Difference between revisions of "User:David"

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My name is David Hawa, I have been involved with the developers with TheHivetoolProject since 2014.  I am hobbyist beekeeper in Texas and have been keeping bees since 2012.  The HawaUbee Apiary is registered with the State of Texas (#1-439-701) and is located in Roanoke Texas at Henrietta Creek Apple Orchard.  The orchard which has been in operation since 1990, hosts field trips to thousands of children annually teaching them about pollinators and pollinator habitats.  Currently the apiary has two monitored beehives, the first Named: HawaUbee utilizes an older version of HiveTool and is a 10 frame Langstroth style hive. The HawaUbee hive is a participant in the NASA pollination project; the first of its kind in Texas.  The second, more recent hive named HawaUbee02 is equipped with the new user friendly HiveTool setup (HiveTool 0.7.3)and monitors not only weight but internal hive temperature, external temperature, and sunlight patterns.  The HawaUbee02 bee hive is an 8 frame Flow Hive with dual brood boxes.  My development scale is Named: HawaUbee03 which resides on my desk and it serves as my tinkering system.  At the end of 2016 I currently have ten, ten-frame Langstroth beehives and I manage 5 Flow Hives that are owned by the orchard.  I am amazed how far this project has come and excited to see where it is going.
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'''INTRODUCTION:'''<br>
 +
My name is David Hawa, I am hobbyist beekeeper in Texas and have been keeping bees since 2012.  The HawaUbee Apiary is registered with the State (#1-439-701) and is located within Henrietta Creek Apple Orchard in Roanoke, Texas.  The orchard which has been in operation since 1990, hosts field trips to thousands of children annually teaching them about pollinators and pollinator habitats.  Currently the apiary has two monitored beehives, the first Named: HawaUbee which utilizes an older version of HiveTool and is a 10 frame Langstroth style hive. The HawaUbee hive is a participant in the NASA pollination project; the first of its kind in Texas.  The second, more recent hive named HawaUbee02 is equipped with the new user friendly HiveTool setup (HiveTool 0.7.3)and monitors not only weight but internal hive temperature, external temperature, and sunlight patterns.  The HawaUbee02 beehive is an 8 frame Flow Hive with dual brood boxes.  My development scale is Named: HawaUbee03 which resides on my desk and it serves as my tinkering system.  At the end of 2016 I currently have ten, ten-frame Langstroth beehives and I manage 5 Flow Hives that are owned by the orchard.  I am amazed how far this project has come and excited to see where it is going! <br>
 +
The HawaUbee webpage is located at [http://www.HawaUbee.com HawaUbee.com] <br>
  
 
'''Pictured below the HawaUbee Apiary at the close of 2016:''' <br>
 
'''Pictured below the HawaUbee Apiary at the close of 2016:''' <br>
[[File:ApiaryOverview.jpg|2000px|thumb|left|Panoramic Overview of the HawaUbee Apiary]]<br>
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[[File:ApiaryOverview.jpg|800px|thumb|none|Panoramic Overview of the HawaUbee Apiary]]<hr>
  
 +
'''SYSTEM'''<br>
 +
Overview - The HawaUbee Hivetool System is totally off the grid; it is powered by two 185W; 5.17AMP solar panels which charge Three 35AMP hour batteries and is wired with an inline fuse incase anything goes haywire.  Each scale is run by separate raspberry Pi computer systems contained in individual Pellican water-tight storage boxes.  The entire system is enclosed in a small outdoor storage shed which is anchored to the ground to prevent tipping.  The scales under HawaUbee and HawaUbee02 are constructed out of stainless steel "L" angle. Wires from the load cells are run into a watertight junction box and then are run through a protective conduit and connect to the Pi computer systems.  Both Pi systems have wireless USB dongles that connect to an AT&T velocity hotspot.  Below are pictures of some milestones for both HawaUbee and HawaUbee02 HiveTool Scales <br>
 +
'''HiveTool Scale: HawaUbee'''
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Scale1.JPG|Stainless Steel Scale with Load Cells|alt=alt language
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File:Scale1.2.JPG|Testing the Scale with Weights|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2.JPG|Leveling and Installation of the Scale|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2.2.JPG|Rough Installation of Components|alt=alt language
  
<br>My personal webpage is located at [http://www.HawaUbee.com HawaUbee.com]>
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</gallery>
 
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<gallery>
'''SYSTEM'''<br>
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File:Scale2.3.JPG|Connection to the Internet Accomplished|alt=alt language
Overview - The HawaUbee Hivetool System is totally off the grid; it is powered by two 185W; 5.17AMP solar panels which charge Three 35AMP hour batteries and is wired with an inline fuse incase anything goes wonky. The raspberry Pi computer systems there are 2 contained in separate Pellican water-tight storage boxes, which are contained in a suncast storage shed which is anchored to the ground to prevent tipping. The scales under HawaUbee and HawaUbee02 are constructed out of stainless steel "L" angle. Wires from the load cells are run into a watertight junction box; the wires from the load cells are connected to wires connected to the Pi computer systems.  The wires are contained in plastic flexible conduit to protect them from the elements. The HawaUbee02 system is connected to a light (lux) sensor and also has an in-hive temperature sensor. Both Pi systems have wireless USB dongles that connect to an AT&T velocity hotspot.
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File:Scale3.JPG|HawaUbee Hive Langstroth 10-Frame|alt=alt language
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File:Scale4.JPG|Inside the Container|alt=alt language
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File:Scale5.JPG|HawaUbee(NASA #TX01)is Complete|alt=alt language
 +
</gallery><br>
 +
'''HiveTool Scale: HawaUbee02'''
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Scale2-1.JPG|Stainless Steel Scale with load cells|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2-2.JPG|HiveTool Development Board Components|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2-3.JPG|Soldering Components|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2-4.JPG|HawaUbee02 powered by battery|alt=alt language
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</gallery>
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<gallery>
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File:Scale2-5.JPG|Preparing to install the scale|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2-6.JPG|Installing HawaUbee02 Computer|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2-7.jpg|Construction of Light Sensor|alt=alt language
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File:Scale2-8.JPG|Final Installation of HawaUbee02 Under a Flow Hive|alt=alt language
 +
</gallery><br>
 +
<hr>
  
 
'''Parts List'''<br>
 
'''Parts List'''<br>
Upcoming
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Below is a list of parts that will produce a system that is very close to what is at the HawaUbee Apiary.  Keep in mind that this system is way above and beyond a typical system it is also completely off the wired grid, utilizing solar power and a hotspot for wireless internet connection.  This cost does not include tools, labor, Hivetool Development Kit, and actual scale construction.  The hotspot is a 5GB/month plan and roughly costs $50 per month.  To see a breakdown click on the PartsList - HawaUbee.xlsx link that is below this image.<br>
 
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[[File:HawaUbee-PartsList.JPEG|800px]]<br>
 +
[[File:PartsList - HawaUbee.xlsx]]
 +
<hr>
 
'''Soldering/Construction Manual''' <br>
 
'''Soldering/Construction Manual''' <br>
If you have decided to assemble your own board I have made a manual to aide in the assembly of your HiveTool v0.3 board; should you have questions. <br>
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If you have decided to assemble your own board below is a manual to aide in the assembly of your HiveTool v0.3 board. <br>
 +
[[File:Manual.jpg]]<br>
 
[[File:HiveToolV0.3Board - Construction.pdf]]
 
[[File:HiveToolV0.3Board - Construction.pdf]]
 
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<hr>
'''Pictures of the External Container'''<br>
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'''EZ Connector for the DHT22 (Temperature) Sensor'''<br>
[[File:System_Assembly_-_01.jpeg|200px|thumb|left|Initial System Setup - Hive: HawaUbee]]
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Soldering the DHT22 is not an easy thing to do, even for the savvy solder-er utilizing a high-end iron and a convenient clamp.  I have found a connector/cable combo that will take the headache out of making/repairing/replacing your temperature sensors. The wire leads off the connector are much easier to solder, I even accomplished this in-field with relative ease.  This cable can be purchased at Amazon.com for around $6.00 for a quantity of ten. <br>
 +
Search: "'TronicsPros RGB LED Light Strips Female Connector RGB LED Strip Connector Cable"  I am going to call the connector the DHT-EZ for the descriptors below. 
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:DHT22-1.JPG|Picture of the DHT-EZ|alt=alt language
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File:DHT22-2.JPG|DHT22 sensor is inserted into the DHT-EZ|alt=alt language
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File:DHT22-3.JPG|Shrink Tubing Securely attaches the DHT22 to the DHT22-EZ|alt=alt language
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File:DHT22-4.JPG|Leads off the DHT-22EZ are soldered and insulated|alt=alt language
 +
</gallery>
 +
<hr>
 +
<br>
 +
'''Lightbulb Lux Sensor'''<br>
 +
This is a creative play off of the ping pong ball setup of the Sensi of Sensors, Adrian Ogden.  This model utilizes a carefully disassembled 60W Sylvania LED light bulb.  I probably should have included a desiccant in the construction of this which should be considered in future models.  Take note of the clear piece of plastic that I added between the back of the sensor and the metal piece on the light bulb (pictured below). 
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:LUX-1.JPG|Sylvania 60W LED Bulbs|alt=alt language
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File:LUX-2.JPG|Bulb and Lux Sensor|alt=alt language
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File:LUX-3.JPG|Dome removed from bulb base (wear gloves)|alt=alt language
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File:LUX-4.JPG|Removal of LEDs,*Installation of Plastic Insulator* and Notch bulb body for wire|alt=alt language
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</gallery>
 +
<gallery>
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File:LUX-5.JPG|Solder wires to Lux Sensor|alt=alt language
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File:LUX-6.JPG|Secure Lux Sensor to bulb base|alt=alt language
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File:LUX-7.JPG|Use electrical tape to reattach dome to bulb body|alt=alt language
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File:LUX-8.JPG|Secure using electrical tape to 3/4' PVC pipe|alt=alt language
 +
</gallery>
 +
<hr>
 +
<br>
 +
'''Solution to Overheating Hot Spot'''<br>
 +
If you are in areas of extreme heat during the summertime, you may have problems with your equipment overheating.  Fortunately the only gadget I was having problems with was the AT&T Velocity Hotspot.  After tossing around a few ideas, inclusive of using a super mini refrigerator I decided on using a CPU air cooler as a viable option.  You will undoubtedly have to have an exterior container to take advantage of this option. I also had to make a wooden mount to hold the air-cooler upright. <br>
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:FAN-1.JPG|Type of CPU Air Cooler I used|alt=alt language
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File:FAN-2.JPG|Remove back plate exposing the battery pack|alt=alt language
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File:FAN-3.JPG|Fasten the Hotspot to the cooler with zip-ties|alt=alt language
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File:FAN-4.JPG|The cooler in the enclosure, I have a second fan to move air also|alt=alt language
 +
</gallery>
 +
<hr>
 +
<br>
 +
'''Affordable Scale Design Options'''<br>
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:HawaUbeeScale7.JPG|HawaUbee Scale Design: Low Cost All-Aluminum Frame|alt=alt language
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File:UB17.jpg|Manufactured Plastic/Aluminum Hybrid Design|alt=alt language
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File:VacuumFormFinish1.JPG|Vacuum Formed - Plastic/Aluminum Hybrid|alt=alt language
 +
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:58, 9 May 2017

