Directions / instructions for assembling and installing your sensor. Quite simple.

Are you ready? Let’s start!

You can also purchase a ready-made station
Please find out more about ready stations, with pre-flash Bulgarian firmware at the following address – https://air.nettigo.pl/bg/. In this case, you can skip the following sections and proceed to the installation and registration of your station. Please note that this shop is not part of our foundation and we are not responsible for repairing / replacing parts purchased from them.
Shopping List (only if you have decided to buy the parts yourself)
– NodeMCU ESP8266, CPU/WLAN microcontroller – Note the first pins on the left. They must be A0, G, VU

– SDS011 dust sensor (formerly PPD42NS)

– BME 280, temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure sensor Important: Remember that the pins should be soldered to the sensor board.!

– cables, wires

– USB to Micro USB cable, flat, 3 meters long
– 2A AC Adapter, USB
– Cable ties small x 2
– Transparent hose, inner diameter 6 mm and 20 cm long

– HT Filter Discharge Pipe (DN 75 87⁰ ) – 2 pieces
How do we assemble the station?
You can easily assemble your measuring station. There are 8 cables and 2 small cable ties. That is all!
YOUR SENSOR IS READY TO WORK!

Install the Firmware

Here is the time when we load NodeMCU’s firmware

Introductory notes

Relax, you do not have to program anything!

We’ve programmed your firmware for you. Just copy it to NodeMCU (ESP8288) and install it. Mission possible even for beginners!

Anyone who needs help simply visit our LABs.

STEP 1: Download and install drivers

To communicate with the ESP8266 you need usb2serial drivers. The chipset for NocdeMCUs is usually CH341. Choose the link that corresponds to the operating system of your computer.

Drivers for the old V2 model (CP2102)

Windows 10: https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/software/CP210x_Universal_Windows_Driver.zip
Windows 7/8/8/8/8.1: https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/software/CP210x_Windows_Drivers.zip (32-bit version not supported for 64-bit version of system)
MacOS: https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/software/Mac_OSX_VCP_Driver.zip (restart computer after installation)
Raspberry Pi: https://github.com/aperepel/raspberrypi-ch340-driver
Linux: No drivers need to be installed. Chip should be supported directly (verifiable with dmesg)

Driver for model V3 (CH341)

Windows: http://www.wch.cn/downloads/file/5.html
MacOS: http://www.wch.cn/downloads/file/178.html (restart your computer after installation)
Linux: No drivers need to be installed. Chip should be supported directly (verifiable with dmesg)

Extract the downloaded file. Unpack it:

for V2: Open the folder CP210x and double click on the application CP210xVCPInstaller_x64 (or x86)
for V3: open the folder CH341SER and double click on the application SETUP.

STEP 2: Download Firmware Flasher

In the list below, click the link that corresponds to your computer’s operating system.

Windows (64-bit): https://luftdaten.info/flashtool/luftdaten-tool.zip
MacOS: https://luftdaten.info/flashtool/luftdaten-tool.dmg
Linux (64-bit): https://luftdaten.info/flashtool/luftdaten-tool.linux-x64
Source Code: https://github.com/opendata-stuttgart/airrohr-firmware-flasher

Double-click the file when a computer protection message appears and click the “Run anyway” button.

STEP 3: Install Firmware

Now connect the NodeMCU to the computer with a short micro-USB cable (the cable should not be longer than 1m, otherwise the installation may fail). Select the latest version latest_en.bin (or another language version) and click “Upload”.

Wait until the process is done and shut down the program.

Now we have to assemble the sensor.

Relax, you do not have to program anything!

Just copy the firmware and everything will be done.

Installation of electronics

We now carefully assemble the controller and the sensors

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Before installing, upload the NodeMCU firmware!
Back to the INSTALL THE FIRMWARE menu

On delivery, the uploaded original firmware delivers a 5V voltage directly to the pin, causing damage to the SDS011 sensor.

Before connecting the sensors, make sure that the pins of the BME280 sensor are soldered to the sensor board. Usually they come separately. Check for “cold solder” or “cracked solder ” join.

Assembly

Advice: This guide is based on version 3 of NodeMCU.

