tiltmeter measures

Most modern tiltmeters, including Kingmach’s, use a MEMS accelerometer inside a sealed housing. The sensor measures the component of gravity along its sensitive axis. When the instrument tilts, the output changes proportionally to the sine of the angle. The onboard electronics convert this into an angular reading, typically in degrees, with temperature compensation to maintain accuracy across the working range.

A uniaxial tiltmeter measures tilt in one plane – think of a fenceline leaning sideways. A biaxial unit captures movement in two orthogonal directions simultaneously, which is useful for monitoring the compound tilt of a bridge pier or a retaining wall corner. Kingmach provides both types. If you expect movement mainly in one direction, a uniaxial model saves cost; if the structure can shift unpredictably, biaxial data gives a complete picture.

Yes. Our standard tiltmeters are rated IP67, meaning they are dust-tight and can handle temporary immersion in water. The aluminum or stainless steel housings resist corrosion, and internal potting protects the electronics from condensation. For extreme conditions like heavy lightning or sub-zero temperatures, we offer optional surge protectors and extended temperature calibrations.

Integration depends on the output signal you choose. Models with 4-20mA output connect directly to most PLCs or data loggers. RS485 digital outputs (Modbus RTU protocol) allow multiple sensors to share a single cable and are easy to interface with portable readouts or cloud-connected gateways. For large, remote sites, LoRa wireless versions send data over kilometers without cellular infrastructure, reducing cabling costs.

Manual surveys happen every week or month, so you might miss a rapid movement event triggered by heavy rain or excavation nearby. Continuous tiltmeter measures catch those surges in real time and can trigger alarms before visible damage appears. The consistent data stream also lets you build a long-term behavior model, distinguishing seasonal thermal effects from genuine structural drift.