the problem is I never really know what orientation the accelerometer will be in.
When ? While your using it ?
Well if you just looked at it , it would be obvious , wouldn't it ?
Don't get offended by this question but do you understand the difference between acceleration and velocity ?
The accelerometer has a three axis, x,y, & z. Have you bothered to read the datasheet ? (like maybe page 35 ?)
the problem is I never really know what orientation the accelerometer will be in.
When ?
While your using it ?
(or in the future ?)