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© QuantAQ, Inc 2021 – V0.1.0
PRODUCT MANUAL
MODULAIR-PM
PRODUCT NAME MODULAIR-PM
VERSION 0.3.0
LAST UPDATED Oct 20, 2021
LAST UPDATED BY David Hagan
1. Introduction and Specs
MODULAIRâ„¢-PM provides real-time estimates of particulate matter concentrations (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) and particle size distribution using a novel combination of multiple light-scattering-based particle sensors (patent pending).
1.1 Specifications
1.1.1 Air Quality Measurements
| PARAMETER | RANGE | ACCURACY |
|---|---|---|
PM1, PM2.5, PM10 | 0 to 2,000 µg/m3 | See below. |
Particle size distribution | 0.35 to 40.0 µm (24 bins) | Not yet determined. |
Temperature | -40 to 85 C | +/- 0.2 C |
Relative Humidity | 0 to 100% | +/- 2% |
More on the above information can be found in the MODULAIR-PM data sheet.
1.1.2 Power and Comms
🔋 Power
5V, 2A (supply); 250 mA avg. consumption
🗼 Communication
LTE (North America)
3G/2G (Global)
📈 Data
Web interface (quant-aq.com)
Programmatic access (QuantAQ API)
Local Storage (µSD card)
1.1.3 Operating Specs
| PARAMETER | DETAILS |
|---|---|
Weatherproof rating | IP68 |
Operating temperature | -20 to 60 C |
Operating humidity | 5 to 95%, non-condensing |
Dimensions | 6.59" x 6.59" x 5.11" |
Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
1.2 Certifications
The MODULAIRâ„¢-PM air quality sensor complies with part 15 of the FCC rules for class A devices. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference; (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
MODEL: MODULAIR-PM
Contains FCC ID: 2AEMI-BRN402
2. Installation and Hardware Setup
2.1 Unpacking
When you unpack your device, you should have received the following:
- MODULAIR-PM Particulate Matter Sensor
- Power supply and USB-C power cable
- Mounting hardware (flanges with 4 10-32 screws)
- 16 GB µSD card
If any of these components are missing, please contact QuantAQ via support.quant-aq.com. If the shipping box contains multiple devices, you will receive the correct multiple of each component from the list above.
2.2 Instrument Layout
2.2.1 Front Panel
The front panel of the device can be accessed by opening the lid of the enclosure. The panel provides access to the ON/OFF switch, Menu button, and LED indicator. Each component is labeled in Figure 1.
2.2.2 Core Circuit Board
Underneath the front panel (which can be opened by removing the four No. 6 screws in the four corners), you will find the Core Circuit Board and µSD circuit board. While it is unlikely you will ever need to touch this, it is worth pointing out a few key components.
2.3 Connections and Device Reg.
The MODULAIR-PM is shipped completely assembled, aside from the mounting hardware. Once the device is mounted and you have verified the power switch is in the OFF position, simply plug in the power supply and connect the USB-C cable in to the bottom of the device. Once the power cable is connected, simply flip the power switch to the ON position. Upon receiving power, the LED indicator (Figure 1) will flash green and eventually begin a sequence of slowly breathing cyan; this indicates the cellular connection is active and a session with the cloud server has begun. If the device is being powered on in a new location or has been powered off for an extended period of time, this may take some time to complete. The device will log data locally during this period and push the data to the server once a connection is established. If the LED indicator does not eventually begin breathing cyan, this indicates a cloud connectivity problem. Common errors and next steps can be found in Section 6.2.
To register your device, scan the QR code that is on the registration card you received with your device. It is easiest to complete this step using a cellphone or tablet with a working internet connection. A laptop with a functioning camera will also work, though maybe more difficult. It is also suggested that you first log in to the website on the device you will use to complete this process. To register your device:
- Use your camera to scan the QR code. This will open a tab in your default browser and will direct you to the device registration page.
- Enter the fields for the information that the form asks for and click "Continue"
- Enter the claim code found on the same QR code card - it should be a 6-character alphanumeric code.
- Follow the instructions on the form and enter in data for the device location and other metadata. All of these can be changed in the future through the dashboard, so don't worry if you can't answer all questions at this time.
2.4 Installation
The device can be mounted in a number of ways depending on the exact use and available mounting options available to you. The device is shipped with mounting flanges which can be used to easily mount the device to a number of surfaces. Each flange is secured to the back of the device with two 1/4-20 x 0.5" stainless steel screws (included). Each flange includes three slots with the dimensions found below.
Common installation approaches include:
- using high-strength zip ties to secure the device to a fence or post
- using screws to mount the device using the provided flanges
The complete box dimensions are:
- 7.04" x 7.04" x 5.72" (178.82 mm x 178.82 mm x 145.29 mm)
If a more secure approach is needed, a pole mount kit can be purchased directly from the supplier of the enclosures (Polycase part number PL-087).
