Wireless Gas Sensors

Wireless gas sensors are invaluable tools in modern science labs, revolutionizing the way researchers and students study metabolic processes, combustion, decomposition, and more.

In this guide, we’ll discuss carbon dioxide sensors and oxygen sensors, two important sensors for biological and environmental investigations:

Wireless CO₂ Sensor
Wireless Oxygen Gas Sensor
Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (NEW!)
PASPORT Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

How Do Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Sensors Work?

Many carbon sensors (carbon dioxide, methane, butane, hydrocarbon) measure carbon by the amount of carbon that interacts with the wire in the sensor, changing measurable properties like resistance.

Carbon dioxide sensors measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in its surroundings by emitting infrared light that’s highly specific for carbon dioxide. A general sample of air has a known amount of CO₂ (around 420ppm), absorbing a standard amount of infrared light. If more infrared light is absorbed, we can infer there is a higher amount of carbon dioxide in the air, and vice versa.

Another way for gas detection is to use an electrochemical cell (or battery) to measure the concentration. Oxygen sensors often measure the activity of the solution, which depends on the amount of dissolved oxygen; the electrochemical cell generates more current when more oxygen is dissolved in the cell. The current translates into a measurement of parts per million.

The optical dissolved oxygen sensor uses a blue light to excite a phosphorescent substance painted on the outside end of the probe, and the rate of decay of that glow-in-the-dark substance is dependent on how much oxygen is present.

Common Applications

Study photosynthesis and respiration
Investigate soil, air, and water quality
Run toxicology studies using yeast
Monitor metabolic processes
Model an ecosystem
Study enzyme activity
Run calorimetry studies
Measure fermentation and decomposition

The Wireless CO₂ Sensor is ideal for studies in cellular respiration in germinating peas.

Investigate photosynthesis in aquatic plants with the Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor.

Wireless CO₂ Sensor

The Wireless CO₂ Sensor (PS-3208) has countless applications in environmental and biological science labs. It measures changes in carbon dioxide levels quickly and easily, and can stream data live via Bluetooth or USB to virtually any device for observation in real time. The sensor also stores over 55,000 data points in logging mode for long-term studies, making it ideal for multi-day investigations. A LiPo battery powers the sensor; to recharge it, simply plug the sensor into a power source using the included Micro USB Cable.

The Wireless CO₂ Sensor is temperature-compensated, so it’s reliable in warm and humid environments. Take the sensor outside for environmental studies in carbon cycling or decomposition, and even perform aquatic investigations using the waterproof sleeve (not included).

The sensor’s design includes an integrated stopper to fit snugly into the included 250-mL Sample Bottle and common glassware, creating a tight seal for accurate data readings.

Wireless CO₂ Sensor Features

Range: 0-100,000 ppm
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 or Micro USB
Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): ≥ 18 hours of continuous use
Battery Life (Data Collection Mode):
0-1,000 ppm: ±100 ppm, 1,000-10,000 ppm: ±5% of reading + 100ppm, 10,000-50,000 ppm: ±10% of reading, 50,000-100,000 ppm: ±15% of reading
Operating Temperature Range: -10°C–50°C (5°C to 30°C ideal for LiPo charging)
Warm-up Time: 3 min
Response Time: 90% in 30 sec
Included 250-mL Sample Bottle

Watch the video below for an overview:

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Investigations with the Wireless CO₂ Sensor

Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.

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Software Required

The Wireless CO₂ Sensor requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.

SPARKvue Software

PASCO Capstone Software

Compatible Accessories

Expand student understanding in carbon dioxide studies with these compatible additions!

Dissolved CO₂ Waterproof Sleeve

The Wireless CO₂ Sensor can be equipped for aqueous measurements using this semipermeable sleeve.

Metabolism Chamber

This small plastic bottle is designed to allow simultaneous sensor measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide gas concentrations.

Wireless Sensor Charging Station

Charge all types of PASCO wireless sensors.

Wireless CO₂ Sensor Pack

Classroom 8-pack of Wireless CO₂ Sensors packaged in a Gratnells storage tray with custom insert.

Wireless Oxygen Gas Sensor

The Wireless Oxygen Gas Sensor (PS-3217) measures the concentration of gaseous O₂, temperature, and humidity for applications in biology, physiology, and environmental studies. With both Bluetooth^® and USB connectivity, you have the flexibility to collect data both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, the sensor is powered by a simple replaceable coin cell battery, allowing you to log data for as long as ten days with over 25,000 data points before needing to recharge!

