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Go Direct® Air Quality Sensor User Manual

Order Code: GDX-AIRQ

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

  • Go Direct Air Quality
  • Sensor Bracket for Go Direct
  • Vernier Lanyard
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable

Compatible Software

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2Full support 1
LabQuestIncompatible

Compatibility Notes

  1. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter (discontinued) when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis (Web App)
No interface requiredFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Incompatible
LabQuest 2Full support 1 2Incompatible

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter (discontinued) when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis (Web App)
No interface requiredFull support
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
No interface requiredFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full supportFull support 1
LabQuest 2Full support 2Full support 1 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter (discontinued) when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
No interface requiredFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full supportFull support 1
LabQuest 2Full support 2Full support 1 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter (discontinued) when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Python
Software
InterfacePython
No interface requiredFull support
Javascript
Software
InterfaceJavascript
No interface requiredFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
No interface requiredFull support

Quick Start: Vernier Graphical Analysis® and Bluetooth®

  1. Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
  2. Turn on your sensor. The LED will blink red.
  3. Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
  4. Select your sensor from the list. The sensor ID is located on the sensor label near the bar code. Note: If you don’t see a list of available sensors, click WIRELESS. After selecting your sensor, click Pair.
  5. Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.

Using other Vernier data-collection apps or want to connect via USB?

Visit www.vernier.com/start-go-direct

Note: This sensor also works with LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3; it does not work with the original LabQuest.

Charging the Sensor

Connect Go Direct Air Quality to the included USB Charging Cable and any USB device for two hours. We do not recommend charging more than two Go Direct Air Quality sensors with the Go Direct Charge Station.

An LED on each Go Direct Air Quality indicates charging status.

Charging

The orange LED next to the battery icon is solid while the sensor is charging.

Fully charged

The green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is fully charged.

Powering the Sensor

Turning on the sensor

Press the button once. The Red LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when the unit is on.

Putting the sensor in sleep mode

Press and hold the button for more than three seconds to put the sensor into sleep mode. The Red LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon stops flashing when sleeping.

See the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-airq

Connecting via Bluetooth

Ready to connect The red LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when the sensor is awake and ready to connect.
Connected The green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when the sensor is connected via Bluetooth.

Connecting via USB

Connected and charging The orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is charging. The LED next to Bluetooth icon is off.
Connected, fully charged The green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and fully charged. The LED next to Bluetooth icon is off.
Charging via USB,
connected via Bluetooth
The orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is charging. The Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes.

Identifying the Sensor

When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of the user manual.

The sensor shows best performance when operated within the recommended normal temperature and humidity range of 10–40°C and 20–80% RH, respectively. Long-term exposure to conditions outside normal range are not recommended.

When moving the sensor from indoor to outdoor use, changes in temperature and environmental conditions will affect the readings. Time is needed to allow the sensor to reach a state of equilibrium with its environment. Depending on how large of a temperature difference this is, this time could take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.

The electrochemical (NO2, SO2, O3) and particulate matter sensors need to warm up before data can be collected. The Sensor warm-up LED (✔) indicates when the sensors are ready for data collection.

  • The LED is orange while the electrochemical (NO2, SO2, O3) and particulate matter (PM) sensors are warming up and preparing to measure.
  • The LED is solid green when the sensors are ready to measure.
  • If the indicator LED turns solid red, maintenance of the sensor is required. Contact Vernier Science Education for support.

The built-in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) allows you to "geotag" your data. This means you can export your findings into a GIS (Geographic Information System) program or Google Maps™ to see where your readings were recorded on a digital map. For best results, place the sensor in an area with a clear view of the sky. It can take a few minutes for satellite connectivity to occur. The GNSS Signal LED indicates the connection status:

  • The LED is green when the sensor is connected to the GNSS satellite system.
  • The LED is red when the GNSS sensor is not getting a signal from the GNSS satellite system or in the process of acquiring a signal.
  • The LED is off when the GNSS channels (Latitude, Longitude or Altitude) are not selected.

Channels

Go Direct Air Quality has the following measurement channels:

  • PM1.0
  • PM2.5
  • PM10
  • CO2
  • NO2
  • SO2
  • O3
  • VOC Index
  • Temperature
  • Relative humidity
  • Barometric pressure
  • Station pressure
  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Altitude

Particulate Matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10)

These channels report particulate matter total density based on the size range of fine particles in µg/m3.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

This channel reports the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide gas in ppm or mg/m3.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

This channel reports the atmospheric concentration of nitrogen dioxide gas in ppm, ppb, or mg/m3. The NO2 sensor is an electrochemical sensor with no cross-sensistivity.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

This channel reports the atmospheric concentration of sulfur dioxide gas in ppm, ppb, or mg/m3. The SO2 sensor is an electrochemical sensor that has cross-sensitivity to Hydrogen sulfide.

Ozone (O3)

This channel reports the atmospheric concentration of ozone gas in ppm, ppb, or mg/m3. The O3 sensor is an electrochemical sensor that has cross-sensitivity to NO2. For accurate O3 values, the NO2 channel should always be used at the same time and a calculated column used to correct for the cross-sensitivity. To correct for the cross-sensitivity you would calculate:

actual O3 = reading O3 - 0.84*NO2

Instructions on how to create a calculated column can be found at www.vernier.com/26908

VOC Index (Volatile Organic Compound index)

This channel reports a unitless VOC index value. The VOC index is a relative scale as the sensor “learns” the environment, where 100 is considered the baseline reading for the room. A reading higher than 100 means that there are more VOCs compared to the average while a reading below 100 means that there are fewer VOCs compared to the average.

Temperature

This channel measures ambient temperature in °C or °F. Temperature readings may differ slightly from those of dedicated ambient temperature sensors because the sensor is located inside the device. Internal heat generated by the sensor and exposure to direct sunlight can cause readings to be higher than the actual ambient temperature.

Relative Humidity

This channel measures the relative humidity of the air in percent. Relative humidity is a ratio of the actual amount of water vapor in the air to the potential fully saturated air. It is dependent on temperature and pressure.

Barometric Pressure

This channel reports barometric pressure in hPa, mbar, kPa, mmHg, or inHg. Barometric pressure is the absolute pressure adjusted to mean sea level. To accurately read barometric pressure, you must enter your elevation into the calibration for the channel.

Absolute Pressure

This channel reports the absolute pressure at the current location in hPa, mbar, kPa, mmHg, or inHg. It is the pressure exerted by the atmosphere due to gravity at that given location.

Latitude, Longitude, and Altitude

These channels report the latitude, longitude, and altitude at the current location based on GNSS satellite data.

Videos

Calibrating the Sensor

Carbon Dioxide

For accurate readings, the CO2 sensor needs to be exposed to fresh air at least every 7 days.

Barometric Pressure

To accurately report barometric pressure, this channel needs to know your current elevation. This only needs to be done once if you are not changing elevations. Each time you move to a different elevation, this channel will need to be adjusted with a calibration. To enter your current elevation,

  1. Launch Graphical Analysis, connect the sensor, and turn on the Barometric Pressure channel, if not already enabled.
  2. Click the Barometric Pressure meter and choose Calibrate.
  3. Enter your elevation in meters. Click Keep.
  4. Click Apply.

Particulate Matter

We recommend running a cleaning cycle if the Go Direct Air Quality Sensor has been stored uncovered or used in very dusty or dirty environments.

  1. Launch Graphical Analysis and connect the sensor. The PM2.5 channel should already be enabled, if not, turn it on.
  2. Wait for the Sensor warm-up LED (✔) to turn green.
  3. Click the PM2.5 meter and choose Calibrate.
  4. Click Calibrate, the Sensor warm-up LED (✔) will turn orange as the cleaning cycle takes place.
  5. Click Done.
  6. When the Sensor warm-up LED (✔) turns green again, the sensor is ready to use.

All other channels on this sensor are factory calibrated and cannot be calibrated by the user.

Specifications

Particulate Matter Mass Concentration Specified Range:

0–1000 µg/m3

    PM1 size range

0.3–1 µg

    PM2.5 size range

0.3–2.5 µg

    PM10 size range

0.3–10 µg

CO2 Range

0–5,000 ppm

    Resolution

1 ppm

NO2 Range

0-2 ppm 

    Resolution

0.01 ppm

SO2 Range

0-2 ppm

    Resolution

0.01 ppm

O3 Range

0-2 ppm

    Resolution

0.01 ppm

VOC Index

1–500

Temperature Range

10–40℃ (-10℃ min, 50℃ max short term)

Relative Humidity Range

20–80% (10% min, 90% max short term)

Station Pressure Range

260–1260 hPa

Maximum sampling rate

1 sample/s

Battery

2600 mAh Li-Poly

Bat tery life (single full charge)

~24 hrs

Battery life (long term)

~500 full charge cycles (several years depending on usage)

Connection Type

USB-C

Remote Data Logging

Yes. Learn more at www.vernier.com/remote-logging

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and storage are important for optimal longevity of your Air Quality Sensor.

Over time if the sensor has been exposed to a high particulate environments (eg. car exhaust pipe, wood working room, wood burning fireplace), filters on the front plate will get dirty. Using a dust blower bulb or canned air, give the filters a gentle spray to remove any large particles. The front plate can be replaced when the filters have discolored. For more information contact Vernier at 1-888-837-6437 or vernier.com.

It is recommended for long term storage to store the sensor in a sealed bag, such as the bag that is included with the sensor. This will help prevent dust accumulation and exposure to any moisture or other elements.

Extended Storage

To store Go Direct Air Quality for extended periods of time, shut the device completely down by holding the power button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is shut down. Over several months, the battery will lose some charge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.

Battery Information

Go Direct Air Quality contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-2600).

Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.

When the battery in the Air Quality sensor completely discharges, charge goes to zero, it will enter a state of battery fault. This state is indicated by the battery LED flashing double orange. The battery will not start charging until it is reset. To reset the battery, remove the battery door on the back of the sensor. Using a paper clip, press the battery reset button on the circuit board. Charge the sensor for 24 hours before next use.

Water Resistance

Important: Go Direct Air Quality is water resistant but not waterproof. It should never be immersed in water or exposed to excessive moisture.

If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/26638

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Air Quality, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Accessories/Replacements

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-airq/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

Disposal

When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment.

The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.

Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org

Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.

The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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