Best Air Quality Sensor? I pull apart the Apollo AIR-1… and find four great company traits....

Summary

In this video, the presenter explores the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor, highlighting its features and the company's transparent, passionate approach. The AIR-1 integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant, is open-source, and offers a compact design with high-quality sensors. The script delves into the importance of transparency and passion in smart home device companies, while also discussing the practical applications of the multisensor in monitoring air quality, temperature, and humidity, making it a versatile tool for home automation enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🤖 The presenter introduces the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor, a product by Apollo Automation, which they will evaluate in-depth.
• 🔍 The video aims to assess not just the product, but also the company's ethos, providing insight into what makes a good device firm for smart home investments.
• 📐 The presenter values transparency in companies, highlighting Apollo Automation's openness with their code, hardware, CAD files, and components.
• 🏠 The Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor integrates easily with Home Assistant, showcasing its user-friendly setup and lack of cloud dependency.
• 🆓 The product is 'free' in the sense of freedom, allowing users full control over their device without proprietary restrictions or data collection.
• 🔥 The presenter admires Apollo Automation's passion for their products, which is evident in their engagement with customers and the quality of their work.
• 🛠️ The script suggests that building a similar device from individual components can be more challenging and costly than expected, emphasizing the value of Apollo's product.
• 🧩 The AIR-1 Multisensor consolidates multiple sensors into a compact form factor, simplifying the process of monitoring various environmental factors.
• 💡 The device includes addressable RGB lights, offering flexibility in indicating different states or levels through color changes.
• 🛑 The script humorously contrasts the high-quality components of the Apollo AIR-1 with the cost-cutting measures a profit-driven corporation might take.
• 🌡️ The Multisensor provides a range of environmental data, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, dust, and pollen, which can be used for various home automation purposes.
• 🏗️ The presenter plans to use the sensor in their workshop and PC case for automated dust cleaning and in their bedroom to monitor CO2 levels, inviting viewers to share their own ideas.

Q & A

What is the name of the multisensor being discussed in the video?

The multisensor being discussed is the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor.

What did Apollo Automation offer to the video creator?

Apollo Automation offered the video creator the opportunity to give their products a road test.

What are the key traits the video creator looks for in a device firm?

The key traits are transparency, ease of integration, freedom from cloud dependencies, and the company's passion for their products.

How long did it take to integrate the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor with Home Assistant?

It took 43 seconds from plugging it in to having it running in Home Assistant.

What does the video creator suggest about the transparency of Apollo Automation?

The video creator suggests that Apollo Automation is very transparent, sharing their code, hardware, CAD files, and components for review.

Why does the video creator recommend visiting Apollo Automation's site?

The creator recommends visiting their site to get a feel for what a transparent, passionate, and open company is like, which can help in evaluating other companies.

What is the purpose of the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor in the video creator's bedroom?

In the bedroom, the purpose is to measure temperature for heating, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and dust levels.

What does the video suggest about the value of the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor compared to building a similar device?

The video suggests that while it's possible to build a similar device with ESP chips and sensors, the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor offers good value by dealing with complexity and providing a compact solution.

What is the significance of the addressable RGBs in the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor?

The addressable RGBs provide color control, allowing for different colors to represent various meanings about air quality or temperature.

How does the video creator plan to use the Apollo AIR-1 Multisensor in their workshop?

The creator plans to use it to trigger automatic dust cleaning in the room.

What is the potential life-saving capability mentioned in the video regarding VOCs?

The potential life-saving capability is the sensor's ability to flash red when VOC levels are high, prompting the user to take action such as putting on a mask or opening a window.