Connecting SDS011 (dust sensor)

The Pins are numbered from RIGHT to LEFT,
When connecting them, be careful that the cable ends are pinched tightly on the pins, because Dupont cables can often pinch “next to” the Pins
SDS011 Pin 1 -> Pin D1 / GPIO5
SDS011 Pin 2 -> Pin D2 / GPIO4
SDS011 Pin 3 -> GND
SDS011 Pin 4 -> is not used
SDS011 Pin 5 -> VU (NodeMCU v3) / VIN (NodeMCU v2)
SDS011 Pin 6 -> is not used
SDS011 Pin 7 -> is not used

Connecting BME280 (temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure sensor)

The pins are numbered from LEFT to RIGHT
VCC (Pin1) <-> 3V3
GND (Pin2) <-> G
SCL (Pin3) <-> D4
SDA (Pin4) <-> D3

Important: Make sure that the sensor pins are soldered to the sensor board!

Electronic scheme

The SDS011 particulate sensor and the BME280 temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure sensor are connected to the chips (NodeMCU) according to the diagram on the left.

Final assembly of the station

The components are assembled in the measuring station

Bildschirmfoto-2016-11-25-um-17.30.55-495x400

Bildschirmfoto-2016-11-25-um-17.33.35-495x400

Connection

Connect the transparent tube to the SDS011 dust sensor
With a pig tail, connect to the SDS011 dust sensor to the controller so that they fit together in the tube.
Install so that the SDS011 dust sensor board is inverted with the blower down.
Carefully push the BME280 sensor and slide it all into the tube on the side without a rubber seal.
Connect the pipe with the rubber seal to the one with the components and remove the USB cable from the other side.

Sensor configuration

The station connects to your wireless network (WiFi)

Particle sensor configuration

Connect the charger to the network to start the station;
After a few seconds, will open its own WiFi hotspot named Feinstaubsensor-NUMBER, the digits being the CHIPID ID number (it is very likely that this number is written on the bag with the NODEMCU controller). The station will broadcast a WiFi signal about 10 minutes.
Open your phone / laptop / tablet settings and connect to this network. It does not have a password (we know from experience that it may not be the first time – some devices do not like networks without a password).

Make sure you’re connected to this network and open a new page in your browser and type: http://192.168.4.1 (with the latest firmware versions, the default browser opens automatically with he station address)
You will see the following screen:

At the top you will also see your home / office network.
1.Click on it and in the password field carefully type the password of your WiFi network and 2. Press the Save and Restart button. (Do not change other settings unless you explicitly know what you are doing).

Take a screenshot. After 15 seconds, unplug the power from the outlet and then turn it back on again after 15 seconds.
As expected, you’ll soon lose connection to the station’s WiFi network. Transfer to the one you selected the station to connect to. (If you know more about networks, scan your network and if everything goes according to the instructions you will find the station. For mobile or tablet scanning, we use the free Fing app for iOS and Fing for Android, and for PC scanning we use Advanced ip scanner).

A FEW EXTRAS FOR THE IMPATIENT:

Did you take a picture of the station settings like we asked you? There should be the ID of your sensor. This NUMBER will be needed for the two links below, where you will be able to see at any moment the station’s current readings, as well as all its testimonies. Instead of NUMBER, type the ID.

- Graphics of the Atmospheric Sensor:
  https://www.madavi.de/sensor/graph.php?sensor=esp8266-NUMBER-bme280
- Graphics of the fine particle sensor:
  https://www.madavi.de/sensor/graph.php?sensor=esp8266-NUMBER-sds011
- If the open pages say, in German, that there is no such sensor, it means that the station is not receiving an internet connection from your network and did not make the initial registration. Go back to the beginning of this section and repeat the steps.

- If there is a large red line on the open pages and it says the sensor is not registered, it means the station is working and you should register it (see below).

If you have registered the station with us but the red line is still visible and you do not see your sensor it on the map, it means that the station is in the process of registering in the global database – this can take 2 to 4 business days. Thank you for your patience.

1.Wifi controller operation cycle when connecting:

Turn on the station,
The controller scans for available WiFi networks – 15-20 seconds.
Attempts to connect to the recently introduced AP / Router in 5-10 seconds; So the station is visible after at least 15-30 seconds after switching on.
In the absence of the last AP recorded at the station, the controller starts transmitting its own ID – Feinstaubsensor-NUMBER for 600 sec. Then it stops transmitting a signal. The re-emergence of the station requires a restart of the station – switching off and reconnecting to the mains.

2. Indications on the cycle of work of the station after connection to the Internet:

Turn on the station
Single flashes the controller’s blue diode (up to the WIFI module) when connecting to the router or for 5 seconds.
Along with the blue diode, the red particle sensor diode flashes until it connects to the router. The continuous blinking of the red diode is an indicator of an unconnected station to the network.
Both diodes go out and the red diode blinks at a long interval of 15 seconds.
After 125 sec. the red particle sensor (sample) flashes for a period of 20 seconds. The sensor diode goes off.
The controller’s blue sensor flashes for 1-2 seconds. (send data).
Then he returns to point 4.

