WXforum.net
Weather Station Hardware => Air Quality Sensors => Topic started by: Bushman on August 13, 2017, 12:26:00 PM
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WU is pushing this for its maps. https://www.purpleair.com/sensors Interesting tech.
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Agree, interesting. From the WU email: Governments don't have enough ground sensors to track air pollution accurately. At Weather Underground, we want to solve this problem. We are partnering with PurpleAir to build the largest crowdsourced air quality networks. But we need people like you — citizen scientists — to buy and install the equipment.
I wonder if there will be discount prices later? Or, does this seem like a good price?
Any experiences with outdoor air quality monitors? This company?
I guess I might order a PA-II-SD, not so much for the SD card, but for the internal clock.
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Well... Im not that excited about this. As far as I can see it does not measure any gas concentrations only PP and for 250USD? Im also a bit suspicious about anything from WU based on previous experience.
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$250 is a good chunk of change, I need to think about it more.
They apparently have some stations online: https://www.purpleair.com/map?&zoom=8&lat=42.49241374153849&lng=-74.80816418033208&clustersize=30&orderby=L&latr=4.0867911721505905&lngr=6.976318359375
A WU post here: https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/purple-airs-250-air-pollution-monitor-gives-government-equipment-run-money
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This is about the same price (still overpriced IMHO), but at least has also the gas concentrations and I would trust it more than something from WU
https://shop.wickeddevice.com/product-category/air-quality-egg/
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Looks like Purple Air is trying to establish a CWOP concept for air quality. It appears uploads will happen automatically from the sensor to a person's WiFi router to a server in the cloud without a computer. If so, maybe some day uploads to CWOP and WU can occur without a computer or the Davis Envoy, which would be useful!
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It appears uploads will happen automatically from the sensor to a person's WiFi router to a server in the cloud without a computer. If so, maybe some day uploads to CWOP and WU can occur without a computer or the Davis Envoy, which would be useful!
Available today as a feature on more than one vendor's PWS...just not from Davis.....
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This is about the same price (still overpriced IMHO), but at least has also the gas concentrations and I would trust it more than something from WU
From the Purple Air website. "Purple Air sensors may include other detectors in the future like Ozone or other gases."
I also find this a pit pricey, but very interesting. Particulate matter is a major source of respiratory health issues, especially the really tiny particles.
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It appears uploads will happen automatically from the sensor to a person's WiFi router to a server in the cloud without a computer. If so, maybe some day uploads to CWOP and WU can occur without a computer or the Davis Envoy, which would be useful!
Available today as a feature on more than one vendor's PWS...just not from Davis.....
Available for Davis with Meteobridge or Meteohub. With Meteobridge Pro no Davis console is needed - reading directly from ISS.
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Yup... "just not from Davis" #-o
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The PA-II-SD is in pre-order status as of Aug 14, says shipping could be two months away.
I sent Purple Air an email with some questions nine days ago on Aug 5, so far, crickets.
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Hi,
I had four queries that came to mind, as I too like many people received the email from Weather Underground.
As I live in the UK, I assume the sensor's power supply will need a step down transformer from 240 to 120 volts?
Does it have a powered motor? (sorry if this sounds a bit stupid to ask), as I have experienced problems with imported clocks and tape decks as some motors need 60hz and run too slow when running on 240 volt and 50hz UK and European power.
Will they ship to the UK?
Finally, is it any good? I can find precious independent information on line
thanks, regards, Tim
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It uses standard 5v USB for power. And yes it has a powered fan. Learned this all on their website. Not sure about your 240 vs 120 volt question but I do seen some sensor locations other than in the USA.
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The PA-II-SD is in pre-order status as of Aug 14, says shipping could be two months away.
I sent Purple Air an email with some questions nine days ago on Aug 5, so far, crickets.
not a good sign ... Odd that WU would start an international campaign for the project, when two of the three sensor models are not yet available.
I wonder if it is the Tesla Model 3 approach, where they need the funds from pre-orders to pay for parts and production?
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you could be right about the fact they await for enough pre-orders and then when a certain threshold is reached go ahead with production.
Otherwise the two month delay on some models does not make sense.