3. Software Setup and Data
Data is collected and saved to the onboard µSD card every five seconds; every minute, these values are averaged and pushed to the cloud where they are available on the QuantAQ Cloud. It is unlikely you will ever need to use the locally saved data; however, it is there in case you need it. This section covers the locally stored data and how to understand it. When removing the µSD card to pull the data, make sure your device is turned OFF.
On the µSD card, you will find data files (with a prefix of DATA_YYYYMMDD.csv) and log files which are located in the logs directory. Log files contain debugging information about the onboard sensors and the cellular communications module. It is unlikely these logs will be useful to most users, though they are available to you if you would like to view them. It is highly recommended that you use the QuantAQ CLI (discussed below) to analyze them, as it will vastly reduce the amount of time needed.
Data files are written each day and can be read or analyzed using any programming language or spreadsheet program (e.g., Microsoft Excel). Each file begins with three meta-data rows describing the device model (row 1), device ID (row 2), and the device serial number (row 3). If you are automating your data analysis, you can skip these three rows. The fourth row contains the header information with the names for all columns. The remaining rows contain the data, where each row corresponds to a new 5-second sampling interval. The table below summarizes the columns.
| COLUMN | UNIT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
timestamp_iso | The sample timestamp in ISO format | |
sample_rh | % | Sample relative humidity |
sample_temp | ºC | Sample temperature |
bin0 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin0 (0.35 - 0.46 µm) |
bin1 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin1 (0.46 - 0.66 µm) |
bin2 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin2 (0.66 - 1.0 µm) |
bin3 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin3 (1.0 - 1.3 µm) |
bin4 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin4 (1.3 - 1.7 µm) |
bin5 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin5 (1.7 - 2.3 µm) |
bin6 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin6 (2.3 - 3.0 µm) |
bin7 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin7 (3.0 - 4.0 µm) |
bin8 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin8 (4.0 - 5.2 µm) |
bin9 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin9 (5.2 - 6.5 µm) |
bin10 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin10 (6.5 - 8.0 µm) |
bin11 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin11 (8.0 - 10.0 µm) |
bin12 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin12 (10.0 - 12.0 µm) |
bin13 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin13 (12.0 - 14.0 µm) |
bin14 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin14 (14.0 - 16.0 µm) |
bin15 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin15 (16.0 - 18.0 µm) |
bin16 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin16 (18.0 - 20.0 µm) |
bin17 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin17 (20.0 - 22.0 µm) |
bin18 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin18 (22.0 - 25.0 µm) |
bin19 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin19 (25.0 - 28.0 µm) |
bin20 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin20 (28.0 - 31.0 µm) |
bin21 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin21 (31.0 - 34.0 µm) |
bin22 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin22 (34.0 - 37.0 µm) |
bin23 | p/cm3 | Number of particles per cubic cm in bin23 (37.0 - 40.0 µm) |
bin1MToF | ml/s | Time of flight for particles in bin1 |
bin3MToF | ml/s | Time of flight for particles in bin3 |
bin5MToF | ml/s | Time of flight for particles in bin5 |
bin7MToF | ml/s | Time of flight for particles in bin7 |
sample_period | s | The sample period |
sample_flow | ml/s | The sample flow rate |
opc_temp | ºC | The internal temperature of the OPC |
opc_rh | % | The internal relative humidity of the OPC |
opc_pm1 | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM1 from the OPC |
opc_pm25 | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM2.5 from the OPC |
opc_pm10 | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM10 from the OPC |
laser_status | The status of the laser | |
pm1_std | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM1 from the nephelometer |
pm25_std | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM2.5 from the nephelometer |
pm10_std | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM10 from the nephelometer |
pm1_env | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM1 from the nephelometer |
pm25_env | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM2.5 from the nephelometer |
pm10_env | µg/m3 | The factory computed value for PM10 from the nephelometer |
neph_bin0 | p | Number of particles in bin0 for the nephelometer |
neph_bin1 | p | Number of particles in bin1 for the nephelometer |
neph_bin2 | p | Number of particles in bin2 for the nephelometer |
neph_bin3 | p | Number of particles in bin3 for the nephelometer |
neph_bin4 | p | Number of particles in bin4 for the nephelometer |
neph_bin5 | p | Number of particles in bin5 for the nephelometer |
flag | The status flag corresponding to this sample | |
fw | The current firmware version | |
connection_status | A boolean describing the state of the cellular connection |
3.1 Understanding and decoding the status flag
Each row of data contains a single-byte data flag that describes the current state of the device. Flags are stored as unsigned integers and contain encoded information about each of the sensors onboard. They are generated via a bitmask and can be decoded by reversing the procedure. To determine whether a specific flag is set, you can use the bitwise AND operation. If the flag's value is returned, then it is set. If a zero is returned, it is not set. This can seem complicated, so let's clear it up with a simple example.
