Mike Norgate's Airlytix ES1 Is a Feature-Packed ESPHome-Powered Environmental Monitor
Housed in a compact 3D-printed chassis, the Airlytix tracks a range of air quality metrics, temperature, humidity, light, and even noise.
Software engineer and self-described "tech enthusiast and tinkerer" Mike Norgate has designed an ESPHome-based environmental monitor that aims to track a range of metrics — from temperature and air quality through to noise levels: the Airlytix ES1.
"Airlytix is a environment monitoring solution based on the ESPHome platform," Norgate explains of the device. "Designed for the health-conscious and tech-savvy homeowner, Airlytix not only tracks air quality with precision but also monitors a range of environmental factors for a truly smart living space."
The heart of the Airlytix ES1 is, of course, an Espressif ESP32 microcontroller running the ESPHome firmware, offering easy integration with the popular Home Assistant smart home platform and integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. Within its 3D-printed housing — STEP and STL files for which have been released under an unspecified license — are a range of sensors, going beyond the usual selection you'd find in an air quality monitor.
There are sensors for temperature and humidity, naturally, along with a particulate matter sensor for PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10 particle sizes, a gas sensor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and another for carbon dioxide levels — often chosen to trigger ventilation systems or crack open a powered window in occupied rooms. There's also a barometric pressure sensor, which can be used to provide information about upcoming changes in the weather.
The Airlytix ES1 also includes sensors that veer away from the norm, too: there's an ambient light sensor, which Norgate points out can be used to automate home lighting systems to reduce energy usage, and a sound level sensor — tracking noise levels over time.
Norgate is selling the Airlytix ES1 via Tindie, priced at $134.95 as a kit; an additional $10.80 includes a 3D-printed case, while another $10.80 on top will see everything assembled for you ahead of shipping. More information is available on the Airlytix website.