Note: After connecting to the Internet, the station takes a sample every 145 seconds, with the fine particle sensor operating for only 20 seconds. This is done to increase the life of the station. For the same reason, the first sample, after connecting to the Internet, is after 145 seconds.

3. Update the station firmware.

Each time the station is connected to the Internet, the firmware checks for a new version.
If available, it is downloaded from the server, installed and the station restarted independently. The downloaded data is no more than 0.5 MB in size.
For this reason, after the station is connected to the Internet, it is possible to delay the browser’s entry into the station menu.
The station automatically checks once a day for new firmware available. If available, download, rebuild, and restart itself. Do not change the auto-update setting, it is on by default.

4. WiFi network requirements.

The station only works in 2.4 GHz mode. Therefore, if the router is set to n mode only, the station will not connect to it, but will not show its ID: Feinstaubsensor-NUMBER, because it constantly tries to connect to the router without success. Solution: Change your router’s setting to (mode) g / n or b / g / n or mixed.
For convenience, you can provide a static DHCP IP address, but this is not required.
Be careful with ARP Binding, this may limit the station’s access to the Internet.
Be careful with MAC address restrictions as well. Sometimes they can also cause connection problems.

5. Connection when entering the wrong password.

If you enter a wrong password when connecting the station, it will try to connect to the router without success, but it will not broadcast the Feinstaubsensor-NUMBER. To do this, it is necessary to temporarily stop the router and connect the station to another point, which may also be stopped later. To do this, follow these steps:

You need to have two phones available.
Turn off the station.
Disconnect the router to which you entered the wrong password.
Make your second Hotspot (WIFI hotspot) with a simple password. For Android, HotSpot is somewhere around the “providing connections and networks” feature, and for iOS it’s in the Personal Hotspot section. Remember the password.
Turn on the station again. It will start broadcasting the Feinstaubsensor-NUMBER (because the last router you stopped is missing).
Connect, using the first phone, the station to the Hotspot. When the second phone shows that a device is already tethered to it, stop its Hotspot (the second phone).
Turn on the router again.
Restart the station. It will remember the Hotspot, but it’s gone because you stopped the second phone. Then it will start broadcasting the Feinstaubsensor-NUMBER again.
Now, follow the steps in CONFIGURING THE PARTICLE SENSOR again.

You are almost ready! You will soon be able to measure particulate matter.

Map (particulate matter)

Station installation

Station installation requirements

Please make sure your station:

is a place with a stable internet connection (check with your smartphone beforehand if the signal is strong)
is in a well-ventilated place;
it is fastened firmly to withstand the gusts of stormy wind;
is at least 180 cm in height from zero;
the openings of the pipes point downwards so as not to flood;
it is not installed on the inside of the balcony or the ledge, the tube is on the outside;
away from smoking areas, grills and BBQs, close to chimneys and / or vents;
it is not in direct sunlight so as not to show elevated temperatures;
has a charger that is above 1A and does not heat up.

Last Steps - Registration

To make the sensor a part of the global measurement network, we will need a few more details. Please fill in all cells of the final registration form. The address of the station in order to register it will be received with the station itself. If you have assembled the station yourself, send us an email or fill out the contact form. We will check that it transmits and will send you the registration address.

You can also register your station directly at the following address – https://my.luftdaten.info;. Beforehand, make sure your station is operational and meets the assembly and installation requirements.

Any more questions?

See more in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Directions / instructions for assembling and installing your sensor. Quite simple.

Are you ready? Let’s start!

You can also purchase a ready-made station

Shopping List (only if you have decided to buy the parts yourself)

How do we assemble the station?

YOUR SENSOR IS READY TO WORK!

Install the Firmware

Introductory notes

STEP 1: Download and install drivers

STEP 2: Download Firmware Flasher

STEP 3: Install Firmware

Relax, you do not have to program anything!

Just copy the firmware and everything will be done.

Installation of electronics

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Assembly

Connecting SDS011 (dust sensor)

Connecting BME280 (temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure sensor)

Electronic scheme

Final assembly of the station

Connection

Sensor configuration

Particle sensor configuration

A FEW EXTRAS FOR THE IMPATIENT:

1.Wifi controller operation cycle when connecting:

2. Indications on the cycle of work of the station after connection to the Internet:

3. Update the station firmware.

4. WiFi network requirements.

5. Connection when entering the wrong password.

You are almost ready! You will soon be able to measure particulate matter.

Map (particulate matter)

Station installation

Last Steps - Registration

Any more questions?

Interesting links

Air Bulgaria

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