BEEP successfully reached its crowdfunding goal for the BEEP base only nine days after launching their campaign on the Kickstarter platform. The proposed open-source beehive scale, measuring weight, sound and temperature, was created by the beekeeper and engineer Marten Schoonman and product developer Pim van Gennip. Beekeepers can monitor their bees through the accompanying BEEP app that shows the measurement data from the BEEP base. This real-time information enables them to make timely and informed decisions about how to take the best care of their bees.

"We develop, in collaboration with other organisations and volunteers, tools that enable the bees to tell us when they need our help. So we can let them bee the rest of the time", explained Marten Schoonman.

Photo: BEEP base

A complete overview of the bee status

When you placed the BEEP base under your beehive and connected it to the network, the scale sends the recorded information to the free BEEP app. The information is accessible via phone, computer or tablet. Supplement the measurement data with your own inspection data in the BEEP app to get a complete picture of the status of your bees.

Specifications

The BEEP base consists of a very accurate weight sensor, supports up to five temperature sensors and records sounds from within the hive. Its frame of the BEEP base is made of high-quality stainless steel and will last for more than 10 years. The whole system is so energy efficient that it can send out over a year of measurements on just 2 AAA batteries. With its 64 MB of memory, the BEEP base can store two years of sensor information. Plus, it easy to assemble and dis-assemble.

B-GOOD and BEEP
BEEP supplies the B-GOOD project with its existing technology and data platform. The other project partners will further develop additional open-source features to implement in the beehive scale. Together we work towards a platform that gives beekeepers guidance and helps them to make more informed decisions. In that way, we pave the path towards healthy and sustainable beekeeping. 

Photo: BEEP app