Last month we brought word of the IKEA VINDRIKTNING, a $12 USD air quality sensor that could easily be upgraded to log data over the network with the addition of an ESP8266. It only took a couple of wires soldered to the original PCB, and since there was so much free space inside the enclosure, you didn’t even have to worry about fitting the parasitic microcontroller; just tape it to the inside of the case and button it back up.
Now we’ve got nothing against the quick and dirty method around these parts, but if you’re looking for a slightly more tidy VINDRIKTNING modification, then check out this custom PCB designed by [lond]. This ESP-12F board features a AP2202 voltage regulator, Molex PicoBlade connectors, and a clever design that lets it slip right into a free area inside the sensor’s case. The project description says the finished product looks like it was installed from the factory, and we’re inclined to agree.
Nothing has changed on the software side, in fact, the ESP-12F gets flashed with the same firmware [Sören Beye] wrote for the Wemos D1 Mini used in his original modification. That said [lond] designed the circuit so the MCU can be easily reprogrammed with an FTDI cable, so just because you’re leaving the development board behind doesn’t mean you can’t continue to experiment with different firmware builds.
It’s always gratifying to see this kind of community development, whether or not it was intentionally organized. [lond] saw an interesting idea, found a way to improve its execution, and released the result out into the wild for others to benefit from. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say that this is exactly the kind of thing Hackaday is here to promote and facilitate, so if you ever find yourself inspired to take on a project by something you saw on these pages, be sure to drop us a line.
Interesting. Stick one outside and see what climate change is doing to the environment.
You’ll see nothing, this is a particle detector. It cannot distinguish between good and bad dust.
I love it. Clean and compact, a well executed hack.
So same functionality and external appearance, but more cost and effort?
you say that as if it’s a problem
There can only be one King, and he has ambition.
Are these VINDRIKTNING actually available anywhere? I can’t find them anywhere, including ebay…
You have to visit an ikea store. It is nearby the lights and sound department.
Obvious reply: Did you check Ikea and their website?
No need to be snarky. They are not available in Canada (maybe our air is too pure and does not need to checked – Yeah, right) and YES I did search the {Ikea.ca site.
Yup, in stock in the Netherlands for €10.-
https://ingka.page.link/2F5WDCGU6GQ4Rw837
For those not interested in first having to download an app: https://www.ikea.com/nl/nl/p/vindriktning-luchtkwaliteitsensor-70498242/
Seems they have limited availability outside of Europe. Have to set foot in your local store to look for them, shipping to everywhere is messed up right now.
There are a few ebay alternatives which actually add more sensors (co2, co, etc.) but I don’t know if anyone has a clean network connectivity kit for them.
I’ve never seen them in stock or received an in-stock notifications from Ikea’s website. As far as I can tell my local Ikea has never received any.
Yeah after the previous HaD story on these I searched everywhere for these, including the local Ikea. It’s like they don’t exist.
It would be great if there is a fan connector on the new board.
Packaging and beauty of the project aside, is there a more practical reason to go with this rather than say a PMS5003 connected to an ESP8266 or ESP32?
Price. In DE a PMS5003 will cost about 25€ + Case + ESP, also around 30€. But only 10€ + ESP for the Ikea thing. Bought some of those, pimp them with a BME280 for temp, hum and air pressure and distributed them all around the house.
In terms of software, ESPHome is a better option: https://next.esphome.io/components/sensor/pm1006.html