@Apu Regarding the sleep schedule, there’s currently no option to change it.
It’s worth noting that the data transmission (posting data to the AirGradient server) frequency on Wi-Fi mode is more frequent than on cellular mode.
For the power bank thingy, I have done my personal experiment. @Rog is right that some power banks have a low-current mode.
In my case, my Xiaomi Power Bank PB1030ZM, I can double-press its button to trigger that mode and just single-press the button to return to normal. However, my PB1030ZM stopped powering my Open Air Max (I connected the Open Air Max to the power bank’s USB-A port) after a big while, even though the power bank was in low-current mode.
Here are some conclusions from my experiment:
Open Air Max + Xiaomi PB1030ZM
- Low-Current Mode USB-A stops working after a long while (as mentioned above).
- Normal Mode USB-A stops working after a while (not so long).
- Normal Mode USB-C works normally (tested for 10+ hours without issue).
- Normal Mode USB-A + Sonoff Micro (a smart Wi-Fi USB switch) sits in between, works normally (tested for 10+ hours without issue). The concept of this workaround is the same as @MallocArray mentioned about using the LED coil.
Open Air Max + Cuktech PB100P (partial tests)
- Normal Mode USB-A stops working after a while (not so long).
So it looks like using USB-C ports instead of USB-A is a good idea to try.
Any trouble getting your batteries to charge up? I’m not getting above about 10.6V whether I have the unit inside (constant 68°F/20°C, but looking out through a window) or outside (40-60°F/4-15°C, direct sunlight).
(Other solar powered items have not had an issue charging through the same window so I doubt the glass is that much of a barrier.)
I’ve had plenty of issues with the solar panel and battery life. I’m currently running it with Wifi to see if that was any less power consumption but doesn’t appear to be. When mine has fully drained the batteries, even when in the full sun it takes a few hours to start reporting at all and then it has been showing 0.2 v for the batteries.
After 2-4 hours in direct sunlight the batteries can only last for about 4 more hours before it stops reporting.
I’m still working with support on options and things to try.
Odd that we both have gaps in the graphs. I have mine configured for Wifi, so the reporting interval shouldn’t be the cause
Agreed. I had no known Internet outages during the times shown in the graph and I have a multiple other devices that would tell me if they could not connect to outside resources for more than five minutes.
Would be great to have the same cache/retransmit feature for unsent data as cellular users have. Or embrace HomeAssistant and let the device report locally and have HA forward the data to AirGradient servers.
On the plus side, my unit has stayed up and running continuously since the switch to WiFi + USB-C power. Though the batteries have only gotten to 12.1V.
embrace HomeAssistant - This is the way!
Just a quick note that we are currently implementing a few hardware improvements for the Max that should make it run more stable.
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I have the replacement board AirGradient sent - thank you.
What size screw is used to hold the case together? None of the screwdrivers I have are long enough to fit into the recess with the edge of the case being so close to the screw hole so I’m going to have to buy a screwdriver. But I can’t even test fit driver bits to see what is the right size.
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Pretty sure it is a T6. I had one from an early AirGradient Pro that I assembled that was included.
Before I found that again, I had used a T5 and it worked but was loose and I wasn’t sure if I was going to t strip it out.
I do agree that making the recessed holes larger would be good though. My typical multi-bit set wouldn’t fit deep enough into the he, so I had to get a different one with a long narrow shaft.
Just a slightly bigger hole would let many more screwdrivers work.
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Hi @Apu, the enclosure screws of the Open Air Max are matched with a TORX 6 (T6) screwdriver, while the solar panel screws match a TORX 8 screwdriver.
The biggest T6 screwdriver I have that can fit the enclosure holes of the AirGradient Open Air Max (and the AirGradient ONE and Open Air as well) is the Wiha SoftFinish T6x60, which has a 60mm blade length, and the round blade diameter is 3.5mm.
I would suggest the safest way is to pick any T6 screwdrivers with a round blade diameter of 3.5mm (or smaller only) and with at least 15+22 = 37mm of blade length.
All of these shown in the image below are T6 and compatible with the Open Air Max enclosure screws:
Although the one in the middle doesn’t have a blade length of 37mm (it’s a bit shorter), it still fits the Max’s enclousre screws since the edge of the Open Air Max’s base (the grey plastic) doesn’t obstruct the small handle of the screwdriver. But if the handle is bigger (wider), it could be a problem. So, a T6 screwdriver with 37mm of blade length and a blade diameter no larger than 3.5mm is the best way to work with.