I am keen on an air quality sensor but may go an indoor sensor instead from an existing mass market proven and available product, such as LaserEggg or Footbot.
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I received the same email days ago, I choked when I seen the price :shock: if they want my help they need to lower that price waaaay down!!
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I like the map, an interesting way to see area trends, such as from brush fires. There is local burning from time to time in my neighborhood and it would be interesting to see the particulate numbers.
I got close to buying one of the original models (in stock) during a weak moment yesterday afternoon, but when I got to $244 with shipping at PayPal, I closed the window.
Wish they had a phone number so we could talk with them. The emphasis on PayPal and lack of a contact phone number concerns me, maybe too small an operation. On the other hand, the map shows some pretty well concentrated coverage areas, at least near one of their locations.
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Every young company has to start somewhere. But I agree roughly $250 for something I really don't need is quite a bit of money. On the other hand I would be the first in my state to install one. And it would be interesting to see the air quality trends when all the nasty air blows up here over lake Michigan from northern Illinois and Indiana and give us air quality alerts. I will have to see how things pan out over the next weeks and months. It won't break the bank but I do have to justify it somehow even if the only justification is "it would be cool to have one". :-)
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WD has now added support for this sensor (see a thread on the WD forum for more details)
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WD has now added support for this sensor (see a thread on the WD forum for more details)
WD forum. Weather for Dummies? Weather Display? Witch Doctors? Western Digital? Writer's Digest? WD-40? Women's Development Forum? World Domination?
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Weather Display
and yes Weather Display forum
but you answered your own question. Weird.
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I suspect the TLA was slightly confusing to non-regulars of WxF. :)
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the last airbender?
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Hi,
I emailed Purpleair last week to ask about shipping, etc to the UK but heard nothing since, so I have bought a LaserEgg instead.
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the last airbender?
TLA is usually "three letter acronym," but in this case there's only two letters..... #-o
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oh, TLA reffering to the forum name being only 3 letters
I atually googled TLA and The Lat Airbender did actually come up (as did three letter acronym)
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Only the reentrant version; here it's TWO letter acronym. :)
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Purple Air finally got back to me after a couple weeks. The "Support" email worked whereas the "Contact" email did not.
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Purple Air finally got back to me after a couple weeks. The "Support" email worked whereas the "Contact" email did not.
Did they seem good? Are you buying one?
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Finally heard back from Purpleair.
They confirm they do ship to the Uk and the mains supply works from 100-250 volts.
Think I will hold fire on ordering one of their sensors though until I see a genuine first hand users review ...
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Hi,
I have attached a link to what appear to be a review of performance on the PurpleAir sensor taking into account field and lab conditions
http://www.aqmd.gov/aq-spec/product/purpleair-pa-ii
Most of it is over my head though. (a bit like the particles being measured ...)
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Well... Im not that excited about this. As far as I can see it does not measure any gas concentrations only PP and for 250USD? Im also a bit suspicious about anything from WU based on previous experience.
What are the pros and cons of thinking about air pollution from a point of view of gas type concentration, or particles?
I have been wondering about pollution from nearby outdoor wood burning, so I think (?) particle detection alone might be interesting to me. The quality looks okay (possibly very good?), but, I am still concerned about the relatively high price too.
Looking at the map, it might be that some of the red areas are related to forrest and brush fires. I guess in the metro regions it might be industrial output and car exhaust on some days (smog).
They have gone from about 250 sensors to about 500 since we have been discussing this topic. Most of the concentration of sensor locations are still close to places they say have business centers.
But, there are still very few returns on Google. WU lists them on the main pages, but the new system does not integrate into WU, what's with that? What is the connection between purple air and WU, professional friends? A possible WU future acquisition trying to prove themselves worthy of acquisition?
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Hi all,
I have one of these sensors up and working here in New Zealand and it runs seamlessly. After initial setup (which is relatively easy), unit just runs.
The readings are responsive however temp and humidity should be ignored due to the sensors proximity to the WIFI Board, which causes higher readings.
I have spoken with Purple Air and I will be selling these from my website.
www.eliteweather.co.nz
The mains power plug that comes with the unit, will be changed to NZ/AUS standard 3pin plug so for easy installation.
