Workshop dust trend display

What you will work towards

See how particulate readings change during workshop activities.

CAIBI’s proposed addition: Check the sensor claims; design airflow and compare repeatable measurements.

Guide version 1.0. AI can help explain, adapt and debug; you still measure, assemble and test the physical result.

Start with the original

Tutorial foundation

• How To Electronics · open source material ↗

Primary tutorial read; hardware and current dependency compatibility untested

See the original source for its photos and demonstrations. We have not copied imagery without confirmed reuse rights. A source prototype is not a photo of this proposed CAIBI build.

Parts to confirm before buying

• ESP32 and PMS7003 particulate sensor from the source
• Compatible OLED and the optional environmental sensor
• A correctly rated supply and documented logic-level wiring
• Airflow-aware enclosure with accessible sensor inlet/outlet

Use the source wiring and bill of materials as the starting point. Confirm exact variants, availability, tools and complete cost before ordering.

The completion route

1. Run the particulate sensor alone and identify the exact units and particle metrics it returns.
2. Add the display, warm-up indication, rolling trends and disconnected-sensor state.
3. Compare readings in ordinary conditions without deliberately generating hazardous dust.
4. Design a case that preserves airflow and repeat a side-by-side enclosure comparison.

Prompts to move it forward

Copy a prompt into your AI tool with the source material and your actual parts. Work through one small step at a time and check the output before using it. Choose an AI tool or practise the skills first.

Adapt the linked PMS7003 project to show particulate readings, units, warm-up state, stale data and a simple trend. Keep BME680 gas resistance or derived estimates distinct from measured CO2. Do not claim calibrated AQI, occupational compliance or safe air without the required method and evidence.

Source: https://how2electronics.com/iot-based-pm-air-quality-monitoring-system-using-esp32/

Ask for the particulate sensor's inlet/outlet requirements and measured component dimensions. Keep airflow paths clear, isolate electronics heat where possible and make the sensor removable for maintenance. Explain how the case could bias readings.

Source: https://how2electronics.com/iot-based-pm-air-quality-monitoring-system-using-esp32/

Create a test log for Workshop dust trend display. Intended outcome: See how particulate readings change during workshop activities. Separate expected behaviour from observed results. Include power restart, disconnected inputs, communication failure and the actual physical use. Ask me to provide results, firmware versions, changes, photos and unresolved problems. Never mark a test passed without my evidence.

Source: https://how2electronics.com/iot-based-pm-air-quality-monitoring-system-using-esp32/

What to test and record

• Disconnect the sensor and verify an explicit unavailable state.
• Record warm-up behaviour and a quiet baseline.
• Compare open-bench and enclosed readings under the same conditions.
• Check timestamps and units on saved or displayed readings.

Keep photos, exact parts and software versions with the test log. Failed or incomplete attempts are useful evidence too.

A possible next version

Compare with an appropriate reference instrument before drawing stronger conclusions from the numbers.