Using Raspberry Pi 4 to monitor PM2.5
, by Sukanya Eiampinit, 2 min reading time
PM2.5 is a small particulate matter in the air that can have an impact on human health. In this article, we will build a PM2.5 monitoring system using a Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB), a tiny computer with huge capabilities, as well as learn how to use Python to control the device and create your own air quality monitoring system.
**Equipment required**
1. **Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB RAM)**: This is the mainstay of this project. The 4GB model is recommended to provide you with enough memory space.
2. **PM2.5 Sensor (SDS011 or PMS5003)**: A PM2.5 sensor that comes with UART connection is suitable for this project.
3. **A4 paper page**: Used to display PM2.5 level information and system status.
4. **OLED Display**: (Example: SSD1306) If you want to display PM2.5 level information on the display screen.
5. **Wires**: GPIO data cable to connect Raspberry Pi and PM2.5 sensor and OLED if used.
**System creation steps**
**Step 1: Installing Raspberry Pi OS**
- Start by installing Raspberry Pi OS on your Raspberry Pi 4. Take a MicroSD Card with Raspberry Pi OS installed and insert it into the Raspberry Pi.
- Start Raspberry Pi and connect the devices with keyboard and mouse.
**Step 2: Connecting PM2.5 sensor**
- Connect the PM2.5 sensor to Raspberry Pi using the GPIO data transmission cable following the steps specified in the sensor manual.
- Make sure you have UART enabled on your Raspberry Pi 4.
**Step 3: Writing Python Code**
- Create a Python script to read data from the PM2.5 sensor and display it on the screen or on an A4 paper (if available).
- Use appropriate Python libraries such as `serial` to read data from the sensors and `Adafruit_SSD1306` to control the OLED display (if used).
**Step 4: Display (if using OLED screen)**
- Create A4 paper to display PM2.5 level and system status.
- Display PM2.5 data and other data that you want to display on the page.
**summarize**
With Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB) and PM2.5 sensor, you can build a system.
Easily check your own PM2.5 levels and control them via Python code. This project helps you understand how to use Raspberry Pi and monitor air quality in detail.
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