Beekeeping alarm systems - for greater efficiency

Automatic lifting mechanism hive scale

Weighs the hive at pre-programmed times, sends the weight data via SMS to the specified phone number or e-mail address.

We use a high-quality, commercially available, German-made digital scale with an acid-resistant box. It should be noted that electronic scales should not be loaded continuously, as their zero point "creeps", making them extremely inaccurate. Therefore, it is a basic requirement that the electronic scale must be zeroed without load before each measurement, and can only be loaded for the duration of the measurement! In our system, we have developed an automatic lifting mechanism for the scale, so it fully meets the above condition. The automatic process of measurement: we turn on the scale without load and zero it, after which the lifting mechanism loads the hive onto the scale. We measure the mass at rest on the loaded scale, then the lifting mechanism unloads the scale again. During the process, a microcomputer continuously checks and samples, and the measured exact weight is electronically transmitted by the built-in GSM module via SMS or to a specified e-mail address.

Based on this, it is easy to see that those electronic "hive scales" that are constantly loaded by the hive on them are extremely inaccurate! According to our experience and measurements, the inaccuracy cannot be corrected by software, the measured value deviates from the real value in a positive or negative direction completely unrelatedly. The inaccuracy does not mean a kilo or two, but over time (which is practically a few days...) it can be significantly more than that.

With the automatic lifting mechanism, we have achieved that our scale provides accurate measurement results not only for a few days, but for many, many years.

The scale is battery-operated, the standby power consumption is minimal, according to our measurements, with the 7AH battery used, approximately 400 measurements can be made, which after charging can be enough for an entire season. The scale occupies the lower drawer of the hive, invisible from the outside.

Beekeeper camera system

A special motion detector (practically only signals when a person is present, there is no false alarm) turns on the camera system, which sends an SMS to the owner, then continuously uploads the images to the storage server, where it can be accessed by any internet device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, etc.). After the movement stops, the camera system turns off, only the motion detector is turned on, so the system can operate for a long time even with a small battery.

Unlike traditional forestry cameras, our camera system not only records the footage locally, on a memory card, but also immediately uploads it to a server using the GSM module. This way, even if the unit is damaged or stolen, the footage is not lost, and they can be viewed via the internet on a conveniently manageable interface.

The night vision camera (infrared) and the GSM processing unit require relatively high electrical energy, so in order to be able to operate in the field for a long time from a small battery, their power supply is controlled by a motion sensor. The motion sensor used is reliable and does not alarm for hanging tree branches or small animals (birds, rabbits, etc.).

It can send an SMS alarm when motion is detected. After an alarm, the recording can be checked immediately on the internet interface, and it can be seen whether a malicious person has actually visited and whether immediate action is required.

Hive monitoring system with sound analysis

A unit the size of a matchbox placed in the hives continuously analyzes the sound inside the hive, indicating if it is abnormal (queenless colony, mite colony, etc.). Based on the signals, the system can identify problem-free (these hives should not be opened unnecessarily) and problematic (these obviously need to be dealt with) hives. The beekeeper can see the status of all hives (green and red hives) on the Web interface, in one image. In addition to sound analysis, the system also performs the usual safety monitoring (hive tilting, opening, etc.), and also indicates these to the beekeeper.

Hive guard - hive alarm

The electronics of the hive alarm, equipped with a tilt sensor, can send an SMS or phone call alarm when the hive is opened or moved.

Its battery-operated central unit continuously monitors the sensors connected via radio waves status. The sensors are small boxes the size of a matchbox, powered by a button battery, which must be placed in the hives. In case of movement, they signal the central unit, which in turn sends an SMS or phone call alarm to the set phone numbers.

The basic set consists of a central unit and 4 radio sensors, which can be expanded with additional sensors.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Ferenc Nagy

CEO

Like 2K Kft.