Author Topic: Prevent theft of hives  (Read 4855 times)

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Offline efmesch

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Prevent theft of hives
« on: January 27, 2014, 02:00:01 pm »
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.

Offline rcannon

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2014, 08:52:41 pm »
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.

Offline Edward

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2014, 09:25:02 pm »
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
"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best-" and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were.

Offline pistolpete

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2014, 11:15:20 pm »
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. 
My advice: worth price charged :)

Offline efmesch

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2014, 02:54:08 am »
..... 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. 

Offline Bakersdozen

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2014, 08:02:58 am »
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/ 
I also found this related article. 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

Happy reading! and good luck.

Offline Edward

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2014, 08:24:59 am »
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
"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best-" and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were.

Offline GLOCK

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2014, 08:38:08 am »
I'm so glad my apiary is by my  home .
This is my tracking device 0 to 60 in 4 steps ;D

Plus a couple signs to think about.


And I'm a fair shoot.
Say hello to the bad guy.
5 year Beekeeper/40 hives/ treat{oav}

Offline efmesch

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Re: Prevent theft of hives
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2014, 09:15:39 am »
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