Installation and Setup - BlueSky Monitor FAQs

Installation and Setup

What tools are needed to install the BlueSky^TM Air Quality Monitor?
What screws should I use to mount the BlueSky^TM monitor’s bracket?
Where can I find detailed instructions on how I setup BlueSky^TM air quality monitor?
Can I mount my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor facing direct sunlight?
Can my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor be mounted outdoors exposed to rain?
Can I mount my BlueSky^TM air quailty monitor in the shade in the porch of my house or office?
Do I have to install an SD card to run my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor?
How do I install an SD card in my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor?
Should the SD card be formatted?
What is the maximum capacity of the SD card that I can use?
Can I mount the BlueSky^TM air quality monitor in any orientation? Are there limitations to how I install my BlueSky monitor?
Can I install my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor indoors?
Can I install the BlueSky^TM air quality monitor near heavy machinery?
Can I install my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor in locations where the monitor is exposed to the elements?
Can I install my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor on a pole/in an elevated location?
I am installing my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor in a high altitude location. Are there any problems/limitations on altitude?
I plan on installing my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor near a body of water. Are there any issues with mounting BlueSky monitors near water?
Can I use my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor power supply outdoors?
Can I use the BlueSky^TM air quality monitor power supply outdoors with an extension cord?
Can I use a different power supply outdoors for my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor?
Can I setup the BlueSky^TM air quality monitor using any of the following – PC, laptop, tablet, or phone?
Can I setup my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor without WiFi?
Can I install and setup multiple BlueSky^TM air quality monitors simultaneously?
Can I hook up a battery to my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor so I don’t need to connect it to the grid?
Can I hook up a solar panel to power my BlueSky^TM air quality monitor?
Do BlueSky^TM air quality monitors have an analog output?
Can I integrate BlueSky^TM air quality monitors into my own custom enclosure?
I am a system integrator and want to read data from the BlueSky^TM air quality monitor’s USB port. Is that possible?
The tie wraps provided by TSI are too short to wrap around the pole I want to use. What can I do?

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1. What tools are needed to install the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?

To mount your BlueSky monitor, the tools you will need will depend on which mounting method you choose – screws for flat surfaces (not supplied with the monitor), zip ties or hose clamp for poles (zip ties are supplied with the monitor, hose clamp is not supplied). Accessing the SD card and PM sensor requires a Philips screwdriver.

2. What screws should I use to mount the BlueSky monitor’s bracket?

Your BlueSky monitor’s bracket can accommodate 1/4” screws or a #10 screws. The type of screw you should use will depend on the material of the surface to which the bracket will be mounted. Check with your local hardware store to determine what is appropriate.

3. Where can I find detailed instructions on how I setup BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?

Instructions on how to set up the WiFi and install your BlueSky monitor can be found on your Quick Start Guide (included with your BlueSky monitor), and in these FAQs (see FAQ “7. How do I register my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?” and “8. How do I activate my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?” on the About BlueSky Monitors FAQ Page).

4. Can I mount my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor facing direct sunlight?

The BlueSky Air Quality Monitor is UV resistant. However, to ensure the best temperature readings, it is recommended to avoid mounting the monitor in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight could cause the monitor to heat up, which could result in elevated temperature readings.

5. Can my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor be mounted outdoors exposed to rain?

Yes, BlueSky Air Quality Monitors can be mounted in areas exposed to rain. However, best practice is to avoid locations where water could be splashed or sprayed onto the underside of the monitor.

6. Can I mount my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor in the shade in the porch of my house or office?

Yes – to ensure the best temperature readings, it is recommended to mount your BlueSky Air Quality Monitor out of direct sunlight.

7. Do I have to install an SD card to run my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?

No, the BlueSky monitor will (once setup) transmit data to our TSI Link™ Solutions via WiFi. If you want to install an SD card, it will log the data continuously – regardless of whether or not there is a connection to the internet. It is a method of data redundancy. Keep in mind, an SD card is installed at the factory and is already present in your new monitor.

8. How do I install an SD card in my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?

Installing the SD card:

Remove the two screws securing the cover on the bottom of the device and remove the white top/cover.
Insert the SD card into the card slot in the upper left corner of the main board and press until it clicks into place.
Replace the cover and reinsert the two screws.

9. Should the SD card be formatted?

Yes, the SD card must be formatted to FAT or FAT32 prior to installing it in the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor. The BlueSky monitor will not format the card.

10. What is the maximum capacity of the SD card that I can use?

BlueSky Air Quality Monitors support SDHC and SDXC cards up to 32 GB.

11. Can I mount the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor in any orientation? Are there limitations to how I install my BlueSky monitor?

Your BlueSky monitor should be mounted upright with the mounting bracket pointing down. We recommend mounting the monitor no less than 4 feet above the ground, with a preferred height of 10 feet for the best performance.

12. Can I install my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor indoors?

Yes – it functions well both indoor and outdoor. When you register and set up your BlueSky monitor, you can designate it as an outdoor air quality monitor or indoor air quality monitor.

13. Can I install the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor near heavy machinery?

Yes – BlueSky monitors can be mounted near heavy machinery.

14. Can I install my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor in locations where the monitor is exposed to the elements?

Yes - BlueSky monitors can be mounted in locations exposed to the weather. However, avoid locations where water could be splashed or sprayed onto the underside of the monitor.

15. Can I install my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor on a pole/in an elevated location?

Yes – screws, tie wraps, or hose clamps can be used to attach the monitor to a pole. We recommend mounting the monitor no less than 4 feet above the ground, with a preferred height of 10 feet for the best performance.

16. I am installing my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor in a high altitude location. Are there any problems/limitations on altitude?

Your BlueSky monitor’s PM sensor has a fan, which is a constant volume flow device and so is independent of air density changes/altitude. Also, because the PM sensor is open to atmosphere, there isn’t an issue for the fan with a change in back pressure or a change in the amount of horsepower required.

17. I plan on installing my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor near a body of water. Are there any issues with mounting BlueSky monitors near water?

No, as long as the monitor is not located where water could be splashed or sprayed onto the underside of the monitor.

18. Can I use my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor power supply outdoors?

Yes – the power supply is designed for outdoor use. Care should be taken, however, to protect the power supply from physical damage.

19. Can I use the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor power supply outdoors with an extension cord?

Yes, but ensure that the extension cord is suitable for outdoor use and that the connection to the power supply is protected from moisture.

20. Can I use a different power supply outdoors for my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?

TSI recommends using the power supply provided with the BlueSky monitor.

21. Can I setup the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor using any of the following – PC, laptop, tablet, or phone?

TSI Link™ Solutions can be accessed using any device with WiFi and a browser, without installing or using an app.

22. Can I setup my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor without WiFi?

Yes, data will be logged onto the factory installed SD card and can be downloaded manually. If setting up your BlueSky monitor without WiFi, make sure the wireless settings switch (on the bottom of the BlueSky monitor) is not in the WiFi setup position. The switch should be moved away from the settings gear icon.

23. Can I install and setup multiple BlueSky Air Quality Monitors simultaneously?

No, you have to activate each monitor individually because they each have their own serial number, but the process is easy and will not take too long.

24. Can I hook up a battery to my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor so I don’t need to connect it to the grid?

There is no battery option for BlueSky monitors at this time.

25. Can I hook up a solar panel to power my BlueSky Air Quality Monitor?

Yes - Check it out here!

26. Do BlueSky Air Quality Monitors have an analog output?

No – BlueSky monitors do not have an analog output.

27. Can I integrate BlueSky Air Quality Monitors into my own custom enclosure?

Yes, you can install your BlueSky monitor in your custom enclosure as long as the enclosure is non-metallic and care is taken to ensure adequate airflow around the sensors. Care must also be taken to ensure the interior of the enclosure does not heat up, causing inaccurate temperature readings.

28. I am a system integrator and want to read data from the BlueSky Air Quality Monitor’s USB port. Is that possible?

No – it is not possible to download data directly from the BlueSky monitor’s USB port.

29. The tie wraps provided by TSI are too short to wrap around the pole I want to use. What can I do?

Please use screws, longer tie wraps, or hose clamps.