Welcome to the Project Aura Community

[21cncstudio]

Welcome to Project Aura! 🌬️✨

Hi everyone! This is the official community space for Project Aura — the open-source ESP32-S3 air quality monitor.

Whether you are a backer from MakerWorld, a developer contributing code, or a maker building your own device from scratch, I am glad you are here.

🚀 Quick Links

• Crowdfunding & Kits: Support me on MakerWorld
• Documentation: See the docs/ folder.
• Bug Reports: Found a glitch? Please read CONTRIBUTING.md and open an Issue.

💬 How to use Discussions

• 🙏 Q&A: Stuck with wiring? Firmware won't flash? Ask here! The community (and I) will try to help.
• 💡 Ideas: Have a suggestion for a new feature or a new sensor support? Let me know.
• 🙌 Show and tell: Did you build an Aura? Post a photo! I love seeing your builds, custom cases, and Home Assistant dashboards.
• 📣 Announcements: Stay tuned for firmware updates and project news.

🤝 Community Guidelines

• Be kind and respectful.
• If asking for help, please provide details (logs, photos of wiring).
• Search before posting — someone might have had the same question.

Let's make the invisible visible!

[RomanFoltyn]

Hello, I just purchased all the components for the Aura project and approved the $25 payment to your account. I have a question: could you provide me with the initial project documentation so I can start assembling the system and testing the initial software? I've downloaded the Aura GitHub but I can't figure out how to configure this project. Do you have any more easily described documentation for starting the project? I don't have enough Arduino experience to properly implement this... perhaps by setting up ready-made BINs in the ESP.32 BIN uploader?
roman@foltyn.de

[tijmenvn]

Same for me! I am familiar with building firmware platforms, but prefer to use compiled packages if available. Could you also send me some of the preliminary documentation?

EDIT: No need for the firmware files, managed to get it building & uploaded to the waveshare board. Did a quick test run with the SEN66 sensor and that is already working! Can't wait for the STL files to put all this in an enclosure! :)

[snafu88]

Same for me. I'm confused on how to start and load the initial firmware/software. Where can I find the steps for this?????

[21cncstudio]

Same for me. I'm confused on how to start and load the initial firmware/software. Where can I find the steps for this?????

Open the assembly instructions — everything is explained step-by-step, including how to flash the firmware using the web installer.

[snafu88]

Not to be snarky, but where are these instructions? That's what I'm looking for. All I've found is the brief steps shown at the bottom of the projects main webpage. That's not it is it?

[21cncstudio]

Not to be snarky, but where are these instructions? That's what I'm looking for. All I've found is the brief steps shown at the bottom of the projects main webpage. That's not it is it?

https://makerworld.com/en/models/2473515-aura-aq-builder-kit#profileId-2716000

[freshfitz]

VS Code throws this error

*** missing SConscript file 'C:\Users\user\.platformio\packages\framework-arduinoespressif32-libs\esp32s3\pioarduino-build.py'
File "C:\Users\user.platformio\packages\framework-arduinoespressif32\tools\pioarduino-build.py", line 159, in

[21cncstudio]

This is a local PlatformIO package-cache issue, not a project code issue.
Remove cached packages and rebuild so PlatformIO re-downloads them:

• delete ~/.platformio/packages/framework-arduinoespressif32-libs
• delete ~/.platformio/packages/framework-arduinoespressif32
• delete project .pio folder
  Then run build again.

[freshfitz]

Yeah I tried that a few times, but also looks like I got the 8MB version - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNCRZWVB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

[21cncstudio]

That's unfortunate — yeah, that Amazon listing is the 8MB Flash version, which won't work with Project Aura without major modifications.
Can you return the board? If Amazon allows returns, I'd suggest getting the correct 16MB version from the official Waveshare store or a distributor that clearly lists 16MB Flash specs.

[freshfitz]

my error had something to do with long filenames I guess cause I put my project codes in my "my documents" folder it hit a character limit, I had to run powershell -Command "New-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem' -Name 'LongPathsEnabled' -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force" to enable long file names

Now it complied. :)

[kwpodolsky]

Just tried to build/dl this project onto the Waveshare board I have (same as in your description).
I was able to get all the way thru to "pio run -e project_aura -t upload" and I got
"Wrote 3194256 bytes (1427209 compressed) at 0x00010000 in 21.4 seconds (effective 1194.2 kbit/s)...
Hash of data verified."

