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How to replace the batteries in the VitalSensor and the Scale

Plan: Apisense PRO AI

The VitalSensor and the Scale use 2 AA alkaline batteries. For the Scale you need a 4 mm hex key and a Torx T6 screwdriver. The tools are not in the kit. After the replacement, tap I replaced the batteries in the app. The Hub has no batteries to replace. The ColonyLink has no battery.

How to replace the batteries in the VitalSensor

  1. Prepare 2 new AA alkaline batteries.
  2. Open the cover of the VitalSensor.
  3. Remove both used batteries.
  4. Put in the new batteries as the + and - marks show. The LED comes on.
  5. Close the cover.
  6. Put the VitalSensor back in the hive, in the range of the Hub.

Video: Battery replacement in the VitalSensor.

How to replace the batteries in the Scale

  1. Prepare 2 new AA alkaline batteries, a 4 mm hex key and a Torx T6 screwdriver.
  2. Remove the Scale from under the hive.
  3. Remove the angle brackets: 2 screws, with the 4 mm hex key.
  4. Open the black box: remove the 2 small screws of the cover with the Torx T6 screwdriver.
  5. Remove both used batteries from the holder.
  6. Put in the new batteries in opposite directions, as the + and - marks show.
  7. Install the cover and tighten the 2 Torx T6 screws.
  8. Install the angle brackets and tighten the 2 screws with the 4 mm hex key.
  9. Put the Scale back under the hive, in the range of the Hub.

Video: Battery replacement in the Scale.

What to do in the app after the replacement

  1. Open the hive → ⋮ → Settings → section Devices.
  2. On the device card, tap I replaced the batteries.
  3. The app shows Battery replacement confirmed.

The button is not necessary. It makes the data come back faster: the device starts to measure again at the next sync. Without the button, the data comes back by itself when the Hub is online. This can take up to a few hours.

To open the guide in the app, tap See how to replace the VitalSensor batteries or See how to replace the Scale batteries. From a low battery alert, go to the devices with the Go to devices button.

What not to do after the replacement

  • Do not restart the Hub.
  • Do not remove the device from the hive and do not add it again.
  • Do not delete the hive.

When the screws in the Scale do not come loose

The screws are tight and have thread-locking glue.

  1. Check the tool. The key must go fully into the socket, with no play.
  2. Put the Scale on a table so that it is stable. Push the key in hard and turn it to the left.
  3. Make one short, strong movement. Do not turn slowly.
  4. If the key slips, put a wide rubber band on the screw head and push the key through it.
  5. If the screw socket starts to strip, stop and write to bee@apisense.ai. Do not drill and do not heat the housing: the batteries are inside.

Good to know

  • Only the apiary owner with a plan that includes device data sees I replaced the batteries.
  • The data does not come back after a few hours? See A device has no connection.
  • Propolis or wax on the VitalSensor cover? See How to clean the VitalSensor from propolis and wax.
  • In the VitalSensor and the Scale, use only AA alkaline batteries. Do not use AA rechargeable batteries or AA lithium batteries.