Suitable for: One bee colony (ideal for hobby beekeepers). Maximum frame dimensions: not specified; suitable for standard hobby beekeeping use.

BeeScales Compact – hive scale for one colony with wireless display

The scale is designed as a simple unit with data shown on a dedicated display. For normal operation the user does not need a SIM card or a mobile phone (a smartphone can be used to update or change settings). The measurements are displayed on the supplied wireless display.

Key features:

• Wireless display – Clear readout of measurements for easy viewing directly at the hive. 
• Wireless temperature sensors – Temperature monitoring without intrusive cables.
• Year-long operation on a single charge – Long battery life provides continuous monitoring of your colonies through all seasons.
• Operation without a SIM card – No extra costs for mobile connectivity.
• No annual fees – The device works without subscriptions or hidden charges.
• Ideal solution for hobby beekeepers – Designed for keepers who keep bees at home and want a simple, reliable and practical solution.
• Works without a smartphone – All essential information is available on the wireless display, no app or phone connection is required.

BeeScales Compact is the perfect choice for beekeepers seeking a modern and user-friendly solution to monitor the weight of their colonies.

Easy to install, long battery life and no extra costs – all combined in a compact system!

How does the BeeScales Compact hive scale work?

The BeeScales Compact is an innovative hive scale that enables simple monitoring of a colony's weight. It operates without a SIM card or smartphone, so there are no ongoing annual costs.

• Wireless display for instant information
  The scale includes a wireless display that can be mounted on the hive or hive stand. The display always shows the measurements from the last three days so weight changes can be analysed quickly – no additional devices required.
• E-Paper technology for optimal readability
  The display uses E-Paper technology, which remains highly readable even in direct sunlight. This technology requires no power to maintain the image, so the display can run for many years on a single battery.
• Energy efficiency and long autonomy
  The BeeScales Compact is extremely energy efficient. The built-in battery enables year-round use. At the end of the season it can be easily recharged using a standard USB-C charger, the same type used for smartphones.
• Modern technology for easy updates
  The scale contains a powerful, energy-efficient microcontroller with Bluetooth support. This enables wireless communication with the display and other wireless sensors, and allows firmware updates to be applied directly via a smartphone.

Before placing the scale under the hive, perform a test start to familiarize yourself with its operation. Place the scale on a table and switch it on using the power switch on the unit. A short blue light on the switch indicates the scale is functioning.

After approximately 30 seconds, the wireless display will briefly flash. This indicates the scale has found the paired wireless display and can communicate with it. The light on the switch will then begin to blink slowly – this indicates the scale is transmitting data to the display. Data transfer takes about 30 seconds.

Afterwards the display will refresh several times, alternating between black and white. This means the image on the display is updating and the new measurements are being shown. About one minute later a second refresh will occur, showing the values from the wireless temperature sensors.

The scale takes measurements at 07:00 in the morning and 21:00 in the evening. The weight difference between these two measurements represents the daily yield.

During the day an additional intermediate measurement is performed. The display shows the measurements from the last three days. It always displays the most recent weight as well as the weight change for the current day.

The display also shows values from the temperature sensors. For each temperature reading the last four characters of the code printed on the sensor are shown.

Mounting the scale

Place the scale under the hive so that the power switch is easily accessible and faces toward the mounted wireless display.

The display should be located a few metres from the scale. If the distance between the display and the scale is too large, the scale may not be able to show measurements on the display.

The display can be attached to the hive using the supplied self-adhesive Velcro straps.

Charging the battery

The scale has a built-in battery that allows one year of operation on a single charge. At the end of the season, connect a standard USB-C charger for mobile phones to recharge the built-in battery. Charging takes approximately 36 hours.

Charging is also possible with a so-called power bank (a portable battery/charger).

You can see the scale's battery status in the top right corner of the display.

The wireless display and the temperature sensors use their own batteries, which are not rechargeable. If these batteries run low, please contact us. The battery status of these devices is shown in the bottom left of the display.

You can see the scale battery status in the top right of the display.

Diagnostics and updates

The scale's software can be updated using an Android smartphone and the app "BeeScales.io Diagnostics", available on the Google Play Store.

Illustrated guide

On/off switch and USB-C charging socket

Attachment of the self-adhesive Velcro straps to the display

Example of display placement

Example of display mounting

• Suitable for: One bee colony — ideal for hobby beekeepers. (Maximum frame dimensions: not specified; suitable for standard beekeeping use)
• Product SKU: BSC01
• Display: Wireless E-Paper display; shows the latest weight and weight changes for the last 3 days, daily yield (difference 07:00 / 21:00) and intermediate daytime measurement.
• Temperature monitoring: Wireless temperature sensors; the last 4 characters of the sensor code are shown; sensor batteries are not rechargeable.
• Battery & charging: Built-in battery in the scale with year-long runtime; recharge via USB-C (approx. 36 hours). The wireless display is extremely energy-efficient (E-Paper) and requires infrequent battery replacements.
• Connectivity & updates: Microcontroller with Bluetooth; firmware updates via the Android app "BeeScales.io Diagnostics" (Google Play).
• Mounting & operation: Place the scale under the hive; attach the display with the supplied self-adhesive Velcro straps; effective range between display and scale: a few metres (no display if distance is too large).
• Measurement intervals & data transfer: Measurements daily at 07:00 and 21:00 plus intermediate daytime measurement; initial data transfer/initialization approx. 30–60 seconds.