Wireless Oxygen Gas Sensor Features

Range: 0-100% O₂ concentration, 0-1,000,000 ppm
Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Resolution: 0.01% oxygen
Accuracy: ±1% O₂ at constant temperature and pressure; ±5% O₂ outside operating range
Operating Temperature Range: 0-40ºC
Relative Humidity Range: 0-100% (non-condensing)
Sensing Element Lifespan: 2+ years
Stored Data Points Memory (Logging): >25,000
Battery Life (Data Collection Mode): Varies with sample rate, active measurements, and battery condition
Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): 10 days
Battery Type: LiPo

Get the Lab

Investigations with the Wireless O₂ Sensor

Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.

Learn More

Software Required

The Wireless Oxygen Sensor requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.

SPARKvue Software

PASCO Capstone Software

Compatible Accessories

Metabolism Chamber

This small plastic bottle is designed to allow simultaneous sensor measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide gas concentrations.

EcoZone System

3 interconnectable polycarbonate chambers for building your own ecosystems. Designed to easily integrate sensors for quantitative...

Wireless Oxygen Gas Replacement Sensor

Replacement sensing unit inside the wireless Oxygen gas sensor.

Wireless Sensor Charging Station

Charge all types of PASCO wireless sensors.

Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

The Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen (ODO) Sensor (New! - PS-3246) is perfect for introductory to advanced lessons in assessing water quality. The sensor monitors dissolved oxygen concentration (DO₂) in the lab or field, and the 2.5 meter cable allows students to easily measure in class aquariums as well as from the shores of creek or wetland areas. The sensor automatically compensates for temperature and pressure when reporting values, and it has a built-in memory so you can log data directly to the device to upload later. Or, stream data to your device to observe in real time with Bluetooth^® Low Energy (BLE) technology. Additionally, the Wireless ODO does not require stirring, frequent calibration, or warm-up time! Enjoy 40 hours of use when live-streaming data, or over 45 hours of use in Data Logging Mode. Easily recharge the sensor using the included USB Cable.

Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Features

Dissolved Oxygen Range: 0-20 mg/L to 200% saturation
Accuracy - with user calibration: ±0.2 mg/L or 1% (whichever is greater)
Response Time: 90% in 20 sec
Measurements: Concentration (mg/L), Saturation (%), O₂ Gas (in air, qualitative)(%), Temperature (ºC)
Waterproof Depth: Length of cable (3m)
Stored Data Points Memory (Logging): >25,000
Battery Life (Data Collection Mode): >40 hours
Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): 45 hours
Battery Type: LiPo

Get the Lab

Investigations with the Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.

Learn More

Software Required

SPARKvue Software

PASCO Capstone Software

Compatible Accessories

The Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor is compatible with many PASCO products to enhance investigations in water quality, photosynthesis, and more.

Aquatic Productivity Bottles

This rack filters 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of incident light to simplify the study of primary productivity.

PASPORT Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor

Measures the flow rate and temperature of moving water. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.

Photosynthesis Tank

Designed to work with PASCO sensors, the Photosynthesis Tank is an ideal apparatus for studying photosynthesis and respiration...

Wireless Spectrometer (Vis)

Measures intensity, absorbance, and transmittance across the visible spectrum. Includes fluorescent excitation at 405nm and...

PASPORT Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

The PASPORT Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (PS-2196) is the older version of our new Wireless Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (PS-3246). It measures dissolved oxygen in the lab or field using luminescent technology; it doesn’t require calibration, stirring, or warm-up time. Additionally, the PASPORT Sensor can measure gaseous as well as dissolved oxygen, and can submerge up to 3 meters.

PASPORT Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Features

Cable Length: 3 m
Response Time: 90% in 25 sec
Operating Temperature: 0-50ºC
Operating Pressure: 375-825 mmHg
Range: 0-20 mg/L or 0-300% saturation
Accuracy: Above 200% ± 10%

Watch the video below for an overview:

Get the Lab

Investigations with the PASPORT Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.

Learn More

Software Required

SPARKvue Software

PASCO Capstone Software

Compatible Interfaces

A PASCO interface is required to connect the PASPORT Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor to your computer or device. We recommend the following options. For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide.