Node-S Air Sensor

The Clarity Node-S measures PM_2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). It also supports a variety of Add-On Modules to measure ozone (O₃), PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), and black carbon — all key pollutants linked to traffic, industrial emissions, and wildfire smoke. It can also integrate wind and meteorological modules for enhanced analysis of pollutant movement and dispersion.

While not a regulatory-grade monitor, the Node-S delivers high-quality, actionable data when calibrated and quality-assured properly. It has undergone colocation testing alongside federal reference monitors in projects across California, Oregon, and Europe, demonstrating strong correlation and performance in both stable and dynamic air quality conditions.

Yes — the Node-S air quality sensor is designed to perform well in a wide range of settings. Its solar power and cellular connectivity make it ideal for rural and remote deployments, while its modularity and small footprint make it equally effective in dense urban environments, where it can monitor hyperlocal variations in pollution.

Absolutely. The Node-S air pollution sensor features a rugged, weatherproof housing (IPX3 rated) and can operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 55°C. It has been successfully deployed in environments ranging from tropical Southeast Asia to high-altitude regions of Central Asia, as well as wildfire-affected zones in the Western U.S.

Node-S air quality sensors transmit air quality data via built-in cellular connectivity, eliminating the need for external internet or power infrastructure. The data is sent securely to the Clarity Dashboard, where users can view real-time maps, configure alerts, download reports, and share data with stakeholders.

The Node-S air pollution sensor is low-maintenance by design. Routine operation requires minimal physical upkeep, and calibration is handled through Clarity’s automated QA/QC and optional Project Support Services. For optimal accuracy, we recommend initial colocation and periodic field validation depending on project goals.

We are the only air quality measurement provider that offers out-of-the-box solar and battery-powered hardware to make deployment truly scalable and frictionless. Our solution requires a single hour of direct sunlight per day on average for steady-state operation, and can operate for up to 30 days with no sunlight at all. To deal with extreme conditions, the devices are able to detect decreasing power availability autonomously and to gradually slow down sampling (until total “hibernation” if needed) to preserve power, avoid damaging the battery, and go through rare stretches of prolonged periods without sunlight, maintaining the measurement coverage as uniform as possible. Once power availability is back to sustainable levels, the devices come back to default operation without need for intervention.

The Clarity Node-S is designed to operate in the field for at least 2 years without the need for any maintenance intervention, but in practice, we have seen them run without problems for many years. Our device comprises a main weatherproof enclosure and a sensor module housed inside the main enclosure while interfacing with the ambient air. The sensor module is able to draw in air while keeping the main enclosure isolated from the sample and thus from dust and moisture. The resulting assembly has a combined ingress protection rating of IPX3, while all the componentry, excluding the sensor module,e is kept at an ingress protection rating of IP67. We offer free replacement with a limited warranty of our Node-S air quality monitoring hardware for subscribed members.

The Node-S air quality sensor has been designed to perform in different weathers and is able to resist extreme weather events such as sandstorms, snowstorms, and strong winds. Clarity’s Node-S devices can operate in remote environments where sandstorms may be more common, and can also do so without a hardwired power connection or WiFi connectivity, which may not be available in the area where air quality must be measured.

Optical sensing is a methodology to measure pollutants by detecting light intensity. It is an electronic detector that converts light into an electronic signal. For example, when a particle present in the air crosses the laser beam, it is illuminated and it scatters light. The photodiode receives the scattered light, and the signal reads high and therefore indicating its presence.