Build instructions – BME280 ESP32 (WiFi & BT)

Please note this version is slightly more expensive than the Wifi-only version (~£38 vs £22). This version (with BT) can require no soldering.

Instructions in draft form. Please check back soon for updated instructions or sign up for our RSS feed to be notified.

Instruction outline

Click to jump to section:

  1. Preparation
  2. Solder connections
  3. Upload the firmware and test sensors/connection
  4. prepare enclosure
  5. Get researching!

1. Preparation

1a. Sign up to OpenScienceMethods

To sign up, please go to our registration page.

Depending on how you want to use the device, you will either need to:

  1. Register your logger’s MAC
  2. Sign up for API access

1b. Buy required equipment

The equipment list below is indicative of what we used and not a recommendation. Prices vary (and can be cheaper if soldering components/wires directly)

Core components:

  • Adafruit Huzzah32 V2 (ESP32) (~£20)
  • Qwiic connector (i.e. 4-pin male JST 1mm pitch cable ~£1)
  • BME280 (~£12 for cable version, e.g. eBay, ~£2 for generic version)

If using on the go:

  • Enclosure (~£6 *The enclosure we bought with a very snug fit is the 50x65x55mm here)
  • Cable gland (~30p each, e.g. 13.5mm gland, £2.89 for 10 on eBay)
  • If using on-the-go: LiPo battery. Use a multimeter to check polarity as they sometimes have different polarity (+/- terminals)! Price is size dependent (~£3-8) – ensure it fits into your enclosure.

Recommended tools:

  • Soldering iron
  • Electric tape
  • Multimeter
  • USB-C cable
  • A drill

2. Solder connections

Solder the QWIIC cable connections to your BME280

  • 3.3V → 3V3
  • GND → GND (recommend nearest the “boot” button)
  • SDA → SDA
  • SCL → SCL

3. Upload firmware and test connection

Connect the logger to a computer via USB then upload the firmware using the web uploader below (requires Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser)

Check sensor data over Serial

Connect the sensors (remember to unplug before connecting the sensors!) then reconnect the USB

You will then need to programme the loggers settings by entering the commands and sending to the device



  









4. Prepare enclosure





Disclaimer: the below demonstrates how we prepare our own enclosures and does not constitute recommendation or advice. We take no responsibility for any injury or damage.  Please ensure you adopt an approach in-keeping with your/your students’ age and skill level and ensure that you are using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and taking the appropriate precautions. If you have any doubt, do not continue!







Position your cable gland where you might like the cable to enter your enclosure and mark.









Drill a hole for the cable gland using a drill and appropriate drill bit (we use a conical drill bit, taking care to measure the whole against the gland every so often)









Once complete, you can thread the gland through and tighten the nut from the inside.









You can then thread your BME280 cable through, and connect to your ESP32









Connect your battery, close your enclosure (being careful not to trap wires) then you’re ready to get researching!












5. Get researching!





Use the Open Science BME280 logger to measure and report air quality in the environment.





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