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Stefan Lochbrunner’s VINDRIKTNING modification turns IKEA’s basic PM2.5 indicator into a connected maker project: an ESP8266 running Tasmota adds Wi-Fi and MQTT, while a BME688, an SGP30 and WS2812 LEDs add environmental readings and configurable visual alerts. It can feed a local dashboard, but it is an advanced electronics build—not a firmware-only upgrade or a calibrated substitute for a dedicated CO₂ monitor.
What the stock VINDRIKTNING measures
IKEA’s VINDRIKTNING is a particulate-matter indicator. Its internal fan moves air through a PM sensor, identified as a Cubic PM1006 in Adafruit’s modification guide, and its front light reports broad green, yellow and red states. It runs from USB-C and has no built-in Wi-Fi, app, MQTT reporting, or temperature, humidity, pressure, VOC or CO₂ sensor. IKEA’s product description is at IKEA’s VINDRIKTNING page; the sensor identification appears in Adafruit’s VINDRIKTNING modification guide.
PM2.5 is a particle measurement, not a complete verdict on indoor air. A low particle reading cannot rule out elevated CO₂ or gases the device does not measure.
What the modification adds
The project described by Hackster and its associated Hackaday.io log combines the original particle sensor with an ESP8266 controller, additional sensors, addressable LEDs and a home-monitoring software stack. The project evolved from an earlier CCS811 and MCP9808 combination to a BME688 and SGP30 arrangement; these are stages of this particular design, not parts required by every VINDRIKTNING mod. See the Hackster project overview and the Hackaday.io project log.
#1 Best Overall
- Highly accurate and efficient DC01 infrared PM2.5 air quality sensor module. Detects dust concentration and fine particles, perfect for monitoring haze. Small size, low power consumption, wide measurement range, and quick response time make it ideal for indoor air quality testing
- Utilizes optical principles and circuit conversions to measure dust concentration within a wide range. Detects particles above 1mm in diameter with precision. Easy to use with single-chip microcontrollers for UART communication
- Detects PM0.3 to PM10 particles with a range of 5-2500 μg/m3. High accuracy of ±20ug/m or ±20% of the reading. Provides reliable air quality monitoring for improved indoor environments
- Compact design with high precision and low power consumption. Swift response time ensures quick and convenient application. Effectively measures a broad range of particles to enhance air quality monitoring
- Stay ahead with the DC01 infrared PM2.5 air quality sensor module. Monitor dust concentration and fine particles effortlessly. Achieve accurate results with ease, thanks to the sensor's compact size and efficient operation
| Capability | Stock VINDRIKTNING | Modified project |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | Yes | Retained from the original sensor |
| Temperature and relative humidity | No | BME688 |
| Barometric pressure | No | BME688 |
| VOC-related output | No | BME688 gas-resistance data and SGP30 TVOC output |
| CO₂-related output | No | SGP30 equivalent-CO₂ estimate (eCO₂), not direct CO₂ measurement |
| Network telemetry | No native Wi-Fi or MQTT | ESP8266 with Tasmota publishes via MQTT |
| Indicators | Three-state stock light | Additional WS2812 LEDs can show configurable status colors |
| History and charts | No built-in dashboard | InfluxDB storage and Grafana visualization in the documented stack |
What each added sensor can—and cannot—tell you
PM1006: particle readings
The original sensor supplies the project’s PM2.5 readings. Treat these as useful for observing changes and trends, not as reference-grade measurements: airflow, sensor condition, placement and variation between units can affect results. Keep the inlet and outlet clear and avoid placing new boards where they obstruct the fan’s path.
BME688: environment and gas response
The BME688 measures temperature, relative humidity and pressure, and provides gas-resistance data used for gas- or VOC-related estimates. It does not identify individual compounds or act as a laboratory-grade gas analyzer. See Adafruit’s BME688 product information.
SGP30: TVOC and eCO₂
The SGP30 reports TVOC-related data and eCO₂, an estimate inferred from gas-sensor behavior. That estimate is not interchangeable with a direct CO₂ measurement from an NDIR sensor. If ventilation decisions depend on CO₂, choose a monitor with a dedicated direct-measurement sensor. See Adafruit’s SGP30 product information.
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The project’s earlier configuration used a CCS811 for air-quality/VOC-related sensing and an MCP9808 for temperature. The later configuration described in the Hackster overview uses the BME688 and SGP30 instead; check the project’s documentation before sourcing parts for a particular revision.