Let's assume the value of the flag column is set to 4. We can perform a bitwise AND operation to check the result to see if FLAG_STARTUP was set (it wasn't). Below, we will check to see if the flag for the nephelometer is set (it is!).
# bit AND - is FLAG_STARTUP set?
>>> 4 & 1
0
# bit AND - is FLAG_NEPH set?
>>> 4 & 4
4The following table describes the flags, their value, and what they mean.
| FLAG | VALUE | WHY IS IT SET? | WHAT TO DO? |
|---|---|---|---|
FLAG_STARTUP | 1 | This flag is set when the device powers on. | Remove any rows where this flag is set. |
FLAG_OPC | 2 | This flag is set when the OPC has indicated the data failed to transfer correctly. This can be caused by the fan being off, the laser being off, or the checksum not validating properly. | Remove any rows where this flag is set. |
FLAG_NEPH | 4 | This flag is set when the nephelometer has indicated the data failed to transfer correctly. | Remove any rows where this flag is set. |
FLAG_RHTP | 8 | This flag is set when the relative humidity and temperature sensor has failed. | Remove any rows where this flag is set. |
3.2 Leveraging QuantAQ's Software Tools
To make data analysis easier, QuantAQ maintains a number of software programs designed to reduce the time you spend munging and cleaning your data. The most relevant piece of software is going to be the QuantAQ CLI (command line interface). The CLI can be used to easily concatenate files, merge files together, and de-code the flag and NaN bad data. It is quite simple to go from a large folder full of files to a clean, munged data file in less than a few commands. Full documentation and use cases can be found on the QuantAQ CLI website.
4. Maintenance and Service
There are no consumable or user-replaceable components to the MODULAIR-PM. If you believe a component is broken or not functioning correctly, please contact support@quant-aq.com for the next steps.
4.1 Reporting Issues
As a new product, it is likely that issues will arise with the hardware, firmware, software, or all three! We do our best to prevent issues from arising and will be timely in fixing any that do arise. If you experience an issue or have a suggestion related to the MODULAIR-PM hardware, please check the knowledge base. If you do not find the answer you're looking for in the knowledge base, you can open a ticket at support.quant-aq.com.
5. Changelog
5.1 Hardware Changes
Version 0.3.0 [July 2021]
- Updated the Core Board to remove the external watchdog
- de-populated components for heater control
Version 0.2.0 [January 2021]
- The LED screen was removed to mitigate issues and confusion around it being used for real-time information.
- The enclosure was updated to a new version to reduce production burdens
- A new chassis was developed as we scaled production → we went from 3D printing to a bent metal chassis
5.2 Firmware Changes
Version 13 (v13) [June 17th, 2021]
- Identical to v12, but compiled for a new RTOS release.
Version 12 (v12) [June 15th, 2021]
- applies a patch for an issue with the RTC where the RTC would not properly sync after making a connection to the cell towers
Version 11 (v11) [May 27th, 2021]
Firmware version 11 removed the additional logging introduced in v9.
- Fixed issue associated with enhancement in RF interference on the PMS5003
- Added a new variable that tracks the sample number and is logged in the data files
Version 10 (v10) [April 12th, 2021]
Firmware version 10 was a dummy release → no users were ever effected (development only).
Version 9 (v9) [April 12th, 2021]
Firmware version 9 contains the following changed:
- added support for a new RHT sensor with backwards compatibility for the previous hardware
- Increased the logging output level for certain libraries to improve our understanding of connectivity to hard-to-reach areas
Version 8 (v8) [January 11th, 2021]
Firmware version 8 is the first to support batch 2 of the MODULAIR-PM sensors (w.o. LED screen).
- Removed support for the LED screen
- Updated firmware to support a newer release of the RTOS
Version 7 (v7) [December 10th, 2020]
- Improved error logging to the µSD card
- Added a cell timeout to help restart connections when stalled
- Improved cellular stability via improved monitors and restart capabilities
Version 6 (v6) [October 27th, 2020]
- Fixed a bug with the auto-restart of the RHTP sensor when it fails or times out.
Version 5 (v5) [October 12th, 2020]
Firmware version 5 is the first production release of the device firmware. No changes are listed at this time.
