Question 1

How long does the battery last?

Accepted Answer

Although this unit is designed for permanent wiring, it does have a battery that can last up to 5 hours. To preserve the battery life when on the move, switch the unit off and switch it on when you need it.

Question 2

How accurate are the particle counters for measuring sub-micron particles?

Accepted Answer

This model is marketed as a consumer model, not a lab-based instrument so if you are looking for accuracy, you won’t find anything in this price range for low-cost sensors (LCS). What this will do is show you the trends and to raise awareness of the dangers that still lurk when PM2.5 is low. The accuracy improves the larger the particle count so use this as a guideline: 
 
 • 0.3 (LCS don’t count well) 
 • 0.5 (LCS can count them a bit better) 
 • 1.0 (LCS can count them much better) 
 • 3.0 (Most LCS can count them) 
 • 5.0 (Most LCS can count them) 
 • 10.0 (Most LCS cannot count them)

This is not unique to the Airbon particle monitor, this tends to be the view for most LCS in the market

Question 3

Particle count 0.3 always seems to be high. Why?

Accepted Answer

To be honest, there is no safe level of air pollution so the smaller the particle, the more damage it can do to our bodies. There is also no guidelines for any smaller than PM2.5 so while we can change this, there will be few scenarios where there aren’t higher levels of smaller particles

Question 4

Is there an app?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use the AQI.in app. Although this is largely focused on India, it will soon have more UK based data. Click on ‘Add Device’ at the bottom and follow these instructions to connect your device.

Question 5

Does the unit only show real-time data?

Accepted Answer

Yes but you can view 7 day and 30 day data on the free app. The app also comes with premium features which will be available soon.

Question 6

How frequently is data refreshed?

Accepted Answer

The data is updated every 30 seconds, this includes updates to the AQI.in app although if you already have the app open, you may need to swipe down to refresh the screen.

Question 7

Does the particle monitor store data locally, or does it require a network connection?

Accepted Answer

For the particle monitor, there is no storage on the unit, it needs to be connected to WiFi. This module does not allow for storage via the SD card but future iterations can have this.