How the electronics and software fit together
This is a physical and software modification. The project PCB provides for the ESP8266, the IKEA sensor connection, I²C sensor headers, WS2812 LEDs, a 3.3-V regulator, programming connections and expansion GPIO. The published board image is available at the project PCB schematic.
Rank #2
- High Precision Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor Measurement Module I2C Communication; The sensor outputs a calibrated digital signal in standard I 2C format.
- The CJMCU-1100 is equipped with a newly designed ASIC-specific chip,an improved MEMS semiconductor capacitive humidity sensing element and a standard on-chip temperature sensing element.
- Used for the detection of household environment and other air. Application and detection concentration range of kitchen equipment: qualitative inspection of 0~1000ppm gas. This product has high sensitivity and stability, and can detect gases above 0.1ppm.
- Working voltage: DC 5V; Working current: 100mA; Output analog signal: 2.6-5V. The sensitivity can be adjusted, and you can set the sensor threshold. It can be directly connected to the microcontroller.
- Note: This product is American standard and is designed for use in the United States. The socket and voltage vary from country to country. This product may require an adapter or converter to use in your region. For your experience, please check compatibility before purchasing.
The data path is:
Sensors → ESP8266 running Tasmota → MQTT → Node-RED → InfluxDB → Grafana
The ESP8266 publishes readings to an MQTT broker. Node-RED can route and normalize those messages, apply threshold logic, and send readings to InfluxDB for storage. Grafana charts current and historical values, including PM2.5, humidity, dew point, VOC-related readings and eCO₂. For LED feedback, the command path runs back through Node-RED and MQTT to the ESP8266, which controls the WS2812 LEDs. The Raspberry Pi is the project’s server host, but the same services can run on another always-on computer, NAS or container host. A Raspberry Pi-oriented example of this software architecture is described by SuperHouse’s MQTT, Node-RED, InfluxDB and Grafana tutorial; its author warns that the instructions are incomplete and dated, so it is background rather than a current, guaranteed installation recipe.
The Tool Desk
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Plan for an advanced maker project involving enclosure work, soldering, electronics integration and network services. The original coverage does not provide a complete bill of materials or a fully reproducible wiring and software recipe, so component fit and firmware support must be checked for the specific build.
- Core hardware: a VINDRIKTNING, an ESP8266 development board or module, a custom PCB or carefully wired equivalent, suitable 3.3-V regulation, and appropriate connectors, wire and mounting hardware.
- Sensor additions: BME688 and SGP30 breakouts for the later design described, or parts matching the earlier revision if reproducing that version.
- Indicators: WS2812-compatible LEDs and a mounting or diffuser arrangement. Short segments and low brightness reduce power demands.
- Tools and skills: soldering equipment, serial firmware flashing, comfort checking voltage and continuity, and the ability to troubleshoot I²C and Wi-Fi networking.
- Software services: Tasmota, an MQTT broker, Node-RED, InfluxDB and Grafana for the full documented pipeline. A Raspberry Pi or another always-on host is needed only if you choose to run those services locally.
The project log references a Tasmota tasmota-allsensors build to avoid compiling a custom image. That advice belongs to the project’s 2022 context; verify that the current Tasmota release and chosen build include the needed sensor drivers and remain compatible with your GPIO assignments. The original coverage does not establish an exact current template, topic naming scheme, Node-RED flow export, calibration process or full installation sequence.
Configure the data pipeline without assuming a ready-made recipe
- Prepare the controller: confirm the ESP8266 board’s flash, pins and 3.3-V logic compatibility, and verify the wiring against the board design you are using.
- Flash and recover safely: connect the board over serial and use a compatible Tasmota image. Tasmotizer supports backing up an ESP image, flashing a local or downloaded binary, and configuring Wi-Fi and MQTT over serial; consult the Tasmotizer project. A backup can help if you need to restore firmware, but it does not protect against wiring or power damage.
- Set up MQTT access: configure the broker address, credentials, device topic and telemetry interval in the firmware. Do not expose an anonymous broker; the SuperHouse reference recommends password protection.
- Check sensor messages first: verify the PM and I²C sensor readings arrive at the broker before building automation around them. Record the actual topic names, field names and units your device sends.
- Build the Node-RED flow: subscribe to telemetry, normalize fields, handle malformed or stale messages, write valid readings to InfluxDB and map chosen thresholds to LED commands.
