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How to add a hive

Plan: Apisense AI and Apisense PRO AI

Open the apiary, tap Add and select Hive. First you scan the QR codes of the devices for this hive (ColonyLink, then VitalSensor and Scale). At the end you enter the hive name and tap Save. The VitalSensor and the Scale are optional and work only in an apiary with a Hub.

Before you start

  • You must have an apiary. See How to add an apiary.
  • You add each device only with a QR code scan. You cannot type the serial number manually.
  • The ColonyLink QR code is on the back of the ColonyLink. The VitalSensor code is on the back wall of the housing. The Scale code is on the front of the measuring bar.
  • Scan the VitalSensor and the Scale before you install them in the hive. After installation it is difficult to get to the code.
  • Scan only the devices that you install in the same hive.
  • You can add a VitalSensor and a Scale only in an apiary with a Hub. In an apiary without a Hub, the hive gets only a ColonyLink.
  • You do not scan the Hub when you add a hive. The Hub belongs to the apiary.

How to add a hive step by step

  1. Open the Apiaries tab and tap the apiary card.
  2. Tap Add, then Hive. In an empty apiary, tap Add hive.
  3. On the Hive kit screen, tap Scan ColonyLink and scan the ColonyLink QR code.
  4. In an apiary with a Hub, the app asks for the VitalSensor and then for the Scale. For each device, tap Scan {device}, or tap No {device} in this hive when you do not install this device. Apisense PRO AI
  5. Tap Next. The app checks the devices on the server.
  6. On the Check the kit and name the hive screen, enter the Hive name, for example By the pear tree or 1.
  7. Check the Maximum number of brood chamber frames (default 10).
  8. Optional: select Hive has a screened bottom board and complete the Queen (optional) section.
  9. Tap Save. The Hive added screen opens.
  10. Tap Add another hive or Done.

You can change the frames, the bottom board and the queen later in the hive settings.

Did you scan the wrong device? On the kit screen, tap the device and select Scan again or Remove from the kit.

The ColonyLink is a hive tag with a QR code and NFC. The ColonyLink connects the hive in the app to a specific hive in the apiary. When the ColonyLink is not required, you can skip this step with the Skip ColonyLink button. When it is required, the app shows Scan the ColonyLink to save this hive. When you scan a ColonyLink, the app can show an offer of free days of the AI plan.

The ColonyLink requirement does not depend on the AI or Pro AI plan. During the trial period, you can add the first hive without a ColonyLink. Each next hive needs a ColonyLink, also after you add a Hub. Exception: an account that the Apisense team released from this requirement. The app shows you if you can skip this step.

After you save

A new hive does not show measurements immediately. The VitalSensor and the Scale must connect to the Hub. The app advises: Put the devices near the Hub first. Take them to the hive once they are connected. See How long the first connection takes and what the countdown means.

Scan the ColonyLink QR code with the normal phone camera. The app shows This ColonyLink is not assigned yet. Add a hive and it will be linked during setup. Tap Add hive and select the apiary. The ColonyLink is already filled in, in the wizard.

Who can add a hive

  • The apiary owner adds a hive with ColonyLink, VitalSensor and Scale.
  • A person with full access to a shared apiary adds a hive only with ColonyLink. Scale and VitalSensor are added by the apiary owner.
  • With a lower access level, there is no button to add a hive.

When something does not work

  • This isn't a ColonyLink QR code. Scan the QR code on the back of the ColonyLink.: you scan the wrong code.
  • {deviceType} is already assigned to hive {hiveName}: disconnect the device from that hive or scan a different device.
  • Scale and VitalSensor require a Hub connected to the apiary: add a Hub to the apiary, or add the hive without these devices.
  • {deviceType} 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 device number.
  • This name already exists: this apiary has a hive with this name. Enter a different name.
  • You've reached the beehive limit for the trial. or You've reached your plan's beehive limit: see AI and Pro AI plans.
  • This apiary is full (100 hives).: move hives to another apiary or create a new apiary.
  • Cannot start camera. Please check app permissions.: give access to the camera.
  • The code does not scan: clean the sticker and make sure the light is even, with no glare.

See also