Hive Monitor Is the Bee’s Knees
Ben Brooks’s DIY hive tracker for beekeeping is a smart solution to monitor hive health and activity without the need for frequent hive inspections. By integrating sensors such as a light sensor, temperature sensor, and strain gauges for weight measurement, the tracker provides valuable data to help beekeepers assess the condition of their hive.
Using an ESP32 microcontroller, the tracker gathers sensor data and transmits it wirelessly to Home Assistant, allowing Ben to remotely monitor the hive’s status. The inclusion of an external antenna ensures reliable communication, especially in areas with limited Wi-Fi range.
The use of strain gauges, typically found in bathroom scales, for weight measurement is a cost-effective choice, although Ben encountered challenges with connectivity due to rodent damage to the wires. Despite this setback, Ben demonstrates resourcefulness by milling and drilling the PCB himself and using phone plugs for sensor connections.
While the project is a work in progress and may require improvements such as switching to screw terminals or soldering wires for better reliability, it showcases Ben’s dedication to leveraging technology to support his beekeeping hobby. With further refinement, the hive tracker has the potential to provide valuable insights for beekeepers and contribute to the health and productivity of bee colonies.
Read more: Hive Monitor Is the Bee’s Knees