6. Appendix
6.1 Wiring Diagrams
All cables used in the MODULAIR-PM are manufactured by Molex and available via most major distributors including DigiKey, Mouser, and Newark. The following table lists the part numbers and cable lengths for the cable connector; exact pinout diagrams can be found in the following subsections. Where applicable, "NC" means not connected.
| LABEL | N PINS | MAN | MAN PN | LENGTH (MM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CBL-1 | 8 | Molex | 530470810 | 304.8 |
CBL-2 | 4 | Molex | 530480410 | 304.8 |
CBL-3 | 8 | Molex | 530470810 | 304.8 |
CBL-4 | 6 | Molex | 5015680607 | 304.8 |
6.1.1 CBL-1 | µSD Breakout Board
CBL-1 connects the Core Board to the µSD Breakout Board.
| PIN NUMBER | LABEL | TYPE | DECRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | VCC | PWR | Power in; 4.2VDC (5.5V Max) |
2 | EN | IN | LVO enable pin (active high) |
3 | CLK | BD | Serial Clock (SPI) |
4 | MOSI | BD | Master out slave in (MOSI) |
5 | CS | IN | Chip Select (SPI) |
6 | MISO | BD | Master in slave out (SPI) |
7 | NC | ||
8 | GND | GND | Ground |
6.1.2 CBL-2 | RHT Breakout Board
CBL-2 connects the Core Board to the Relative Humidity and Temperature board on the sampling manifold.
| PIN NUMBER | LABEL | TYPE | DECRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | VCC | PWR | Power in; 3.3V |
2 | SDA | DATA | Serial data line (I2C) |
3 | SCL | DATA | Serial clock line (I2C) |
8 | GND | GND | Ground |
6.1.3 CBL-3 | Particle Sensor 1
CBL-3 connects the Core Board to Particle Sensor 1.
| PIN NUMBER | LABEL | TYPE | DECRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | VCC | PWR | Power in; 5V |
2 | GND | GND | Ground |
3 | NC | ||
4 | NC | ||
5 | TXD | DATA | Serial data (UART) |
6 | NC | ||
7 | NC | ||
8 | NC |
6.1.4 CBL-4 | Particle Sensor 2
CBL-4 connects the Core Board to Particle Sensor 2.
| PIN NUMBER | LABEL | TYPE | DECRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | VCC | PWR | Power in; 5V |
2 | SS | IN | Chip select pin (SPI) |
3 | MOSI | DATA | Master out slave in (SPI) |
4 | MISO | DATA | Master in slave out (SPI) |
5 | CLK | DATA | Serial clock (SPI) |
6 | GND | GND | Ground |
6.2 LED Indicator Status and Meaning
The LED indicator on the front panel is used to communicate the status of the cellular and cloud communication status. The LED changes color and mode, each of which indicates a different state as outlined below. The rate at which the LED blinks comes in two flavors: blinking and breathing, where breathing implies a slow pulse where the color of the LED fades in and out.
| LED Color | Blink Pattern | Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Green | Blinking | Looking for internet | If your device is blinking green, it is trying to connect to the cellular network. There is no need to take any action. |
Breathing | Cloud not connected | If your device is breathing green, it has a cellular connection but has not been able to connect to the cloud. | |
Cyan | Blinking | Connecting to the cloud | Blinking cyan indicates the device has a cellular connection and is attempting to connect to the cloud. There is no need to take any action. This will happen each time on device startup. |
Breathing | Connected | When your device is breathing cyan, everything is good and you are happily connected to the internet and the QuantAQ Cloud. | |
Magenta | Blinking | Firmware Update | When your device is blinking magenta, it is undergoing an over-the-air firmware update. DO NOT power off when this is happening. |
White | Breathing | Cellular Off | If the LED is breathing white, the cellular connection has been turned off. If you did not explicitly turn off the cellular connection via the on-board switch, please notify QuantAQ. |
Red | Blinking | System Failure | A system failure has occurred. This is likely caused by faulty on-board firmware or corrupted memory. Please contact QuantAQ for next steps. |
On this page
- MODULAIR-PM
- 1. Introduction and Specs
- 1.1 Specifications
- 1.1.1 Air Quality Measurements
- 1.1.2 Power and Comms
- 1.1.3 Operating Specs
- 1.2 Certifications
- 2. Installation and Hardware Setup
- 2.1 Unpacking
- 2.2 Instrument Layout
- 2.2.1 Front Panel
- 2.2.2 Core Circuit Board
- 2.3 Connections and Device Reg.
- 2.4 Installation
- 3. Software Setup and Data
- 3.1 Understanding and decoding the status flag
- 3.2 Leveraging QuantAQ's Software Tools
- 4. Maintenance and Service
- 4.1 Reporting Issues
- 5. Changelog
- 5.1 Hardware Changes
- 5.2 Firmware Changes
- 6. Appendix
- 6.1 Wiring Diagrams
- 6.1.1 CBL-1 | µSD Breakout Board
- 6.1.2 CBL-2 | RHT Breakout Board
- 6.1.3 CBL-3 | Particle Sensor 1
- 6.1.4 CBL-4 | Particle Sensor 2
- 6.2 LED Indicator Status and Meaning