FAQs

The scales operate with 3 standard AA batteries. Ideally, these should have low self-discharge/long storage life. We currently estimate that the scales will operate for more than 3 years with one set of batteries.

If several BeeScales are to be used at one apiary, please align them all so that the plastic housings face the access side (for BLE reception via smartphone), or face the BeeBase (for BLE reception via BeeBase).

If the scales are to be transported with the weight resting on them, the transport locks must first be unscrewed and then screwed finger-tight against the upper half of the frame. Their position must be fixed using the lock nut.

Caution – if this precaution is not taken, the scale may be damaged.

The BeeScale is currently designed to fit under as many different hive dimensions as possible.

If it does not fit directly, you can simply place a wooden board (50cm x 52cm) or two planks underneath for hives that are too small. Hives that are too large can either be placed on the edges of the lateral L-profiles, or you can put two boards underneath.

For special cases such as edge-to-edge placement in bee houses or bee trailers, or for building your own substructures such as pallets, we may offer custom solutions in future.

The hive scales are built so that most hive formats can be placed directly on top. If the hive dimension used is too small for this, a 520mm x 500mm board can be placed underneath. For larger hives, simply place two beams between the hive and the scale.

Before setting up the scales, the transport locking screws (4 large knurled screws in the corners) should be screwed in until a gap of roughly 3mm remains (a 2€ coin fits loosely between). Ideally, check the gap again after positioning the hive and then lock the screws with the knurled nuts to rule out any movement.

Optionally, you can bolt the scales to the hive stand and/or to the hive floor using the 4 keyhole-shaped holes. Alternatively, the hive can simply be fastened to the scale with a tension strap. Please make sure to strap only the upper frame of the BeeScale to the hive.

The scale is also fitted with rubber pads to stop the hive slipping on the scale, or the scale slipping on the hive stand.

For best measurement results the scale must stand as level as possible.

Without a BeeBase, the scale data is read out using the Honeylink app when the smartphone is within range of the hive scales. Depending on local conditions that range is about 30m.

The scales store the weight data for up to 30 days and pass it to the app on request. The app then forwards the scale data to the server.

The BeeBase is one way to connect the scales of an apiary to the server without a smartphone having to be on site. The alternative is a smartphone running the Honeylink app.

So if you want to follow the weight development of your hives without driving out to the apiary, this is the right hardware. The BeeBase is also required so that alarms occurring at the apiary can be forwarded promptly.

Each BeeBase needs a data connection via LTE, so there is a small monthly cost per BeeBase. This is shown clearly when ordering the BeeBase and is billed every six months.

No, the HoneyLink software is deliberately kept simple and is completely free – with no hidden costs and no subscription fees.

You can access your hive data in two ways:

-  In the browser: just open portal.honeylink.io – works on any device (computer, tablet, smartphone). No installation required.

- Mobile app: free apps for Android and iOS. If you do not have a BeeBase LTE gateway, the app is needed to read the data directly from your devices on site.

After a one-time, free registration you can get started straight away. Operation is intuitive – if you can use a modern website or app, you will have no trouble with HoneyLink.

This link takes you to a YouTube video explaining the installation step by step.

Once you have signed in to the app or the portal, you can create new apiaries or view existing ones under the "Apiaries" menu item. When you open an apiary you can in turn view existing colonies or create new ones. As soon as a registered scale is assigned to a colony, its data is attributed to that colony and shown there. The scale data of several colonies at one apiary is displayed as an average for the apiary.

You can also assign a BeeBase to an apiary. If you do, it will pair with the scales registered at that apiary within 24 hours and then collect and display their data.

Once the app is installed and you have signed in, you can see the registered hardware under the menu item "More" -> "Devices", and register further devices there via "Add".

You will find the free HoneyLink app in the official app stores:

  - Android: Google Play Store
  - iOS: Apple App Store

Just download, install and sign in with your HoneyLink account. If you do not have an account yet you can register free of charge directly in the app.