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Smell Inspector digital nose developer kit

Summary of Smell Inspector digital nose developer kit


The Smell Inspector is a developer kit and digital nose designed by SmartNanotubes Technologies to detect gases and smells like a human nose. Compatible with Raspberry Pi and Arduino, it features four Smell iX16 detector chips on a Smell Board iX16x4, reading 64 channels every 1.8 seconds via ASCII output. The system includes Smell Annotator software for data visualization and CSV export. Early bird pledges start around $303, with shipping expected in late 2021.

Parts used in the Smell Inspector:

  • Smell Board iX16x4
  • Smell iX16 detector chip (4 units)
  • Housing
  • PCB (Printed Circuit Boards, 2 units)
  • Kapton foil
  • Particle filter
  • Smell Annotator software
  • Raspberry Pi or Arduino platform

Makers, developers and electronic enthusiasts looking for a way to add a digital smell detector, sensor and nose to their project may be interested in a new piece of hardware called the Smell Inspector, designed by SmartNanotubes Technologies based in Germany. The Smell Inspector takes the form of a developers kit and ready to use electronic nose and has been specifically designed to be integrated into smart systems. Smell inspector is a digital nose, which works with the same principle as a human nose. Train it and create your own specific use case for single gases, gas mixtures or smells.

The Smell Inspector consists of a Smell Board iX164 with four Smell iX16 detectors, and can easily be connected to a PC, tablet or smartphone thanks to the included Smell Annotator software. The Smell Inspector is compatible with both Raspberry Pi and Arduino platforms and can be easily integrated into existing projects if required. Providing full functionality to read signals from all 64 individual detectors every 1.8 s and send them out in ASCII format.

Backer early bird pledges are now available for the recently launched project from roughly $303 or £219 (depending on current exchange rates). If the Smell Inspector campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and the project completion progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around November 2021. To learn more about the Smell Inspector developer kit project watch the promotional video below.

This is our core invention: The first multi-channel gas detector chip designed to conquer the mass market. The sensor elements contain fine-tuned carbon nanomaterials which make the chip highly sensitive, small, energy efficient and affordable. There are four Smell iX16 detector chips on the electronic board. The current version has 64 detectors (16 channels per detector chip) with a size of less than 1sqmm (0.08sqinch) each. Further miniaturization and / or increasing the number of detectors can easily be done. The detector chip Smell iX16 only needs 1 ตW of power supply. It can thus be powered by various host devices, energy harvesters or batteries. Smell iX16 is designed for use in unlimited miniaturized electronic and IoT applications in various areas. The detector chip has a high sensitivity to different gases and VOCs.”

Smell Inspector:

  • Dimensions: 166 x 64 x 31 mm / 6.54 x 2.52 x 1.22 inch (LxWxH)
  • Power consumption: max. 0.28 W
  • Weight: 130 g / 0.29 lb
  • Materials: Smell Board iX16x4, housing

Smell Board iX16x4:

  • Dimensions: 157 x 40 mm and 67 x 50 mm / 6.18 x 1.58 inch and 2.64 x 1.97 (LxW)
  • Power consumption: max. 0.28 W
  • Weight: 45 g / 0.1 lb
  • Materials: 4 Smell iX16 detector chipss, 2 PCBs
  • Read-out time: all 64 channels every 1.8 s
  • Read-out format: ASCII
  • Serial interface
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Smell iX16:

  • Dimensions: 22 x 8 mm / 0.87 x 0.32 inch (LxW)
  • Power consumption: 1 μW
  • Weight: 0.1 g / 0.0002 lb
  • Materials: 16 chemiresistor-type nanomaterial based gas detectors, Kapton foil, particle filter
  • Temperature: 0°C to +40°C / 32°F to +104°F
  • Sensitivity: High sensitivity to different gases and VOCs (<80 ppb for NH3, PH3, H2S)

Smell Annotator:

  • Smell recognition
  • Smell digitalization and annotation
  • Visualization of measurements
  • Saving measurements and loading saved data
  • Data format: CSV

For a complete list of all available project pledges, stretch goals, extra media and detailed specs for the developer kit, jump over to the official Smell Inspector crowd funding campaign page by following the link below.

Source: Smell Inspector digital nose developer kit

Quick Solutions to Questions related to Smell Inspector:

  • What is the Smell Inspector?
    It is a digital nose and developer kit designed by SmartNanotubes Technologies that works on the same principle as a human nose to detect single gases, mixtures, or smells.
  • Can the Smell Inspector be connected to a smartphone?
    Yes, it can easily be connected to a PC, tablet, or smartphone thanks to the included Smell Annotator software.
  • How many detectors are inside the Smell Inspector?
    The device contains four Smell iX16 detector chips, providing a total of 64 individual detectors.
  • What is the power consumption of a single Smell iX16 chip?
    The Smell iX16 detector chip only needs 1 microwatt of power supply.
  • Does the project support integration with Arduino?
    Yes, the Smell Inspector is compatible with both Raspberry Pi and Arduino platforms.
  • What format is the signal data sent out in?
    The system sends signals from all 64 individual detectors out in ASCII format every 1.8 seconds.
  • What file format does the Smell Annotator software use for saving data?
    The software saves measurements in CSV data format.
  • When is worldwide shipping expected to take place?
    Worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around November 2021 if the campaign goal is met.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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