[ExI] Bee Watch

[BillK]

On 16 December 2015 at 16:11, Dave Sill  wrote:
> I think something like solar/battery-powered wifi-connected cameras that
> talk to a solar/battery-powered GSM-connected base station would be the way
> to go. I've got a security camera system (Arlo) that uses battery-powered
> cameras and a security system (SimpliSafe) that uses battery-powered
> wifi-connect sensors to talk to a GSM-connected base station, so many of the
> components needed are already on the shelf.
>

Yes, cameras and a GSM base station all with rechargeable batteries
and solar panels should work OK.
Bluetooth connections can be up to 300 feet (with good conditions and
greater power requirements). Special equipment can extend the range
further.
Of course the bee yard has to be in an area which gets a GSM signal,
i.e. not too remote.

The other problem with putting all that equipment into a remote bee
yard is theft of the equipment itself. Some people might be more
interested in stealing the equipment than stealing a hive.
And you have to think about the cost of all that equipment compared to
the cost of a hive.

The startup of cheap and simple for backyard hobbyist beekeepers seems
a good way to go.

BillK