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System Overview

The Apisense system is three devices and an app. The VitalSensor measures conditions inside the hive, the Scale measures hive weight. Both send data over Bluetooth (BLE) to the Hub, and the Hub sends it over LTE to the cloud. You see the results in the Apisense app.

1. Hardware Technical Specifications

Apisense Hub

Hub that aggregates data from VitalSensors and Scales across the apiary and forwards it to the cloud.

  • Power Supply: Built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery + integrated photovoltaic (solar) panel.
  • Operating Time: Up to 2 weeks without sunlight; continuous operation with solar exposure. Top-up charging through USB-C or from a 12 V DC adapter (2.1/5.5 mm plug).
  • Connectivity:
    • Cloud: LTE only (SIM card inside the Hub; data transfer included in the subscription). The Hub does not connect through Wi-Fi.
    • Local: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), range up to 35m to VitalSensors and Scales. Supports up to 100 devices.
  • Installation: Non-invasive mounting (post, tree), weather-resistant (IP44). Panel tilt: at least 20°, 30-50° recommended.
  • Dimensions: Compact housing integrated with solar panel (approx. 17.5x17.5x5 cm).

Apisense VitalSensor

Key device for early disease identification: continuously captures the environmental parameters from inside the hive that drive the AI detection models.

  • Sensors: NOx, VOC, humidity, temperature, gas resistance, acoustic microphone, and additional in-hive environmental parameters.
  • Power Supply: 2x AA alkaline batteries.
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 months on a single set of batteries.
  • Installation: Non-invasive bracket for the bee frame (requires no hive modification).
  • Dimensions: Ultra-slim design fitting in the inter-frame space (approx. 13x3x2 cm).

Apisense Scale

Continuous hive weight measurement.

  • Sensors: Load cell for hive mass measurement and a built-in temperature sensor for ambient (outside-hive) temperature readings.
  • Power Supply: 2x AA alkaline batteries.
  • Battery Life: Up to 36 months (3 years) on a single set of batteries.
  • Installation: Low-profile design under the hive, includes a wooden leveling beam for stability.
  • Dimensions: Standard width matched to hive floorboards (approx. 40x5x4 cm).

2. Operating and usage conditions

Hub and Scale

  • Ingress protection of the housing: IP44.
  • Ambient operating temperature: −20 °C to +55 °C.
  • Do not put the Hub or the Scale where water can stand or where the ground can flood.

VitalSensor

  • Maximum operating temperature: +55 °C.
  • Relative humidity: up to 95 % RH.
  • Water vapour can condense for a short time inside the hive. This is a normal operating condition, not improper use.
  • Do not expose the VitalSensor directly to liquids, flooding, immersion, liquid feed, concentrated chemicals or other conditions outside its intended use.

Treatments and feeding

  • During treatments in the hive, prevent direct contact between the device and chemicals.
  • Do not spill concentrated products directly onto the device. Do not expose it to more chemicals than a normal treatment does.
  • Always obey the instructions of the product manufacturer.
  • Prevent direct contact between the device and liquids, including sugar syrup and other liquid feed. Do not pour, spray or spill liquids directly onto the device.

3. Apisense app

The Apisense app runs on iOS, Android, and the web.

Download the app:

For answers to questions about the app (account, apiaries and hives, inspections, notes, tasks, alerts and sharing) see the Help Center.