But when I run "pio run -e project_aura -t uploadfs".... It fails telling me the following:

"A fatal error occurred: File .pio\build\project_aura\littlefs.bin (length 3538944) at offset 13172736 will not fit in 8388608 bytes of flash. Change the --flash_size argument, or flashing address.
*** [uploadfs] Error 2"

What am I doing wrong? Or is there something I have to change in your build scripts.

FYI, I'm running PlatformIO Core (via pio) on a Windows 10 machine.

Thanks in advance.

[21cncstudio]

You're absolutely right that 8MB Flash variants exist (I found them in the official Waveshare Wiki documentation)

Sorry it didn't work out with your board

[kwpodolsky]

Returning the board isn't an option... since I bought it back in 2024 (so probably a V1.0 board)... I think I'm outside the return window.
As you can probably guess (since I bought it in 2024), I didn't buy it specifically for use with Project Aura. ;-)

Anyway, thanks for your responses and it is an interesting project.

[salmod12]

recheck your board, their may have been files preloaded on the flash that you can delete. i have the same board and it has 10.9 mb free

[salmod12]

If your chip says MCN16R8 then it should be 16mb unless its a counterfeit. check the wiki, you can change the partition table from 8 to 16.

[21cncstudio]

That's really interesting! Please let us know the results after you check with esptool.py flash_id — I'm curious if it's actually 16MB physically.

[freshfitz]

I was able to flash to this board - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNCRZWVB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title, salmod12 is right I wonder if you previously flashed something to it and it changed the partition sizes

[21cncstudio]

Just to confirm — when you ran esptool.py flash_id, did it report 16MB physical flash size, or did it actually show 8MB?
It's possible the board has 16MB hardware but the factory partition table is configured for 8MB, which would explain the size mismatch. If that's the case, you should be able to use the full 16MB after flashing Aura's firmware.

[salmod12]

I bought that board but my chip shield is laser etched with mcn16r8 and confirmed it with the ESPconnnect tool. If it says n8r8 then it is 8mb physically.

[21cncstudio]

@salmod12 Got it — so if the chip is marked MCN16R8, it's physically 16MB and should work fine with Aura's firmware. If it's N8R8, then it's actually 8MB and won't fit the current partition layout.
@freshfitz Can you check the chip marking on your board? That should confirm whether you have 16MB or 8MB hardware. 👍

[kwpodolsky]

FYI, on my board, the ESP32 case is etched with N8R8. So, I definitely don't have 16MB flash.

…

On Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 11:38 AM 21CNCStudio ***@***.***> wrote: @salmod12 <https://github.com/salmod12> Got it — so if the chip is marked MCN16R8, it's physically 16MB and should work fine with Aura's firmware. If it's N8R8, then it's actually 8MB and won't fit the current partition layout. @freshfitz <https://github.com/freshfitz> Can you check the chip marking on your board? That should confirm whether you have 16MB or 8MB hardware. 👍 — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWDP4X7PFWC7YL5GCDC4YCD4NCCXDAVCNFSM6AAAAACTCTW6C2VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTKOBYGE2TQMI> . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[gwhip70]

The initial ESP32 (was 8 GB) board I purchased was from the Waveshare shop at Amazon. Since it hadn't been that long I was able to return it and purchase the correct 16GB one from the same location. Thanks for identifying it so quickly.

I was able to source the Adafruit breakout board from DigiKey. It is the Adafruit cables #4528 & #5754 that are on back-order that will be shipped later this month from DigiKey. There are some shorter and longer #4528 cables available but wasn't sure if they would fit so waiting on the back-order.

The SFA30 sensor and screw terminal boards appear to be delayed since Seeed Studio hasn't shipped yet and no ETA. Thank goodness they are optional.

[21cncstudio]

Good to hear you got the correct board sorted out!
For the cables — any compatible STEMMA QT / Qwiic cable will work. The length is flexible; you just need enough to reach from the hub to each sensor. Of course, shorter is better.
One important thing: definitely install the capacitor to avoid rare reboot situations. Any screw terminal will work — even a basic electrical one from a hardware store. Or you can just solder the + and - wires directly to the capacitor leads. I'll show this clearly in an upcoming update.
The SFA30 delay is unfortunate, but as you said — it's completely optional. Everything else will work great without it!

[snafu88]

Once I get all of the parts where do I start? It's not clear to me which files I need to download from Github and how I load them on the waveshare?
I looked for a document that spells this out, I couldn't find it.

[21cncstudio]

This is a crowdfunding project with paid access to the files. The 3D printable files, assembly instructions, and firmware installer are available to backers who supported the campaign.
The firmware code is open source on GitHub, but the 3D files and detailed documentation are part of the crowdfunding rewards.
If you'd like to build Project Aura, you can still join via late pledge here: https://makerworld.com/en/crowdfunding/159-project-aura-aq-make-the-invisible-visible

[snafu88]

Uh, I am a backer....

[21cncstudio]

https://makerworld.com/en/models/2473515-aura-aq-builder-kit#profileId-2716000

[Mithias666]

This is what is described on the page: 📧 Assembly Instructions: You should have received an email with a link to the assembly instructions ZIP file. As a backup, I've also uploaded it to the model files — click "Download STL/CAD Files" and you'll find the instructions archive there! At the top of the page click "Download STL/CAD Files" There will be included the instructions in a zip file... Op wo 1 apr 2026 om 18:48 schreef 21CNCStudio ***@***.***>:

…

Not to be snarky, but where are these instructions? That's what I'm looking for. All I've found is the brief steps shown at the bottom of the projects main webpage. That's not it is it? https://makerworld.com/en/models/2473515-aura-aq-builder-kit#profileId-2716000 — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1?email_source=notifications&email_token=CBAE2VHQWJICTBLMEOGH5G34TVB4XA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGEYTSMJQUZZGKYLTN5XKU43VMJZWG4TJMJSWJJLFOZSW45FMMZXW65DFOJPWG3DJMNVQ#discussioncomment-16411910>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/CBAE2VBPLJWUORE2NPU65RL4TVB4XAVCNFSM6AAAAACTCTW6C2VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRGE4TCMA> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.*** com>

-- *Met vriendelijke groet,* *Bram Koller*

[snafu88]

Ahh. Thank you. That email must have been thrown in the spam folder, as I never got it. But I found the instructions as you mentioned in the STL/CAD files. I had previously only downloaded the 3mf file which didn't include the instructions.

[21cncstudio]

This is what is described on the page: 📧 Assembly Instructions: You should have received an email with a link to the assembly instructions ZIP file. As a backup, I've also uploaded it to the model files — click "Download STL/CAD Files" and you'll find the instructions archive there! At the top of the page click "Download STL/CAD Files" There will be included the instructions in a zip file... Op wo 1 apr 2026 om 18:48 schreef 21CNCStudio @.***>:
…

Thank you!)

[Mithias666]

You're welcome. I saw the message many times and I thought I will answer it for you ;-) Right now I am checking if I have all the parts complete, and then ensemble!! I've printed most parts out of PA6-CF20 filament, looks pretty nice and very strong. Top cover printed in PETG. Thanks for this awesome project, I love it!! Op wo 1 apr 2026 om 19:03 schreef 21CNCStudio ***@***.***>:

…

This is what is described on the page: 📧 Assembly Instructions: You should have received an email with a link to the assembly instructions ZIP file. As a backup, I've also uploaded it to the model files — click "Download STL/CAD Files" and you'll find the instructions archive there! At the top of the page click "Download STL/CAD Files" There will be included the instructions in a zip file... Op wo 1 apr 2026 om 18:48 schreef 21CNCStudio *@*. *>: … <#m_-854219411441831747_> Not to be snarky, but where are these instructions? That's what I'm looking for. All I've found is the brief steps shown at the bottom of the projects main webpage. That's not it is it? https://makerworld.com/en/models/2473515-aura-aq-builder-kit#profileId-2716000 <https://makerworld.com/en/models/2473515-aura-aq-builder-kit#profileId-2716000> — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1 <#1>?email_source=notifications&email_token=CBAE2VHQWJICTBLMEOGH5G34TVB4XA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGEYTSMJQUZZGKYLTN5XKU43VMJZWG4TJMJSWJJLFOZSW45FMMZXW65DFOJPWG3DJMNVQ#discussioncomment-16411910>, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/CBAE2VBPLJWUORE2NPU65RL4TVB4XAVCNFSM6AAAAACTCTW6C2VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRGE4TCMA <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/CBAE2VBPLJWUORE2NPU65RL4TVB4XAVCNFSM6AAAAACTCTW6C2VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRGE4TCMA> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: @.* com> -- *Met vriendelijke groet,* *Bram Koller* Thank you!) — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1?email_source=notifications&email_token=CBAE2VCWQRMUKXKP4CJGYI34TVDXNA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGEZDCMZZUZZGKYLTN5XKOY3PNVWWK3TUUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16412139>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/CBAE2VAUZXO6AG2MZQQLSWD4TVDXNAVCNFSM6AAAAACTCTW6C2VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRGIYTGOI> . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: ***@***.***>

-- *Met vriendelijke groet,* *Bram Koller*

[RichL744]

I finished building this project about a month ago and I like most things about it. The documentation and videos were very complete and I like the end size of the project. I built the 4.3 inch screen. However, I have run into 2 problems:

1. The SFA40 sensor that I received consistently reads high when indoors (around 150) even though a commercial air quality monitor (Awair) does not show a problem. However, when I hang the SFA40 sensor outside of the Aura box at an open window, the reading goes way down to 20 or so. I just ordered an older SFA30 sensor to see if that behaves better.
2. I also installed a DFR0971 fan control module as well. Unfortunately, I can not get it to be recognized by the Aura Monitor no matter what I try. I am using your custom PCB board with the standard cable received from DFRobot for the DFR0971. I checked the wiring hookups and those are good. I verified that 3.3V is being delivered to the DFR0971 board. I swapped cables with another one that works (i.e., the one from the CO2 sensor). I tried changing the pins used on the custom PCB. The Aura still fails to find the DFR0971 board. I also checked that the address is defaulted to 0x58. Nothing has worked. Is there anything else that I can try????

[mangermade]

Hello, One thing you didn't mention doing is changing the position of the 3 switches on the 0971. They have to be switched to the opposite direction than from the factory for the Waveshare to recognize the board.

…

On Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 5:38 PM RichL744 ***@***.***> wrote: I finished building this project about a month ago and I like most things about it. The documentation and videos were very complete and I like the end size of the project. I built the 4.3 inch screen. However, I have run into 2 problems: 1. The SFA40 sensor that I received consistently reads high when indoors (around 150) even though a commercial air quality monitor (Awair) does not show a problem. However, when I hang the SFA40 sensor outside of the Aura box at an open window, the reading goes way down to 20 or so. I just ordered an older SFA30 sensor to see if that behaves better. 2. I also installed a DFR0971 fan control module as well. Unfortunately, I can not get it to be recognized by the Aura Monitor no matter what I try. I am using your custom PCB board with the standard cable received from DFRobot for the DFR0971. I checked the wiring hookups and those are good. I verified that 3.3V is being delivered to the DFR0971 board. I swapped cables with another one that works (i.e., the one from the CO2 sensor). I tried changing the pins used on the custom PCB. The Aura still fails to find the DFR0971 board. I also checked that the address is defaulted to 0x58. Nothing has worked. Is there anything else that I can try???? — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1?email_source=notifications&email_token=CBX6MPRANAS7NALNNPVYSRD5UPRDXA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCOJQGA2TKMBZUZZGKYLTN5XKU43VMJZWG4TJMJSWJJLFOZSW45FMMZXW65DFOJPWG3DJMNVQ#discussioncomment-19005509>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/CBX6MPWGNCN3LXV4EJH3I535UPRDXAVCNFSNUABIKJSXA33TNF2G64TZHMYTCNBQGAZDSMRVG45UI2LTMN2XG43JN5XDWOJTHE3DMMBZUF3AE> . Triage notifications, keep track of coding agent tasks and review pull requests on the go with GitHub Mobile for iOS <https://github.com/notifications/mobile/ios/CBX6MPW4PDAMB5UIBIZCPKD5UPRDXA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCOJQGA2TKMBZUZZGKYLTN5XKU43VMJZWG4TJMJSWJJLFOZSW45FKMZXW65DFOJPWS33T> and Android <https://github.com/notifications/mobile/android/CBX6MPXIW7TLJIOPCD5SDFD5UPRDXA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCOJQGA2TKMBZUZZGKYLTN5XKU43VMJZWG4TJMJSWJJLFOZSW45FOMZXW65DFOJPWC3TEOJXWSZA>. Download it today! You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.*** com>

