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Comment by LeifCarrotson | Hacker News Reader

The current edition of the "kit" is just a pre-soldered PCB, a plastic case, and some screws, it's basically a complete product.

The original DIY basic or pro kit are also close to complete - basically dropping some dev boards on 0.1" headers onto the PCB (and a USB-C connector, and 1.25mm pitch PM sensor cable, slightly harder).

You can also get just the bare sensor from a reputable distributor for $40:

https://www.adafruit.com/product/3686

Or get the same sensor from overseas for about $12.

I just built the AirGradient DIY Pro kit (no longer listed for sale on the website?), it's remarkable how PM and CO2 spike through the whole house when we cook on our natural gas stove - been waffling on that induction cooktop, but it's probably time! Still need to get the TVOC/NOx module to add to it...

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We actually plan to bring the version back that needs soldering. We took it temporarily out of the shop because a number of people overestimated their soldering skills and couldn't get it running. The usb and jst plug are difficult to solder for people without much experience.

FWIW, I had no problem building it, but I'm an EE with decades of experience and the right tools like a proper temperature-controlled soldering station, hot air, magnification, paste/flux/wick, etc. I agree it would not be reasonable for someone without both a modicum of skill and the right tools.

Having taught a number of coworkers to solder, it's hard to convey exactly what difficulty that entails without either scaring off worried potential buyers who could do it or giving overconfident buyers who can't do it an excess of confidence. There's probably a good deal of overlap between those two groups. Thanks for pulling it temporarily while you figure out a compromise.

I did wish that the guidance on the JST connector orientation was better - a little silkscreen with "1 BLK" and "8 PUR", or a representation of the connector tabs/slot orientation, would have meant I didn't have to squint at photos. There'd be room for that info on a pre-built picoblade to 0.1" header adapter board...

Also, my kit did not include the large electrolytic capacitor, but I had a suitable one on hand.

Your PM2.5 will spike from cooking regardless. Doesn’t matter the method of heat, it’s from the food.

Time to test and maybe improve the exhaust fan, it's so loud right now we usually don't use it...

Looking closer, this is probably a cheaper much more feature rich alternative to the aranet4 I've got.

The AirGradient also uses a SenseAir CO2 Sensor like the Aranet but also measures additionally PM and TVOCs.

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