R2-Q5 — best-value shopping list

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Value-focused revision — October 3, 2026. SEN66 replaces the separate SCD41 and SEN54 ($101.90 combined) with one $62.03 sensor and adds NOx. Adapter/cable cost is extra, so savings are not a complete installed quote. BNO085 already combines motion sensors and orientation processing. INA228 already combines voltage/current/power monitoring, conditional on motor-current suitability. Three distance modules cover separate directions. Removed PIR: reuse the Watcher camera AI for visual activity detection once integrated, recognizing it needs light and a clear view. No new camera or microphone is needed. Additional sensor firmware/controller integration is required; stock Watcher software does not support SEN66.

Environment option — choose oneReference costTradeoff
Previous SCD41 + SEN54$101.90Two modules; no NOx; SCD41 has stock Watcher support
Recommended SEN66$62.03 + adapter/cableOne combined sensor; adds NOx; separate controller/software needed
Simple climate-only SHT41$6.50Only temperature/humidity; choose instead if air quality is unnecessary

Recommended core plus SEN66: $125.63 before adapter/controller/wiring. With optional light and water sensors: $132.03. Prices are manufacturer/distributor references, not verified Amazon seller quotes; tax/shipping/tariffs extra. Conditional support items are not fully priced. No account cart or wishlist was created.

SEN66 combines CO2, particulate, climate, VOC and NOx sensing. All parts shopping links use our Amazon affiliate ID. The SEN66 button opens the selected exact-part listing; other buttons search for the specified part. Check the model and included accessories before purchase.

3D-print files are not included. This project provides software and electronics guidance. Obtain the body, dome and other selected model files separately through Michael (Mr. Baddeley) on Patreon. Separate Patreon access is required for the chosen files; check his current membership options and model instructions. Membership, printer, filament and printed parts are not included.

Recommended combined environment · Qty 1 · $62.03 each

Actual CO2; PM1/2.5/4/10; temperature; humidity; VOC and NOx indices

Replaces SCD41 plus SEN54 and adds NOx. Not supported by stock Watcher extension software. Keep air inlet/outlet clear; mounting affects climate readings. Adapter and cable are additional.

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Required for SEN66 connection · Qty 1 · TBD each

Connect SEN66 to controller

Adapter is not the SEN66 sensor. Verify whether the purchased kit includes its cable; obtain the sensor separately. Price not verified.

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Droid expansion · Qty 3 · $7.90 each

Front/left/right obstacle distance

Three is a suggested layout. Identical default addresses require shutdown-pin sequencing or an I2C multiplexer; validate placement and surfaces.

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Droid expansion · Qty 1 · $24.95 each

Real body tilt, rotation and heading

Keep: combines accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and onboard orientation processing, reducing integration work. Mount away from motor magnets; verify controller bus compatibility.

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Droid expansion · Qty 1 · $14.95 each

Droid battery voltage, current and power

Watcher battery is separate from the droid drive battery. Select shunt/current capacity for actual motors; do not route high motor current through an undersized breakout.

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Optional automatic lighting · Qty 1 · $3.20 each

Ambient brightness for automatic headlight behavior

Choose exact model before wiring; an RGB indicator is not a headlight.

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Optional low-cost protection · Qty 1 · $3.20 each

Water ingress detection in base

Detects damp/wet conditions; mount away from exposed power connections.

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Supporting hardware · Qty 1 · TBD each

Collect expansion-sensor readings and send to dashboard

Buy only if the existing droid controller lacks spare pins/capacity. Do not buy a duplicate controller unnecessarily.

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Supporting hardware · Qty 1 · TBD each

Connect selected modules

Quantity depends on selections. A passive hub does not solve duplicate I2C addresses or add stock Watcher support.

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Supporting hardware · Qty 1 · TBD each

Power and secure selected sensor modules

Confirm voltage/current budget and connector pinout before purchase; include airflow clearance for environmental sensors.

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