If you would like to know more I can be emailed through my website so please do ask away.
Cheers,
Weather Display now supports the sensor and I am working with it author to better improve its integration with WD.
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Interesting to know.
Taking a serious look at the purple air sensor.
Would be nice if they supplied some widgets to use on my personal web page and not just their web site.
Here in the Farmland of Michigan could provide some interesting information. Be even better if the EPA actually took note and made use of the FREE data.
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They are very useful sensors and a fraction of the cost of expensive air quality sensor sensors equipment.
I’m also working on having these run totally standalone, no need for mains power or local internet connection.
Brilliant for local environment councils and other industries.
Be great to hear more feedback.
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Might want to check out https://www.weather-watch.com/smf/index.php/topic,65512.0.html Really only the first couple pages would give you info on this person's experance with the Purple Air. The rest is just getting WD to get data from the unit.
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I have sent several (Unanswered) Emails to Purple air. If they want us to support them it would help if they responded.
I will probably get one of their sensors next week. My only reservation I would hate to buy one only to have them come out with one that also measures Ozone 2 weeks later (the usual luck of Bob)
Has anyone else seen, or gotten any information from them in regards to adding Ozone detection?
I see it mentioned on their web site, but I can not google any further information.
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I have sent several (Unanswered) Emails to Purple air. If they want us to support them it would help if they responded. ...
Did you see Eno's post above, said only "support" worked, not "contact".
I'm still intrigued by them too, but the price point, lack of wider adoption, severe lack of communications, and unavailable models (weeks later, the SD version is still pre-order) has me on hold. However, their map is up to 600 reporting units today.
Ozone sensing would be great, but is typically more expensive. A company had a little stand alone box with a LED bar indicator some years back, and $350 just for that alone. [$395 now!] https://www.ecosensors.com/product/ez-1x-ecozone-data-sheet/
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Might want to check out https://www.weather-watch.com/smf/index.php/topic,65512.0.html Really only the first couple pages would give you info on this person's experance with the Purple Air. The rest is just getting WD to get data from the unit.
That is a really disturbing thread, particularly reply #129. hmm, too bad this little company is not more market savvy.
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Yes been sending Email to Support.
Time will tell.
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I ordered and paid for mine on the 13th of August. It was shipped on the 20th of September. The USPS tracking number provided by Adrionics was not identical to the one actually found below the USPS bar code, making it impossible to track the parcel. I was notified by mail on the 25th of October, that the sensor had finally cleared customs (Norway) and arrived at the local post office, ready to be picked up (as well as US$ 100 worth of duties to be paid).
My experiences this far:
- The contact@ email address is not monitored (never had any responses from Adrionics).
- The USPS tracking number provided by Adrionics was invalid.
- The (apparent) link to the USPS tracking engine did not work.
- Documentation is sparse (if any at all).
- These are prototype products. The one-page documentation also states "Your sensor is a prototype (...)".
- Setup for Weather Underground (etc.) requires input of "KEY1" and "KEY2". I can only assume that these are meant to be the WUnderground station ID and the WUnderground password (or possibly the station key?)
- Neither the device itself nor the web-based interface provides any feedback on whether upload attempts to Weather Underground are successful.
- The device also provides "local output" by means of HTTP requests (GET, PUT or POST) which can be directed to - say a Raspberry Pi. The JSON data set is not documented.
- The temperature and humidity readings are way off and cannot be used for external applications.
- The barometer readings seem to be reasonably accurate.
- There are hints that the device is based on the Arduino (nothing wrong with that, just FYI).
- The power supply comes with a US-type plug only (the power supply accepts 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (slightly hard to read the specs)). No adapters provided, you're on your own if you're not anywhere near a US-type outlet. I guess most people can find a way around this, but it adds to the impression that this product just isn't ready for prime time quite yet.
- The power supply seems to be reasonably weather proof (moulded inside the plastic case) but there is no documentation stating anything about weather proofing (or an IPx grade).
- The mounting bracket has only one screw hole - at the top/above the sensor housing. There really should have been one more screw hole, placed below the sensor housing.
My WUnderground data can be found here: https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=ISTFOLDM6
Still waiting for the PurpleAir data to show up, though.
