What I want to do

We propose to build and adapt dustduino sensor for air flight collection of particulate matter. This project is a collaboration between Wings for science and EspaceLab (a fablab and a chapter of Public Lab located in Quebec city, Canada).

Wings for science: http://www.wingsforscience.com/ EspaceLab: http://espace-lab.org/

My attempt and results

We are still designing the concept, some electronic design is in progress as well as some packaging mock-up have been tested. The form factor is not a concern yet but the weight is a major one.

So far the basic capabilities will have: - a WiFi module for internet connection to a server and data collection - a waterproof box and with easy clips to change the batteries - an entrance system to prevent water from coming inside the box (an air pump with a U tube and a valve should do)

We will release several versions: - Version 1: will include the following sensors: O3, No2, So2, Temperature, Humidity, air pump, wifi, ground measurement only. - Version 2: version 1 plus a particulate counter based on dustduino - Version 3: version 2 plus a wing attachment system.

The next post, hopefully will have pictures and sketches, things are going fast.

Questions and next steps

We have many questions (a still other to come): - air flow going into the collection chamber might be too fast - the sensor housing must be small and make as little air turbulence as possible - what calibration should we apply (temp, pressure, humidity) to correct the measures - we might add as well a GPS to the system. - will temperature be an issue in battery efficiency ? - humidity will definitely be a concern, so a safe housing is a must, can we embed the sensor in a gopro housing ?

We have created a github repository for the code: https://github.com/bendebaque/air_sensor

Why I'm interested

This project will collect a huge amount of data that will show us if air pollution is present at places where we don't suspect yet. It will also give a positive impact on air quality concerns.