Stratospheric Ozone Proxy Monitor
ESP32 Stratospheric Ozone Monitoring Kit — Build a Dobson Unit Proxy for Field Research
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Turn your workbench into an atmospheric observatory. This kit guides you through building a portable field instrument that captures dual-band UV irradiance, compensates for altitude using precision barometric pressure, and records time-stamped data — all to compute a locally meaningful proxy for stratospheric ozone concentration in Dobson units. Whether you’re contributing to a grassroots climate monitoring network or validating satellite overpass data, this project delivers rigorous, repeatable measurements.
What You'll Build
You’ll assemble a self-contained, weather-resistant monitor that deploys two ML8511 UV-A/UV-B sensors alongside a BMP280 environmental pressure sensor. The ESP32 processes irradiance ratios, applies real-time altitude correction, and logs calibrated ozone proxy values to a microSD card. A 1.8-inch TFT provides instant readings, and the integrated solar charging system keeps the unit running unattended for days of continuous data collection.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrate dual ML8511 sensors for UV-A and UV-B irradiance measurement
- Apply BMP280 pressure data to correct UV measurements for altitude and air mass
- Compute a Dobson unit proxy using established aerosol and ozone retrieval principles
- Build a solar-powered, time-stamped data logger with DS3231 RTC and microSD for long-term field studies
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32 Dev Board | x1 |
| ML8511 UV Sensor | x2 |
| BMP280 | x1 |
| DHT22 | x1 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| MicroSD Module | x1 |
| 1.8in TFT ST7735 | x1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | x1 |
| 18650 Cell | x2 |
| 18650 Holder | x1 |
| 100nF Caps | x10 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | x5 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x2 |
| Solar Panel 6V 1W | x1 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | x1 |
| Soldering Iron | x1 |
| Solder Wire | x1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Designed for graduate researchers, environmental engineers, and advanced citizen scientists across India. Ideal for B.Tech ECE/EEE final year projects exploring atmospheric instrumentation, M.Sc. environmental science theses on local ozone trends, and IIT/NIT research labs validating low-cost sensor networks against satellite data. The build assumes experience with soldering, microcontroller programming, and basic physics of radiative transfer.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box for your AI companion — it understands every wiring detail and calibration step for this specific project. If you need a human, WhatsApp assistance is included.
How accurate is the Dobson unit proxy compared to standard instruments?
The system produces a relative proxy; absolute accuracy depends on careful sensor cross-calibration and site-specific aerosol assumptions. You’ll learn the correction methodology to achieve correlations above 0.8 with local Brewer or Dobson spectrophotometers when validated under clear-sky conditions.
Can the monitor be deployed outdoors permanently?
Yes. The waterproof enclosure, solar panel, and 18650 cells are rated for continuous outdoor use. The DS3231 RTC ensures uninterrupted timekeeping through power cycles, and the microSD log is structured for weeks of autonomous data collection.
What role does the BMP280 play in ozone estimation?
Ozone retrieval relies on the ratio of UV-A to UV-B irradiance, which changes with atmospheric path length. The BMP280 provides real-time pressure and altitude data to correct for air mass, turning raw UV measurements into meaningful column ozone estimates.
ML8511 UV-A and UV-B sensors with BMP280 altitude correction compute a proxy Dobson unit ozone estimate over time.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items