Summary: The edges are a bit rough. Much to be done in the documentation department. Price is way off the scale for a prototype product (did the WUnderground marketing actually state that they're pushing a prototype product?)
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even though wunderground do get the data
they do not show it
even though they marketed/promoted the product
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Thanks. That explains why nothing shows up. Leaves me wondering even more why WU decided to promote a prototype product.
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That explains many things.
I have sent over 10 emails to both "Contact" and "Support"
Never received a reply. Can not believe WU is trying to promote this if it is so not supported.
Still going to hold off until there is one that also monitors ozone.
Will keep an eye out.
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Here is what I have gotten from them by e-mail.
Dear valued PurpleAir customer.
You are getting this message because you ordered a PurpleAir PA-II-SD air quality sensor.
There has been a delay caused by a version of the PCB (printed circuit board) that did not pass our design checks. We are working hard to fix this and the new PCB will be with us for testing in the next few days. After this we will need a bit more time for final testing and expect to start shipping SD version sensors around mid October.
Please note, that if you have WiFi with internet, the SD version is not necessary. This SD version is intended for remote locations without WiFi and internet access. All PurpleAir sensors will send data to the internet when a WiFi connection is available. You may download all your data from our cloud servers for your sensors and all other public sensors at any time.
If you prefer not to wait, we can change your order to the standard PA-II without the SD storage (available immediately), or offer you a full refund.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Kind regards
PurpleAir.com
Hi PurpleAir,
I read somewhere that you may be coming out with a new unit that would include Gas reading like Ozone. Is this something that may be coming out soon?
If this new unit would be coming out soon I may wish to cancel and wait for that unit.
If this new unit is not planned or will not be out for a long time then I wish to keep waiting for the PA-II-SD.
Thanks,
Thank you, we do not anticipate soon, so will ship a PA-II-SD when ready.
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WOW,
You received an answer from them. Better than I have done.
I was really interested in getting one, but would rather wait for Ozone.
Hopefully Purple air and WU will get their stuff together.
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WOW,
You received an answer from them. Better than I have done.
I was really interested in getting one, but would rather wait for Ozone.
Hopefully Purple air and WU will get their stuff together.
I did have communication from them about a month ago, but since then they have ignored all my emails. looks like they are having supply issues which in turn will effect revenue and staff levels. the longer they have issues the likelihood this is an adventure that is going wrong.
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After a 1 month delay following purchase I received by USPS and then installed a PurpleAir brand air quality sensor (PA-II-SD) that as of today is uploading real-time data to Wunderground and www.purpleair.com
Click on the Green Dot in the zoomable map here:
http://tinyurl.com/y72n27bj
These air quality sensors have been shown to be quite accurate when compared to much, much more expensive air quality sensors.
They have been promoted by the Wunderground network which is how I learned about this new amateur weather watcher option.
https://www.wunderground.com/sensors/purpleair
During the registration process PurpleAir gives new users options of where data is supposed to flow...eg Wunderground
My station is posting air quality:
https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/mn/rochester/44.04%2C-92.438
I may refine and pinpoint the Air Quality sensor link on our website: www.schwab1.com
Air Quality may be a measure that WXForum may wish to devote a new forum topic option.
AirQuality is also available at this site: https://www.airnow.gov/
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Purple Air finally got back to me after a couple weeks. The "Support" email worked whereas the "Contact" email did not.
Did they seem good? Are you buying one?
Wow that took a long time, ordered in early August, received in mid-November. But after an initial delay, email contact was pretty good, I got questions answered, I got updates.
It was pretty easy to mount and register, first one in SW Idaho. Boise.purpleair.com. Four days later another one popped up on the map across town. The nearest active EPA PM2.5 monitor is 7 miles west.
It seems very sensitive. At first it was mounted on a post on the far end of our patio. One small cigar smoked in the interior of the patio on a slightly breezy afternoon, I didn't even see any smoke going towards the monitor, but it spiked. Also thought it would be far enough from the grill, about 25 feet. We grilled just a few jalapeno poppers, again, smoke going up, but the monitor measured a spike again. We just moved it to a far south corner of the house under the eaves where there is better ventilation. It's probably about 100 feet from our fire pit, but I have a feeling next time we have a fire we'll generate some New Delhi-level measurements.
