Dylos DC1100-PRO-PC Air Quality Monitor/Particle Counter

Upon ordering a different Dylos Laser Particle Counter (DC1100) - with Computer Interface, which I thought was this version (above), (Dylos DC1100-PRO-PC Air Quality Monitor/Particle Counter, it was realized although it appeared externally identical with the PC interface option it did not actually have the more accurate 0.5 micron (small particle) and 2.5> micron (large particle) measurement scale and instead the Dylos product was not available through Amazon. The seller A.M.I. Services was quick to cancel the order before it shipped and in turn was eventually able to get this model listed, which was exceptionally helpful. The product shipped immediately, arrived on time, and was very well protected. Amazon reviews and discussion indicated the Sabrent USB 2.0 to Serial (9-Pin) DB-9 RS-232 Adapter Cable 6ft Cable (FTDI Chipset) CB-FTDI as a viable option for connecting the air quality monitor to a computer (if using a USB-serial connection) and it functions effectively with the Dylos DC1100-PRO-PC though required a reboot for a virtual com port (COM3) to appear.In many situations where a particle count is needed it may be possible to use the small internal memory to record previous measured values without the need of a computer connection. Such that if the device is placed in a certain location, plugged in and monitors the environment, this data could be hand recorded for an uninterrupted sample over some duration based on preferences. Be sure to download the product manual from the Dylos company website to understand how this sampling process and storing of values actually occurs because this simpler approach may be preferable to a computer connection if not extensively using this data-logging feature if involving only small amounts of previous data for small experiments, where a menu search could provide recorded particle counts (higher and lower) and then be deleted afterwords and restart this process per air quality evaluation. This is particularly important because the Dylos as data-logger is somewhat start/stop in that turning off the power button then makes a discontinuous sample which also is not internally time-stamped (learned upon reading the manual, with only the battery-operated Dylos DC1700 version with a timestamp data-logging feature, when disconnected from a computer.) In other words, the DC1100-PRO-PC version essentially requires the air quality monitor to sit beside a computer for live monitoring, via computer cable connection, which makes sense, or it stores values in memory ('history') for minute, hour, day, which then can be downloaded as logs and displayed over time as graphs via included Dylos Logger software, either to evaluate past static data that has been collected or live data that is recording a live stream and time-stamping the data via synced OS clock.So if like me you do not have an idea of how the device operates as a data-logger, it may be a surprise what it requires in order to gather data and the non-computer version may be preferable in many cases, and if a timestamp is required with an internal clock, then the battery version is going to allow that additional information to verify the context. What the computer connection does allow is live monitoring which then would be timestamped when connected to a computer, though also, which could be used for experimentation, such as an environment without cigarette smoke and then infused with smoke from external sources, or dust or pollution levels that vary with the time of day, as this could be mapped or better understood with this diagnostic tool. Another potential is to connect the various Dylos PC-version to a microcontroller and use the data generated in a larger connected context for data-logging environmental variables, so the serial port offers some future expanded use or extension as a data gathering tool, as a possibility for those who may want to experiment further or go beyond the limits of existing device operation. It is not difficult to imagine the increased usefulness of such information when expanded into other realms of air quality monitoring.The device itself is well design and of high quality. The display screen is as nice as I have ever seen, as it has a softness and simple information that are an effective presentation of the data. The hardware interface is likewise well thought out if not elegant. There are only three buttons: power, mode, select. There is an Air Quality Chart on the back of the device that provides a guide to 'small particle count readings' (no mention of large particles) which actually differs for this model due to a smaller 2.5 micron measurement scale: 0-75 (excellent) to 3000+ (very poor).The downside is the software which is only rudimentary, it performs its function though also appears burdened by its task, as if a herculean task to get a tiny data sample from the air quality monitor to a computer and then rendering it, where it can then be downloaded (the 'history' or stored memory) and then displayed as a graph on a time-line, with or without precise timestamp. If data is displayed as a graph and the graph type is changed, the software can go entirely blank. Likewise, the very tiny data sent from the device to the computer causes the software interface to blink various aspects as if under heavy load, which just makes the software (and associated data) appear fragile and potentially crashable due to such flickering visual instability. It seems unlikely the Dylos will advance further in its conception and functionality without reconsidering the approach to internal and external software involved with the device, because it seems the limitations are most realized in the Dylos Logger where it is underperforming in terms of a larger design approach, which then could negatively influence or put a ceiling of future goals or functionality. The same exact software could be rebuilt with a more updated interface and more robust