Mercury Tilt Switch Module
A KY-017 mercury tilt switch module changes state when the sealed conductive bead shifts with tilt.
Part images
What it is
A KY-017 mercury tilt switch module changes state when the sealed conductive bead shifts with tilt.
How students use it
Students use it for orientation, movement, wake-up triggers, and tilt-state demos.
Pins and power
Signal, VCC, and GND on common KY-017 boards.
Passive/digital switch module. Use Pico-safe pull-up or pull-down wiring.
Read it like a switch and debounce the signal because contacts can chatter while moving.
Voltage and safety
Keep switch signal wiring Pico-safe.
Do not crush, cut, heat, or open the switch capsule. Dispose of damaged modules properly.
Module internals
Main component: Sealed tilt switch.
Tilt switch capsule, resistor/support parts, PCB, and header.
Datasheet notes
Some kit listings call this a mercury opening, ball switch, or tilt module.
Common libraries
Use machine.Pin with pull-up or pull-down configuration.
Common mistakes
Using it as an angle sensor, ignoring bounce, and mounting it at the wrong resting angle.