PM2.5 seems to drive the AQI. Probably in the summer ozone will come into play, but ozone seems more predictable: hot day, lots of sun, lots of cars, diurnal ozone pattern. I feel like with the monitor I'll get a better idea of how bad the winter inversions and summer wildfire smoke are.
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Hoping someone here can help as Purple Air customer service is spotty.
I received my PAII today and got followed instructions and for several minutes during the setup in my room it was working just fine for a few minutes. Then I unplugged the sensor to move it to it's permanent spot outside. After installing the sensor and plugging it in again my PA pop-up window said that my sensor hadn't updated in an hour. Now it's 2 hours. I figured the house WiFi was weak in the spot I had it in so I moved it back inside in my room where it worked before and still it's not sending anymore
I know the sensor is still working because the red light under the dome is on and my phone is picking up it's WiFi signal and showing 5 bars. But the data is no longer streaming to Purple Air. It only worked for the first few minutes after I received the confirmation email.
Anyone else experience these issues? How do I fix this?
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Your sensor is on the PurpleAir map but “greyed out” with data over 3 hrs old
So it did indeed log data until 3:40pm
I guess I’d verify your router shows it’s IP on your network
Restart everything?
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Sensor is back up and running. For some reason the last time I configured it our house WiFi didn't save in the sensor. But everything is working for now and hopefully it stays that way.
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Since getting my PAII running I've been watching the map closely today and I'm actually becoming fascinated with it. There are several stations to the south of me scattered throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and today we had a light Southeasterly wind and I would watch the AQI from the stations south of me fluctuate and several minutes later mine would show the same fluctuations. I kinda visualize the pollutants as clouds that are driven by the wind.
I also get the impression that the point behind the temperature/humidity and air pressure sensors is to debunk fog and moisture related errors.
All in all I'm really enjoying the PAII. It's fun to watch the numbers change and compare with my weather station's data.
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I was hoping someone who knows more about how these sensors work could help me. I have my Purpleair sensor installed and it's been working great, but there are active wildfires in my area (Southern California). When outside you can easily smell smoke but my purpleair sensor along with at least 50+ others in the area are all reading below 10 AQI. The aqmd.gov website states "In any area where you can see or smell smoke, everyone should avoid vigorous exertion and limit outdoor exposure."
Why is it that I can smell smoke but all the purpleair units are showing the air is the cleanest it's been all year?
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Why is it that I can smell smoke but all the purpleair units are showing the air is the cleanest it's been all year?
Because Purpleair sensors are only "Partical" sensors perhaps?
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Why is it that I can smell smoke but all the purpleair units are showing the air is the cleanest it's been all year?
I'll bet it says something about how sensitive the human sense of smell can be. Unless you're immediatly downwind of the fires you could have decent air since there seems to be a lot of air movement at the moment! Here's a Forest Service guide to estimating local air quality based on visibility. https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/pnw_gtr925.pdf (https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/pnw_gtr925.pdf)
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But everything is working for now and hopefully it stays that way.
Yup, keep hoping, because if and when it goes offline, like mine is after 35 days of working, and nothing you do with router gets it back online, you'll be SOL.
December 28 update: PurpleAir responded in a timely manner to my issue and resolved it with new firmware.
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...and now www.purpleair.com returns a 404 error. Hm.
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The sites down at the moment, apprently they reached there quota possibly on there servers or something.
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A 404 rather indicates a "not found" condition on whatever server they're using.
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A 404 rather indicates a "not found" condition on whatever server they're using.
yep ports 21,80,443 are all up on their site, so i guess Apache,IIS has died.
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There seem to be another better improved ver there looking at the A Full-Featured Home Air Pollution Monitor: the AQY 1
https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/full-featured-home-air-pollution-monitor-aqy-1 (https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/full-featured-home-air-pollution-monitor-aqy-1)
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It looks like a nice unit but a little out of my price range with it being over $1000.
