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Michael K Verified Purchase

AITHRE SHIELD 4.0 GEN 2 PORTABLE CO DETECTOR

Haven’t installed as of this date

Vance B Verified Purchase

AITHRE SHIELD 4.0 GEN 2 PORTABLE CO DETECTOR

Im updating my review. Now that Ive had it for awhile, Im going to give it a four star average (my first review was 3, this one is 5 - that gives it a 4 average). I still think the design is a little goofy with the on/off switch on the back and proprietary charging system - I bet the next generation will change both of those. In practice though, it works very well. The app only plots data when the app is active and not just running in the background. Thats too bad because there are other apps in use while flying. But, the data are interesting because theres GPS speed, GPS altitude, interior temperature (I had no interior thermometer before so this is great) and of course ppm of CO. You can run it without the app too as it flashes blue for low or no CO and other colors if that starts climbing. And it will set off an audible alarm. So overall, it works well, its small and easy to mount, battery life so far is great (Im at 100% still after five, 1 hour flights). If they could tweak the app to log data in the background that would be good and I hope someone at Aithre reads this and improves the physical design. I can live we these flaws, so Im keeping it, but can only give it 4 stars (on average, see above).

Due to COVID lockdown over here, I have only fitted the device, but havent had the chance to use it in flight. The fact that it is able to be charged inflight was the major influence on selecting this particular product.

Steve L Verified Purchase

AITHRE SHIELD 4.0 GEN 2 PORTABLE CO DETECTOR

I’ve been impressed with the portable version. It is sensitive and the phone app offers a more detailed look at CO levels than just a readout on a screen. I found that I have a CO problem when climbing. I have not resolved it yet but this tool will help me do so. I like the mount system and simple rechargeable battery. For the price I consider this a must-have in the cockpit.

This CO detector is easy to install and the app is convenient. Gives my wife and I peace of mind seeing only low ppm while flying our Piper Arrow in IMC. Only minor issue is the detector won’t pair with the app unless the detector is switched to ON before I open the app on my smart phone. If you open the app first, it just sits there unpaired after switching the detector to ON. Anyway, it pairs automatically and reliably otherwise.

I was having trouble charging and using my Aithre shield CO detector. I called and spoke to Susanna and Jim and found them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They took a genuine interest in helping me to understand the CO monitor and the app. use. Jim also took time to explain the causes of various CO levels during run up and flight. He was very helpful. It’s wonderful to see your company with such knowledgeable employees and who backs up their products the way Aithre does.

Well worth the cost for the peace of mind provided. The highest rating my PA24-250 had was 20ppm going around in circles on a compass rose setting up my new G5. In flight with the heater on it registered 2ppm. Its surprising how much that knowledge helps. I would definitely recommend this device to anyone that needs a CO detector (and has an Apple iOS device).

It is simple to use - open the app and turn the unit on, it pairs automatically. The notification it gives through Siri if connected to your headset is vital as you likely won’t be looking at it as carbon monoxide fills your cabin. The app graphs altitude and temperature against the CO level, quite nice. In my plane it registers if the window is open while taxiing, I never knew!

Great product with superb customer service from Aithre. Portable unit also syncs with your phone/tablet through an app. First CO detector I’ve seen with such a long-term calibration guarantee.

There is a newer version out that has longer battery life, provides more control from the app, and allows history CSVs to be downloaded. Unfortunately, Aircraft Spruce is still shipping the older version in Canada as of February 2021 despite having to backorder it. Fortunately, Aithre responded to my question about the version late on Saturday night within about two minutes and will be shipping me the newer version directly. Great customer service from Aithre.

For this review, I am assuming this works as advertised. My review and 3 stars is based solely on the design. This device has a dedicated charging attachment. You must slide this attachment onto the device before you can insert the USB charging cable. Then you must take it off and stow it before you can slide it onto a mounting plate that can be fastened to your panel. Why not just add the USB connectability to the device? When or if I lose the charging attachment, I wont be able to use the device. Proprietary charging systems are so 2000s. Im sending this back.

I ordered the Aithre Sheild back in mid May just to be on the safe side since I had CO problems prior to my engine rebuild last fall. Its now late June and I am just getting around to trying it out. I can say Im disappointed. Most detectors will show you the reading on the devices face. While I was concerned that the Aithre didnt have that ability, I figured I would simply link it to my IPad when I fly, and use the app. The manufacture also claimed the color indication on the large A in the front was easy to see if your not using the app. When I purchased the Aithre I figured using the app with my IPad would be acceptable since I use my IPad with every flight of my C172K for ForeFlight. I traditionally link the Foreflight to my Garmin GTX345 transponder and PMA8000 audio panel for audio alerts during each flight via BlueTooth. This setup has worked excellent since both the audio panel and transponder were installed last year. Unfortunately once I turn on the Aithre and open the app on my IPad, it automatically disconnects my PMA8000 Bluetooth audio connection from my IPad each and every time. This means I either have to give up the audio connection or give up the CO monitoring app and without the Aithre app I cant see any CO data, and the A indicator on the face isnt that great to try and see when it is sunny. Night time it is very visible, but i dont typically fly at night so its no help for me in that aspect. You can get the connection of both to work at first if you connect the Aithre first and then connect the PMA8000 Bluetooth connection, but after a few minutes the Aithre connection wins and the Bluetooth connection to the PMA quits. I also connect my IPhone to my Bose headset to be able to make calls once in a while. While the phone is connected I use it to play music on Pandora. To avoid the mess of the connection on the IPad I gave a shot to connecting my IPhone to the Bose headset via Bluetooth while playing Pandora and the Aithre app. Guess what...the Aithre kicked out any music or phone ability and did its thing. Seems odd the manufactures didnt notice this obvious issue since it happens on so many devices. God forbid you use your phone for anything except the Aithre. The third alternative to make this meet your expectations is to tediously switch back and forth and reconnect each time you want to check the CO levels. To me this means more attention is spent in the cockpit than out, which can have its own set of problems at times. It is probably too late for me to be able to return this, so shame on me for not trying it out when I first got it. Do yourself a favor and spend your $130 on a detector that has a level indicator on the face and avoid this one. It just wont work out the way you think it will.