DIY Arduino Inclinometer using MPU6050
This accelerometer and gyroscope are an integrated circuit (IC) that measures three axes of movement at the same time. Besides the temperature sensor and DCM, the module contains addition…
Know the mission before touching a wire.
Understand what you are making, prepare the right tools, and make the workbench safe.
Project details
DIY Arduino Inclinometer using MPU6050 is a arduino project. This accelerometer and gyroscope are an integrated circuit (IC) that measures three axes of movement at the same time. Besides the temperature sensor and DCM, the module contains addition…
- Source pages
- 718-722
- Named parts
- 5
- Build goal
- Working, tested prototype
Tools you need
- Digital multimeter
- Wire stripper and side cutters
- Soldering iron with a fine tip
- Current-limited bench supply
- Computer with a data-capable USB cable
Use eye protection, good lighting, and a clean insulated surface throughout the build.
Safety precautions
- Disconnect every power source before changing a connection.
- Check component polarity, pinout, and supply voltage twice.
- Use a current limit for the first power-up.
- Keep liquids, loose metal, and uninsulated wires away from the bench.
Gather, identify, and understand every part.
Use the standardized inventory, then open What's this? to learn each part's role, advantages, limitations, handling, and specifications.
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Arduino Pro-mini (5V)
A programmable controller that reads inputs, makes decisions, and drives the project's outputs.
What it does hereIt is the control centre and must use the documented board, pin map, supply, and logic level.
Buy / compare this part ↗Advantages
- Reprogrammable and reusable
- Large learning ecosystem
- Complex behaviour remains changeable
Limitations
- GPIO voltage and current are limited
- Some pins affect boot or communication
- Loads normally need a driver
Handling
- Disconnect power before rewiring
- Avoid static discharge
- Never power motors, relays, or pumps directly from GPIO
Specifications to verify
- Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for Arduino Pro-mini (5V); similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
- Confirm operating voltage, logic level, pinout, memory, USB interface, and maximum GPIO current.
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
MPU6050 Gyro Sensor
A sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal the circuit can measure.
What it does hereIt provides project input as an analogue, digital, resistive, frequency, or calibrated signal.
Buy / compare this part ↗Advantages
- Adds real-world awareness
- Can usually be tested independently
- Often supports calibration
Limitations
- Readings can drift
- Placement affects results
- Some sensors need warm-up or calibration
Handling
- Protect the sensing surface
- Observe supply voltage and polarity
- Keep signal leads away from noisy power wiring
Specifications to verify
- Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for MPU6050 Gyro Sensor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
- Confirm supply range, output type, measurement range, accuracy, response time, and pin order.
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
HC-05 or HC-06 Bluetooth module
A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.
What it does hereIt performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.
Buy / compare this part ↗Advantages
- Selected for this project
- Can be checked independently
- Supports modular troubleshooting
Limitations
- Substitutes may differ
- Generic names can hide variants
- Pinouts and ratings vary
Handling
- Compare the received part with the source
- Keep it labelled
- Do not force connectors or adjusters
Specifications to verify
- Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for HC-05 or HC-06 Bluetooth module; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
- Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
FTDI board
A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.
What it does hereIt performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.
Buy / compare this part ↗Advantages
- Selected for this project
- Can be checked independently
- Supports modular troubleshooting
Limitations
- Substitutes may differ
- Generic names can hide variants
- Pinouts and ratings vary
Handling
- Compare the received part with the source
- Keep it labelled
- Do not force connectors or adjusters
Specifications to verify
- Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for FTDI board; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
- Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Smart Phone
A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.
What it does hereIt performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.
Buy / compare this part ↗Advantages
- Selected for this project
- Can be checked independently
- Supports modular troubleshooting
Limitations
- Substitutes may differ
- Generic names can hide variants
- Pinouts and ratings vary
Handling
- Compare the received part with the source
- Keep it labelled
- Do not force connectors or adjusters
Specifications to verify
- Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for Smart Phone; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
- Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
Connect one verified path at a time.
Explore the named components and standardized signal flow, then use Source Check to verify exact physical pins, values, and topology before applying power.
Trace this circuit.
DIY Arduino Inclinometer using MPU6050: interactive parts, standardized terminals, responsive anchored wires, student explanations, and the original circuit reference in one shared system.