[RichL744]

That worked!!!! Thank you for your reply. If that was in the installation instructions, I totally missed it.
Also, for what it may be worth, quite by accident, I discovered that if I simply covered the SFA40 with a loose piece of paper, the readings drop down into a more normal range of 20 to 40. Other than restricting airflow, I do not understand why this seems to work. I am looking forward to receiving the SFA30 sensor to see what readings it gives.
Anyhow, everything is now working on my Aura Air Quality Monitor.
Thank you for the excellent project.

[mangermade]

What cable are you using for your SFA40? I use a 10cm cable with JST connectors on both ends and I have never had any readings near what some people have. I built a new 4.3" for a customer and ran it for a week with an SD card. I think the highest reading was around 25. The cable that comes with the sensor is very long. I wonder if it could cause any issues.

…

On Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 5:57 PM RichL744 ***@***.***> wrote: That worked!!!! Thank you for your reply. If that was in the installation instructions, I totally missed it. Also, for what it may be worth, quite by accident, I discovered that if I simply covered the SFA40 with a loose piece of paper, the readings drop down into a more normal range of 20 to 40. Other than restricting airflow, I do not understand why this seems to work. I am looking forward to receiving the SFA30 sensor to see what readings it gives. Anyhow, everything is now working on my Aura Air Quality Monitor. Thank you for the excellent project. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1?email_source=notifications&email_token=CBX6MPRRU4ND2ETEOL4Z6DD5UPTNTA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCOJQGA3DIMBTUZZGKYLTN5XKOY3PNVWWK3TUUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-19006403>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/CBX6MPQE5BR7PLDY3GZHKAD5UPTNTAVCNFSNUABIKJSXA33TNF2G64TZHMYTCNBQGAZDSMRVG45UI2LTMN2XG43JN5XDWOJTHE3DMMBZUF3AE> . Triage notifications, keep track of coding agent tasks and review pull requests on the go with GitHub Mobile for iOS <https://github.com/notifications/mobile/ios/CBX6MPWZNBAPPCJUAAFSCH35UPTNTA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCOJQGA3DIMBTUZZGKYLTN5XKOY3PNVWWK3TUUVSXMZLOOSVGM33PORSXEX3JN5ZQ> and Android <https://github.com/notifications/mobile/android/CBX6MPVZY2PL6LZT2ZAUTM35UPTNTA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCOJQGA3DIMBTUZZGKYLTN5XKOY3PNVWWK3TUUVSXMZLOOSXGM33PORSXEX3BNZSHE33JMQ>. Download it today! You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[RichL744]

I am using the standard cable that came with the SFA40. It is definitely longer than 10 cm.
Without actually measuring it (it is currently all bundled up inside the Aura), I would guess that it is more like 30cm, or even longer.

[RichL744]

Now that the DFR0971 is working, I had expected that the Aura Dashboard in Home Assistant would have updated the Ventilation section with new controls. It does not. The 5 cards merely display the Entity not found error. How are the DFR0971 controls supposed to show up in the Home Assistant Aura dashboard?

[RichL744]

It turns out that the YAML used the string "fan" instead of "ventilation". Once that was changed, all of the ventilation controls appeared with the exception of the one for the fan speed. That still has a problem in the YAML. However, the Aura is all working fine.