Orders for "Ulster" Style Obs Hive Top

[Hill's Hivery]

I am now taking orders for an “Ulster” style observation hive top that will accept the medium size (6-1/4”) frames. THIS IS THE TOP ONLY! These will be shipped USPS unassembled. Assembly instructions are included and a link will be supplied with detailed assembly instructions, including pictures.

This observation top is designed to fit on a standard 5 frame nucleus hive. It is made of #2 pine or spruce, and sanded ready for finish. The kit comes complete with 2 panes of ¼” plexiglass for safety and a sized queen excluder/includer.

Unassembled Shipped Dimensions: 10” Wide X 4” High X 22” Long (Approximately 25 Lbs.)
Assembled Dimensions are: 9” Wide X 10-1/2” High X 21-1/2” Long

There are four 1” diameter screened ventilation holes on the top. The observation top is held on by two nickel-plated clasps, one on each end. The observation unit is attached to the nucleus hive with four nickel-plated clasps. (supplied).

I am selling these for $65.00, plus shipping. (Brushy Mountain sells their unit with a nucleus bottom for $134.00 plus shipping.
I am also offering a deep version for $71.00.)

DISCLAIMER: I have never owned or physically seen the Ulster hive that is being offered by Brushy Mountain. This is an observation top of my creation.

Finished Observation Top
http://s279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/HillsHivery/Ulster%20Top/?action=view&current=Finished01.jpg

[EKW]

Nice job putting the photos together- I don't think anyone would have a problem assembling your unit.

A couple of questions- your spacing looks a little strange to me- might just be the photo but I pulled out my ulster-style hive to double check and your version definitely seems to have more space between the top bar of the frame and the inside of the OH top- what is that distance?

The original ulster OH has a screened bottom. If a person put your top on a standard nuc, with a solid bottom, would ventilation be a concern?

"If you are wishing to keep a sustained colony in this, you will need to switch the observation top with a migratory top on your nucleus hive. We have done this very successfully."

How long can you keep a "sustained colony" in a 5 frame medium nuc? We went with deeps figuring it would give the queen more room to lay, but as it turns out we have never kept bees in ours for more than a couple of days so having enough room hasn't been an issue, yet. Right now I am trying to figure out if it is worth the effort to set this up as an OH in our sunroom- too busy right now to stop and build a proper vertical OH.

[Hill's Hivery]

"Nice job putting the photos together- I don't think anyone would have a problem assembling your unit."
Thank you. :D I tried to take the photos as I went along putting a unit together. I am DEFINITELY not a photographer! I will be supplying a paper version with the units so everyone doesn't need to sit by their computer or print out all the photos.

"your version definitely seems to have more space between the top bar of the frame and the inside of the OH top- what is that distance?"
The spacing on the sides are 3/8" and there is a 3/8" space between the top of the frame and observation top.

"The original ulster OH has a screened bottom. If a person put your top on a standard nuc, with a solid bottom, would ventilation be a concern?"
With the ventilation change from our prototype we have not seen any problems. Please keep in mind though, that the observation top is not designed for sustained use. It should be removed at the end of the day so that the queen can be reunited and have ample laying room. (We use a migratory top in place of the OH top.) I did have a minor vent problem in the prototype I was using, but this was solved by adding the 2 additional vents. (Prototype had only 2 vents. New version has 4.) The initial prototype design allowed for minor fogging of the plexiglass, BUT the new design has taken care of that problem. Even with only 2 vents, I was able to keep them in the observation top all day for talks at schools. The kids really loved it!

"How long can you keep a "sustained colony" in a 5 frame medium nuc?"
I have kept mine outside in the apiary with a migratory top for about 2 months now and am planning on keeping them there the rest of the season. I remove a frame of brood once in a while to make sure the queen has adequate room to lay. It depends on your colony though. You basically have to manipulate it as a standard nuc. The only difference is that when you take the migratory top off, you are setup to put the observation top on and go. (After closing the entrance of the nuc of course.);)

Thank you for your interest!

[Hill's Hivery]

Units are now ready to ship. I have both medium and deep size observation tops.

[BULLSEYE BILL]

I was looking at your top, it looks good! I was wondering if it also had the luan shutters to cover the plex like the Ulster does?

[Hill's Hivery]

No it doesn't. I have never seen an Ulster other than on Brushy Mountains website, so I didn't realize that there were covers offered. Are they just panels that set in, or do they slide in somehow? How are they secured?

I am always looking for ways to upgrade my design. I started designing this because I figured I no one offered a medium sized box.
(And i figured I could do it a little cheaper.:D)

[Michael Bush]

The Plexiglass is held in by two upright 3/4" by 3/4" cleats. In those cleats a the upper corners are two inset threaded "nuts" that two knurled brass thumb screws hold the top of the panel in. The middle of the top of the panel has a small wood knob to assist getting the panel out. The bottom of the panel is held in by a 6" long cleat that is between 1/4" and 3/8" square.

[Hill's Hivery]

I have placed one of these on ebay this way, so I thought I would offer it here also.

I am selling the deep sized observation tops for $50 now WITHOUT the plexiglass panels. It seemed that the buyers on ebay wanted to save on the shipping and purchase the glass themselves.

The shipping size will still be 22" x 10" x 4", but the weight will be a little less. I have 2 of the deep sizes left.

[JohnK and Sheri]

Received my Ulster hive just 4 days after payment. Thanks for the quick delivery! It is easy to put together and although I haven't put bees in it yet, looks like it will be perfect for my weekend honey store.
Thanks,
Sheri

[Don S]

Thanks- Don

[BeeTeach]

I have been considering using an observation hive of this style for markets and fairs because if the nuc is managed well you should be able leave this in place on the hive not disturb the hive to replace the cover. Access to a feeder jar can be cut into the top with a cover when not in use. My other OB hive has luan covers over the viewing area to keep the bees from covering the plexiglas with propolis. Grooves could be routered into the lid (completely through the top) and along side those for the plexiglas to slide the luan in. In this way I don't believe that top would need to be removed after each use. Great idea to just sell the top!

[rkwool01]

Hill's Hivery:
Check your PM.

Thanks

[contactme_11]

THIS IS THE TOP ONLY!
This observation top is designed to fit on a standard 5 frame nucleus hive.

In case anyone is interested, the nucs I sell are standard 9" size and I'll sell them discounted without a top if you want to buy these neat observation tops he's selling. Also I sell medium or deep nucs. http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233808

[Troy]

Are you still making these? I'm interested.

[natureboy68]

are these still available?

[Hill's Hivery]

I am no longer producing these. I have a gentleman interested in the last "Medium" sized top that I have. It is already assembled and ready for use. If he does not want it, I will have it to sell still. Asking $40 + Shipping for it. (There is a small knot hole in the unit is why the discount. That and I need the room in the shed!)

If interested in it, please use me regular email as I don't have the time to check on here regularly. (Hillshivery@verizon.net)