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This component was pulled from a device that was used to detect movement. When I first saw this part, I thought it was an electrolytic capacitor, but upon closer inspection, I found that if I shake the part, it has a small metal weight in the end (opposite of the two wires) that rotates around. I'm guessing it is some kind of mechanical motion sensor, but I'm not sure what the technical name is. I'm interested in finding its datasheet or a similar part to use for another project.

Here are a couple of pictures of it: enter image description here enter image description here

Blair Fonville
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Jason O
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1 Answers1

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It looks like a vibration motor. A small electric motor with an unbalanced weight on the end of the shaft. Apply a small voltage and it should spin and vibrate.

Looks a lot like this one.

enter image description here

evildemonic
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    Yes, that is exactly what it is! I also connected it to a power supply to confirm that it does spin and vibrate. Thank you! – Jason O Sep 14 '18 at 15:06
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    So, Jason, how do you explain your first statement, "*This component was pulled from a device that was used to detect movement.*"? I'm just wondering what sent you off on the wrong track? – Transistor Sep 14 '18 at 15:26
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    For one it looks like a canned tilt sensor... – Passerby Sep 14 '18 at 16:03
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    @Transistor it's still possible that the larger device this was pulled from detects movement. And apparently also vibrates sometimes (though that seems a little self-defeating). – mbrig Sep 14 '18 at 17:22
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    @mbrig: Of course, but what was this thing? And what was the thought process? – Transistor Sep 14 '18 at 17:26
  • Most DC motors will generate a voltage if you spin them. I imagine that a vibration motor hooked up to a voltage sensor could be used in reverse, as a jury-rigged movement sensor. – Tacroy Sep 15 '18 at 00:51