2025/04/30

Is Your Air Making You Air-itated? AirGradient Knows.

AirGradient make air quality sensors both for indoor and outdoor use. Both currently utilise the same sensors, but the outdoor one is designed to be kept outside (and can be made visible on AirGradient's map, while indoor units are private). The indoor under is the I-9PSL (AirGradient ONE, 9th Generation).

AirGradient Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The units come fully assembled or as kits (slightly cheaper, though construction isn't difficult). The indoor unit came as a kit, and only took a few minutes to put together.

AirGradient box open

The packaging is very simple cardboard, with little wasted.

USB cable and sensor in packaging

The USB A to C cable used right angle plugs, useful for the indoor unit (USB C) but less so for the USB A end, which plugs into a standard USB power supply.

Indoor Sensor box (front)

The indoor unit has the PCB/display already attached to the case.

Inside Indoor unit

Separating the case reveals the PCB and the large Plantower PM1/2.5/10 sensor.


Inside Indoor unit and sensors

The three sensors units need to be (simply) attached to the PCB. There are headers that the sensors just plug on to. The two smaller ones are temperature and relative humidity and TVOC/NOx sensors and the larger the CO2.

Inside Indoor unit with sensors plugged in

It's important to connect the sensors the right way around. The CO2 sensor is obvious while the smaller sensors should face outwards. The Plantower particulate matter detector is pre-installed.

Indoor unit boot screen

Once plugged into power, the system boots does some self tests.

Indoor unit successful boot

Once booted, it shows the firmware version.

Indoor unit LED test

It's possible to press the button and do a LED test.


Indoor unit successful setup

Once everything's done it shows the air quality measurements.

Indoor unit assembled with USB power

The rear of the case showing the USB cable attached and slotted through the case. The feet are also attached (they snap into the airflow slots).

When in setup mode the system enables a local hotspot. Once joined to the hotspot, the device should auto-connect to the hotspot which allows setting the SSID/password of the network to connect to.

Once it connects to the WIFi it will then try and call home and connect to AirGradient's servers. Initially it will show not configured and an account needs to be setup on AirGradient and then using the devices MAC address the device can be added and it will start sending data. The dashboard gives an overview of the air quality, but clicking on the menu item, allows many configuration options.

AirGradient Dashboard

It's possible to access your own data through the AirGradient API or by being pushed out to a MQTT broker, but internal monitor's data won't be pushed to external services such as OpenAQ. Outdoor monitors have a checkbox to allow pushing the data out.

It is possible to connect the unit to services like ESPHome, Prometheus, and openHAB and Apple Home Assistant.

It's all run with a ESP32-C3-MINI (32-bit RISC-V single-core processor, up to 160MHz, 384 KB ROM, 400 KB SRAM, 8 KB SRAM in RTC, 4 MB flash in chip package) and uses a Texas Instruments watchdog timer.

In terms of actual sensors there's the: -
  • Particle Sensor Module - Plantower PMS5003 (laser scattering principle). Accuracy Fully Assembled & Tested Model (I-9PSL-DE_asd): Accuracy PM2.5: ±4μg/m3@0~100μg/m3, ±8%@100-500μg/m3. Accuracy Kit Version (I-9PSL-DE_kit): Accuracy PM2.5: ±10μg/m3@0~100μg/m3, ±10%@100-500μg/m3. (PM1 and PM10 are also measured but PM2.5 has the highest accuracy).
  • CO2 Sensor Module - SenseAir S8 (NDIR). 400 to 10000ppm. Accuracy: ±40 ppm ±3% of reading at 5 to 30°C, 20- 70%RH (400 - 2000ppm range). SenseAir S88 (NDIR). 0 to 10000ppm. Accuracy: ±40 ppm ±3% of reading at 5 to 30°C, 0- 85% RH (400 - 3000ppm range).
  • TVOC/NOx Module - Sensirion SGP41. Accuracy: TVOC <±15 @ 0 to 500 VOC Index (also available in ppb); NOx<±50@0-500NOx Index.
  • Temperature and Humidity - Sensirion SHT40. Accuracy: Temperature ±0.2°C @ -40 to + 125°C; Humidity ±2% RH @ 0 - 100% RH.
Though everything works fine, some of the sensors are relatively old now.

THE OLED display shows: -

OLED display


There's a single status LED at the top of the unit and then a row of Pollutant LEDs that indicate air quality.

The status LED shows: -

Status LED

Red: Connection to WI-FI network failed. This may be due to incorrect credentials or unsupported encryption.

Yellow: Connected to WI-FI network but the server can not be reached through the Internet, e.g. blocked by firewall.

Purple: Server is reachable but there is some configuration issue to be fixed on the server side.


The Pollutant LEDs: -

Pollutant LEDs PM2.5


The default settings is to show PM2.5, but this can be changed in the settings to showCO2 (carbon dioxide) settings: -

Pollutant LEDs CO2

Though AirGradient sell units the software, hardware and even the case are available under an open source license.

Though there can be fiddly issues with the install (read the instructions first), it's easy to build and the set-up is easy. WiFi is only 2.4GHz but generally that shouldn't be a problem as even newer WiFi access points etc. still support 2.4GHz.

Again follow the instructions to connect the unit to AirGradient's dashboard and it just works.

It is possible to better calibrate the PM2.5 sensor for low levels (the unit should be placed outside or next to an open window to read the local base environment and left for 20 minutes to calibrate.


The indoor units cost $195 fully assembled, or $138 as a kit and the outdoor unit is $190 assembled and $125 as a kit directly from AirGradient.

There's also shipping to add (from Thailand), but sub $200 for a pretty reasonably accurate air quality monitor is pretty reasonable.

If you happen to be interested in you indoor or outdoor air quality environment, definitely recommended (and with all the integrations available suitable for geeks who want to do their own stuff too).

NOTE: there are other GPIO pins exposed so other sensors could be added and then new firmware adapted to support them.







2025/01/23

ConceptDraw Office 11: Your Productivity Suite Just Got a Promotion!

ConceptDraw Office 11, released in October 2024, is the latest version of the software suite. It includes several updates and enhancements compared to ConceptDraw Office 10, which was released in October 2023.

Here are some of the key differences between the two versions:

ConceptDraw Office 11:

  • Updated Applications: Includes the latest versions of ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 18,  MINDMAP 16, and PROJECT 15.
  • macOS 15 Sequoia Support: Full compatibility with the latest macOS 15 Sequoia.
  • New Features and Improvements: Each application within the suite has been upgraded with new features and improvements based on user feedback.
  • Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10, 11 (64-bit) and macOS 14 (Sonoma), 15 (Sequoia).

ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 18:

Support for LaTeX which enhances complex mathematical formulas, tables, and matrices which is useful  for scientific diagrams, business infographics, technical drawings, and other visuals where precision and clarity in representing equations and data structures are crucial.

A version of the Pages panel was added in a tree structure format. You can now choose between a linear and tree structure to browse your multi-page document.

The Align and Size panel has been improved with a new Align to Page tool that helps you arrange shapes and connectors neatly and evenly.

Application security has been improved with the implementation of an anti-hacking protection system.

Improved import of MS Visio files is important for users. It allows them to continue leveraging content created in Visio while benefiting from advanced diagramming tools.

ConceptDraw PROJECT 15

  1. ConceptDraw PROJECT allows you to assign three levels of access to a document:
  2. Project Manager (PM) - full access. Can read, edit, and generate reports.
  3. Resource Manager (RM) - can read a document, edit resources, and generate reports.
  4. Viewer (V) - can read a document and generate reports.

The calendar year can be changed to the financial year for better budgetary and business alignment.

Resources can now be sorted alphabetically in Resource and Resource Usage tables

ConceptDraw MINDMAP 16

New Format Options

  • The new Complex layout, added to the Arrange panel, combines the circular arrangement of mind map topics at the first level and subsequent topics arrangement — at an angle to the topics of the first level.
  • New design options for mind map topics and lines have been added to the Topic Format options.
  • The "Ribbon" topic tail shape and the "Structure" topic shape have been added to the Format options.

Enhanced integration with Evernote: Import of Evernote notes (ENEX) has been added.

Integrations with Google Drive, MS OneDrive, and Dropbox have been added.

Import from Mail (macOS) improved: Added the ability to set time frames for imported messages. It helps to convert communication into actionable insights and structured knowledge.

Export to Word improved: If a topic has an attached image, it will also appear in the MS Word document when exported, just like images inserted into the topic.

Solutions:

There are 233 solutions of which 21 are paid for.

Building Plans

Electric and Telecom Plans

Fire and Emergency Plans

Floor Plans

Plant Layout Plans

School and Training Plans

Seating Plans

Security and Access Plans

Site Plans

Sport Field Plans

Cafe and Restaurant Floor Plan

Gym and Spa Area Plans

HVAC Plans

Landscape & Garden

Office Layout Plans

Plumbing and Piping Plans

Reflected Ceiling Plans

Tilt and Turn Windows


Business Infographics

Agriculture Infographics Buy

Economy Infographics Buy

Education Infographics

Energy Industry Infographics Buy

Financial Infographics

Green Energy Buy

Management Infographics

Marketing Infographics

Mass Media Infographics Buy

Oil and Gas Buy

Politics Infographics Buy

Travel Infographics Buy


Business Processes

Business Process Diagrams

Business Process Mapping

Classic Business Process Modeling

Cross-Functional Flowcharts

Event-driven Process Chain Diagrams EPC

IDEF Business Process Diagrams

Logistics Flow Charts

Workflow Diagrams

Business Intelligence Dashboard

Business Process Workflow Diagrams

Healthcare Management Workflow Diagrams

Logistic Dashboard


Business Productivity

Presentation Exchange

Word Exchange


Collaboration

ConceptDraw Dashboard for Facebook

MindTweet

Note Exchange

Social Media Response

Mind Map Exchange

Project Exchange


Computer and Networks

Active Directory Diagrams

AWS Architecture Diagrams

Azure Architecture

Cisco Network Diagrams

Cisco Networking

Cloud Computing Diagrams

Computer Network Diagrams

Google Cloud Platform

Interactive Voice Response Diagrams

Network Layout Floor Plans

Network Security Diagrams

Rack Diagrams

Telecommunication Network Diagrams

Vehicular Networking

Wireless Networks

Internet of Things Buy


Dashboards

Comparison Dashboard

Composition Dashboard

Correlation Dashboard

Frequency Distribution Dashboard

Meter Dashboard

Spatial Dashboard

Status Dashboard

Time Series Dashboard


Diagrams

Basic Circle-Spoke Diagrams

Basic Circular Arrows Diagrams

Basic Venn Diagrams

Block Diagrams

Concept Maps

Family Tree

Flowcharts


Finance and Accounting

Accounting Flowcharts

Audit Flowcharts


Food and Beverage

Food Court

Cooking Recipes

Health Food


Graphs and Charts

Basic Area Charts

Basic Bar Graphs

Basic Divided Bar Diagrams

Basic Histograms

Basic Line Graphs

Basic Picture Graphs

Basic Pie Charts

Basic Scatter Diagrams


Health

Health Informatics

Allergology Buy

Biomedicine

Genogram

Human Anatomy

Immunology Buy

Medical Illustrations

Medical Mycology Buy

Pharmacy Illustrations

Health Sciences

Medical Virology


Illustrations

Aerospace and Transport

Artwork

Audio, Video, Media

Business and Finance

Computers and Communications

Holiday

Manufacturing and Maintenance

Nature

People

Presentation Clipart

Safety and Security


Industrial Engineering

Analogue Electronics

Audio and Video Connector

Basic Circuit Diagrams

Chemical and Process Engineering

Digital Electronics

Electrical Engineering

Electron Tube Circuits

Electronic Block Diagrams

Fault Tree Analysis Diagrams

GHS Hazard Pictograms

Home Automation and Wiring

Mechanical Engineering

One-line Diagrams

Power Circuits

Specification and Description Language (SDL)

Telecom and AV Circuits

Transport Hazard Pictograms


Infographics

Data-driven Infographics

Pictorial Infographics

Spatial Infographics

Typography Infographics


Management

Calendars

Decision Making

Enterprise Architecture Diagrams

Fishbone Diagrams

Organizational Charts

Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

Seven Management and Planning Tools

SWOT and TOWS Matrix Diagrams

Timeline Diagrams

25 Typical Orgcharts

Business Diagrams

Critical Infrastructure Sectors Buy

CRM Center Dashboard

Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Buy

HR Dashboard

HR Flowcharts

Public Utilities Buy

Stakeholder Onion Diagrams

Sustainable Development Buy


Maps

Australia Map

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Directional Maps

Germany Map

Metro Map

UK Map

USA Maps


Marketing

Customer Journey Mapping

Marketing Diagrams

Matrices

Pyramid Diagrams

Sales Dashboard

Sales Flowcharts

Target and Circular Diagrams

Funnel Diagrams


Project Management

Cash Flow Reports

Current Activities Reports

MINDMAP Diagrams Buy

Custom Excel Report

Knowledge Reports

MINDMAP Reports

Overview Reports

PM Agile

PM Dashboards

PM Meetings

PM Personal Time Management

PM Planning

PM Presentations

PM Response

Resource Usage Reports

Visual Reports

Kanban Board Buy

PM Mind Mans and Tables Buy

Project Diagrams Buy

Scrum Workflow Buy


Quality Management

House of Quality

Quality Mind Maps

Total Quality Management Diagrams

Value Stream Mapping

Seven Basic Tools of Quality


Science and Education

Astronomy

Biology

Chemistry

Language Learning

Mathematics

Piano Sheet Music

Physics


Software Development

Android User Interface

Class Hierarchy Tree

Data Flow Diagrams

DOM Tree

Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)

EXPRESS-G data Modeling Diagram

IDEFO Diagrams

iPhone User Interface

Jackson Structured Programming (JSP) Diagrams

Mac OS X User Interface

Object-Role Modeling (ORM) Diagrams

Rapid UML

SysML

Website Wireframe

Windows 10 User Interface

ATM UML Diagrams


Sport

Baseball

Basketball

Chess

Football

Ice Hockey

Soccer

Summer Sports BUY

Winter Sports


Statistical Charts

Area Charts

Bar Graphs

Divided Bar Diagrams

Histograms

Line Graphs

Picture Graphs

Pie Charts

Scatter Diagrams

Overall:

ConceptDraw Office 11 offers the latest features, better compatibility, and improved performance compared to ConceptDraw Office 10. If you're considering purchasing or upgrading, ConceptDraw Office 11 is the recommended choice. Office 11 costs $299 (down from $499) for macOS or Windows.

Individual costs are:

ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 18 $199
ConceptDraw PROJECT 15 $299
ConceptDraw MINDMAP 16 $199
ConceptDrawMINDMAP 16 & PROJECT 15 $399