If your lab is still running an older integrating nephelometer — an Aurora 3000, an Aurora 4000, or a comparable instrument from another manufacturer — this is the moment to upgrade without the usual friction. ACOEM has launched its 2026 Aurora NE Trade-In Campaign, and as an authorized distributor, we at Aavos are pleased to offer our customers access to this exclusive upgrade pricing.
Here is the short version: trade in proof of ownership of your current nephelometer, skip the shipping, and move to a next-generation instrument that meets today's most demanding network compliance standards. No return shipment required.
Key Takeaways
- Exclusive trade-in discount available on the new Aurora NE-300 and NE-400, regardless of the working condition of your current instrument
- No physical return required — prove ownership, qualify for the discount
- ACTRIS and WMO GAW compliant out of the box
- Over 10 years of internal data storage in the new NE series
- Advanced angular scattering with up to 18 user-selectable sectors on the NE-400 Polar
Why Upgrade Now? The Case for Moving to the Aurora NE Series
Aerosol monitoring has never been more central to climate science, air quality regulation, and atmospheric research. Networks like ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) and the WMO's Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) set rigorous, evolving standards for the instruments they recognize — and the pressure to stay compliant is only increasing.
The Aurora 3000 and 4000 series served the scientific community well. But the new NE generation is not simply an incremental update. It is a rethinking of what a research-grade nephelometer should be able to do: longer onboard data retention, more granular angular measurement, and a usability profile that makes daily operation and remote monitoring genuinely straightforward.
If your current instrument is aging, out of calibration, or simply no longer meeting the data quality standards your network demands, the 2026 trade-in campaign removes the financial barrier that often delays these decisions.
How Does the Trade-In Work?
ACOEM has designed this campaign with research facilities in mind. The process is intentionally simple.
No shipping. No logistics headache. You do not need to physically return your old nephelometer to qualify. There is no return freight to arrange, no packaging to organize, and no waiting for a return to be processed before your order can move forward.
Proof of ownership is all you need. To access the promotional trade-in pricing, customers need to credibly demonstrate that they own or operate an existing integrating nephelometer — whether that is an Aurora 3000/4000, a comparable legacy ACOEM instrument, or a similar instrument from another manufacturer. The working condition of the existing instrument does not affect eligibility.
Who qualifies? Any research facility, monitoring station, or organization currently operating an integrating nephelometer. This includes instruments from other manufacturers, so if your team has been locked into an older third-party system, this campaign opens the door to switching ecosystems without absorbing the full cost of a new instrument.
Get in touch with the Aavos team to confirm your eligibility and receive a personalized quote.
What You Get: Aurora NE-300 and NE-400 at a Glance
ACTRIS and GAW Network Compliance
Both the NE-300 and NE-400 are recognized as compliant instruments under the recommendations of ACTRIS and the WMO's Global Atmosphere Watch. For stations that report to these networks, or that aspire to, this compliance is not a checkbox — it is a prerequisite. The NE series meets those requirements without requiring additional modifications or workarounds.
More Than a Decade of Onboard Data Storage
The NE series can store over 10 years of data internally. For stations in remote locations, or facilities where data retrieval is periodic rather than continuous, this capacity transforms how you think about data security and continuity.
Advanced Angular Scattering: The NE-400 Polar
The NE-400 Polar measures light scattering across up to 18 user-selectable angular sectors, spanning 7° to 173°. This level of angular resolution allows researchers to determine the aerosol phase function with precision that older instruments simply cannot match. For studies where particle size distribution and optical properties matter — and in aerosol science, they almost always do — this capability is a meaningful step forward.
Built for Modern Operations
The new NE series reflects how scientific instruments are actually used today:
- 7" full-color touchscreen for intuitive on-site operation
- Integrated internal ball valve for automated calibration — removing a manual step that introduced variability
- TCP/IP remote monitoring for comprehensive oversight without requiring on-site presence
For network operators managing multiple stations, or facility managers responsible for instrument uptime across a distributed deployment, these features are not conveniences. They are operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my old instrument need to be in working condition to qualify for the trade-in? No. ACOEM's 2026 trade-in campaign accepts instruments regardless of their current working condition. Whether your nephelometer is still operational or has been taken offline, you can qualify — provided you can demonstrate ownership.
Do I need to ship my old instrument back to ACOEM or to Aavos? No return shipment is required. The campaign is specifically designed to eliminate this logistical step. You provide proof of ownership; ACOEM provides the upgrade discount.
Which instruments qualify as trade-in eligible? The campaign is open to operators of any integrating nephelometer, including the Aurora 3000 and 4000 series, other legacy ACOEM instruments, and comparable instruments from other manufacturers.
What is the difference between the NE-300 and the NE-400? Both are ACTRIS and GAW compliant. The NE-400 Polar adds the advanced angular scattering capability, measuring in up to 18 user-selectable sectors from 7° to 173°, which enables precise aerosol phase function determination. The right choice depends on your measurement requirements and network specifications.
How do I get started? Contact the Aavos team directly. We will confirm your eligibility, walk you through the documentation required, and provide a quote tailored to your situation.
The Bottom Line
Older instruments do not just limit measurement capability — they limit what your data can say. As climate monitoring networks tighten their compliance requirements and the scientific bar for aerosol characterization rises, the gap between legacy and current-generation instruments becomes harder to justify.
The 2026 Aurora NE Trade-In Campaign is a practical opportunity to close that gap, without the cost and complexity that usually accompanies a major instrument upgrade. No return freight. No condition requirements. Just proof of what you already own.
Explore the Aurora NE series on ACOEM's website or contact Aavos directly to find out what this campaign means for your facility.
Interested in the Aurora NE-300 or NE-400? Get in touch with the Aavos team for pricing, availability, and trade-in qualification details.