Launching Sensor Node CO2
I’m delighted to say that Sensor Node CO2 is ready! After months of heavy duty coding, hundreds of cups of coffee and a few beers, we’ve cracked it. This is a preview of the early production model.
Sensor Node CO2 allows us to monitor classrooms, so we know that our kids’ learning environments are warm, dry and healthy. We want kids to be at their best to concentrate and learn loads of awesome new stuff. But most of all, to play and have fun. And a large part of that is a comfortable environment.
I like to get things out early, so I’ve decided to run with a 3D printed enclosure for this early production run. The device is kitted out with a beautiful full colour TFT display. So, you can expect to see some pretty cool graphics and visuals in the near future.
The Problem with carbon dioxide
The problem is that high concentrations of carbon dioxide that commonly build up during the day in enclosed spaces cause drowsiness, headaches and make it difficult to concentrate. Our kids are struggling to stay awake and are tuning out at school. Studies have shown that kids’ ability to complete psychological tests and pass their examinations is reduced by up to 12% when the carbon dioxide concentration rises from 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm in the classroom. Absenteeism also increases by 0.5 days per student per school year. That’s a day off work for the parent as well.
Sensor Node CO2 monitors the concentration of carbon dioxide in the classroom and alerts the teacher and the class when it’s time to crack a window or crank the heating up. We think kids deserve the best chance they can get.
The readings are updated every 30 seconds on the LCD display and sent to the cloud every 15 minutes. All past data can be viewed on the Sensor Node app for mobile or using the Monkeytronics web portal, with simple one click reporting which exports in CSV format, compatible with excel.
We use the best sensor components on the market to ensure accurate and reliable readings. We have applied years of engineering experience to develop a clean, modular IoT platform that makes the complex appear beautifully simple.
What About our Homes?
Studies have shown that closed bedroom doors and a build up of carbon dioxide may also be making kids tired, in particular teenagers. Opening their doors while they are sleeping may reduce the carbon dioxide concentration by as much as 64% without having a significant impact on thermal comfort. While we think it may be a good idea to put a sensor in teenagers’ rooms to make sure they are getting the best sleep possible, we can’t help you with their appetite, and as for convincing them to open the door and let some fresh air in, you’re on your own.
The Social Mission
The early production runs of Sensor Node CO2 are made using 3D printed compostable enclosures and shipped in recycled cardboard only packaging: there isn’t a scrap of plastic anywhere. Monkeytronics is a Wellington based social enterprise, on a mission to solve challenging social and environmental issues using simple, high quality technology.
Our goal is to make New Zealand families healthier and happier. Without hurting the planet in the process.
Watch this space as home sensors become more common place in our everyday lives, helping us to manage the impact that our home environments have on us and our families. At Monkeytronics we firmly believe that technology should be easy to use, making life easier not more complicated. And when it comes to information about how safe our homes are, knowledge is power! Especially when it is used to protect the health of our families, whānau and children.
To find out more, go to www.monkeytronics.co.nz