Closing the Data Gap on Black Carbon.
The bcMeter is a precise, open-source black carbon measurement device. From citizen scientists to NGOs and environmental research – 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, open-source platform to establish a global network of measurements.
bcMeter Variants
Self-Assembly Kit
For Makers & Education
A kit designed for citizen scientists and private users (non-commercial). Build it yourself and learn.
Complete electronics design
Requires soldering & assembly
3D print files included
Tested & Validated
Lab-Validated Performance
The bcMeter has been tested and validated against professional-grade aethalometers by independent laboratories, universities and environmental agencies.
Validated against MAAP, AE33, microAeth
Field-tested by NGOs and research institutions
Evaluated in the VMM CompAIR project
Pro & IoT
In Development
Enhanced configurations for emission monitoring and IoT integration.
3G/4G Mobile Support
PM2.5
Multi-wavelength source apportionment
Open Source – Build Your Own
The bcMeter is open source under the CC BY-NC 4.0 License. All design files are freely available to build your own for private, educational or research use.
Validated Precision
Performance comparison against established professional aethalometers.
Note: MAAP comparison was in early testing stage. Noise has since been significantly reduced.
Downloads & Getting Started
1. Download Image
2. Installation Steps
Flash: Unzip file and use Balena Etcher to write .img to 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
December 2025
Numerous software bugs in the bcMeter’s frontend and backend have been fixed. It is recommended to download the new image file for microSD-Cards below and do a fresh installation after backing up your logs (and config, if needed).
The multi-wavelength bcMeter release date has been rescheduled due to parallel workload from freelance activities.
May 2025
Time goes by and just like that the planning for bcMeter began 5 years ago. Since then, components and availabilities have changed a LOT. And so have our needs and yours – current development focuses on sampling 2–3 wavelengths 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, technically able to sample 8 channels. Release is planned for fall.
11.10.2024
Over the last months bcMeter was part of the VMM CompAIR project which has now concluded.
01.05.2024
Released new Board Revision 2024.2 and updated enclosure for 3D printing – major improvements in accuracy, usability and interface.
28.11.2023
Great news! The VMM (Flanders Environment Agency) decided to support the further development of the bcMeter for improved accuracy and usability. New revision planned for early 2024.
27.02.2023
New update uploaded to Github! The main concern was 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 open-source black carbon measurement project! Thanks to DUH (Environmental Action Germany).
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