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How to add an apiary

Plan: Apisense AI and Apisense PRO AI

You add an apiary on the Apiaries screen with the Add button (the first apiary with the Let's start! button). You enter a name and select I have a Hub or I don't have a Hub. The Hub is the device that connects the apiary to the app. You add a Hub only with a QR code scan. You can always add devices later.

Before you start

  • To add an apiary with a Hub, you scan the QR code on the sticker on the Hub housing. You cannot type the Hub number manually.
  • The app needs access to the camera. In a web browser, the browser gives the camera permission.
  • You do not set the apiary location in the app. The Hub gives the location (GPS or the mobile network). An apiary without a Hub has no location.

How to add an apiary step by step

  1. Open the Apiaries tab.
  2. Tap Add in the bottom right corner. If you do not have an apiary yet, tap Let's start!.
  3. Enter the Name (max. 100 characters).
  4. At the question How do you want to add the apiary?, select a tile:
    • I have a Hub: a Hub in the apiary, ColonyLink and devices in the hives.
    • I don't have a Hub: a ColonyLink in each hive.
  5. For I don't have a Hub: tap Save. The apiary is ready.
  6. For I have a Hub: tap Next, then Scan the Hub. Point the camera at the QR code of the Hub.
  7. When the app shows Hub {number} scanned., tap Save. To select a different Hub, tap Change Hub. See how to mount opens the installation instructions.
  8. The Apiary added window opens. Tap Add hives now or Later.

You can also add hives later: open the apiary, tap Add, then Hive. See How to add a hive.

Other method: scan the Hub QR code with the phone camera

Scan the QR code of the Hub with the normal phone camera. A free Hub opens the Add Hub screen in the app. Select New apiary or Existing apiary (an apiary without a Hub). Enter the Apiary name and tap Save. If the Hub is already in your apiary, the app opens that apiary.

Apiary without a Hub

An apiary without a Hub is for the diary: hives with ColonyLink, notes, inspections, tasks. Without a Hub you cannot add a VitalSensor or a Scale. Without a Hub there is also no weather and no weather recommendations. You can add a Hub later: open the apiary, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, and in the Hub section tap Add Hub.

When something does not work

  • Invalid QR code. Please scan the QR code from the Hub device: you scan the code of a different device. Scan the sticker on the Hub.
  • Hub is already assigned to apiary {apiaryName}: disconnect the Hub from that apiary or scan a different Hub.
  • Hub with the provided serial number does not exist in the system or This device cannot be linked to this account: write to bee@apisense.ai and give the Hub number.
  • You've reached the apiary limit for the trial.: during the trial period, the number of apiaries is limited. See AI and Pro AI plans.
  • Cannot start camera. Please check app permissions.: give the app (or the browser) access to the camera.
  • The code does not scan: clean the sticker and make sure the light is even, with no glare.
  • The Hub does not connect after you add the apiary: see How long the first connection takes and what the countdown means.

See also