Koppert Wireless Beehome User manual

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Contents
Foreword 3
1Introduction 4
1.1 General information 4
Manufacturer 4
Objective/function of the machine 4
Intended use/inappropriate use 4
1.2 Description of the Wireless BeeHome system 4
1.3 How the Wireless BeeHome system works 6
2Specifications 7
2.1 Type plate 7
2.2 Main dimensions 8
3Precautions and safety 9
3.1 Machine protection requirements 9
3.2 Required training 9
4Commissioning 10
4.1 10
4.2 Assembly and connection 10
Transmitter 10
Receiver 11
4.3 Using the Wireless BeeHome for the first time 11
Transmitter 11
Switching on the transmitter signal 12
Receiver 12
5 Operating the Wireless BeeHome system 13
5.1 Transmitter 13
Controlling the transmitter with a timer 13
Recommended opening and closing times for hives (timer) 13
Controlling the transmitter with a climate computer 13
Recommended opening and closing times for hives (climate computer) 13
Use of the transmitter’s menu 14

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Activating and changing the digital address/frequency 14
Positioning two transmitters in one greenhouse 14
5.2 Receiver 15
Positioning of the receiver 15
Operating the receiver 15
Use of the receiver’s menu 15
Testing the closing mechanism without entering the menu 16
Changing the digital address/frequency of the receiver 16
Replacing the battery pack 16
6Maintenance 18
6.1 Mid-year maintenance 18
6.2 Annual maintenance 18
7Malfunctions and repairs 19
8After use 20
Appendix 1: Transmitter specifications 21
Appendix 2: Receiver specifications 22
Appendix 3: Electrical circuit diagram 23

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Foreword
This user manual is intended for suitably trained Wireless BeeHome users and explains how the machine
is constructed and used. Make sure that the user manual is always available for reference purposes. Read
the full contents of the user manual thoroughly before you use the Wireless BeeHome system, paying
particular attention to the safety instructions. Contact your supplier if you have any questions about the
operation or have specific comments to make.

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1 Introduction
1.1 General information
Manufacturer
Koppert Biological Systems
Veilingweg 14
2651 BE Berkel en Rodenrijs –the Netherlands
[phone]
Objective/function of the machine
The Wireless BeeHome system is used to open and close Natupol hives at set times.
Intended use/inappropriate use
The Wireless BeeHome system should be used in accordance with the procedure explained in this user
manual. Read the full contents of the user manual, paying particular attention to the safety instructions.
NOTE! The user must read the full contents of these instructions for use thoroughly and make
sure that he/she understands them before using this machine for the first time. This will
avoid unnecessary risks.
Avoid contact with water. Do not drop the Wireless BeeHome system. Do not open components in the
Wireless BeeHome system if you have not received the necessary technical training.
NOTE! The Wireless BeeHome system must not come into contact with water!
Make sure that the Wireless BeeHome system –both transmitters and receivers –is not exposed to damp,
prolonged periods of intense sunshine, and violent jolts. Ensure that the system is not exposed to
condensation and water dripping from gutters etc., and also prevent the equipment from becoming wet
during spraying/misting. The user must not modify the transmitter or receiver in any way other than
described in this manual. If other modifications are made, this will result in the cancellation of the
guarantee. Other modifications are only permitted following official approval in writing from Koppert
Biological Systems in Berkel en Rodenrijs in the Netherlands, and then only when carried out by certified
staff.
1.2 Description of the Wireless BeeHome system
The Wireless BeeHome system comprises the following components (see figure 1.1.):
1. The transmitter
2. 1 or more receivers
3. Timer
4. Antenna
5. Set of mounting brackets

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Figure 1.1 Overview of Wireless BeeHome System (based on the country of sales, the socket and plug on
the transmitter can differ. There are also different timers).
The components of the Wireless BeeHome system can vary according to the country of sales. For
instance, there are 2 types of transmitters: 1 for EU countries and 1 for the US, Canada, Mexico, and
Japan (based on the sockets and mains system in the country in question). In addition to this, we supply
receivers with a normal hive door and transmitters with a modified (‘queen excluder’) hive door. There are
also different timers (analogue or digital). However, the different transmitters and receivers are supplied
with the same manual.

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1.3 How the Wireless BeeHome system works
A receiver is placed on each active hive in the greenhouse and tuned to the transmitter signal. Once the
devices have been set up correctly, the receivers will open and close all Natupol hives at set times.
The Wireless BeeHome system is mainly used in the winter months, at the same time as grow lights are
used (for tomato cultivation, for instance). These grow lights compensate for the lower levels of UV light in
the winter months and dominate the natural light. This affects the bumblebees’ ability to orientate
themselves, which in turn has a negative impact on pollination.
Using the Wireless BeeHome system, bumblebees can only leave the hive at times at which there is
enough natural light for them to navigate effectively. This improves the pollination results and the
development and lifetime of the bumblebee colonies.
The Wireless BeeHome system helps improve pollination during winter months, in crops cultivated under
grow lights. However, the grower is responsible for the ultimate success of the fruit set. Koppert Biological
Systems cannot be held liable for the consequences of incorrect use of the Wireless BeeHome system.
Only use products that are approved for use in your country.

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2 Specifications
2.1 Type plate
The type plate attached to the transmitter and receiver contains all the data by which each individual
component in the Wireless BeeHome system can be identified (figure 2.1 & 2.2).
Figure 2.1 Type plate transmitter.
Figure 2.2 Type plate receiver.

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The serial number –the unique number assigned to each transmitter or receiver –consists of the year
followed by a sequential number. Please quote this number on all reports and correspondence so that the
relevant machine can be identified.
2.2 Main dimensions
Transmitter: 146 x 250 x 60 mm
Receiver: 130 x 75 x 60 mm

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3 Precautions and safety
3.1 Machine protection requirements
The Wireless BeeHome transmitter must only be used while following these protection requirements:
•Check the local safety and Occupational Health Inspectorate rules.
•Always switch off the power before opening up the transmitter.
•When programming the transmitter, do not touch any components that are connected to the
mains.
•Only use earthed sockets.
•Never connect safety components such as fuses.
•Do not remove any safety stickers.
3.2 Required training
The user must be familiar with the correct method of using the Wireless BeeHome system.
NOTE! The user must read the full contents of these instructions for use thoroughly and make
sure that he/she understands them before using this machine for the first time. This will
avoid unnecessary risks.
Voltage
Always keep in mind the following precautionary measures and safety instructions. This will minimize the
risk of injury or damage.