AirGradient Forum

OpenAir Max not reporting data

Support
#1

I have a new OpenAir Max. I powered it on initially indoors via USB-C and was able to register it with the dashboard.

I have since tried twice to deploy it outside. Each time, it appears to report one data set to the dashboard a few minutes after power up and then never reports again. When I brought it down after the first deployment to check connections, I did notice the blue LED was on solid. Per the manual, this should only be the case “for a few seconds” but it does not seem to flash any error code I can see.

#2

Hi @Apu! Thanks for joining the community!

Please share the serial number of the monitor via the support form here: https://www.airgradient.com/support/ and ask for Altaïr - I think we need to ensure the power switch button is ON and the firmware is updated to the latest version but I can make sure when I have the serial number. Sorry for the inconvenience! We’re still working improving user experience with the Max devices.

#3

@Altair_AirGradient

Thanks.

Is the support form you referenced the same as the generic “Contact Us” form or something else? The support webpage directs visitors to this forum for tech support. FWIW, s/n 588c81257794 but…

a) The Open Air Max did finally start reporting about five hours after I deployed it for the second time. It then stopped reporting overnight and started again a few hours after sunup the next day. So I’m wondering if the batteries are low. How can I see battery state?

b) I saw @MallocArray’s post about WiFi support being in the latest firmware. Would that be more power efficient than cellular?

I do have two AirGradient ONE’s deployed reporting both to the AirGradient dashboard and HomeAssistant so that would be a future goal once we can figure out getting the default configuration working.

Apu

#4

On the Dashboard site, under Outdoor Locations on the far right is an icon with 3 bars. Click on it and you can enable other columns, including “Battery Voltage” and “Solar Panel Voltage”

image

I’m also working with support on my device that behaved similarly where I saw LEDs on but it wasn’t reporting. I suspect the LED can still function with much lower voltage than the cellular modem needs, so the device maybe “running” even if it isn’t actively reporting back to the Dashboard until it gets a sufficient charge.

I ended up connecting a USB plug to mine for a few days so the batteries could get a better charge and then I got a few days until I hit too many cloudy days.

#5

Thanks, @MallocArray - that was helpful.

I’ve confirmed battery voltage is (at least part of) the problem.

Screenshot 2025-10-07 at 00.51.25
Screenshot 2025-10-07 at 00.51.252546×1286 225 KB

AirGradient did reach out before shipping my order to warn me that they were not confident about the batteries being sufficient during the winter but I thought we would be okay for most of the year.

I suspect the LED can still function with much lower voltage than the cellular modem needs,

Any thoughts on WiFi vs. cellular in terms of power draw? Or can we transmit once every 15 minutes instead of every 9 minutes?

I ended up connecting a USB plug to mine for a few days so the batteries could get a better charge and then I got a few days until I hit too many cloudy days.

Confirming, you had both USB-C and solar connected, simultaneously? USB-C to run the system, and solar just to charge the batteries? I didn’t realize you could have both connected at the same time.

Apu

#6

Yes, that kept it powered overnight, and allowed the batteries to eventually get near full.