Closing the Data Gap on Black Carbon.
The bcMeter is a precise, open-source black carbon measurement device. From citizen scientists to NGOs and emission control – we provide the data you need to understand air pollution.
Why Measure Black Carbon?
Black carbon (soot) poses serious health risks and contributes significantly to global warming (IPCC 20-year CO₂ equivalent factor of 2421). Yet, measurement sites remain scarce due to high costs.
bcMeter solves this. It offers a cost-effective solution to establish a global network of measurements.
Choose Your bcMeter
Self Assembly Kit
For Makers & Education
A kit designed for citizen scientists and private users (non-commercial). Build it yourself and learn.
- Complete electronics kit
- Requires soldering & assembly
- 3D print files included
Tested & Calibrated
For Citizen Science
A reliable, ready-to-run measurement device suitable for general applications.
- Fully assembled
- Tested & Calibrated
- Plug & Play
Pro & IOT
Enhanced versions
Direct emission control and commercial use.
- 3G/4G Mobile Support
- Emission Control Version
- PM2.5 & GPS
Prefer to build it yourself?
The bcMeter is open source under the CC BY-NC 4.0 License. You can download the files for free to build it for private or educational use.
Validated Precision
Performance comparison against common professional aethalometers.
Note: MAAP comparison was in early testing stage. Noise has since been significantly reduced.
Downloads & Getting Started
1. Download Image
Get the preconfigured SD-Card image here.
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If no file is listed, the image is currently being updated.
2. Installation Steps
- Flash: Unzip file and use Balena Etcher to write
.imgto microSD. - Boot: Insert card, wait 2-3 mins. Device creates WiFi.
- Connect: Join WiFi
bcMeter(Pass:bcMeterbcMeter). - Setup: Go to
http://bcmeter.local. - Important: Trigger an update immediately after login to expand storage!
Development Log
May 2025
Time goes by and just like that the plannings for bcMeter began 5 years ago. Since then, components and availabilities have changed a LOT. And as well our and your needs – the current development focuses on sampling 2-3 wavelenghts to further determine the source of black carbon pollution.
This includes a different hardware setup with a new analogue/digital converter over SPI instead of i2c, being able to technically sample 8 channels. The release is planned for fall.
11.10.2024
Over the last months bcMeter was part of the VMM CompAIR project which just ended.
01.05.2024
Released new Board Revision 2024.2 and case for 3d printing – major updates in accuracy, usability and interface.
28.11.2023
Great news! The VMM (Flanders Environment Agency) decided to support the further developement of the bcMeter for improved accuracy and usability. It is planned to release it in early 2024.
27.02.2023
New Update uploaded to github! The main concern was the connectivity (AP Mode added). The next big thing was the control of air volume, which is now possible.
* Optional Access Point Mode
* Timestamp correction
* PWM 5V via Software for basic pump control
* Tantalum filter added for ADC
10.05.2022
New Gerbers for PCB manufacturing uploaded!
* Header for heating-plate
* Port for DSB18B20 temperature sensor
* 1602 Display Connector
* Case optimizations (more tolerance)
01.08.2021
First release of the bcMeter citizen science black carbon measurement device! Thanks to DUH (Environmental Action Germany).