Why don't you use an accelerometer instead? The MMA7455 works like a charm on my board. I also used an LGA to DIP adapter on my prototype board. The part is only $2 and readily available at Digikey. Besides, the accelerometers are more fun...
You know, I would rather have an accelerometer but it seems that the only ones that exist are surface mount. There are through hole mount ones, like from Parallax, but are rather expensive.
This is why I used the LGA to DIP adapter (it's only $4.50 - see the link in my previous post). I used a regular electric kitchen stove to solder the chip on the adapter board. Just put some solder on the PCB pads and the chip on top of it. Put it on the plate, turn it on, and watch the chip sink and move right in place by itself. You have to be quick (and carefull) with removing it right after that. Just a thought.
piguy101
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http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=28036PAR-ND
But there appears to be none in stock right now.
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=MMA7455LT-ND
http://www.proto-advantage.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2200118