> thus not always conclusive from one test. If I might suggest some reading, > look in your local library for information on "Design of Experiments". > It is a method of investigating a process with dependencies from a number > of influences. One we use for teaching it in an electronics research > environment is 'Understanding Industrial Designed Experiments' by Schmidt > and Launsby, available from the publisher for about $70 with PC software > disk included for analysis of the results. The publisher is AIR Academy > Press, 1155 Kelly Johnson Boulevard, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO > 80920, phone (800)748-1277. You wouldn't have an email address for them would you? I gather the book is more about analysis rather than data gathering and monitoring? At any rate, I purchased a couple (more) of Radio Shack memory remote reading thermometers a couple of days ago - they are on sale here and are an excellent and accurate method of observing what is happening in a hive. > One of the things I think we need is a metric to use for more rapid feedback > on how well the process is doing without waiting so long. The information > presented earlier on results beyond survival to splitting was very good and > useful but it took too long. We need to instrument our tests better to record > parameters such as temperture, humidity, and others that will predict later > performance. I am not sure that there are real and unique solutions to such a complex problem - given the range of factors that may or may not be present in any test, however I believe ranges can be established for optimal feed consumption, mite load, disease suscepibility, survival, and subsequent performance. Probably this must be established empirically, though - as has been the case in the past where beekeepers in a given locality pass down to new beekeepers things that do and do not work. > New electronic sensors hooked to a PC for monitoring will > eventually make this possible, if someone will then fund the research. I looked at the off the shelf thermometer units that have humity readings too, but was not sure how accurate they are at temperatures other than 'room temperature'. It also appeared that they lack remote sensing for this function. I would be very interested in learning where to obtain information on use and supply of the PC sensors you mention. Radio interfaces would be useful too, as I am licenced to use a variety of experimental frequencies. Henry Pirker - a beekeeper in Debolt Alberta - published a paper about ten or more years ago. It was not peer reviewed etc. but was widely reprinted. The title was 'Steering Factor - Humidy' or something close and in it he did humidity measurements in overwintering colonies, and linked low early spring brood production to low humidity due to low external ambient air temperture (and consequent water content). He measured the internal humidity in hives and, I believe manipulated it to show a relationship with brood rearing within certain ranges. Regards Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Internet:[log in to unmask] Honey. Bees, Art, & Futures <http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka>