Setup - Revision history

Bcmwiki: Polish English manual/wiki wording

2026-05-02T20:15:56Z

Polish English manual/wiki wording

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:15, 2 May 2026
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	=== Hardware Requirements ===		=== Hardware Requirements ===

	'''~~Power Supply is Critical~~:''' ~~The~~ most common ~~cause~~ of ~~instability (wireless disconnects,~~ random reboots~~) is an inadequate power supply~~.		'''Use a stable power supply:''' Weak adapters and voltage drops are the most common causes of WiFi dropouts and random reboots.

	* ESP32 bcMeter V2: use a ~~high-quality~~ '''12V / 2A''' power adapter.		* ESP32 bcMeter V2: use a suitable '''12V / 2A''' power adapter.
	* Raspberry Pi based development devices: use a ~~high-quality~~ '''5V / 2.5A''' power adapter.		* Raspberry Pi based development devices: use a suitable '''5V / 2.5A''' power adapter.
	* Use a '''short, ~~high~~-~~quality~~ cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables ~~cause~~ voltage ~~drops that can crash~~ the device when the pump starts.		* Use a '''short, low-resistance cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables can drop enough voltage to reboot the device when the pump starts.

	=== Initial Device Setup ===		=== Initial Device Setup ===
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	# Place the device '''away from direct heat sources and sunlight''' (thermal drift affects optical measurements).		# Place the device '''away from direct heat sources and sunlight''' (thermal drift affects optical measurements).
	# Insert a fresh filter paper ('''marked side facing up''' — see [[Maintenance#Filter Change Procedure\|Filter Change Procedure]]).		# Insert a fresh filter paper ('''marked side facing up''' — see [[Maintenance#Filter Change Procedure\|Filter Change Procedure]]).
	# If using a rugged case: ~~ensure~~ the hose from bcMeter to the ~~environment~~ is firmly inserted and ~~free of obstructions~~.		# If using a rugged case: check that the hose from bcMeter to the outside air is firmly inserted and not blocked.

	=== Connecting via Hotspot ===		=== Connecting via Hotspot ===
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	# Plug in the device.		# Plug in the device.
	# Wait ~~approximately~~ '''2 minutes''' for the system to boot.		# Wait '''1-2 minutes''' for the system to boot.
	# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network whose name starts with '''bcMeter''' or '''eBcMeter'''.		# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network whose name starts with '''bcMeter''' or '''eBcMeter'''.
	# If asked, connect using the password <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive). Recent ESP32 devices may create an open setup hotspot and will not ask for a password.		# If asked, connect using the password <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive). Recent ESP32 devices may create an open setup hotspot and will not ask for a password.
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	=== Welcome Screen ===		=== Welcome Screen ===

	On first use, bcMeter shows a two-phase welcome screen ~~that guides you through the essential~~ setup.		On first use, bcMeter shows a two-phase welcome screen for network setup, calibration, and data sharing.

	==== Phase 1: Connect ====		==== Phase 1: Connect ====
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	The first screen ("Connect this bcMeter") covers connectivity:		The first screen ("Connect this bcMeter") covers connectivity:

	* '''Notification email''' — Enter the address where bcMeter should send status messages and alerts. ~~The~~ device can send its URL and connection details ~~after WiFi setup, making it easy~~ to ~~find on your network~~.		* '''Notification email''' — Enter the address where bcMeter should send status messages and alerts. After WiFi setup, the device can send its URL and connection details to this address.
	* '''Enable email notifications''' — Toggle to receive status updates and measurement reports.		* '''Enable email notifications''' — Toggle to receive status updates and measurement reports.
	* '''Connect to network''' — Select your network from the dropdown, click '''Scan''' to refresh, or choose '''Enter manually''' for hidden networks. Enter the WiFi password and click '''Connect'''.		* '''Connect to network''' — Select your network from the dropdown, click '''Scan''' to refresh, or choose '''Enter manually''' for hidden networks. Enter the WiFi password and click '''Connect'''.
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	* '''Install a clean filter''' — Place a fresh quartz filter in the holder.		* '''Install a clean filter''' — Place a fresh quartz filter in the holder.
	* '''Calibrate''' — Perform a baseline reading. Click "Start calibration →" to open the calibration dialog directly.		* '''Calibrate''' — Perform a baseline reading. Click "Start calibration →" to open the calibration dialog directly.
	* '''Data sharing''' — ~~The bcMeter project relies on shared~~ measurements to build ~~a global~~ black carbon map. You can choose:		* '''Data sharing''' — Shared measurements help build the bcMeter black carbon map. You can choose:
	** '''Get Started & Share Data''' — Enables anonymous data sharing for the project.		** '''Get Started & Share Data''' — Enables anonymous data sharing for the project.
	** '''Get Started without Sharing''' — Proceeds without sharing. You can change this later in Settings.		** '''Get Started without Sharing''' — Proceeds without sharing. You can change this later in Settings.
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	'''Tip:''' The welcome screen will reappear on each visit until setup is complete or you choose "Don't show again."		'''Tip:''' The welcome screen will reappear on each visit until setup is complete or you choose "Don't show again."

	'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration\|calibration]] after ~~successful configuration~~.		'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration\|calibration]] after setup.

	=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===		=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===
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	=== Accessing the Interface ===		=== Accessing the Interface ===

	~~Once~~ on your ~~home~~ network, ~~access the device using its~~ hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices), where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the device's MAC address. For example:		When the device is on your network, open it by hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices), where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the device's MAC address. For example:

	* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>		* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>
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	=== Connection Lost ===		=== Connection Lost ===

	If the browser loses contact with the device (~~e.g., the device reboots~~ or ~~the~~ network ~~drops~~), a "Connection Lost" overlay appears. The interface ~~will automatically attempt~~ to reconnect ~~and resume normal operation once~~ the device is reachable again.		If the browser loses contact with the device (for example during a reboot or network drop), a "Connection Lost" overlay appears. The interface keeps trying to reconnect until the device is reachable again.

Bcmwiki: Update bcMeter ESP32 interface documentation and terminology (May 2026)

2026-05-02T19:58:43Z

Update bcMeter ESP32 interface documentation and terminology (May 2026)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 2 May 2026
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	== Setup & Initialization ==		== Setup & Initialization ==

	=== ~~Power Supply is Critical~~ ===		=== Hardware Requirements ===

	The most common cause of instability (wireless disconnects, random reboots) is an inadequate power supply.		'''Power Supply is Critical:''' The most common cause of instability (wireless disconnects, random reboots) is an inadequate power supply.

	* ~~Use~~ a high-quality power adapter. '''2.5A''' ~~should be the rated supply~~.		* ESP32 bcMeter V2: use a high-quality '''12V / 2A''' power adapter.
			* Raspberry Pi based development devices: use a high-quality '''5V / 2.5A''' power adapter.
	* Use a '''short, high-quality cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables cause voltage drops that can crash the device when the pump starts.		* Use a '''short, high-quality cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables cause voltage drops that can crash the device when the pump starts.

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	# Plug in the device.		# Plug in the device.
	# Wait approximately '''~~1–2~~ minutes''' for the system to boot.		# Wait approximately '''2 minutes''' for the system to boot.
	# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network ~~named~~ '''bcMeter''' (or '''eBcMeter''').		# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network whose name starts with '''bcMeter''' or '''eBcMeter'''.
	#: '''Apple users:''' If already connected to another WiFi, the bcMeter hotspot will appear under "Other Networks" submenu. macOS may take up to a minute to scan for new networks. Keep the network dropdown open.		# If asked, connect using the password <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive). Recent ESP32 devices may create an open setup hotspot and will not ask for a password.
	# If asked, connect using the password: <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive). ~~For recent hardware revisions,~~ a password ~~is not needed~~.
	# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."		# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."
	# ~~The device tries to open the page automatically when it is in configuration mode. If it does not happen, open~~ a browser and type <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code> ~~into the address bar~~.		# Open a browser and type <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-XXXX.local</nowiki></code> (where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the MAC address, e.g. <code>bcmeter-A3AB</code>) or <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code>.

	The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen\|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.		The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen\|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.

			'''Apple users:''' If already connected to another WiFi, the bcMeter hotspot will appear under "Other Networks" submenu. macOS may take up to a minute to scan for new networks.

	=== Welcome Screen ===		=== Welcome Screen ===

	On first use, bcMeter shows a two-~~step~~ welcome ~~wizard~~ that guides you through the essential setup.		On first use, bcMeter shows a two-phase welcome screen that guides you through the essential setup.

			==== Phase 1: Connect ====

			The first screen ("Connect this bcMeter") covers connectivity:

	'''~~Step 1: Your~~ email'''		* '''Notification email''' — Enter the address where bcMeter should send status messages and alerts. The device can send its URL and connection details after WiFi setup, making it easy to find on your network.
			* '''Enable email notifications''' — Toggle to receive status updates and measurement reports.
			* '''Connect to network''' — Select your network from the dropdown, click '''Scan''' to refresh, or choose '''Enter manually''' for hidden networks. Enter the WiFi password and click '''Connect'''.

	~~Enter your~~ email ~~address~~. ~~After successfully connecting to a~~ WiFi~~, the bcMeter will send an email with the device link~~ and ~~connection details to the given address. This address is also used for daily measurement reports (make sure to also check spam folders)~~.		The email step offers "Skip for now" and "Don't show again". The WiFi step offers "Back" and "Skip".

	~~'''Step~~ 2: ~~Connect to WiFi'''~~		==== Phase 2: Calibrate & Share ====

	~~Select your~~ WiFi ~~network from the dropdown~~, ~~enter~~ the ~~password, and click '''Connect'''. The device hostname~~ (~~e.g. <code>bcmeter-0110.local</code>~~) ~~is shown in the captive-portal note — you may copy/bookmark it to access your device later on your local network.~~		After connecting to WiFi (or if WiFi was already configured), the second screen ("Almost there") appears:

	~~After connecting,~~ the ~~device hotspot turns off and bcMeter joins your network~~. ~~Check your email for~~ the ~~interface link~~. ~~If you do not want~~ to ~~set up WiFi or your device has~~ a ~~4G modem, you~~ can ~~also~~ choose '''~~Skip: use 4G only~~''' ~~to skip WiFi setup entirely~~.		* '''Install a clean filter''' — Place a fresh quartz filter in the holder.
			* '''Calibrate''' — Perform a baseline reading. Click "Start calibration →" to open the calibration dialog directly.
			* '''Data sharing''' — The bcMeter project relies on shared measurements to build a global black carbon map. You can choose:
			** '''Get Started & Share Data''' — Enables anonymous data sharing for the project.
			** '''Get Started without Sharing''' — Proceeds without sharing. You can change this later in Settings.

	~~'''Tip:''' You can skip the welcome screen~~ and ~~configure everything later in Settings. It will appear again until you complete setup or choose~~ "Don't show again."		The calibration/sharing phase has "Skip for now" and "Don't show again" options at the bottom.

	'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration\|calibration]] after successful configuration. ~~(This already happened if you ordered the device over the website. It is important if you ever reset the device.)~~		'''Tip:''' The welcome screen will reappear on each visit until setup is complete or you choose "Don't show again."

			'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration\|calibration]] after successful configuration.

	=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===		=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===
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	# Navigate to '''Settings''' > '''Network''' tab.		# Navigate to '''Settings''' > '''Network''' tab.
	# Select your network from the list. For hidden networks, ~~check~~ "~~Connect to hidden network~~" and type the SSID ~~manually~~.		# Select your network from the list. For hidden networks, choose "Enter manually" and type the SSID yourself.
	# Enter your WiFi key and click '''Connect'''.		# Enter your WiFi key and click '''Connect'''.
	# The device ~~will disconnect from you~~. Reconnect your computer to your ~~home~~ WiFi.		# The setup hotspot disconnects while the device joins the selected network. Reconnect your computer to your normal WiFi.
	# Wait 1–2 minutes for the device to join your network.		# Wait 1–2 minutes for the device to join your network.

	~~The~~ Network ~~tab also lets you configure the device hotspot. Enable '''Run hotspot when no WiFi available''' so the device creates its own access point as a fallback. You can optionally protect~~ the ~~hotspot with a WPA2 key.~~		Click "Forget Network" in the Network tab to disconnect from the stored network and force the device to create its hotspot again.

	~~Click '''Forget~~ Network~~'''~~ to disconnect from the stored network and force the device to create its hotspot again.

	=== Accessing the Interface ===		=== Accessing the Interface ===

	Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices). For example:		Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices), where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the device's MAC address. For example:

	* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>		* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>
	* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>		* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>

	The exact hostname is shown on the device label and in the Welcome email. You can rename the device in Settings > Device > Device Name.		The exact hostname is shown on the device label and in the Welcome screen email. You can rename the device in Settings > Device > Device Name.

			'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface.

			'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP (not HTTPS), which triggers browser warnings. This is expected — the device runs locally on your network with no public internet connection. You must explicitly allow access to the device's <code>.local</code> address. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices.

	'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface or directly use the IP address which the device sent to you by the first mail.		=== Connection Lost ===

	~~'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP~~ (~~not HTTPS)~~, ~~which may trigger browser warnings. This is expected —~~ the device ~~runs locally on your~~ network ~~with no public internet connection~~. ~~You may have to explicitly allow access~~ to the device~~'s <code>.local</code> address. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices. Encryption~~ is ~~neither possible nor needed and it does not pose any known security risk to your network~~.		If the browser loses contact with the device (e.g., the device reboots or the network drops), a "Connection Lost" overlay appears. The interface will automatically attempt to reconnect and resume normal operation once the device is reachable again.

Bcmwiki: Sync with updated manual: 2-step welcome wizard, updated power requirements, hotspot password note for recent hardware, updated browser security note, added 4G skip option, updated tips

2026-03-31T17:42:54Z

Sync with updated manual: 2-step welcome wizard, updated power requirements, hotspot password note for recent hardware, updated browser security note, added 4G skip option, updated tips

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 31 March 2026
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	== Setup & Initialization ==		== Setup & Initialization ==

	=== ~~Hardware Requirements~~ ===		=== Power Supply is Critical ===

	~~'''Power Supply is Critical:'''~~ The most common cause of instability (wireless disconnects, random reboots) is an inadequate power supply.		The most common cause of instability (wireless disconnects, random reboots) is an inadequate power supply.

	* Use a high-quality '''~~5V /~~ 2.5A''' ~~power adapter~~.		* Use a high-quality power adapter. '''2.5A''' should be the rated supply.
	* Use a '''short, high-quality ~~USB~~ cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables cause voltage drops that can crash the device when the pump starts.		* Use a '''short, high-quality cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables cause voltage drops that can crash the device when the pump starts.

	=== Initial Device Setup ===		=== Initial Device Setup ===
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	# Plug in the device.		# Plug in the device.
	# Wait approximately '''2 minutes''' for the system to boot.		# Wait approximately '''1–2 minutes''' for the system to boot.
	# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network named '''bcMeter''' or '''eBcMeter'''.		# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network named '''bcMeter''' (or '''eBcMeter''').
	# ~~Connect~~ using the password: <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive).		#: '''Apple users:''' If already connected to another WiFi, the bcMeter hotspot will appear under "Other Networks" submenu. macOS may take up to a minute to scan for new networks. Keep the network dropdown open.
			# If asked, connect using the password: <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive). For recent hardware revisions, a password is not needed.
	# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."		# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."
	# ~~Open~~ a browser and type ~~<code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-XXXX.local</nowiki></code> (where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the MAC address, e.g. <code>bcmeter-A3AB</code>) or~~ <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code>.		# The device tries to open the page automatically when it is in configuration mode. If it does not happen, open a browser and type <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code> into the address bar.

	The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen\|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.		The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen\|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.

	~~'''Apple users:''' If already connected to another WiFi~~, ~~the~~ bcMeter ~~hotspot will appear under "Other Networks" submenu. macOS may take up to~~ a ~~minute to scan for new networks~~.		=== Welcome Screen ===

			On first use, bcMeter shows a two-step welcome wizard that guides you through the essential setup.

	~~=== Welcome Screen ===~~		'''Step 1: Your email'''

	~~On first use~~, bcMeter ~~shows a welcome screen that guides you through three steps:~~		Enter your email address. After successfully connecting to a WiFi, the bcMeter will send an email with the device link and connection details to the given address. This address is also used for daily measurement reports (make sure to also check spam folders).

	# '''~~Install a clean filter''' — Place a fresh quartz filter in the holder.~~		'''Step 2: Connect to WiFi'''
	~~# '''Calibrate''' — Perform a baseline reading with the clean filter. You can open calibration directly from here.~~
	~~# '''Get connected~~''' ~~— Enter your email address and select your WiFi network. bcMeter will send you the interface link after connecting, and deliver daily measurement reports to this address.~~

	Select your WiFi network from the dropdown ~~and~~ enter the ~~WiFi key~~. ~~Optionally enable or disable daily measurement reports and data sharing~~.		Select your WiFi network from the dropdown, enter the password, and click '''Connect'''. The device hostname (e.g. <code>bcmeter-0110.local</code>) is shown in the captive-portal note — you may copy/bookmark it to access your device later on your local network.