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Did someone say there are phone apps for the PurpleAir? If so what it called? My Search didn't turn up any good info which is mostly what happens.. :oops:
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Local Haze is what I use.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/local-haze/id1278998405?mt=8
Purple air facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1825657477445054&id=1676499555694181
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Purple air facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1825657477445054&id=1676499555694181
Better to use the Official PurpleAir users Group Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/purpleair/
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Did someone say there are phone apps for the PurpleAir? If so what it called? My Search didn't turn up any good info which is mostly what happens.. :oops:
I honestly don't know how I got this PA app on my phone, but there it is. I had been looking at the PA map in a browser a lot at the time, and one day I just saw it there!
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I think that is just a shortcut to the website.
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I just order one. At least we will have some more representation in Canada.
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I think that is just a shortcut to the website.
No I don't think so. It doesn't display in a browser. Behaves like an app.
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I guess the PurpleAir-II sensors are good enough. Looks like the California Air Resources Board must have done a bulk purchase back before the start of summer and the start of the fire season and got them installed.
From only my sensor showing up on the PurpleAir map for my county and no other sensor around for a dozen other counties surrounding me, I am now surrounded by dozens of new sensors all with the CARB_SMOKE_XX_City Location identifier.
Now I can see dozens of new sensors all showing the smoke plumes from all the current forest fires. I think the sensor is darn good for showing particulate counts. When I good barely see my neighbors house across the street earlier, my sensor was showing the air quality as hazardous. I have been breathing bad air for over two weeks now and only go outside if it is absolutely required.
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My Purple Air sensor is running anomalously high for PM2.5 ... for instance, today, 119 in my remote rural location while the cities are running ... 8 or less.
PM10 is 52 when regionally is 1 - 2.
Temp accurate, humidity accurate.
No replies from PA for over a month using Support dropdown on contact page.
Ain't that special.
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Might have some spiders setting up house in the sensor. Get a can of compressed air for computer cleaning and spray inside the housing liberally. Maybe dislodge whatever contamination is causing the high readings. I'm amazed that as many spiders set up shop at both my homes main door entries, I haven't had issues. My sensor is located in my front door porch alcove.
I had very high PM2.5 and PM10 readings when the smoke plumes inundated the town during July, August and midway through September. But the firefighters finally have got the upper hand in control and the air quality has returned to normal most days.
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If you having problems getting hold of Purpleair staff I find the easiest way is to post on their Facebook page.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
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Thanks, Keith and Simon, replies were much appreciated. I will post back my results.
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Hi everyone!
We're launching a subsidized community edition of our next-generation air quality monitor in response to the urgent need for clean air action. Previously only available to governments, we are making this edition available to make sure that those most in need of reliable real-time air quality data can access it. You can learn more and purchase a device at http://order.clarity.io (http://order.clarity.io)
Features Overview:
Real-time PM2.5, Temperature, & Relative Humidity data
Durable and weatherproof: rated IPX3, UV resistant, & FCC certified
Automatically uploads data to Clarity OpenMap via WiFi
Sensor dashboard to monitor device activity
Externally powered via adapter (Type A plug included)
Everything feeds into Clarity’s OpenMap portal (openmap.clarity.io (http://openmap.clarity.io)) where you can view real-time air pollution levels, visualize air quality over time, and track historical data trends of hundreds of measurement points across the world on one integrated open data platform.
More technical specs, testing reports, etc. are all on order.clarity.io (http://order.clarity.io).
Clarity is a startup from Berkeley working on air monitoring technology. We're deployed in over 40 countries across 27 cities, working with governments and environmental agencies to deploy hyperlocal air quality networks that transform the way cities understand and tackle air pollution. (you can read about some of our past projects here: https://medium.com/clarity-movement (https://medium.com/clarity-movement)
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Thanks, Keith and Simon, replies were much appreciated. I will post back my results.
Purple Air replied to my emails regarding my faulty sensor. I was asked to try to clear the sensors first with a shop vac running for 2 minutes, and when that did not help, to try compressed air. Seems like the level came down a bit but still not normal. They gave me the option of sending my unit in for repair or sending me new lasers and I do the swap. I opted for the latter approach.
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Interesting to hear the lasers are modularized enough for someone to just swap out new parts. Will be looking forward to your report. I like it when products are updateable/repairable by the layman owner. It prevents more junk being added to landfills by just trashing a otherwise good working product.