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Scale hardware setup

Set up the SIM card, power, installation and calibration of your smart scale

Smart Scale Overview

Understanding your BeePulse smart scale device and its capabilities

Device Capabilities

  • Measures hive weight and transmits via SMS using GSM network
  • Monitors atmospheric pressure at installation location
  • Tracks battery/accumulator voltage levels
  • Two temperature sensors: device location + external sensor cable
  • Uses MICRO SIM card for SMS communication

Technical Specifications

  • Maximum capacity: 100kg
  • Short-term shock resistance: 200kg maximum
  • 12V DC power supply required
  • GSM network (Vodafone, Orange, Telekom, DIGI)
  • MICRO SIM card with PIN DISABLED
  • Over 1 month with daily 2-5 SMS (12V/7Ah battery)

SIM Card Configuration

1

SIM Card Requirements

  • MICRO SIM card required
  • PIN code must be DISABLED
  • Must support GSM network
  • Requires credit or active subscription for SMS
  • Test SMS capability in regular phone first

SIM Card Installation

  1. Locate SIM slot on the electronic board
  2. Insert MICRO SIM with metal contacts facing UP
  3. Position card notch towards the RIGHT side
  4. Follow the diagram in top-left corner of board
  5. Ensure card is fully seated in slot

SIM Card Troubleshooting

  • Cannot send SMS messages

    • Verify SIM has active credit or subscription
    • Test SMS capability in regular phone first
    • Check GSM network coverage at location
    • Ensure SIM PIN is disabled
  • No network connection

    • Check antenna connection is secure
    • Verify GSM signal strength at location
    • Try different SIM card from same provider
    • Ensure provider supports 2G network

Power Supply Setup

2

Power Requirements

  • 12V DC continuous voltage required
  • Correct polarity must be observed - incorrect polarity damages device
  • 12V/7Ah battery provides 1+ month autonomy with daily SMS
  • Lead-acid batteries must not discharge below 10.5V

Critical Safety Warnings

  • NEVER EXCEED 16V - will permanently damage electronics (NOT covered by warranty)
  • Exercise extreme caution with solar panel charging systems
  • WARNING: Truck 24V systems can damage device - use appropriate converter
  • Always verify correct polarity before connection

Power Connection Steps

  1. Verify battery voltage is 12V DC
  2. Check battery polarity markings
  3. Connect positive (red) cable to positive terminal
  4. Connect negative (black) cable to negative terminal
  5. Verify device powers on and display activates

Physical Installation & Transport

3

Transport Safety

  • NEVER transport scale with weights on platform
  • Load cell rated for 100kg normal use, 200kg maximum shock
  • Exceeding limits destroys load cell sensor

Installation Guidelines

Location Requirements

  • Install on level, stable surface
  • Ensure good GSM signal coverage
  • Consider weather protection for electronics
  • Maintain access for maintenance and battery changes

Platform Positioning

  • Ensure platform is completely level
  • Platform must be stable and not rock
  • Keep area around platform clear
  • Mark final position for recalibration reference

Device Calibration

4

When Calibration is Required

  • Initial setup after device installation
  • Any time device is moved from calibrated position
  • After transport or relocation
  • If weight readings appear inaccurate

What You Need

  • 12V battery connected and device powered on
  • Known reference weight (5kg, 10kg, 20kg, etc.)
  • Alternative: 5L water container = 5kg
  • Empty platform with no hive or objects

Calibration Procedure

  1. 1

    Access Calibration Menu

    With display on, hold PLUS button for more than 5 seconds until main settings menu appears (Telefoane / Sateliti / Calibrare / Receptie / Cheie)

  2. 2

    Select Calibration

    Press MINUS button twice to select CALIBRARE line, then press SET button

  3. 3

    Clear Platform

    Display shows 'Remove hive from scale then press SET'. Remove all objects from platform and press SET button

  4. 4

    Add Reference Weight

    Display shows 'Place reference weight on scale then press SET'. Place known weight on platform, wait 2-3 seconds for stabilization, then press SET

  5. 5

    Enter Weight Value

    Display shows 'Reference weight:' with value 5. Use MINUS/PLUS buttons to set correct reference weight value

  6. 6

    Complete Calibration

    Press SET button to complete calibration. Device returns to main menu after reconnecting to GSM network

Phone Number Configuration

5

Configure up to 3 authorized phone numbers that can query the device. Device will NOT respond to unknown numbers.

