Step 1
Make sure your Android device is connected to an Internet accessible Wi-Fi or cellular network and that Bluetooth and GPS/location finder options are enabled.
Step 2
Download and open the AirCasting app via a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Step 3
Follow the prompts on screen to create an AirCasting account and sign in. If you already have an AirCasting profile, log in. If you prefer to start with an anonymous account, sign in using LAPL’s generic user login credentials found on the instructions packet in the kit.
Important Note
Once the Android device and AirBeam2 are paired, the Connection Indicator light on the bottom of the AirBeam2 will turn white. Note that the white light on the bottom of the AirBeam2 will eventually turn off. This is normal and does not mean your AirBeam2 is off.
Step 4
Tap Record new session or the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the Dashboard screen.
Step 5
On the Let's begin screen, tap Mobile session.
Step 6
If the message Use your location appears on the screen, tap Okay.
Step 7
Tap Allow all the time or Allow only while using the app, to allow the AirCasting app to access your Android device’s location.
Important Note
Data recording sessions without geolocations (i.e., GPS is off) cannot be synced to the AirCasting website.
Step 8
Tap Bluetooth device on screen.
Step 9
Power on the AirBeam2. See the figure below to locate the power button.
Step 10
When the AirBeam2 sensor's connection indicator light turns from Red to Green tap Continue. On the “Choose the device you’d like to record with” screen, scroll to find and tap the AirBeam2 with a serial number that matches the label on the back of your air sensor and then tap Connect. When the screen reads AirBeam connected tap Continue.
Troubleshooting Tip
Don’t see the device with your serial number? Tap the “Don’t see the device? Refresh scanning” to refresh the list.
Important Note
Once the Android device and AirBeam2 are paired via Bluetooth, the Connection Indicator light on the bottom of the AirBeam2 will stay solid green. Note that the green light on the bottom of the AirBeam2 will eventually turn off. This is normal and does not mean your AirBeam2 is off.
Important Notes
- After turning on the AirBeam2, you will hear a fan humming on the inside and the Connection Indicator light will first turn red then green.
- If you are unsure if the AirBeam2 unit is on or off, you can listen to hear if the fan is running (humming sound). When the AirBeam2 is off, the fan will not run.
- If the AirBeam2 does not turn on, it may need to be charged. To charge the AirBeam2, use the USB-C charging cord and charger included in the bag.
- The Battery Charging light will turn green when the AirBeam2 is charging and turns off when it is either fully charged or unplugged.
Step 11
Enter a descriptive and appropriate session name and tags and tap Continue. Note: Session name will be publicly viewable on the AirCasting website. Tags can help you find your AirCasting session on the website.
Step 12
Make sure your starting location is accurate on the map, then tap Start recording and begin your walk around the neighborhood.
Important Note
When the sensor starts recording and sending data, the indicator light will turn solid white. Note that the white light on the bottom of the AirBeam2 will eventually turn off. This is normal and does not mean your AirBeam2 is off.
Step 13
Keep the AirBeam2 and your Android device within 10-20 feet of each other, so Bluetooth will work.
Step 14
During your walk, make a note of any significant fluctuations in Particulate Matter (PM) values by tapping the three horizontal ellipses (···), then pressing “Add a note." Some examples that may cause fluctuations are passing vehicles, lawn mowing, cigarette smoke, fire nearby, etc.
Step 15
To stop recording air quality data, tap the three horizontal ellipses (···), then tap Finish recording session. Confirm to stop recording the session by tapping the Finish recording button again. The Connection Indicator Light will blink yellow to show Bluetooth is disconnected.
Important Note
The data recording sessions you finished recording will appear under the Fixed tab of the Dashboard screen in the AirCasting app.
When recording stops, the connection indicator light will turn from white to blinking red.
Step 16
Power off the AirBeam3 air quality sensor.
Step 17
After you finish recording your session, make sure the Android device is reconnected to an Internet accessible Wi-Fi network to sync the session(s). The syncing process may take up to 20 minutes depending on your Wi-Fi strength. Note: As a reminder, all data, including any notes you took with the app during your session, will transmit to the AirCasting Map website.
Step 18
To start a new data recording session, tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the Dashboard screen and repeat Steps 4-17.
Step 19
When you are ready to return the Monitoring Air Quality (Android-Only) kit to the library, please complete the survey (if included).
Step 20
Before returning the kit, make sure that the AirBeam2 air quality sensor and the Wi-Fi digital microscope are turned off, and all accessories (e.g., the charging cable, carabiner clip, observation journal, magnifier, etc.) are in the clear messenger bag they came in.