Installation

Physical installation guide for Thingsee AIR including placement guidelines, mounting methods, and battery setup

Video Tutorial

Before Installation

Prerequisites

  • Ensure Thingsee Gateway is installed and operational (LED blinking green)
  • Plan sensor locations to maintain mesh network coverage
  • Prepare installation surface (clean and dry)

Network Coverage Planning

  • Maximum distance: 20m between sensors or to gateway
  • Use intermediate sensors as routers for distances > 20m
  • Account for signal attenuation from:
    • Fire doors
    • Thick concrete walls
    • Metal structures
    • Other dense building materials

Baseline Calibration Requirements

Initial Calibration Period

Thingsee AIR sensors require an initial calibration period for optimal accuracy:

  • TVOC Sensor: Requires 48 hours of continuous operation for baseline calibration
  • CO₂ Sensor: Baseline optimization updated in 8-day periods, adjusting toward preconfigured 410 ppm CO₂ level

Environmental Requirements for Calibration

The sensor requires “free of people” moments when indoor air is fully exchanged to establish the correct 410 ppm baseline.

Ideal environments:

  • Office spaces - Unoccupied nights and weekends
  • Educational facilities - Evenings and holidays
  • Retail spaces - Closed hours

Not recommended:

  • 24/7 occupied spaces
  • Areas without regular air exchange
  • Continuously high-occupancy environments

Placement Guidelines

Install sensors at breathing height for accurate air quality representation:

  • Recommended range: 1.4m - 1.8m from floor
  • Optimal height: 1.5m - 1.6m

Choosing Installation Location

What to Consider

✅ Good Placement:

  • Representative of general room air quality
  • Away from direct airflow
  • Central location in the monitored space
  • Accessible for battery replacement
  • Smooth, clean surface for mounting

❌ Locations to Avoid:

  • Direct sunlight or near large windows
  • Corners (poor air circulation)
  • Near air conditioning units or vents
  • Above heating radiators or heat sources
  • Near doors (drafts and temperature fluctuations)
  • In direct ventilation airflow

Room-Specific Installation Examples

Rooms with Air Conditioning (Cooling)

Recommended:

  • Install on wall opposite to AC unit
  • At least 2m away from direct airflow
  • Central position for room-wide representation

Avoid:

  • Directly under or near AC outlet
  • In cold air stream path

Large Open Office Spaces

Recommended:

  • Multiple sensors distributed evenly
  • On support columns or walls
  • Consider occupancy zones

Avoid:

  • Corner positions
  • Near external walls only
  • Single sensor for large areas (>100 m²)

Rooms with Large Windows

Recommended:

  • Install on interior wall
  • Away from direct sun exposure
  • Account for window draft zones

Avoid:

  • Installation on window wall
  • Direct sunlight exposure
  • Near window frames

Rooms with Heating Radiators

Recommended:

  • Opposite wall from radiator
  • At least 1.5m away from heat source
  • Account for heat plume rising from radiator

Avoid:

  • Above radiator
  • Within 1m of heat source
  • In rising heat path

Rooms with Air Ventilation

Recommended:

  • Away from intake/exhaust vents
  • Representative of room air, not supply air
  • Account for air circulation patterns

Avoid:

  • Directly under ventilation diffusers
  • In direct airflow path
  • Near exhaust grilles

Installation Methods

Preparation

  1. Identify the sensor: Read QR code on A-cover side using:

    • QR code reader application
    • Thingsee Toolbox mobile app
    • Note sensor ID for inventory tracking

  2. Unpack the device:

    • Remove sensor from packaging
    • Verify included components:
      • A-cover (front, with sensors)
      • B-cover (back, mounting plate)
      • Opening key
      • 2x AA batteries (pre-installed or separate)

  3. Prepare mounting location:

    • Clean surface with IPA solvent (isopropyl alcohol)
    • Ensure surface is dry
    • Verify height and position

Method 1: Tape Installation

Best for: Smooth, non-porous surfaces (painted walls, tiles, glass)

Materials Needed

  • Double-sided adhesive tape (included or equivalent)
  • IPA solvent (isopropyl alcohol)
  • Clean cloth

Steps

  1. Clean the surface:

    • Wipe with IPA solvent
    • Allow to dry completely
    • Ensure no dust or residue

  2. Prepare the sensor:

    • Clean B-cover mounting surface
    • Locate tape placement guidelines on B-cover back

