hackAIR mobile
This sensor is powered with a mobile power bank and uploads its measurements through Bluetooth on your phone. You can move it around and measure in multiple locations. The sensor is based on PSoC (Programmable System-on-Chip) and costs ca. 50 EUR.
A printable version of this tutorial is available.
what you need
Make sure you have the following materials and tools available. We here provide links to online retailers, including Aliexpress. Alternatively, visit your local electronics supplier.
Materials
- Air quality sensor: Nova PM SDS011 (15 EUR)
- Microcontroller: PSoC BLE CY5676 (8 EUR)
- Micro-USB breakout board (2 EUR for 10)
- Jumper wires: 2x M/M and 3x M/F (0,50 EUR for 40)
- Pin header: 5-pin 2.54 male (1 EUR for 80)
- USB power bank (10 EUR)
Tools
- Programming tool: CY8CKIT-059 (12 EUR)
- Soldering iron and soldering tin (from ca. 20 EUR)
- Windows computer
- Smart phone
If you need soldering instructions, check out this tutorial: Introduction to soldering.
Video tutorial
assemble the sensor
- Break off the programming tool
- Solder a 5-pin header to the programming tool.
- Use two M/M jumper wires to solder the USB board to the PSoC module
- Connect the sensor with three M/F jumper wires as shown:
- Sensor 5V to PSoC VDD
- Sensor GND to PSoC GND
- Sensor TXD to PSoC 1.4
Install the software
Download the following:
- PSoC Programmer Software from Cypress
- .hex file for your sensor from https://github.com/hackair-project/hackAIR-PSoC.
- Connect the programming tool to the PSoC and a computer. The location is marked as PROG on the board.
- Launch PSoC Programmer software: Open the .hex file.
- Select the device and click ‘Program’.
- Disconnect and power the device using the power bank.
Measuring air quality
- Install the hackAIR app to your phone: http://www.hackair.eu/downloads
- Login or create an account, then go to Profile > Sensors > Add a new sensor.
- Give your sensor a name, add a location and set the sensor type to ‘hackAIR mobile’. Save.
- Select the menu in the top left corner and go to ‘Send hackAIR mobile measurements’. You might be prompted to switch on Bluetooth.
- Wait a moment while your sensor uploads measurements.
- You can see all your measurements when you go to your Profile > Sensors.
Troubleshooting
If you run into problems or have questions, check out the hackAIR FAQ – or contact us.