Setup

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:

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 named bcMeter or eBcMeter.
4. Connect using the password: bcMeterbcMeter (case sensitive).
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.local 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 welcome screen that guides you through three steps:

1. Install a clean filter — Place a fresh quartz filter in the holder.
2. Calibrate — Perform a baseline reading with the clean filter. You can open calibration directly from here.
3. 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 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, check "Connect to hidden network" and type the SSID manually.
3. Enter your WiFi key and click Save & Connect.
4. The device will disconnect from you. Reconnect your computer to your home 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:

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

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