> 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>