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How to install and add the devices

You add each device in the app. You scan its QR code. You do not type the device number. First add the devices and wait for the connection near your house. Take them to the apiary only when the app shows them as connected. Full steps with videos: Step-by-step kit assembly.

What is in the kit and how many devices per hive

  • Hub: one per apiary. The Hub connects the apiary to the app.
  • VitalSensor: one per hive. Do not install two VitalSensors in one hive.
  • Scale: under one hive. The Scale measures the weight of one hive at a time.
  • ColonyLink: one per hive. The ColonyLink has no battery.

The starter kit has 1 Hub, 1 Scale, 3 VitalSensors and 3 ColonyLinks. The VitalSensor and the Scale work only in an apiary with a Hub.

Where to put the devices

  • Hub: outdoors, on a mast or a tree, 1-2 m above the ground. Panel to the sun, with no shade. Panel tilt at least 20°, recommended 30-50°. Antennas straight up. Do not put the Hub under a roof or in a room.
  • Range: the Hub can be up to 35 m from the farthest hive with a VitalSensor or a Scale.
  • VitalSensor: on the middle frame in the brood box. Never in a honey super.
  • Scale: under one pair of hive legs, perpendicular to the frames. The black box points to the Hub. Put the wooden bar from the kit under the other pair of legs.
  • ColonyLink: on the front of the hive, logo to the outside.

Details: Hub, Scale, VitalSensor, ColonyLink. In the app, the See how to mount button opens an illustrated guide.

How to add the devices in the app

  1. You add the Hub together with the apiary. In the Add apiary wizard, select I have a Hub, then Scan the Hub.
  2. You add the VitalSensor, Scale and ColonyLink in the Add hive wizard. The app asks for the ColonyLink, the VitalSensor and the Scale, in this order. Apisense PRO AI
  3. Tap Scan {device} and point the camera at the QR code.
  4. If the hive does not have this device, tap No {device} in this hive.
  5. After you save, the app shows Hive added. Tap Add another hive or Done.

The QR code of the VitalSensor is on the back of the housing. The QR code of the Scale is on the front of the beam with the electronics. The wooden bar has no code. Scan the codes before you install the devices in the hive.

When the scan fails

  • The code does not scan: clean the sticker and make sure the light is even, with no glare.
  • Invalid QR code. Please scan the QR code from the Hub device: you scan the code of a different device.
  • Hub is already assigned to apiary {apiaryName}: this Hub already works in a different apiary. The app has no button to disconnect a Hub. Scan a different Hub or write to bee@apisense.ai.
  • … is already assigned to hive {hiveName}: the device is in a different hive. Move it with the Move button in that hive, or disconnect it first.
  • This device cannot be linked to this account: write to bee@apisense.ai.
  • Scale and VitalSensor require a Hub connected to the apiary: add a Hub to the apiary first.
  • Cannot start camera: let the app use the camera.

Good to know

  • Only the apiary owner can add a Scale or a VitalSensor.
  • You cannot add several hives at the same time. After you save, tap Add another hive.

See also