FAQs
What is BeeSTAR?
BeeSTAR is a remote hive monitoring device that takes the long, manual hours out of traditional beekeeping. The device reports live data straight to the hands of beekeepers, allowing you to make more informed decisions about hive monitoring, and save up to thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours on site visits.
BeeSTAR stands for Smart, Telemetric, Analytics, and Remote. It's designed for large-scale commercial beekeepers operating in remote areas.
How does BeeSTAR work?
We install marketing-leading, military-grade sensors in brood boxes to monitor the bees activity within the hives. The data from these sensors is analysed and presented to beekeepers via an easy-to-read app, giving beekeepers clear insights into the status of each hive, like a traffic light system.
What are the benefits of using BeeSTAR?
The number one benefit is time savings. BeeSTAR dramatically reduces the time required for hive inspections, which we call 'Targeted Hive Inspection'. The devices enable beekeepers to assess the condition of their hives in advance of inspections, allowing you to plan inspections based on true hive status and deploy personnel and equipment accordingly.
Secondly, BeeSTAR allows beekeepers to monitor the location and movement of their hives and bees from anywhere in the world. This provides evidence of traceability and transparency of hive health and movement.
Thirdly, the data collected through BeeSTAR will provide beekeepers with key localised information through machine learning that is specific to their location and hives. This is critical for early detection of pests and diseases and for establishing biosecurity. You can learn more about BeeSTAR on our website or in an exploratory chat with the BeeSTAR Crew.
How can I save costs with BeeSTAR?
Our data helps you perform hive inspections based on what the data tells you – if hives are healthy and can be left, or if something is outside normal range and needs to be inspected. Working based on the real-time status of each hive offers beekeepers a significant reduction in time and costs related to travel and labour, as you are only tending to the hives that require attention at any given time.Do I own my data?
Absolutely. The data collected belongs to you, the hive owner.
Do I need to buy the devices?
There are no upfront costs to work with BeeSTAR. Our model works on a quarterly subscription service. You’ll pay a fee every 3 months for our Hardware as a Service (HaaS) model, which covers the hardware, software, connectivity, and updates.
Is BeeSTAR complicated to install?
Not at all! Installing BeeSTAR is straightforward and won’t disrupt your bees. Simply pop the sensor into the brood box—no setup or registration needed. The devices are delivered ready to go, but if you need help, our BeeSTAR Crew is just a call or click away.
Can I trust you with my data?
We're the first Australian beekeeping tech firm compliant with the National Farm Data Code. You own your data and we respect your data privacy strictly within our agreed Terms & Conditions.
How often do I need to change the battery in the device?
Our in-hive sensors have a battery life of over three years, managed as part of our HaaS.
Can you monitor my Queen’s status?
Yes, our sensors are positioned near the Queen in brood boxes, monitoring her and the colony's overall health using advanced analytics..
Can you notify me if my hives move?
Absolutely. Our app which shows you the data from each sensor sets up a geo-fence with automatic notifications about any location changes, helping you manage biosecurity effectively.
How do I know if my hive is healthy?
We analyse temperature patterns within the hive, offering you detailed health insights and history.
What are the risks of using BeeSTAR?
Since launching, BeeSTAR has been successfully monitoring hives across four states without reported issues affecting sensor performance.
What if there’s a malfunction?
No stress if natural events cause damage. We check sensors daily and will fix or replace any faults. We also offer insurance for additional coverage.
Benefits for early users?
Join us between May and July 2024 for exclusive benefits. Reach out to BeeSTAR Crew to learn more. Leave your email and phone number here and we’ll be in contact.
Can I test BeeSTAR before fully committing?
Certainly! Start small to see how BeeSTAR suits your operations. We’re confident you’ll see the benefits quickly. Leave your email and phone number here and we’ll be in contact.
Does BeeSTAR rely on approximations for estimates?
Nope, we provide precise data from each brood box, no rough guesses.
What if I want to stop using BeeSTAR?
You can cancel anytime, but note there might be a minimal teardown fee if you end the service before your contract is up.
What’s the minumum order size?
BeeSTAR is ideal for large-scale operations looking to streamline and save. Contact us to find the best setup for your needs.
Can you handle monitoring on a large commercial scale?
Absolutely, BeeSTAR is built for managing and enhancing productivity across hundreds to thousands of hives.
How do I get started?
Great choice! Just get in touch with BeeSTAR, and we’ll help you set everything up to start benefiting from digital beekeeping.
How do users get a copy of their data?
You can contact us at anytime whilst your account is active to get a copy of your data. We also send periodic reports.