Media Cartridge Installation Guide

Overview

This article explains how to replace the media cartridge in a Pollen Sense APS-400 sensor. Follow these steps to safely stop sampling, remove the old media cartridge, install the new cartridge, and update the cartridge status in the Particle Sense app.

Before You Begin

You will need:

• Your APS-400 sensor
• Access to the Particle Sense app
• A replacement media cartridge
• The return shipping label and box, which is the same box the new media cartridge came in, for sending the old cartridge back to Pollen Sense

Step 1: Turn Off Sample Collection

1. Open the Particle Sense app.
2. Find the APS-400 sensor that you are changing the cartridge for.
3. Toggle Collect Samples to the Off position.
4. Wait until you hear the fan turn off.
5. Once the fan has stopped, unplug and power off the APS-400 sensor.

Step 2: Open the APS-400 Sensor

1. After the sensor has fully powered off, locate the latch on the right side of the sensor.
2. Release the latch.
3. Open the lid of the sensor.

Inside the sensor, you will see a yellow thumbscrew holding the media cartridge in place.

Step 3: Remove the Yellow Thumbscrew

1. Locate the yellow thumbscrew inside the sensor.
2. Turn the thumbscrew counterclockwise.
3. Remove the thumbscrew completely.

Set the thumbscrew aside in a safe place. You will need to reinstall it before securing the new cartridge.

Step 4: Remove the Old Media Cartridge

1. Place the index and middle finger of your right hand on the cartridge spool.
2. Place your left hand on the tape guide.
3. Rest both thumbs on the silver part of the tape drive assembly.
4. Carefully pull the cartridge out of the sensor.

You should feel a distinct click as the cartridge releases. Once the cartridge is free, pull the media cartridge completely out of the APS-400 sensor.

Step 5: Save the Box and Return Label from the New Cartridge

After unpacking the new media cartridge, make sure to keep the box it came in and the return shipping label included with it.

You will use that same box and return shipping label to ship the old media cartridge back to Pollen Sense.

Step 6: Check the Tape on the New Media Cartridge

During shipping, the tape on the media cartridge may become slightly unwound.

If the tape has become loose:

1. Rewrap the tape around the guide.
2. Tighten the tape by rotating the spool clockwise.
3. Make sure the tape is properly aligned.
4. Remove any slack before installing the cartridge.

Do not install the cartridge until the tape is aligned and the slack has been removed.

Step 7: Install the New Media Cartridge

1. Slide the new media cartridge into place inside the APS-400 sensor.
2. Before snapping the cartridge fully into place, reinstall the yellow thumbscrew.
3. Once the yellow thumbscrew is in place, firmly push on the tape cartridge until you feel it snap into place.

Step 8: Close and Power On the Sensor

1. Close the lid of the APS-400 sensor.
2. Latch the lid securely.
3. Plug the sensor back in.
4. Wait for the sensor to fully power on before continuing.

At this point, the physical portion of the cartridge replacement process is complete.

Step 9: Update the Cartridge Status in the Particle Sense App

Once the sensor has powered on:

1. Open the Particle Sense app again.
2. Tap Replace Sampling Media.
3. Verify that the correct cartridge condition is selected:
   • Select New if you are installing a new cartridge.
   • Select Used if you are reinstalling a used cartridge.
4. If you are installing a new cartridge, select New and tap Update.

If you are reinstalling a used cartridge, visit support.pollensense.com and view the Installing a Partially Used Cartridge article in the knowledge base.

Step 10: Turn Sample Collection Back On

1. In the Particle Sense app, toggle Collect Samples back to the On position.
2. Wait until you hear the fan turn on again.

Hearing the fan turn on confirms that the APS-400 sensor is actively sampling again.

You’re Finished

You have successfully updated the media cartridge in your Pollen Sense APS-400 sensor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I replace the media cartridge in an APS-400 sensor?

To replace the media cartridge in an APS-400 sensor, turn off Collect Samples in the Particle Sense app, wait for the fan to stop, power off the sensor, open the lid, remove the yellow thumbscrew, remove the old cartridge, install the new cartridge, reinstall the thumbscrew, close the lid, power the sensor back on, and update the cartridge status in the Particle Sense app.

Do I need to turn off Collect Samples before replacing the APS-400 media cartridge?

Yes. Always toggle Collect Samples to the Off position in the Particle Sense app before replacing the media cartridge. Wait until the fan turns off before unplugging or opening the sensor.

What should I do if the tape on the new media cartridge is loose?

If the tape becomes unwound during shipping, rewrap the tape around the guide and rotate the spool clockwise to tighten it. Make sure the tape is properly aligned and that all slack has been removed before installing the cartridge.

What should I do with the old media cartridge?

Keep the box and return shipping label that came with the new media cartridge. Use that same box and label to ship the old media cartridge back to Pollen Sense.

What cartridge condition should I choose in the Particle Sense app?

Choose New if you are installing a new cartridge. Choose Used only if you are reinstalling a used cartridge. For used cartridges, refer to the Installing a Partially Used Cartridge article at support.pollensense.com.

Why is the fan not running after I replace the media cartridge?

If the fan does not turn on after replacing the media cartridge and closing the lid, unplug the APS-400 sensor and plug it back in. This will reboot the sensor and restart the sampling service.

How do I know the APS-400 sensor is sampling again?

After turning Collect Samples back on in the Particle Sense app, wait until you hear the fan turn on. This confirms that the sensor is sampling again.