Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: efmesch on January 27, 2014, 02:00:01 pm
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I've presented this question elsewhere before, but maybe since then there's news about advances.
I'm interested in an ACTIVE system that can inform me if a hive is being moved without me being the one to move it. [In other words, being stolen.]
All that I've seen so far are limited by their power supply lasting only a few days at most. Obviously, a solar charger is out of the question because of size and visibility.
I'm looking for something small that will have extended power (at least 1 month---a reasonable time to get to all the hive locations and replace the battery). It doesn't have to broadcast its location constantly--only it would activate upon movement, and then send me an SMS warning. After activation, it would have to continue brodcasting its location (not necessary every second--every 5-10 minutes would probably be adequate) to a computer or GPS till located.
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Mr. Efmesch, I've read about commercial hives being "chipped", I assume that means they were equipped with RFIDs or something similar. I think this is used to identify hives, but I can't think of anything that would do what you're looking for.
There may be an opportunity here for some enterprising electronics guru.
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Hive scales react to Changes in weight and can send alarms if tampered with, the batteries last for months.
But no tracking of movement.
http://www.swienty.com/shop/default.asp?catid=1226
mvh Edward :P
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If you're worried about theft, build a shed for your hives and lock it. Chances are nobody will even recognise the setup as an apiary.
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..... build a shed for your hives and lock it.
That may be a good idea, but not very practical for those who move their hives and place them in out-apiaries.
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Please forgive me for chiming in when I am only half informed. I heard a discussion on the radio regarding a similar tracking devise that can be used for children with autism. It seems that autistic children and Alzheimer's patients often wander away. A radio personality said that there is also an app for cell phones called "Where's my cell phone?" You can locate a missing cell phone as long as it is turned on. So if a cell phone is stolen, the devise can be tracked, again as long as it is turned on. The technology is there and it is affordable.
I found this and think you might find this interesting http://bee-keepers.co.uk/products/ (http://bee-keepers.co.uk/products/)
I also found this related article. http://www.agalert.com/story/?id=28 (http://www.agalert.com/story/?id=28)
Unfortunately, this article is vague about what tracking systems they are using. It is still interesting. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/7771634/Beekeepers-use-tracking-systems-as-hive-thefts-rise.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/7771634/Beekeepers-use-tracking-systems-as-hive-thefts-rise.html)
Happy reading! and good luck.
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There are also cctv cameras or wildlife cameras that take motion sensor activated Pictures, even sending them direct to a cell phone or computer.
mvh Edward :P
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I'm so glad my apiary is by my home .
This is my tracking device 0 to 60 in 4 steps ;D
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi952.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae9%2FGLOCK3%2FP7250058.jpg&hash=02ae235957083408df0624e203739fd365a88ed5) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/GLOCK3/media/P7250058.jpg.html)
Plus a couple signs to think about.
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi952.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae9%2FGLOCK3%2FBEEKEEPING%25202013%2FP9030166_zps63a68a7e.jpg&hash=bc51ebd4cb1a59de6b264dfdaa5fc2e428ff8f62) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/GLOCK3/media/BEEKEEPING%202013/P9030166_zps63a68a7e.jpg.html)
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi952.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae9%2FGLOCK3%2FBEEKEEPING%252020012%2FPB040002.jpg&hash=b8c3bda475b81d32b1e89207ea7b6a9c9e543209) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/GLOCK3/media/BEEKEEPING%2020012/PB040002.jpg.html)
And I'm a fair shoot.
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I'm so glad my apiary is by my home .
This is my tracking device 0 to 60 in 4 steps ;D
A most impressive source of power! :o