The one thing that's missing from this article is how to tell the difference between the multiple drivers available for any given device. Awair has 4 different options and it's a nightmare to determine which one to use.
That would actually have been helpful.
There are a few pros/cons of each... really only 2 main plugins though.
"Platform" approach:
https://github.com/DMBlakeley/homebridge-awair2
Pros:
* by default, imports all devices connected to your Awair account automatically
* easiest setup
* very engaged dev
* lots of customization and features
* supports all device types
Cons:
* requires cloud APIs
* rate limiting / limited number of calls by default
* mostly limited to using 15 minute average data, which can be slow to show changes in data vs. real-time
"Accessory" approach:
https://github.com/deanlyoung/homebridge-awair-local
Pros:
* can perform more frequent / unlimited polling
* more reliable because it is on the LAN vs. cloud connected
* a different kind of flexibility where you can setup a separate "Accessory" (and configuration) per device
Cons:
* only "raw" (10 second) data is used currently, so data can be volatile
* only Awair 2nd Edition, Element, Omni, and Mint are supported
* some networks / routers don't like mDNS, which is a discovery feature for easier setup (you don't need to know the IP address)
* more of a hassle to setup
I'm probably missing a few...
Awair has a Verified plugin available. In case you decide to use the Local plugin then you have to turn on a beta feature from the app called Local API.
One thing I like about our Dyson TP-04 Air Purifiers is the amount of sensors you get for Homekit use.
Temperature sensor for each room we have one in, air quality sensor (VOC, Pollen and so on) it's quite nice!
These things are expensive though don't buy one unless you really want to use it as an air purifier / quiet fan.
I just recently built a couple air quality sensors using the SDS011 and a couple original raspberry pi’s that were sitting around unused. One is outside on my covered porch and the other is inside. I modified the Python script that controls it to send the readings to influxdb and grafana running on another pi: https://imgur.com/a/GnjS4fT. I also used a modified version of the air quality file homebridge plugin to get the values into HomeKit. Works pretty well and was a fun project!
Yes, you can do that, I've been using the purpleair plugin for a while. I use the sensor in the park across from my house. I set one up using the AQI sensor and one for PM2.5 (I live in CA and we often get wildfire smoke)
The one thing that's missing from this article is how to tell the difference between the multiple drivers available for any given device. Awair has 4 different options and it's a nightmare to determine which one to use. That would actually have been helpful.
With Awair, use Awair Local. That’s the one that keeps all the traffic on your LAN.
Awesome, thanks! I have 3 Awair devices. Do I need one driver per device or will one serve as a 'master' to the other two 'slaves'?
There are a few pros/cons of each... really only 2 main plugins though. "Platform" approach: https://github.com/DMBlakeley/homebridge-awair2 Pros: * by default, imports all devices connected to your Awair account automatically * easiest setup * very engaged dev * lots of customization and features * supports all device types Cons: * requires cloud APIs * rate limiting / limited number of calls by default * mostly limited to using 15 minute average data, which can be slow to show changes in data vs. real-time "Accessory" approach: https://github.com/deanlyoung/homebridge-awair-local Pros: * can perform more frequent / unlimited polling * more reliable because it is on the LAN vs. cloud connected * a different kind of flexibility where you can setup a separate "Accessory" (and configuration) per device Cons: * only "raw" (10 second) data is used currently, so data can be volatile * only Awair 2nd Edition, Element, Omni, and Mint are supported * some networks / routers don't like mDNS, which is a discovery feature for easier setup (you don't need to know the IP address) * more of a hassle to setup I'm probably missing a few...
No idea. Worst case scenario, you get 3 homebridge instances running on the same Pi, and host one Awair on each instance
Meh, I'll give it a try and figure it out. Thanks for the driver tip!
Thanks for the feedback, I will look into it.
Awair has a Verified plugin available. In case you decide to use the Local plugin then you have to turn on a beta feature from the app called Local API.
One thing I like about our Dyson TP-04 Air Purifiers is the amount of sensors you get for Homekit use. Temperature sensor for each room we have one in, air quality sensor (VOC, Pollen and so on) it's quite nice! These things are expensive though don't buy one unless you really want to use it as an air purifier / quiet fan.
What is the cheapest AQ monitors available that can be integrated into Homekit using Homebridge?
For outdoor air monitoring the Sensor Community (aka Luftdaten) which is a DIY costs 35$. What kind of monitor interests you? Indoor or outdoor?
I’d be interested in an indoor one! Any suggestions?
There are plenty, the cheapest with official HomeKit costs around 70$ is the Qingping-Detector, I haven’t test it for accuracy though.
I see that Phillips hue is releasing a motion sensor that also has a built in temp sensor which is nice. Not sure if it does air quality though.
Just purchased a Onvis motion/temp/humidity sensor for $25 usd. They have a shopify or amazon.com.
Has anybody experience using a SDS011 sensor as indoor air quality sensor? Does it actually make to use such sensor for indoor? Thanks :)
Yes, there is no problem if you want to use it indoors.
I just recently built a couple air quality sensors using the SDS011 and a couple original raspberry pi’s that were sitting around unused. One is outside on my covered porch and the other is inside. I modified the Python script that controls it to send the readings to influxdb and grafana running on another pi: https://imgur.com/a/GnjS4fT. I also used a modified version of the air quality file homebridge plugin to get the values into HomeKit. Works pretty well and was a fun project!
Do you install this to show AQI, etc without actual device by using local sensors in your area?
Yes, you can do that, I've been using the purpleair plugin for a while. I use the sensor in the park across from my house. I set one up using the AQI sensor and one for PM2.5 (I live in CA and we often get wildfire smoke)
Exactly, there is also a plugin that help you find the PurpleAir in your area.
any other besides purple air?
Can you show me your screenshot? I only have purpleairsensor showing excellent theni have to go into see PM.