INTRODUCTION:
My name is David Hawa, I am hobbyist beekeeper in Texas and have been keeping bees since 2012. The HawaUbee Apiary is registered with the State (#1-439-701) and is located within Henrietta Creek Apple Orchard in Roanoke, Texas. The orchard which has been in operation since 1990, hosts field trips to thousands of children annually teaching them about pollinators and pollinator habitats. Currently the apiary has two monitored beehives, the first Named: HawaUbee which utilizes an older version of HiveTool and is a 10 frame Langstroth style hive. The HawaUbee hive is a participant in the NASA pollination project; the first of its kind in Texas. The second, more recent hive named HawaUbee02 is equipped with the new user friendly HiveTool setup (HiveTool 0.7.3)and monitors not only weight but internal hive temperature, external temperature, and sunlight patterns. The HawaUbee02 beehive is an 8 frame Flow Hive with dual brood boxes. My development scale is Named: HawaUbee03 which resides on my desk and it serves as my tinkering system. At the end of 2016 I currently have ten, ten-frame Langstroth beehives and I manage 5 Flow Hives that are owned by the orchard. I am amazed how far this project has come and excited to see where it is going!
The HawaUbee webpage is located at HawaUbee.com

Pictured below the HawaUbee Apiary at the close of 2016:

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Panoramic Overview of the HawaUbee Apiary

SYSTEM
Overview - The HawaUbee Hivetool System is totally off the grid; it is powered by two 185W; 5.17AMP solar panels which charge Three 35AMP hour batteries and is wired with an inline fuse incase anything goes haywire. Each scale is run by separate raspberry Pi computer systems contained in individual Pellican water-tight storage boxes. The entire system is enclosed in a small outdoor storage shed which is anchored to the ground to prevent tipping. The scales under HawaUbee and HawaUbee02 are constructed out of stainless steel "L" angle. Wires from the load cells are run into a watertight junction box and then are run through a protective conduit and connect to the Pi computer systems. Both Pi systems have wireless USB dongles that connect to an AT&T velocity hotspot. Below are pictures of some milestones for both HawaUbee and HawaUbee02 HiveTool Scales
HiveTool Scale: HawaUbee


HiveTool Scale: HawaUbee02



Parts List
Below is a list of parts that will produce a system that is very close to what is at the HawaUbee Apiary. Keep in mind that this system is way above and beyond a typical system it is also completely off the wired grid, utilizing solar power and a hotspot for wireless internet connection. This cost does not include tools, labor, Hivetool Development Kit, and actual scale construction. The hotspot is a 5GB/month plan and roughly costs $50 per month. To see a breakdown click on the PartsList - HawaUbee.xlsx link that is below this image.
HawaUbee-PartsList.JPEG
File:PartsList - HawaUbee.xlsx


Soldering/Construction Manual
If you have decided to assemble your own board below is a manual to aide in the assembly of your HiveTool v0.3 board.
Manual.jpg
File:HiveToolV0.3Board - Construction.pdf


EZ Connector for the DHT22 (Temperature) Sensor
Soldering the DHT22 is not an easy thing to do, even for the savvy solder-er utilizing a high-end iron and a convenient clamp. I have found a connector/cable combo that will take the headache out of making/repairing/replacing your temperature sensors. The wire leads off the connector are much easier to solder, I even accomplished this in-field with relative ease. This cable can be purchased at Amazon.com for around $6.00 for a quantity of ten.
Search: "'TronicsPros RGB LED Light Strips Female Connector RGB LED Strip Connector Cable" I am going to call the connector the DHT-EZ for the descriptors below.



Lightbulb Lux Sensor
This is a creative play off of the ping pong ball setup of the Sensi of Sensors, Adrian Ogden. This model utilizes a carefully disassembled 60W Sylvania LED light bulb. I probably should have included a desiccant in the construction of this which should be considered in future models. Take note of the clear piece of plastic that I added between the back of the sensor and the metal piece on the light bulb (pictured below).



Solution to Overheating Hot Spot
If you are in areas of extreme heat during the summertime, you may have problems with your equipment overheating. Fortunately the only gadget I was having problems with was the AT&T Velocity Hotspot. After tossing around a few ideas, inclusive of using a super mini refrigerator I decided on using a CPU air cooler as a viable option. You will undoubtedly have to have an exterior container to take advantage of this option. I also had to make a wooden mount to hold the air-cooler upright.



Affordable Scale Design Options