Open Microclimate Monitor (Temp., R.H., Press., Dew Point)
WiFi-only Version (ESP8266)
Overview
The Open Microclimate Monitor (BME280 + ESP8266) is an open‑design environmental sensing device developed within the OpenScienceMethods ecosystem. It combines temperature, relative humidity, pressure and calculated Dew Point in a single, transparent instrumentation platform.
Designed to work WiFI-only, this hardware is designed with cost in mind to support general microclimate research for education, research, and community‑led environmental action, including indoor and outdoor deployments.
Sensors used
BME280
Most BME280 variants can be used. Our preference is for the preassembled shielded variant due to cost and ease.
Generic BME280 variants can however also be used (we prefer using QWIIC connectors of the Sparkfun/Adafruit variants, though a JST 1mm connector can be soldered to generic BME280s
- Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Pressure
- Dew Point (calculated from temperature & R.H.)
Typical Use Cases
- Monitoring classroom or school air quality
- Studying ventilation effectiveness
- Community‑led air pollution monitoring
- Environmental justice and housing studies
- Student experiments linking CO₂, occupancy, and comfort
- Short‑ or long‑term indoor environmental logging
Who is this for?
This air quality monitor is suitable for:
- Educators and students
- Community groups and citizen scientists
- Researchers needing transparent instrumentation
- Public health and environmental justice initiatives
No proprietary hardware tools or closed designs are required to build or understand the system.
How can I participate?
You can participate by:
- Building and deploying the air quality monitor
- Too difficult? You may be able to borrow one instead – Get in touch
- Using your monitor in an OpenSciLogger‑supported project
- Providing feedback from real‑world use
- Proposing or contributing design improvements
Thinking about joining a current project? Get in touch with us via our contact form!