Hive Weight Measuring Device

[The Bix]

Hi,

What do you think about me installing a unit underneath my hives that would record the weight of my hives at one hour intervals throughout the year? The log of observations would be extracted and the results graphed.

I thought it would provide another tool to observe my bees without disturbing them. I realize that nothing beats an up-close and personal inspection, frame by frame. But, this would be an interesting addition to the arsenal to stay ahead of the power curve and spot problems earlier and reducing the number of inspections needed.

My initial thoughts were to observe:
1) Spring Buildup (healthy colony)
2) Nectar flow (adding supers)
3) Depletion of reserves in the winter (identifying a need to feed)

Then I found this http://www.coloss.org/publications/C...Apidologie.pdf

Great idea or dumb idea?

Thanks,

John

[max2]

The Bix - I have purchased a simple device some time back which allowes me to weigh hives with a minimum of fuss.

I will post more after Christmas when I have a bit more time.
We have SHB and there is considerable evidence showing that disturbing the bees less may lead to fewer SHB being attracted.

The weight of a hive - so I expect - should give me an indication of hive staus and need to extract honey. Naturally it will never eliminate - just reduce - the need to check on a hive by opening.

[Countryboy]

Putting hives on platform scales isn't uncommon. Allen Dick www.honeybeeworld.com had hives on scales all last winter and he has some good charts in the diary. His work may give you some ideas on how to approach things.

[The Bix]

CB,

Thanks, that's great information! Very interesting stuff.

My process, however, would be a little different, perhaps easier. The weight would automatically be recorded electronically at regular intervals. Once the unit was in place, you'd never need to take it off and you could do multiple hives. The files could be downloaded and charted very quickly. You could also sample the data manually as well.

John

[edwardw]

Here is a .PDF of the physics of weighing objects where the density is not uniform, eg off center mass. This allows to you accurately weigh a hive by weighing from both sides and not double counting some of the weight.

http://tinyurl.com/beemass

Edward

[Fuzzy]

John,

What specific technology are you using for measurement and accquisition ?