- Connect the dashboard: configure Grafana’s InfluxDB data source and build panels using the actual measurement names, units and timestamps. The exact current menu labels and setup steps depend on the installed software versions.
Thresholds are choices, not health certifications
The project author questioned whether VINDRIKTNING’s default color thresholds were optimistic for PM2.5 and looked for alternative references for PM2.5, VOC and CO₂. The project log does not establish one universally correct threshold set. In the modified unit, a green, yellow or red light is an interpretation made by configurable logic—not an official health limit.
Rank #3
- This is a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part.
- Use genuine OEM parts for safety reliability and performance.
- Size : 11.15x5.65x4.25
- Weight : 0.94 Pounds
- Reading: the number reported by a sensor or calculated by its firmware.
- Threshold: a boundary you choose for notification or display, with units and intended use made explicit.
- Health guidance: recommendations from a public-health or standards body, which should not be inferred from the project’s LED colors.
- Visual status: a quick prompt to investigate, not proof that the air is safe or unsafe in every respect.
Keep units straight—such as µg/m³, ppm or ppb—and do not treat eCO₂ as direct CO₂. The device does not measure every pollutant, and its added gas-sensor outputs are not compound-specific certified concentrations.
Common problems and how to isolate them
The device will not power on
Disconnect it immediately if a component heats up or the board smells burnt. Check polarity, solder bridges and shorts; test the input voltage and regulated 3.3-V rail separately. Disconnect the LEDs and added sensors, then try the ESP8266 alone. A supply that cannot handle the added load—especially bright WS2812 LEDs—can cause instability.
The ESP8266 will not flash or boot
Check the USB-to-serial driver and selected port, TX/RX wiring, common ground, 3.3-V logic levels, boot-mode connections and whether another program has the serial port open. Disconnect peripherals while diagnosing boot problems.
PM2.5 readings are stuck or implausible
Check the PM sensor’s power and serial connection, its orientation and fan operation, and whether dust or the modified enclosure blocks airflow. Confirm serial settings and keep added components away from the inlet and outlet.
BME688 or SGP30 readings are missing
Check SDA and SCL connections, sensor voltage compatibility, I²C address conflicts, pull-ups, firmware driver support and GPIO assignments. Allow for sensor warm-up where required by the chosen driver, and verify that the flashed image includes support for the sensor.
Rank #4
- Genuine OEM part
MQTT messages arrive but Grafana is blank
- Subscribe to the broker and confirm that telemetry is present.
- Check the topic and the JSON field names Node-RED expects.
- Inspect Node-RED for input, parsing or InfluxDB write errors.
- Confirm Grafana is pointed at the correct InfluxDB data source and measurement.
- Check timestamps, units and dashboard field names.
The LEDs show the wrong status
First verify the numeric readings, units and age of each value. Then inspect the threshold logic and confirm it is using the intended measurement—not stale data, a differently scaled value or eCO₂ mislabeled as direct CO₂.
Should you modify one in 2026?
Choose the mod if you enjoy soldering and firmware work, already have a home-automation server or MQTT broker, and want local telemetry and customizable indicators. Avoid it if you need a ready-to-use, supported monitor, dependable direct CO₂ readings, professional-grade data or an upgrade that leaves the device unmodified.
For a lower-effort IKEA option, the U.S. product page for ALPSTUGA lists CO₂, PM2.5, temperature and humidity, plus Matter over Thread; phone control requires a Thread Border Router, and the USB-C cable and power adapter are sold separately. IKEA’s U.S. page listed it at $34.99 on August 16, 2026; price and availability can change. It is a more suitable choice when supported smart-home integration matters more than custom hardware and raw MQTT data.
IKEA’s U.S. air-quality listing showed VINDSTYRKA at $59.99 with a “Last chance to buy” signal in the August 2026 product context. Check IKEA’s U.S. listing for current availability and the correct product details before buying; that URL is the listing supplied for the VINDSTYRKA context, not evidence of current stock. For ventilation decisions that depend on CO₂, prefer a dedicated NDIR CO₂ monitor over this project’s eCO₂ estimate.
If you want connectivity but not the full Tasmota-to-Grafana stack, Adafruit documents a separate VINDRIKTNING modification using an ESP32-S3, BME280 and Adafruit IO. It is a different design, not a step-by-step version of Lochbrunner’s build: Adafruit’s guide.
Quick Recap
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