensing for robotics, or tilt detection for a project, knowing the right sensor type, range, and form factor saves time and frustration.
Accelerometers come in several flavors, and UK suppliers typically stock multiple types. From low-cost MEMS modules for hobbyists to high-performance piezoelectric sensors for industrial testing, each type serves a different purpose. Before you buy, it helps to know the differences so you can match a sensor to your application.
MEMS accelerometers are tiny, inexpensive, and ideal for consumer electronics, drones, and DIY projects. You’ll see common chips like ADXLxx, MPU-series, and low-noise parts from STMicroelectronics and Analog Devices. These come as bare chips or as breakout boards that plug into breadboards—board sizes are often less than 1 inch across, making them perfect for tight enclosures.
Piezoelectric accelerometers are the go-to for vibration analysis and condition monitoring. Brands like PCB Piezotronics and Kistler dominate this space. These sensors are rugged, often weighing several ounces, and use threaded studs or flange mounts that are a fraction of an inch in diameter. They provide wide frequency response and are common in test labs and factories.
Capacitive accelerometers offer high resolution for low-frequency applications like tilt sensing. Servo or force-balance accelerometers are used where exceptional accuracy is required, such as navigation systems. These tend to be larger, heavier units and are usually sourced from specialist suppliers or distributors in the UK.
UK buyers have a good mix of large distributors, specialist shops, and marketplaces to choose from. Below are reputable places to shop for accelerometer parts, from chips and breakout boards to industrial transducers. Each supplier suits a particular audience—hobbyists, engineers, or maintenance teams—so think about the support and stock range you need.
RS Components is a go-to for engineers and makers, offering a broad range of MEMS chips, breakout boards, and industrial accelerometers. They provide datasheets and search filters to narrow down axis count, g-range, and output type. If you need component-level parts measured in fractions of an inch for PCB layout, RS makes it easy to find those details.
Farnell stocks a wide selection of sensors and development modules, including parts from STMicroelectronics, Analog Devices, and InvenSense. Their pages often include CAD footprints and imperial-friendly packaging info, which helps when estimating enclosure sizes and mounting holes measured in inches. Farnell also serves professional buyers who need bulk quantities.
Mouser and Digi-Key have massive inventories and fast shipping options to the UK. You’ll find everything from tiny MEMS chips to industrial accelerometers by global brands. These distributors are great when you want the latest parts or obscure packages—check the product pages for imperial-equivalent dimensions when planning mounts or panels.
CPC (part of RS) and Rapid Electronics are good choices for hobbyists and educators. They stock affordable breakout boards and modules that are breadboard-friendly, usually under an inch wide. If you’re learning sensors or building prototypes with Arduino or Raspberry Pi, these stores have the plug-and-play parts you’ll appreciate.
Amazon and eBay are convenient when you need a quick module or want to compare many sellers. You’ll find inexpensive accelerometer boards and complete IMU modules, often bundled with headers or cables. Take extra care to read descriptions and check photos for the board’s size in inches and included accessories.
For heavy-duty or calibrated sensors, look to specialist vendors in the UK that focus on test and measurement. Companies representing PCB Piezotronics, Kistler, or Brüel & Kjær will provide technical advice, mounting accessories, and calibration services. These suppliers are ideal for maintenance teams, labs, and anyone needing traceable accuracy.
Choosing the right sensor means understanding specifications beyond the headline g-range. Reading datasheets is unavoidable, but here are the specs that matter most so you can narrow your search quickly and avoid returns.
Decide whether you need single-axis, dual-axis, or 3-axis sensing. Most hobby projects use 3-axis modules. Next, pick the g-range: ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g or higher. For slow tilt sensing, a low-range part like ±2 g gives better resolution. For impact or crash detection, choose a higher range to avoid clipping.
Bandwidth determines how quickly the sensor can respond. For vibration monitoring you’ll want a wide bandwidth and a natural frequency well above the highest frequency you care about. Industrial accelerometers often provide frequency specs that extend into the thousands of cycles per second—check these on the product page.
Consider how you’ll read the data: analog outputs are simple for oscilloscopes and DAQs, while digital outputs (I2C, SPI) are common on breakout boards. If your project uses an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, I2C or SPI modules simplify wiring and code. For industrial systems, 4–20 mA or voltage outputs may be required.
Mechanical fit is often overlooked. Look at package dimensions in inches and mounting hole patterns. Many industrial sensors use 1/4 inch or 10–32 studs, while MEMS modules sit on PCBs less than an inch square. The sensor weight in ounces matters for dynamic applications where mass affects system behavior.
Price is important, but the cheapest option can be costly in the long run if the sensor doesn’t meet your needs. Here are practical tips to get value for money while avoiding common mistakes when ordering accelerometers in the UK.
Photos can be misleading. Always download the datasheet and verify electrical and mechanical specs—dimensions in inches, pinouts, and recommended mounting torque. If a supplier only shows pictures, contact them or look for another vendor with full documentation.
Marketplace listings can include generic modules with varying quality. For critical projects, buy from established distributors like RS, Farnell, Mouser, or authorized local resellers. If cost is a concern, compare reviews and seller ratings on marketplaces and factor in return options.
If you’re building something at home—maybe a self-balancing robot or a DIY seismometer—ease of use and community support matter. Choose modules with example code, libraries, and clear mounting info measured in inches for enclosures or brackets.
Breakout boards simplify wiring and often include level shifting, headers, and useful footprints under an inch. Evaluation kits from manufacturers let you evaluate sensor performance with PC software and often include PCB footprints so you can rapidly prototype.
For temporary mounts, double-sided foam tape or small clamps are handy. If you need a semi-permanent mount, use small screws sized in inches and torque them gently—over-tightening can alter sensor performance. For vibration tests, a threaded stud with a lock washer gives a repeatable mount.
Calibrating and testing your accelerometer ensures the data you collect is meaningful. Whether you’re doing a classroom experiment or condition monitoring on a motor, a few accessories and basic procedures make a big difference.
For high-accuracy work, use a vibration calibration lab or a specialist supplier that offers traceable calibration. For hobby use, simple field checks—like comparing tilt against a known angle or using gravity as a reference—are often enough. Remember, a 90-degree tilt corresponds to 1 g of gravitational acceleration.
A small shaker table or a turntable can help you characterize sensor response. If you build your own test rig, keep dimensions and clearances in inches and use a sturdy base measured in feet for stability. Even a simple pendulum with a known period can reveal frequency response quirks.
Some manufacturers are particularly respected across hobbyist and industrial markets. Buying a sensor from a well-known brand can make integration easier because you’ll find better documentation, software support, and proven performance data.
These semiconductor brands produce MEMS accelerometers used widely in consumer electronics and prototyping. Their parts are common at major UK distributors and come in small, surface-mount packages that are often less than half an inch on a side.
Analog Devices makes high-performance MEMS and precision analog front-ends, while PCB Piezotronics is a leader in piezoelectric industrial accelerometers. If you need traceable calibration or rugged mounting options measured in inches, these brands are safe bets.
Before you add a sensor to cart, run through a short checklist: Do you need 3-axis or single-axis sensing? Is the g-range appropriate? Does the mount pattern match your mechanical design in inches? Is the output type compatible with your data acquisition system? Answering these will steer you to the right supplier and part.
Armed with a clear idea of type, range, mounting, and where to buy in the UK, you’ll find the right accelerometer faster—whether you’re a hobbyist building an IMU, an engineer testing motor vibration, or a maintenance tech monitoring bearings.
Now that you know where to look and what to check, go ahead and shortlist a few parts from RS, Farnell, Mouser, or a specialist vendor and compare datasheets. That side-by-side comparison, especially of mechanical drawings in inches and electrical interfaces, is the fastest route to a successful purchase.
Good luck with your sensor hunt—may your readings be clean and your mounts rock-solid.
| Accelerometers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor - Udetemp. | kr. 63,12 | |
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| Ballerinas Valleverde Platino | kr. 438,- |
