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Q&A August 19 - PlanetWatch

August 19 PlanetWatch Q&A

August 19 PlanetWatch Q&A

As announced, we are moving towards a new format that will replace the AMAs. For the time being, while we craft the concept, we will answer your questions through a biweekly blog post.

Q&A August 19 - PlanetWatch

Here we go:

1. How is the sensor data stored in the blockchain? Is it somehow coded in the transactions and, therefore, publicly available on the blockchain? If so, how can you monetize it? Can you explain please?

In each 0 Planet transaction it is encrypted all the air quality data of a given sensor for that exact time period. However, sensible information, such as geolocation and names, is not recorded as data is anonymised. 

As for the single daily transaction, it refers to the Planet tokens issued as a reward to the wallets of all PlanetWatchers with active sensors depending on the data streams sent. 

All in all, the air quality data collected by our network of outdoor and indoor sensors is stored in the blockchain and it is safely encrypted, but it was never meant to be publicly available since the genesis of the project.

We recently released our Air Quality Data API. Read our blog post to find out more about this product, who can use it and for what purpose.

2. Will TEA Group be accepting new orders outside of the waiting list before all waiting list sensors (including the US) are shipped?

We expect to expedite the waiting list quickly. Once this is done, TEA Group will transition into open sales and new orders outside of the waiting list will be accepted – starting with the EU territory but possibly going worldwide.

3. Since now sensors can be purchased with Fiat, the need for Planet tokens became limited. Will this be brought back to proportions by using a part of the PlanetWatch income to buy Planet tokens off the market?

PlanetWatch has no a priori policy to buy tokens off the market. Market transactions are performed according to company needs.

4. Are you thinking about launching a new staking program to let people hold their tokens long-term and support the project?

Please refer to the last Q&A August 5th answer to question number 2 – “Have you thought about creating a staking program to help alleviate sell pressure on Planets?”.

5. The Planets/Algo liquidity pool on Humble will expire on August 21th. Will it continue after that?

Not immediately. We are reviewing DeFi opportunities to bring value to the PlanetWatch ecosystem.

6. The last batch of trees allocated to the Stake for the Planet staking initiative is over. Are you planning on replenishing it anytime soon?

We are currently working on it. This is not an automated process since we are talking about real trees and not digital assets. As soon as the next batch of trees is acquired, we will issue new tree NFTs.

7. Are there any specific instructions or recommendations to place a Type 1 sensor?

In order to collect accurate data that is representative of the area where the sensor is located as well as its population’s exposure to air pollution, there are some deployment guidelines that must be considered:

– Free air flow around the sensor has to be ensured. Buildings, fences, trees, plants, and other nearby structures/equipment can influence air circulation and tamper with pollutant measurements.

– The sensor has to be installed between 1.5m and 4m above the ground to properly measure the air at the level we breathe it.

– The sensor cannot be placed near sources of direct pollution such as chimneys, exhausts, barbecue grills, or outtakes from gas heaters as this would lead to biased interpretation of local air quality conditions.

8. I currently live in the EU but is it possible that the Type 2 sensor (shipped to the EU) will work in the Caribbean? 

Even though PlanetWatch-compliant devices cannot be shipped worldwide due to legal constraints imposed by some countries – namely sensor certifications, which are the manufacturer’s responsibility -, all devices apart from Type 1 (which works with a SIM carrier) only require regular Wi-fi connection to join the network and, therefore, can in principle be used wherever there is access to the internet. However, we do not recommend deploying devices in countries where there is no support from the respective manufacturer.

9. Where can I find the API key from my Sensedge Mini sensor?

After logging in to the Kaiterra dashboard, on the top right corner of the screen, you will see a round button with a person shape – this is where you access your personal account. Click on it, open the dropdown menu and pick the first option “Account Settings”. Then, select the third tab “API Keys”. There you will see your current keys. You can delete keys or use the bottom button to generate new keys. You can pair all your Sensedge Mini devices with the same key, or use individual keys.

The only method to actually see which specific key (out of a set of keys) was used on a device is to shortly disconnect it from electricity, and during boot up process – as long as the lights are blinking green (roughly for 20 seconds) – connect to the open WLAN it creates with your phone. Then, via the Kaiterra Enterprise App, go into configuration mode to check its current settings.

For today this is all! We will be back for another Q&A blog post on the 2nd of September. 

Please check our previous Q&As for more info – a lot of the questions submitted are exactly the same as some we have already answered:

Thank you for your support and keep watching the Planet 🌍