	~~Click '''Get Started''' to save settings and connect to WiFi. The~~ device hotspot ~~will turn~~ off and bcMeter joins your network. Check your email for the interface link.		After connecting, the device hotspot turns off and bcMeter joins your network. Check your email for the interface link. If you do not want to set up WiFi or your device has a 4G modem, you can also choose '''Skip: use 4G only''' to skip WiFi setup entirely.

	'''Tip:''' You can skip the welcome screen and configure everything later in Settings. It will appear again until you complete setup or choose "Don't show again."		'''Tip:''' You can skip the welcome screen and configure everything later in Settings. It will appear again until you complete setup or choose "Don't show again."

	'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration\|calibration]] after successful configuration.		'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration\|calibration]] after successful configuration. (This already happened if you ordered the device over the website. It is important if you ever reset the device.)

	=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===		=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===
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	# Navigate to '''Settings''' > '''Network''' tab.		# Navigate to '''Settings''' > '''Network''' tab.
	# Select your network from the list. For hidden networks, check "Connect to hidden network" and type the SSID manually.		# Select your network from the list. For hidden networks, check "Connect to hidden network" and type the SSID manually.
	# Enter your WiFi key and click '''~~Save &~~ Connect'''.		# Enter your WiFi key and click '''Connect'''.
	# The device will disconnect from you. Reconnect your computer to your home WiFi.		# The device will disconnect from you. Reconnect your computer to your home WiFi.
	# Wait 1–2 minutes for the device to join your network.		# Wait 1–2 minutes for the device to join your network.

	Click "Forget Network~~" in the Network tab~~ to disconnect from the stored network and force the device to create its hotspot again.		The Network tab also lets you configure the device hotspot. Enable '''Run hotspot when no WiFi available''' so the device creates its own access point as a fallback. You can optionally protect the hotspot with a WPA2 key.

			Click '''Forget Network''' to disconnect from the stored network and force the device to create its hotspot again.

	=== Accessing the Interface ===		=== Accessing the Interface ===

	Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices)~~, where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the device's MAC address~~. For example:		Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices). For example:

	* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>		* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>
	* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>		* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>

	The exact hostname is shown on the device label and in the Welcome ~~screen~~ email. You can rename the device in Settings > Device > Device Name.		The exact hostname is shown on the device label and in the Welcome email. You can rename the device in Settings > Device > Device Name.

	'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface.		'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface or directly use the IP address which the device sent to you by the first mail.

	'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP (not HTTPS), which ~~triggers~~ browser warnings. This is expected — the device runs locally on your network with no public internet connection. You ~~must~~ explicitly allow access to the device's <code>.local</code> address. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices.		'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP (not HTTPS), which may trigger browser warnings. This is expected — the device runs locally on your network with no public internet connection. You may have to explicitly allow access to the device's <code>.local</code> address. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices. Encryption is neither possible nor needed and it does not pose any known security risk to your network.

Bcmwiki: Fix hostname: bcmeter-XXXX.local (last 4 hex chars of MAC)

2026-03-08T18:38:55Z

Fix hostname: bcmeter-XXXX.local (last 4 hex chars of MAC)

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 8 March 2026
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	# Connect using the password: <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive).		# Connect using the password: <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive).
	# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."		# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."
	# Open a browser and type <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter.local</nowiki></code> or <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code>.		# Open a browser and type <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-XXXX.local</nowiki></code> (where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the MAC address, e.g. <code>bcmeter-A3AB</code>) or <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code>.

	The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen\|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.		The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen\|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.
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	=== Accessing the Interface ===		=== Accessing the Interface ===

	Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname:		Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname. The default hostname follows the pattern <code>bcmeter-XXXX</code> (or <code>ebcmeter-XXXX</code> for emission devices), where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the device's MAC address. For example:

	* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter.local</nowiki></code>		* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>
	* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter.local</nowiki></code>		* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter-A3AB.local</nowiki></code>

			The exact hostname is shown on the device label and in the Welcome screen email. You can rename the device in Settings > Device > Device Name.

