• Project Aura is an ESP32‑based DIY air quality monitor that combines a touchscreen display and industrial sensors. • It is fully integrated with the Home Assistant open-source home automation platform. • The words “DIY” and “open source” often imply manufacturing the board yourself and soldering components, but that’s not the case for Project Aura. • It’s based on off-the-shelf components connected through cables without any soldering requirements, while the enclosure can be 3D printed. • The firmware is equally easy to install through a one-click web installer. • Project Aura key components: WaveshareESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3- ESP32-S3 board with 16MB flash, 4.3-inch IPS display (800×480) with capacitive touch.
Article Summaries:
- Project Aura is an ESP32‑based air‑quality monitor that offers a 4.3‑inch capacitive touchscreen, industrial sensors (PM1‑PM10, CO₂, VOC, NOx, temperature, humidity, optional formaldehyde) and a pressure sensor, all connected via cables without soldering. The enclosure can be 3‑D printed, and the firmware installs with a one‑click web installer, providing a touch UI, MQTT discovery for Home Assistant, and multilingual support. Components are off‑the‑shelf, though the Sensirion SEN6x breakout is currently out of stock. The project is available as a pre‑assembled kit or via a $25 crowdfunding pledge that supplies STL files, a guide, and installer code. An alternative, smaller AirGradient ONE kit also exists.
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