Installing Thingsee AIR

Thingsee AIR detects carbon dioxide (CO₂), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. This guide covers proper installation for accurate measurements.

Specifications

Sensor Calibration

CO₂ Baseline Requirements

The CO₂ sensor needs “free of people” moments when indoor air is fully exchanged to set the correct 410 ppm baseline. This makes it ideal for:

• Offices - Baseline sets overnight
• Schools - Baseline sets during closed hours
• Meeting rooms - Baseline sets between meetings

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before installing sensors:

• Gateway is installed and connected (LED blinking green)
• QR codes available for device identification
• Installation location selected (see guidelines below)
• Thingsee Toolbox app installed (optional but recommended)

Installation Location Guidelines

Recommended Placement

Mount the sensor:

• Height: 1.4m - 1.8m from floor
• Position: On wall, away from direct heat/cold sources
• Distance: Maximum 20m from nearest sensor or gateway

Things to Avoid

Location Examples

Room with Air Conditioning

┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│                    [AC Unit]    │
│                                 │
│  ✓ Good                        │
│  (away from AC)                │
│                                 │
│                    ✗ Bad       │
│                    (under AC)   │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Large Open Office

┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│                                 │
│  ✓        ✓        ✓           │
│                                 │
│        (sensors every 15-20m)   │
│                                 │
│  ✓        ✓        ✓           │
│                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Room with Windows

┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Window]  [Window]  [Window]   │
│                                 │
│  ✗ Bad (near windows)          │
│                                 │
│                                 │
│  ✓ Good (opposite wall)        │
│                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Installation Methods

Method 1: Adhesive Tape

Best for smooth surfaces.

1. Clean the mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
2. Clean the back of the sensor
3. Apply adhesive tapes using the guide marks on the sensor back
4. Press firmly for 5+ seconds
5. Remove tape backing
6. Press sensor firmly against wall for 5+ seconds

Method 2: Screw Mount

Best for textured walls or permanent installations.

1. Position the B-cover (back plate) on the wall
2. Mark screw hole locations
3. For concrete/gypsum: Install wall anchors first
4. Screw B-cover to wall
5. Attach A-cover (sensor unit) to B-cover

Installation Steps

1. Identify the Sensor

Scan the QR code on the sensor with:

• Thingsee Toolbox app
• Any QR code reader

Record the TUID for your installation documentation.

2. Open the Sensor

1. Locate the slot on the side of the sensor
2. Insert the opening key
3. Twist to separate A-cover from B-cover

3. Mount the B-Cover

Using your chosen method (tape or screw), secure the B-cover to the wall at the selected location.

4. Install Batteries

1. Insert 2× AA batteries into the A-cover
2. Observe correct polarity (+/-)
3. Use Varta Industrial Pro 1.5V AA LR06 for best results

5. Attach A-Cover

1. Align A-cover with B-cover
2. Ensure Thingsee logo is correctly oriented (right-side up)
3. Press firmly until covers click together

6. Verify Installation

After installation:

1. Check that sensor appears in Thingsee Toolbox
2. Verify data is being received
3. Allow 48 hours for full calibration

Network Considerations

Mesh Network Coverage

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flowchart LR
    GW[Gateway] ---|< 20m|--- S1[Sensor 1]
    S1 ---|< 20m|--- S2[Sensor 2]
    S2 ---|< 20m|--- S3[Sensor 3]

If distance exceeds 20m or obstacles exist:

• Add intermediate sensors as routers
• Consider additional gateway placement

Obstacles

Thick building materials reduce range:

• Fire doors
• Concrete walls
• Metal structures

Add extra sensors to ensure connectivity through obstacles.

Troubleshooting

Maintenance