AirU Monitors
Both the AirU+ and AirU Pro are excellent options for monitoring air quality, but they cater to different needs.
- AirU+: Ideal for individuals or smaller scale monitoring, the AirU+ provides reliable data on PM2.5, which is a key indicator of overall air quality.
- AirU Pro: Perfect for those requiring comprehensive air quality data, the AirU Pro features a modular design that allows users to expand their monitoring capabilities. This model can measure a wide range of pollutants that contribute to the Air Quality Index (AQI), including PM, O3, CO, SO2, and NO2. It is also well-suited for specific environments like water treatment facilities, construction sites, and refineries. Moreover, the Pro model supports advanced communication options, including LTE connectivity, making it a robust choice for both individual and community-level applications.
In summary, if you need basic air quality monitoring focused on PM2.5, the AirU+ is a great choice. However, if you require a more detailed and expandable monitoring solution, the AirU Pro is the best option.
AirU+ dimensions: 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 2.4″
AirU Pro dimensions: 7.6″ x 5.3″ x 3.6″
Both the AirU+ and AirU Pro sensors have built-in attachments for easy wall mounting, like a smoke detector. You can also use command strips, zip ties, or brackets for flexibility. Mount the sensor in a sheltered outdoor spot, like under an eave, at breathing level (5 feet or higher), ensuring a strong Wi-Fi or LTE signal. While the AirU is water-resistant, avoid placing it near kitchen exhausts, dryer vents, or below 4 feet. Lastly, the sensor needs to be connected to a power source.
The AirU consumes approximately 1.5 Watts.
The cost of power varies by location, but it will most-likely cost less than 1 cent per month.
- What if my AirU goes offline?
- Ensure that your sensor has power. If not, provide power. If it has power unplug it for 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If it does not come back online contact us at help@TELLUSensors.com.
- What if my PM2.5 concentrations are 0 ug/m3 for more than 48 hours
- Ensure that your sensor has power. If not, provide power. If it has power unplug it for 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If it continues to read zero, contact us at help@TELLUSensors.com.
- What if my PM2.5 concentrations remain constant (i.e., 4 ug/m3) for more than 24 hours?
- Unplug your sensor for 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If the numbers still do not change, contact us at help@TELLUSensors.com.
- What if my PM2.5 concentrations fluctuate by more than 50% on a minute-by-minute, basis?
- PM2.5 levels can fluctuate greatly on a minute-by-minute basis. Although we are interested in minute-by-minute readings. It is more important to determine if your sensor generally follows air quality trends.
- What if my PM2.5 concentrations show an unhealthy level > 150 ug/m3 that lasts for a few minutes?
- This can be normal, and there may be many causes. One larger particle may have passed through the sensor and provided an erroneous reading, or a malfunctioning vehicle/an individual smoking a cigarette may be near the sensor.
- What if my device is connected to Wi-Fi, but I’m not seeing any data on my AirView dashboard?
- Make sure you are logged in to your account. If you are not logged in, you will not be able to see your device.
- Make sure you have the device selected (select the checkbox next to the device ID).
- If you are still seeing an issue, please reach out to us at support@tellusensors.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Low-cost PM sensors use laser scattering to detect particles in the air. A laser shines on the particles, and the scattered light is collected by a sensor. The microprocessor then calculates particle size and count using MIE theory.
The accuracy of particle concentration measurements from light-scattering sensors depends on the size, number, and optical properties of the particles. Different particles, like wildfire smoke or pollution, scatter light differently, sometimes leading to over- or underestimation. Humidity and environmental conditions can also affect readings, which is why regular sensor calibration is essential.
At TELLUS, we calibrate each sensor in our lab and offer seasonal calibration updates, especially for large sensor networks. Our PM2.5 sensors are stable over time, but gas sensors may drift and should be replaced every 18-24 months. To ensure accuracy, we compare low-cost sensor data with highly reliable Federal Equivalence Method (FEM) or Federal Reference Method (FRM) monitors maintained by the EPA. This multi-variable regional calibration ensures that our sensors provide accurate, up-to-date readings.
To ensure accurate air quality monitoring, keep the bottom of your AirU unit clear for proper airflow. Both the AirU+ and Pro models rely on this for air intake and exhaust. Maintaining this airflow helps deliver precise data and maximizes your investment in clean air.
IP43: Protected from water spray less than 60 degrees from vertical. Protected from tools and small wires greater than 1 millimeter.
The AirU monitors were originally designed for outdoor use and have a proven track record of resilience in various regions across the U.S. Over the past five years, they’ve performed reliably in extreme conditions, from the heat of Las Vegas to the cold of Alaska. Despite Alaska’s unique challenges, the monitors have consistently delivered accurate air quality data, showcasing their adaptability and engineering excellence in even the toughest environments.
The AirU family of monitors is designed to track key air quality metrics, including temperature and humidity—two factors that play a significant role in mold growth. Mold thrives in environments with humidity levels over 60% and certain temperature ranges. By monitoring these conditions, your AirU helps you identify environments where mold could potentially grow.
Although the AirU doesn’t directly detect mold spores, its PM1/PM2.5 and optional PM10 sensors can pick up particles within the size range of mold spores (1 to 100 micrometers). This means that airborne mold particles may be detected by the sensors, alerting users to potential air quality issues.
It’s important to remember that while the AirU can detect particles associated with mold, additional testing may be required to confirm mold presence. However, with real-time data on temperature, humidity, and particle levels, users can take preventative steps to manage indoor air quality and reduce mold risk.
The humidity sensor found inside the AirU+ measures the relative humidity inside the device enclosure. This is helpful to understand device health and potential issues with the performance of the electronics. The humidity reading will effected by the elevated temperature of the device itself. As the temperature of the device increases, the humidity reading from the sensor is expected to decrease.
Connection & Networks
To connect your AirU to Wi-Fi, simply power on the device and follow the setup instructions in the AirView app. The AirU works with personal 2.4 GHz networks and requires a strong Wi-Fi signal (more than 1 bar) for optimal performance. Please note, it cannot connect to captive portals (such as hotel or airport networks that require manual acceptance of terms) or WPA-Enterprise networks that need a certificate or username.
In some cases, the system administrator may need to allow access by whitelisting the device’s MAC address, which can be found on the outside of the AirU’s housing or the internal board.
The AirU communicates with the following endpoints, which must be open:
- mqtt.2030.ltsapis.goog:8883 – data packets every 2 minutes
- time.google.com:123
- ota.tetradsensors.com:443 – Over-the-Air firmware updates
Once connected, the AirU will transmit real-time air quality data to your AirView dashboard, keeping you updated on your environment’s conditions.
Setting up a crowd-sourced air quality network presents unique challenges. While the sensors are affordable, installing, maintaining, and ensuring that they are evenly distributed requires significant effort. One major hurdle is that crowd-sourced networks often rely on community members to purchase and install sensors, leading to an uneven distribution of devices, particularly in under-resourced areas, which typically have poorer air quality.
Researchers are currently evaluating these challenges, as sensor placement depends on the specific questions you want to answer, as well as the topography and weather conditions in your region. For example, in our experience within a mountain valley, we observed meaningful differences in how sensors correlated with each other for particulate matter concentrations during events like inversions, wildfires, and fireworks. These differences were captured at a spatial distribution of one sensor per 1.5 to 2.5 square miles and elevation differences of 200 to 400 feet.
In summary, building a reliable sensor network requires careful consideration of placement, equitable access, and environmental factors to ensure comprehensive air quality coverage.
AirView Map & Dashboard
AirView is a real-time, interactive air quality dashboard developed by TELLUS. It provides detailed and up-to-date information on air pollutants, environmental factors, and overall air quality conditions across various locations. AirView allows users to track data like wind patterns, wildfire activity, and pollution levels through customizable overlays, making it easier to understand how environmental factors impact air quality in specific regions. By visualizing these changes with features like color-coded maps, toggles, and sensor data, AirView empowers communities, governments, and businesses to make informed decisions about environmental health and safety.
User permissions are set individually for each user and device. This means a user’s access level can vary by device. For example, User A might have Level 0 access on Device 1 but Level 2 access on Device 2.
Level | Name | Description |
0 | Viewer | Can see device details (nickname, user access levels, sensor schema, firmware and hardware versions, provision date, and last publish date) & telemetry data (location & history). |
1 | Editor | Includes all Viewer (0) permissions plus the ability to edit device details (change nickname) and manage Viewer access (assign or revoke). |
2 | Administrator | Includes all Editor permissions plus the ability to assign or revoke Editor access. |
3 | Super | Includes all Administrator permissions plus the ability to manage Administrator access. Supers have special rule-bending privileges and are only assigned to TELLUS employees. Their access is not recorded at a user-device level and does not appear in the database. Supers bypass all API authentication restrictions and do not have standard L0-L2 permissions in their FS document. |
Gaining Permissions:
Users can gain device permissions in two ways:
- Another user grants them access (e.g., a TELLUS Super assigns L2, L2 assigns L1, etc.).
- They provision a new device through the AirView App. If the device has no existing L0-L2 members (the /devices/<Device Document>/members field is empty, NULL, or missing), the provisioning user automatically gains L2 Administrator permissions.
Resetting/Clearing Device Permissions
This should be done when transferring a device to a new owner or reselling it. Users can remove others with lower permission levels:
Editors can remove Viewers.
Administrators can remove Editors & Viewers.
Supers can remove Administrators, Editors, & Viewers
- What if I can’t see the map overlay?
- Our map overlays, a feature dedicated to providing insightful air quality information, are exclusively accessible in regions where we maintain an ample deployment of sensors. This requirement is imperative to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data represented on these overlays. When we have a robust network of sensors in a given area, we can confidently generate these overlays, offering users a detailed and trustworthy perspective of air quality conditions in that specific location.
- I can’t see my sensor(s) on the dashboard. What do I do?
If you’re unable to see your sensors on the dashboard, it might be due to the drawer being hidden in the optimized view. Here’s what you can do:
Open the Drawer: The drawer might be collapsed or hidden to optimize screen space. Look for a small icon or button typically located at the left of the screen. Tap on this arrow icon to expand or open the drawer.
If your issue persists even after opening the drawer or if it’s unrelated, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@tellusensors.com. Our dedicated support team is here to assist you.
- How soon after connecting my device will it appear on the map?
- The air quality data starts transmitting within the first 5 minutes. However, the GPS location can take up to an hour to be reflected on the map.
- Do I need to contact TELLUS to see my sensor on the AirView map after connecting it?
- No, you don’t need to contact TELLUS. Once your sensor is connected, it will automatically appear on the AirView map.
- Does the dashboard get data from the device’s SD card or a remote server? How long is the data stored, and is it easy to view historical data?
- The AirView Dashboard gets its data from the TELLUS Cloud server via the TELLUS API. We store all data indefinitely, and you can easily view historical data by selecting a specific date range. The device’s SD card also stores all metrics as a backup. Soon, we’ll have a feature allowing you to upload data from the SD card to fill any gaps caused by Wi-Fi signal issues.
- Is there a demo I can try?
- Absolutely! We’d love to show you a demo of our fully built-out AirView dashboard. Our team is ready to walk you through the platform and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us at sales@tellusensors.com, and we’ll gladly arrange a demo tailored to your needs.
Colormap overlays provide a dynamic visualization of real-time PM2.5 measurements within specific regions. These overlays are especially useful in areas with a robust network of sensors, allowing us to project and estimate air quality in nearby locations. By using CoreDI data modeling, we can extend the reach of our air quality insights, offering a more comprehensive and detailed view of conditions, even in areas with limited sensor coverage. This approach ensures a more accurate and informative understanding of air quality across broader regions.
The data from your devices will be made available to you in the “Dashboard” tab of AirView. There, you will have access to dial gauges and time-series graphs for analysis and interpretation.
- Will AirView display my street address? Is there a risk of revealing my exact location?
- You have the option to mark your sensor as private/public and indoor/outdoor. The Outdoor Public option is the only one that will show the location of the sensor. Choosing Private Outdoor will hide your location while still contributing to our CoreDI models. Selecting Indoor will omit your data from our models and keep your sensor location hidden.
- How do I share AirU device access with other users
- Regarding sharing access to owned devices with additional users, the account admin can do this through the dashboard setting functions.
- Log into your dashboard at airview.tellusensors.com by clicking “LOG IN” found in the top right corner.
- Enter your profile credentials
- Select “SETTINGS” in the top right corner
- Select the appropriate device group (found on the top middle of your screen) from the drop-down menu related to the sensors you are interested in sharing access to. You should see a list of devices found in the device group selected, check all devices that you plan to share access to.
- Once all devices are selected, click the “PERMISSIONS” button
- Enter the email address of those you would like to share access with. Keep in mind, that they must have a username and password created prior to sharing access. Otherwise, an error stating that the account doesn’t exist will appear.
Let us know if you run into any issues! (support@tellusensors.com)
On your AirView™ dashboard, select the device you’re going to change. Click the edit button, and change to the desired name. (see images below for example)
Wind Visualization Feature
The wind data displayed on the map is sourced from the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), trusted authorities for meteorological information.
The wind data is refreshed every 6 hours to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. NWS data is highly reliable and widely used in weather forecasting. However, localized conditions such as terrain and obstacles can influence actual wind patterns.
The wind data shown on the map is a representation of direction and speed at 10 meters above ground level. Wind speed is represented both by size and velocity. Speed ranges from 0-120mph. The data is provided using Grid-Point Statistical Interpolation (GSI)
Wildfire Tracking Feature
- How often is the wildfire data updated?
- The wildfire data is refreshed every 1 hour to ensure it remains accurate and up to date.
- How accurate is the wildfire location on the map?
- The coordinates displayed for each wildfire are based on real-time data from IMSR and CWFIS and provide an accurate representation of its location.
- How can I be sure that the wildfire data is accurate?
- We rely on trusted government sources, the IMSR API for the USA and the CWFIS API for Canada. These organizations provide real-time updates based on official firefighting reports and satellite data, ensuring that the information is as accurate as possible.
- How do I view wildfires on the map?
- You can toggle wildfires to show up on AirView by clicking the button on the top right. Wildfires are marked with a fire icon on the map. Hovering over the icon will display more details about the fire.
- What details are shown about each wildfire?
When you view a wildfire on the map, you’ll see:
The wildfire’s name
Its location (latitude and longitude
The current size of the fire (in acres)
The start date of the wildfire
Whether it is fully contained or partially contained
- Can I see info about smaller or less significant fires?
- No, we display wildfires that are larger than 50 acres. Smaller fires below this size threshold are not shown on the map, as we prioritize larger, more significant incidents that may pose greater threats or require wider attention.
- What does it mean when a fire is “contained”?
- A contained fire means that fire crews have managed to create a boundary or barrier around it, preventing it from spreading further. If a fire is only partially contained, efforts are still ongoing to control it.
You can toggle the visibility of wildfires using the filters available on the map interface.
Currently, our wildfire tracking feature supports data from the USA and Canada only.
- What does the size of the wildfire indicate?
- The size of the wildfire is measured in acres and represents the total area affected by the fire.
Solar Power Systems
The battery provides an output of 12V with a 5V regulator for the USB-C connector. The system outputs at 5V and a maximum amperage of approximately 3A.
No setup is required. The batteries come ready to be installed upon receipt.
The battery has a capacity of 18 Ah when fully charged.
- How long does it take to charge the battery in full sun
- It takes about 6.5 hours of full sun to fully charge the battery, though this can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
- Can the battery by charged using shore power if needed? (110 AC power cord with DC converter)
- While the input voltage range is 14.5V – 25V, theoretically allowing for shore power charging, we do not provide the necessary DC converters and cables required for this setup.
- What type of connector does the system use?
- The battery connects to the AirU Monitors via a USB-C connector. The standard connectors included with the batteries and solar panels are MC4 Solar Panel Inputs and M16 Standard Output.
- How many connection points are there?
- There is one connection out. However, it might be possible to split the M16 4-Pin connector with an adapter to power additional devices.
- Battery
- The battery measures 104 x 147 x 282 mm and weighs 3 kg
- Solar Panel
- The solar panel measures 586 x 507 x 30 mm and weighs 3.4 kg.
Data Access
When using the API, you will need to do some programming to interact with it effectively. However, to assist you in this process, we have a dedicated resource with examples and documentation available. You can access these valuable resources by contacting us at support@tellusensors.com. This documentation includes helpful examples to guide you in utilizing the API to its fullest potential.
- In what time zone is the downloaded data?
- In the website dashboard, the time zone is UTC, coordinated universal time.
- In the data studio, the timezone is local.
- Where can I download the data from devices displayed on AirView?
Data File Correction Factors Format Description AggregatedData Applied Json Contains averaged PM2.5 for each sensor displayed on the map within the last 15 minutes. GetSensorsData Not Applied Json Contains all sensors PM2.5 reading within the last 15 minutes. WeeklyMaps Applied Jpeg Archive that contains weekly processed maps for each city. LatestMaps Applied Json Archive that contains the latest unprocessed map (raw json file) for each city Correction factors Not Applicable Json Contains the correction factors we are using to correct PM2.5 readings. - You can also download the data from your local dashboard in google datastudio or through our api, which you can find the related documentation here.
- Can the calibration of the AirU unit be changed by a remote server without notifying or involving the user?
- Calibration is an automated process that takes place in the background without requiring any user intervention. In regions where we’ve already conducted modeling, we implement seasonal calibration factors to accommodate changing pollution patterns every quarter. Our goal is to have the entire United States comprehensively modeled within the next six months.
- To check the areas where we’ve completed modeling, you can visit our website at https://airview.tellusensors.com/ and explore pollution heatmaps in various regions like Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, Salt Lake City, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, St. Louis, Cleveland, Chattanooga, Springfield, MA, Boston, and more.”
General
For returns, fill out this RMA form.
Use this as the return address information: TELLUS Returns Dept – 2319 S. Foothill Drive – Suite 140 – Salt Lake City – UT – 84109
For AirU maintenance or repairs, contact support@tellusensors.com with your issue and request.
