Difficulty: novice
Content
Learning Objectives
After reading this article, you’ll be able to:
Prepare your environment to start using Airthings
Install Airthings gateway
What is an Airthings Hub?
Airthings connect to their own proprietary hub, which will be delivered with your hardware shipment.
Hardware & Network Requirements
For Airthings hub to connect to the cloud, there is no need for ports to be opened on the network.
Unboxing
Airthings hub
Charger and plug adapters
eSIM/SIM card (pre-installed)
Rubber pumper pads
Double-sided tape
Ethernet cable
Hub Specifications
1. Light indicator*
2. Ethernet port
3. Power input
4. Mounting bracket
* Light indicators
Power supply: green when there is power to the hub
Cloud: Green if cloud transfer is successful
Off if transfer fails OR if no successful transfer to cloud within the last 6 minutes
Airthings SmartLink: Green when sensor data is received within the last 6 minutes
Connectivity
Hub Cellular Model 2820 can operate with ethernet connection or with the pre-installed eSIM/ SIM card
Hub Model 2810 can only operate with ethernet connection.
Protocol
Airthings SmartLink, 868/915 MHz long
range wireless connection
Power Supply
100-240V AC / 50-60 Hz
Adapter to 5V DC2A
Important information
Regional operation: The Hub can operate in EU and/or US / Canada.
Sensor devices can only operate in the region that is pre-programmed by Airthings.
EU devices are marked “Hub EU compatible” on the front of the box and have a blue dot sticker underneath the battery cover.
US / Canada devices are marked “Hub US/CA compatible” and have a red dot sticker underneath the battery cover.
Sensor device connection & monitoring
The communication protocol between Airthings Sensor and Airthings Hub is called SmartLink.
Frequency band depending on the geographic location (due to local regulatory bodies such as FCC and ETSI.)
Long range (>1km line of sight) and low power
Supports 865-895MHz (EU) and 902-924MHz (US)
Based on IEEE 802.15.4g with FHSS, 50kbps
Do NOT connect your consumer Airthings devices to HBS Hub. That will cause additional charges to your HBS subscription due to the additional consumer devices connected.
Do NOT attempt to connect to your HBS Airthings Wave devices via Bluetooth (e.g. using mobile phone Bluetooth). Connect HBS Airthings Wave devices to your HBS Hub through SmartLink.
It is not recommended to monitor Wave devices using Airthings Wave App due to sensor data lag when multiple Wave devices are in operation.
Optimum radio range
The Smartlink radio signals can typically penetrate 3 thick walls, floors or typically 10 drywalls (nonloading bearing walls).
Place the Hub somewhere in the center of the area you want to cover.
Multiple Hubs are needed if there are more than 3 thick walls, floors or 10 drywalls between a Hub and the sensor devices. When there are multiple Hubs, sensor devices will connect to the closest Hub, as long as the installation sequence is followed.
Avoid placing the sensor devices so that there are large metal objects between the devices and the Hub. Avoid placing the Hub and the Sensor devices in metal cabinets.
Moving sensor devices closer to the Hub will usually improve the radio range. In some cases, a sensor device might be in a local “radio shadow” where the Hub cannot see the device. Should a device display less radio signal strength than expected, try moving it slightly to see if signal strength improves.
Start using the gateway
Set up your hub
Ask your Spacewell Implementation Consultant to configure Airthings gateway on /wiki/spaces/KB/pages/492369.
Remove the mounting bracket at the back of the Hub by slightly lifting it up and pulling it out
Locate Serial Number and Device ID at the back of your device
Follow on-screen instructions to add and register your Hub
Where to place your hub?
Place the Hub somewhere in the center of the area you would like to measure air quality. Place and set up up to 30 Airthings sensor devices clustered around the Hub. For each Hub, fully complete also setup of the Airthings sensor devices (see Airthings sensor installation) within range, before moving onto next Hub.
The Hub will not connect to any sensor devices before it has been registered. Your Spacewell Implementation Consultant will register the Hub on https://dashboard.airthings.com. The Hub conducts a registration check on start-up, so to avoid issues, register the device before powering the Hub.
Start up your hub
Hub model 2810 can only operate with ethernet connection.
Hub Cellular model 2820 can operate with ethernet connection or eSIM/SIM card. An eSIM/SIM card is pre-inserted with this model. This eSIM/SIM card is locked to the Airthings Hub and will not work in other devices. Hub Cellular will only work with the eSIM/SIM card provided by Airthings.
Hub model name and number can be found at the back of the device after removing the mounting bracket.
Option A - Using Ethernet
a. Register the Hub. The Hub has to be registered to an Airthings account before it will connect.
b. Connect Hub to your Ethernet cable, one end of the cable to the Hub port, the other end to the ethernet outlet
c. Connect Hub to power socket
d. Wait for Hub firmware upgrade to be completed. This may take 10 to 70 minutes. Registering the Hub first (as specified in section 1) can help to reduce waiting time.
Option B - Using cellular connection
a. Register the Hub. The Hub has to be registered to an Airthings account before it will connect.
b. Connect Hub to power socket. An eSIM/SIM card is preinserted in the Hub and is ready for use.
c. Wait for Hub firmware upgrade to be completed. This may take 10 to 70 minutes. Registering the Hub first can help to reduce waiting time.
Next steps
Next, follow the Airthings sensor installation guide.
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