Waldemar said 'If the strong colony has a 1/2" full-width upper opening,
wouldn't the temperature there be just about equal to ambient?  How does
this benefit the nucs/single?'

I don't know just how much heat passes up to the colonies above, but I think
it has to be some.  There is no cover, as such, on the deep colonies.
Instead, the bottom board of the nucs serves as the cover (3/8" plywood),
with blocks at the front corners for ventilation of the colony below.  Since
the bottom board of the nucs extends beyond the entrance by 3 inches, the
opening to the lower hive is not directly exposed to cross winds.  Perhaps
some of the heat goes through the plywood.  I don't think the R factor can
be more than .5.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacturers of Ross Rounds Comb
Honey Equipment, Sundance Pollen Traps
and Custom Printer of Sundance Labels.

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