Difference between revisions of "Setup"

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(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)
(Update bcMeter ESP32 interface documentation and terminology (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.

Revision as of 21:58, 2 May 2026

Setup & Initialization

Hardware Requirements

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

Initial Device Setup

Before starting measurements:

  1. Place the device away from direct heat sources and sunlight (thermal drift affects optical measurements).
  2. Insert a fresh filter paper (marked side facing up — see Filter Change Procedure).
  3. 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).

  1. Plug in the device.
  2. Wait approximately 2 minutes for the system to boot.
  3. On your phone or computer, search for a WiFi network whose name starts with bcMeter or eBcMeter.
  4. If asked, connect using the password bcMeterbcMeter (case sensitive). Recent ESP32 devices may create an open setup hotspot and will not ask for a password.
  5. Your phone may warn "No Internet Connection." This is normal. Select "Keep Connected" if prompted. Do not choose "use mobile data."
  6. Open a browser and type http://bcmeter-XXXX.local (where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the MAC address, e.g. bcmeter-A3AB) or http://192.168.18.8.

The 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-phase welcome screen that guides you through the essential setup.

Phase 1: Connect

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.
  • 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.

The email step offers "Skip for now" and "Don't show again". The WiFi step offers "Back" and "Skip".

Phase 2: Calibrate & Share

After connecting to WiFi (or if WiFi was already configured), the second screen ("Almost there") appears:

  • 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.

The calibration/sharing phase has "Skip for now" and "Don't show again" options at the bottom.

Tip: The welcome screen will reappear on each visit until setup is complete or you choose "Don't show again."

Important: Run calibration after successful configuration.

Connecting to Wireless Network

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

  1. Navigate to Settings > Network tab.
  2. Select your network from the list. For hidden networks, choose "Enter manually" and type the SSID yourself.
  3. Enter your WiFi key and click Connect.
  4. The setup hotspot disconnects while the device joins the selected network. Reconnect your computer to your normal WiFi.
  5. 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. The default hostname follows the pattern bcmeter-XXXX (or ebcmeter-XXXX for emission devices), where XXXX are the last 4 hex characters of the device's MAC address. For example:

  • Standard device: http://bcmeter-A3AB.local
  • Emission control version: http://ebcmeter-A3AB.local

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 .local 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 .local address. On macOS, you may also need to grant permission for your browser to access LAN devices.

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.

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