Trace before wiring
Follow power, ground, inputs, processing, and outputs in that order. Never guess a pin from package shape alone.
Connect with power off
Make short, labelled connections and share a common ground only where the schematic requires it.
Inspect every joint
Check continuity, polarity, adjacent shorts, and loose connections before the first power-up.
Open all source diagrams and build views 3 visuals
Confirm the hardware-only control path.
This project does not include firmware in the source. The circuit itself provides the required behaviour.
How to connect
- Match every controller label to the circuit view and source pin map.
- Join grounds before signal wires when separate low-voltage supplies are used.
- Keep motors, relays, pumps, and other loads on a suitable driver and external supply.
Common mistakes
Reversed VCC/GND, board-label versus GPIO-number confusion, missing common ground, and charge-only USB cables.
Troubleshoot
Disconnect loads, continuity-test one path at a time, then test with a current limit.
Software preparation
No IDE, board package, library, or firmware upload is required for this project.
If you add a programmable controller as an extension, document its pin map separately.
How to upload code
The original design is implemented entirely in hardware, so proceed after verifying the circuit and supply.
Assemble, deploy, test, and troubleshoot.
Use the complete source notes in build order, then pass the final checks before calling the project finished.
Build in functional stages
- Power and regulation
- Controller or processing stage
- Inputs and sensors
- Outputs and loads
- Enclosure and strain relief
Power up safely
- Inspect unpowered continuity first
- Apply the lowest safe current limit
- Measure supply rails before signals
- Add one load at a time
- Record expected and actual results
Work from simple to complex
- Confirm power, ground, polarity, and orientation
- Compare each pin with the source
- Test inputs separately from outputs
- Replace only one variable at a time
- Power off before every correction
Follow the documented instructions.
These notes come from this project's source and remain in their original order.
Project overview
Project build noteThis accelerometer and gyroscope are an integrated circuit (IC) that measures three axes of movement at the same time. Besides the temperature sensor and DCM, the module contains additional features for complex tasks. In the production of self-balancing robots and other remote devices, the MPU6050 is often used. We will build an Inclinometer or Spirit Leveler using the MPU6050 and learn how to use it. A digital inclinometer or a spirit bubble inclinometer is used to measure inclination, but they can also be used as inclinometers to level a surface. A Digital Inclinometer is being developed in this project and it can be monitored by an Android application. By using a mobile phone for displaying the data from the MPU6050, we can do so without having to look
at the hardware; this could be very useful when the MPU6050 is mounted on a drone or inaccessible place.
Materials Required
Project build noteArduino Pro-mini (5V) MPU6050 Gyro Sensor HC-05 or HC-06 Bluetooth module FTDI board Breadboard Connecting wires Smart Phone An image of the circuit diagram is shown below for this Arduino Tilt Sensor Project. A breadboard can be used to build the circuit with just three components.
Circuit Diagram
Project build noteThe following circuit diagram shows how Arduino Inclinometer uses MPU6050
Powering your setup
Project build noteThe I2C communication protocol is used by the MPU6050. Hence the SDA pin on the MPU6050 is connected to the SDA pin on the Arduino and its SCL pin is connected to its SCL pin on the Arduino. The HC-06 Bluetooth Module is connected to pin D11 of the Arduino and pin D10 of D4 of the Bluetooth module, which means the Rx pin and the Tx pin of Bluetooth are connected. Programming an Arduino will enable these pins as Serial pins by configuring D10 and D11. Hence, they are powered
via the Vcc pin of the Arduino, and they are powered by the HC-05 module and the MSP6050 module. It depends on your power options. You may use the FTDI programming board, use a battery, or an adapter, but for powering your circuit you'll need a 9volt battery or 12volt adapter. An in-built voltage regulator on the Arduino Pro-mini will convert the +5V external voltage into the preferred 2.4V. As the breadboard moves, you can observe these values changing as the zeros become values. You should check your connections if they change, otherwise make sure your connection is correct. Look at the three values Pitches, Roll and Yaw as you tilt your sensor and note how they vary according to your tilt.
Figure: Prototype of Arduino Inclinometer using MPU6050
Project build noteOnce the Arduino has been reset, you can take a look at its values in one direction and you will be able to recognize which value changes.
You built DIY Arduino Inclinometer using MPU6050.
You followed the full workflow from understanding the mission to testing the finished project. That is a real engineering achievement - well done.
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