  3. Apply tape:

    • Cut tape to match guideline marks
    • Press tape firmly on B-cover for minimum 5 seconds
    • Remove tape backing paper

  4. Mount the sensor:

    • Position B-cover at desired location
    • Press firmly against surface for minimum 5 seconds
    • Hold steady to ensure adhesion

  5. Wait before loading:

    • Allow 15 minutes for adhesive to set
    • Do not disturb during this period

Method 2: Screw Installation

Best for: Permanent installations, rough surfaces, outdoor-adjacent locations

Materials Needed

  • 1x screw (size: 3-4mm diameter, length based on wall type)
  • Screwdriver
  • Wall anchors (for drywall or concrete)
  • Drill (if using anchors)
  • Pencil for marking

Steps

  1. Mark the position:

    • Hold B-cover at desired location
    • Mark screw hole center with pencil
    • Verify height and alignment

  2. Prepare the wall (if needed):

    • For concrete: Drill pilot hole, insert anchor
    • For drywall: Insert appropriate wall anchor
    • For wood: No anchor needed

  3. Mount B-cover:

    • Align B-cover screw hole with wall hole/anchor
    • Insert screw through B-cover center hole
    • Tighten securely (do not over-tighten)
    • Verify B-cover is level

  4. Check stability:

    • Gently pull on B-cover to verify secure mounting
    • Ensure no wobbling or movement

Battery Installation

Battery Specifications

  • Type: 2x AA alkaline batteries
  • Recommended: Varta Industrial Pro 1.5V AA LR06
  • Alternatives: High-quality alkaline AA batteries

Installation Steps

For New Installation

  1. Open the sensor:

    • Hold sensor in hand
    • Insert opening key in side hole
    • Twist to separate A-cover from B-cover

  2. Install batteries:

    • Insert batteries into A-cover battery compartment
    • Observe correct polarity (+ and - markings)
    • Ensure batteries are fully seated

  3. Verify operation:

    • LED will flash to indicate power-on
    • Sensor begins initialization sequence

  4. Close the sensor:

    • Align A-cover with B-cover
    • Ensure Thingsee logo is right-side up
    • Press covers together until they click
    • Verify secure closure

For Battery Replacement

  1. For wall-mounted sensor:

    • Insert opening key in side hole while sensor is on wall
    • Twist to release A-cover
    • Pull A-cover away from B-cover

  2. Remove old batteries:

    • Note battery orientation
    • Remove both batteries
    • Dispose of properly

  3. Install new batteries:

    • Insert fresh AA batteries
    • Match polarity markings
    • Ensure full contact

  4. Reattach A-cover:

    • Align covers
    • Press together until secure click
    • Verify Thingsee logo orientation

Post-Installation Verification

Network Connection

  1. Wait for network join:

    • Device automatically joins Wirepas mesh network
    • Typical join time: 1-5 minutes

  2. Verify in Haltian IoT Studio:

    • Log into IoT Studio portal
    • Navigate to device list
    • Confirm sensor appears with correct ID
    • Check “Last Seen” timestamp

Initial Data Collection

  1. First readings:

    • CO₂ and temperature available immediately
    • TVOC requires 48 hours for valid baseline
    • Expect initial readings within 5-10 minutes

  2. Baseline establishment:

    • Monitor readings during first 8 days
    • CO₂ baseline adjusts toward 410 ppm
    • TVOC stabilizes after 48 hours continuous operation

Signal Strength Check

  1. Review RSSI values in IoT Studio:

    • Good signal: > -70 dBm
    • Acceptable: -70 to -85 dBm
    • Poor: < -85 dBm

  2. If signal is poor:

    • Add intermediate sensor as router
    • Reposition sensor closer to gateway
    • Check for physical obstructions

Installation Checklist

  • Gateway operational and connected
  • Installation location planned (1.4-1.8m height)
  • Surface cleaned and prepared
  • Sensor unpacked and identified (QR code)
  • Mounting method selected (tape or screw)
  • B-cover securely mounted
  • Batteries installed correctly (polarity)
  • A-cover attached securely (logo upright)
  • Device appears in IoT Studio
  • Initial readings received
  • Signal strength acceptable (RSSI > -85 dBm)
  • Documentation updated (location, sensor ID)

Installation Video Tutorial

For visual installation guidance, refer to the Thingsee AIR installation video tutorial.

Support

For installation assistance: