Beescales Compact – hive scale for a single colony with wireless display

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

Main features:

• Wireless display – Clear presentation of readings for easy viewing directly at the hive. 
• Wireless temperature sensors – Temperature monitoring without disruptive cabling.
• Year‑round operation on a single battery charge – Long battery life ensures continuous monitoring of the colony throughout the seasons.
• Operation without a SIM card – No extra costs for mobile connectivity.
• No annual usage fees – The device works without subscriptions or hidden charges.
• Ideal solution for hobby beekeepers – Designed for beekeepers keeping bees at home who want a simple, reliable and practical solution.
• Works without a smartphone – All key information is available directly on the wireless display without the need for an app or a phone connection.

Beescales Compact is the perfect choice for beekeepers looking for a modern and user‑friendly solution to monitor the weight of their colonies.

Easy installation, long battery life and no extra costs – everything 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 annual usage fees.

• Wireless display for instant information
  The scale is supplied with a wireless display that can be attached to the hive or bee house. The display always shows the measurements from the last three days so weight changes can be analysed quickly – with no additional devices required.
• E‑paper technology for optimal readability
  The display uses E‑paper technology, which remains easily readable even in direct sunlight. This technology requires no power to maintain the image, so the display can operate for several 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 recharged with 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 directly via smartphone.

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

After about 30 seconds the wireless display will briefly flash a light. This indicates the scale has found the connected wireless display and can communicate with it. The light at the switch will then begin to flash slowly – this shows the scale is transmitting data to the display. The data transfer takes around 30 seconds.

The display will flash several times, alternating between black and white. This means the image on the display is being updated and the new measurements are being shown. After another minute there will be a second update on the display showing the readings from the wireless temperature sensors.

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

An additional intermediate measurement is also taken during the day. The display shows measurement data for the last three days. It always shows the most recent weight and the weight change for the respective day.

The display also shows the temperature sensor readings. For each temperature reading the last four characters of the code printed on the temperature sensor are displayed.

Mounting the scale

Place the scale under the hive so the on/off switch is easily accessible and faces the attached wireless display.

The display should be a few metres away from the scale. If the distance between the display and the scale is too great, the scale will not be able to show readings 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 mobile charger to the scale to recharge the internal battery. Charging takes approximately 36 hours.

Charging is also possible with a power bank (a portable battery and charger).

The battery status of the scale is shown at the top right of the display.

The wireless display and the temperature sensors also have their own batteries. These batteries are not rechargeable. If they run out, please contact us. The battery status of these devices is shown at the bottom left of the display.

You can see the battery status of the scale at 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", which is available on the Google Play Store.

Illustrated instructions

On/off switch and USB‑C charging port

Attaching the self‑adhesive Velcro straps to the display

Example placement of the display

Example of attaching the display

• 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; displays the last 4 characters of the sensor code; sensor batteries are not rechargeable.
• Battery & charging: Built‑in battery in the scale with year‑long runtime; charging via USB‑C (approx. 36 hours). The wireless display is extremely energy efficient (E‑paper) and requires rare battery changes.
• Connectivity & updates: Bluetooth‑enabled microcontroller; firmware updates via the Android app "BeeScales.io Diagnostics" (Google Play).
• Installation & operation: Place the scale under the hive; attach the display with the supplied self‑adhesive Velcro straps; display‑to‑scale range: a few metres (no display if too far).
• Measurement intervals & data transfer: Measurements daily at 07:00 and 21:00 plus an intermediate measurement; initial data transfer/initialization approx. 30–60 seconds.