Acceleration data acquisition

Other Hardware Sensors
1

Hi Gentlemen,

This question is probably pretty basic for experienced Arduino guys but I am trying to collect data at pretty low speeds relative speeds. I'll use whatever speed the UNO can handle without getting too fancy.

In this case I am using an MMA8451 accelerometer to acquire g load information. I am guessing I need about 10 to 20 samples per second, 10-20 Hz. After I get the data stored I am going to stop collecting and do some math on it to determine what had happened load wise, and then repeat.

Anybody have an idea of how the data is identified for later retrieval? And, how many samples could I collect using the UNO without going to an SD card? Ideas and comments certainly appreciated.
Thank you. JBB

2

You can store acceleration data in an integer array, in the order the data come in.

There is enough RAM memory to hold several hundred integers (one integer each for the X, Y and Z axes, thus 3 integers per sample).

3

jremington,

Thank you for that suggestion. I agree an array might be the way for me to do this. Is there a place you recommend in particular for me to learn how to set this up? Thank you. JBB

4

There are many on line tutorials for C/C++ programming.

Here is one introduction to array storage and indexing.

5

Thank you.