Project · draft
Sensor.Community Air-Quality Node (Join a Global Open-Data Network)
- beginner
- 3-5 hours
SDG 17 · Partnerships for the Goals
Your node joins Sensor.Community, a volunteer citizen-science network that shares air-quality data openly across many countries: a working example of multi-stakeholder data partnerships.
Safety notes
- Mount outdoors 1.5-3.5 m high, out of rain, using a certified 5 V USB adapter; keep the adapter indoors or in a weatherproof box.
- The node publishes a rounded location; register with an address you are comfortable sharing.
Draft and unofficial, not affiliated with Fab Academy or the United Nations. Check prices, GST and parts before you buy.
Summary
Build the airRohr PM2.5/PM10 station (NodeMCU ESP8266 + SDS011 + BME280) in a two-elbow PVC weather shield, following the Sensor.Community guide, and put your street on the public map.
What it teaches
Flash community firmware, wire a particulate sensor and an environment sensor to an existing open spec, register a node, and work to someone else's standard so your data is comparable. Compare your readings with the nearest official monitoring station and document the build for others.
Topics it touches, in Fab Academy-style terms:
- Input devices
- Networking and communications
- Embedded programming
- Project development (documentation)
Parts list
Parts cost
Some parts are not priced yet, so there's no total.
6 required parts are marked not priced yet below. Where a price is known it is shown per part, GST-inclusive as the seller listed it on 24 Oct 2026, with the GST rate unverified. Shipping is not included.
| Part | Qty | Unit | Price, GST-incl. as listed | Line cost | GST | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NodeMCU ESP8266 development board (v3)nodemcu-esp8266v3 board used by the airRohr guide | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| Nova SDS011 PM2.5/PM10 laser particulate sensorsds011-pm-sensor | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| BME280 temperature, humidity and pressure modulebme280-module | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| Male to Female Jumper Wires (20cm) (20pcs)jumpers-f2m-20cm-20Pack: pack of 20 male-female 20cm | 1 | set | ₹28 | ₹28 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Silicone / flexible tubing, ~6 mmsilicone-tube-6mmIntake tube, about 20 cm | 0.2 | m | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| PVC drainage elbow, DN75 87 degreespvc-elbow-dn75Weather shield | 2 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| USB wall adapter, 5 V 2 A (certified)usb-power-adapter-5v-2a | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| USB A Type to Micro USB B Type 1M Cable (Colour may vary)cable-usb-micro-1mData-capable; the guide suggests under 1 m for flashing | 1 | pcs | ₹36 | ₹36 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
The Part column links to the shared catalogue. Units are pcs, m, g, sheet or set, and a "set" is the seller's pack, as noted per part.
Tools you will need
- Laptop with the airRohr flashing tool
- Soldering iron (BME280 header)
- Cable ties
Build notes
Step-by-step build notes have not been written yet for this draft. The summary, the topics above and the parts list are what exists so far.
How to buy
There is no online checkout. To buy or import these parts, email info@curiosta.com and say what you need. The button opens your own email app with a draft; nothing is sent until you send it.
Prices on this site are third-party seller listings, not a Curiosta quote. Ask by email for availability, price and GST.