	'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface.		'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface.

	'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP (not HTTPS), which triggers browser warnings. This is expected — the device runs locally on your network with no public internet connection. You must explicitly allow access to <code>~~bcmeter~~.local</code>. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices.		'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP (not HTTPS), which triggers browser warnings. This is expected — the device runs locally on your network with no public internet connection. You must explicitly allow access to the device's <code>.local</code> address. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices.

Bcmwiki: Wiki update: sync with manual and dev docs (2026-03)

2026-03-08T13:10:45Z

Wiki update: sync with manual and dev docs (2026-03)

New page

== Setup & Initialization ==

=== Hardware Requirements ===

'''Power Supply is Critical:''' The most common cause of instability (wireless disconnects, random reboots) is an inadequate power supply.

* Use a high-quality '''5V / 2.5A''' power adapter.
* Use a '''short, high-quality USB cable''' (ideally under 40 cm). Long or thin cables cause voltage drops that can crash the device when the pump starts.

=== Initial Device Setup ===

Before starting measurements:

# Place the device '''away from direct heat sources and sunlight''' (thermal drift affects optical measurements).
# Insert a fresh filter paper ('''marked side facing up''' — see [[Maintenance#Filter Change Procedure|Filter Change Procedure]]).
# If using a rugged case: ensure the hose from bcMeter to the environment is firmly inserted and free of obstructions.

=== Connecting via Hotspot ===

The device creates its own WiFi network automatically on first boot, or when no known network is available. It can also be forced via Settings (Hotspot Mode).

# Plug in the device.
# Wait approximately '''2 minutes''' for the system to boot.
# On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network named '''bcMeter''' or '''eBcMeter'''.
# Connect using the password: <code>bcMeterbcMeter</code> (case sensitive).
# Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." '''This is normal.''' Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."
# Open a browser and type <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter.local</nowiki></code> or <code><nowiki>http://192.168.18.8</nowiki></code>.

The '''[[Setup#Welcome Screen|Welcome Screen]]''' will appear on first use.

'''Apple users:''' If already connected to another WiFi, the bcMeter hotspot will appear under "Other Networks" submenu. macOS may take up to a minute to scan for new networks.

=== Welcome Screen ===

On first use, bcMeter shows a welcome screen that guides you through three steps:

# '''Install a clean filter''' — Place a fresh quartz filter in the holder.
# '''Calibrate''' — Perform a baseline reading with the clean filter. You can open calibration directly from here.
# '''Get connected''' — Enter your email address and select your WiFi network. bcMeter will send you the interface link after connecting, and deliver daily measurement reports to this address.

Select your WiFi network from the dropdown and enter the WiFi key. Optionally enable or disable daily measurement reports and data sharing.

Click '''Get Started''' to save settings and connect to WiFi. The device hotspot will turn off and bcMeter joins your network. Check your email for the interface link.

'''Tip:''' You can skip the welcome screen and configure everything later in Settings. It will appear again until you complete setup or choose "Don't show again."

'''Important:''' Run [[Maintenance#Calibration|calibration]] after successful configuration.

=== Connecting to Wireless Network ===

If you skipped WiFi setup on the welcome screen, or need to change your network later:

# Navigate to '''Settings''' > '''Network''' tab.
# Select your network from the list. For hidden networks, check "Connect to hidden network" and type the SSID manually.
# Enter your WiFi key and click '''Save & Connect'''.
# The device will disconnect from you. Reconnect your computer to your home WiFi.
# Wait 1–2 minutes for the device to join your network.

Click "Forget Network" in the Network tab to disconnect from the stored network and force the device to create its hotspot again.

=== Accessing the Interface ===

Once on your home network, access the device using its hostname:

* Standard device: <code><nowiki>http://bcmeter.local</nowiki></code>
* Emission control version: <code><nowiki>http://ebcmeter.local</nowiki></code>

'''Tip:''' If <code>.local</code> addresses do not work (common on some Windows networks or older routers), find the device's IP address in your router's administration interface.

'''Browser Security Warnings:''' The bcMeter web server uses HTTP (not HTTPS), which triggers browser warnings. This is expected — the device runs locally on your network with no public internet connection. You must explicitly allow access to <code>bcmeter.local</code>. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices.