Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I know when my sensor has run out of sampling tape and it needs to be replaced?
Enable “Tape Out” notifications in the Particle Sense app. You can configure push notifications on your mobile device or have an email sent to you when the sensor reports No Tape. The status of the sensor is also reported to the Pollen Sense Portal. - How long does it take for the media cartridge (tape cassette) in the sensor to run out?
The lifetime of a media cartridge is on average 2 months, but can be range from 1-3 months depending on the concentration of the particulate it samples. Higher concentrations lead to a shorter lifetime. - How can I view the images/data produced by the Pollen Sense sensor?
Images and data are viewable via the Pollen Sense Portal through the “Organization” tab. With this tab open, click on “Sites” to the left of the screen and select the Site you wish to review. - How long does it take for the sensor to start reporting data once it has been assigned to a Site and begun sampling?
The sensor has an approximate 1.5 hour latency depending on the concentration of the particulate it samples and the strength of the network your sensor is connected to. - What are the cellular data requirements?
Generally, 5mpbs (megabits per second) connection speed should be sufficient, though 10mbps or higher is recommended. Note that Pollen Sense Support may struggle to assist you with your sensor if the minimums are not achieved. Total monthly data consumption is typically 27-33GB. - What is the power consumption?
The APS-400 is 10 watts average and 15 watts peak. - What is the data format and output generated by the Pollen Sense sensor?
The data are reported in particles (pollen grains, spores, etc.) per cubic meter (PPM3).
Data can be accessed via API and Portal, and the Particle Sense app. Data can be exported from the Portal via CSV. - What time zone is the data reported in?
Any data viewed directly in the portal will be shown in the Local Time of your computer. Downloaded (CSV) data are in UTC. - Where can I find technical details on the sensor such as airflow rate or magnification specifications?
Technical data related to the sensor can be found at the Sensor Datasheet page. - Am I able to make corrections to tagged particles in frames?
Yes, you are able to make corrections to tagged particles in frames captured by your sensor. Open the sensor’s Manage page and select “Frames” on the left side of the screen. Open the frame you wish to correct, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select “Correct Detector.” Be sure to save any changes before closing the page.
If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please reach out via email to support@pollensense.com.