PM2.5 Sensor

I think this is a very capable PM sensor, just make sure it fits into the connector that you have on your machine . The air purifier that was using the PM sensor had a different connection port, so this item didn’t work. Just double check that before you go purchasing this.

The device works great. It connects to your microprocessor via UART. Several libraries available on GitHub so easy to use on Arduino or Raspberry PI. I used an ESP32 to test the unit and it worked well. Unit able to detect all sorts of particles. Smoke, mist, powder, etc....

Device had accurate readings for about 2 months and then stopped working. Fan still spins but always reads 0.0 for all the readings.

I got this sensor to add to a project in regards to environmental monitoring, and although it works, it SEEMS inconsistent at times. I say it seems because it can jump drastically in the span of a few seconds. Now I do not know how dust behaves in the air and the physics behind it, so maybe this is how it works, maybe it isn't, but I have no way of determining for sure. The sensor responds well to the environment so it is surely measuring something, I just don't know how accurate it truly is. I am using it with Arduino in its default serial mode, and it works great once you get it going. There are a handful of codes out there if you don't want to write your own, but most of them don't work, or are coded in a really illogical fashion, so do some coding research if you are considering this. Adafruit has a project page for this sensor as well if you need a good reference, but I found their code a little buggy. It is also rather interesting to see how this sensor will react to various activities. For example, if you vacuum, it will pick it up. If you throw a blanket onto your couch near the sensor, it will pick it up. If you smoke nearby, or spark a lighter, it will pick it up. It really is quite interesting to see how this sensor interacts with everyday activities! Also be advised that the sensor does not come in a static bag, and has NO documentation or breakout board. Check the datasheet for the pinout, and find a breakout/adapter for the wires...or splice the wires if you cannot get one, but this is not an optimal route :)