These are YOUR phone numbers (where device sends SMS), NOT the SIM card number in the device

Accessing Phone Menu

  1. With display on, hold PLUS button for 5+ seconds
  2. Main menu appears - TELEFOANE option is already selected
  3. Press SET button to enter phone submenu
  4. Submenu shows: Afisare Tel / Editare Tel / Stergere Tel

Viewing Stored Numbers

Select 'Afisare Tel' to view currently stored phone numbers. Numbers are displayed only, cannot be modified in this mode. Exit by pressing MINUS until cursor moves below last line.

Deleting Numbers

Select 'Stergere Tel', choose number to delete using MINUS/PLUS buttons, press SET. Number will be replaced with '0000000000'.

Adding/Editing Numbers

  1. Select 'Editare Tel' from submenu
  2. Choose position to modify (1, 2, or 3) using MINUS/PLUS buttons
  3. Press SET to edit selected position
  4. Use MINUS/PLUS to select each digit (0-9)
  5. Press SET to advance to next digit
  6. Repeat for all 10 digits of phone number
  7. After last digit, device returns to number list

SMS Command Usage

6
Device responds only to SMS from programmed phone numbers. Unknown numbers are ignored completely.
?

Status Query Command

Send SMS starting with '?' character to request current measurements

SMS: '?'

Device responds with current weight, temperature, pressure, and battery readings

T or t

Tare (Zero) Command

Send SMS starting with 'T' or 't' to get measurements AND set current weight as zero point

SMS: 'T'

Device responds with measurements and sets current weight as new zero reference

SMS Response Format

Device responses include:

  • Weight reading in kg
  • Device location temperature
  • External sensor temperature
  • Atmospheric pressure
  • Battery voltage level
  • GSM signal strength

Safety & Maintenance

7

GSM Antenna

  • Always connect GSM antenna to proper connector
  • Position antenna for strongest GSM signal
  • Secure antenna to prevent weather damage

Weatherproofing

  • Tighten ALL case screws to ensure waterproof seal
  • Water or moisture damage to electronics voids warranty
  • Regularly check case seal integrity

Handling Precautions

  • Never move device with weight on platform
  • Avoid impacts that exceed 200kg shock limit
  • Recalibrate after any position change

Hardware Troubleshooting

Power Problems

  • Device won't turn on

    • Check 12V battery voltage and connections
    • Verify correct polarity (positive to positive)
    • Ensure battery has sufficient charge
    • Check for loose or corroded connections
  • Battery drains quickly

    • Reduce SMS frequency to conserve power
    • Check for poor GSM signal (causes more power usage)
    • Verify battery capacity is adequate (7Ah recommended)
    • Consider solar charging for continuous operation

Measurement Problems

  • Weight readings are inaccurate

    • Recalibrate device in current position
    • Ensure platform is level and stable
    • Check for objects interfering with platform
    • Verify load cell is not damaged
  • Weight readings fluctuate

    • Ensure device is on stable, level surface
    • Check for wind or vibration effects
    • Allow readings to stabilize before recording
    • Recalibrate if device was moved

Video Tutorials

Watch detailed video guides for setup procedures

Complete Setup Playlist

Complete video series covering all hardware setup procedures

What's Next?

  • App Configuration

    Set up your BeePulse account and register your monitoring device in the cloud platform.

  • Start Monitoring

    Learn how to monitor your data and interpret readings from your smart scale.

  • Set Up Alerts

    Configure SMS and email notifications for important hive events.

  • Need Help?

    Contact our support team if you have questions about hardware setup.