structure so that a multicore computer is not choking on what amounts to 30 characters sent every minute in a live data-logging recording scenario, and this should be expected given the investment, which then also includes issues such as an unmarked CD-rom with the necessary software, without any Dylos information on the disk, which again seems like an issue of overall quality control, which the high-quality experience breaks down with software and data-logging functionality. Thus is the extra investment in the serial port connection worth the limits it places upon its use or usability, and how could other future functions develop if such a premium exists at the same time such gaps in quality, in terms of performance, what is provided versus what is possible.Thus, even while the existing implementation seems to be struggling at this level, there is something fascinating though also underwhelming about this device in terms of its total functionality- it could be better for sure, more could be happening, increased functionality such as an internal clock or network connection (Ethernet, so it could be hooked up to a remote switch yet have data-logging managed via NAS, cloud storage, or computer, if not also a Bluetooth option for smartphones to gather data which remains synced via timestamp, or additional air quality modules (CO, etc) as add-on extensions where this could be designed into the product instead of approached as only an issue of voiding the warranty. Though this then gets into network interface cards, routers, data transmission, and the existing device is struggles with the basics, so it is very unlikely to occur without a significant change in the design approach, including a higher level of programming of device operation and data-logging functionality, to start, so that data transmission is as efficient and effective and full-featured as it could be, versus underwhelming. In other words this issue of device performance should be expected, not lacking or an issue of discontinuity in product quality. Perhaps only small details in the larger scheme of things though likewise critical and important, because the Dylos has a unique character and is itself interesting, and it would not be difficult to imagine this as a portable version of an environmental monitoring within a dwelling, which can instead be hardwired via various sensors, and thus a portable option could prove useful as a go-to device for contextual monitoring or remote locations or otherwise.I am pleased with this investment both for near-term use and longer-term, with microcontrollers (ex. http://www.howmuchsnow.com/arduino/dylos/). It has an educational dimension and introduces questions about the environment, and provides a tool that will allow different settings and conditions to be evaluated in relation to one another in terms of particle count readings which are really hard to fathom unless having a real-time indication, if not in situations with chemical off-gassing of items or seasonal changes in relation to pollen counts or rooms with open windows or doors near a busy street versus on the opposite side of a building. What is perhaps most amazing was to discover the effectiveness of a HEPA machine (Honeywell 50250-S 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier) that brought the particle count down to zero, as the Dylos manual states is a real possibility, while a second smaller HEPA purifer in another room has almost no effect and should be replaced by a more capable unit, which as a result has lower air quality and higher large and small particle counts.Perhaps a main issue about what Dylos version to choose is if you want to have access to peak counts via visualization, which then would require a PC-connectivity version, or if monitoring will mostly occur while watching or operating the device, turning it on and off, and having it located away from a computer. The biggest issue is the on/off button as this relates to starting/stopping the data sample which may or may not become discontinuous in graph format or broken. Without PC-connectivity it is not really an issue as the internal memory or history has a log of values though should include quick access to peak values or spikes more readily in terms of what information is sought and most important. This is easy to locate on a visual graph, via the PC-versions, though the data itself is detached in time and could become difficult to pinpoint to a source of data spikes, potentially, which is an interesting problem because addressing these issues then could inform a next generation device.I was initially going to give four stars because of my enthusiasm for how the device operates on its own terms, in support of the technology and access to such information. Though a three star rating is more accurate in terms of the overall situation, and if it was software alone and limited functionality it could tend towards two stars. More should be expected in those areas and yet there is a lot that is worthwhile about this device and it could be a valuable research or educational tool, from a family context to classroom or otherwise, though existing product development would need to think beyond its limited purpose and functionality for this to occur and get into it further, at a deeper level of consideration so that it opens up possibilities and potential uses instead of shuts down these options and keeps it overly simple, to the point that it falters in use. It could be a great product, four or five stars, though changes and improvements would be required for this to be the case.

Works great!We bought it to monitor how well our Ariix PuritiiAir filtration system works.According to the easy to read faceplate, they both work great!

seems to work very well, easy to set up and use. Plenty of help available on the internet interpreting the data.

Waaaaay overpriced for what it does. I'm building my own air quality sensor with a cheap gas sensor and arduino; for 1/64th of the cost.