What a tracker can tell you
A tracker reports the position of the hive carrying it. SmartBeeGPS and SmartBeePro detect movement and can send an immediate transmission with more frequent GPS updates. Alerts and positions need cellular connectivity. A tracker helps you investigate movement; it cannot physically prevent theft or guarantee recovery.
Choose the right device and coverage
Choose SmartBeeGPS for location and movement monitoring. Choose SmartBeePro when you also need temperature, humidity and dashboard health analysis. You do not need both on the same hive for GPS. Fit every hive if individual tracking is essential. A device in one hive will not tell you where an unequipped hive goes if they separate.
Before installing
Share your country, apiary location and hive type with the team. New units use 4G. Check coverage at the actual site, device charge, mounting clearance, GPS reception and notification settings. Test an authorized movement with the beekeeper before relying on alerts. Buildings, terrain and placement affect reception; no fixed positioning accuracy is promised here.
Planned transhumance
Before moving hives, agree the transport plan and configure transhumance mode so planned movement does not produce unnecessary alerts. Check arrival locations and restore the intended monitoring mode afterward. Frequent active tracking uses more battery than standby.
When an unexpected alert arrives
Check whether someone authorized is working at the apiary. Preserve the alert time and location information, contact the responsible beekeeper and follow local reporting procedures if theft is suspected. Do not confront a suspected thief. Inspect the hive and device after recovery before returning it to service.
Compare the options
SmartBeeGPS costs USD 55 and SmartBeePro USD 149, with USD 27 per device per year. Hardware is separate from the subscription. Compare plans and a 50-hive budget. Availability, shipping and taxes are confirmed in the quote.