Frequently Asked Questions

IoTHubSpot was our name at the start of our activities. In the meantime, we have evolved into a concrete solution for the efficient and effective detection of Asian hornet nests, and we wish to bring everything to market under one clear name:VespaTracker.

VespaTracker is an integrated ecosystem— where the VespaNano transmitter, Range-PRO signal booster, and software work seamlessly together to quickly and efficiently locate nests.

What does this mean for you?

· We will now communicate via @vespatracker.com

· Old email addresses will remain temporarily active and will automatically forward

·        We ask that from now on you only use thenew addressin all ​ ​communication

For you, nothing else will change — only the name will be clearer and more consistent.

Yes. VespaTracker has been developed as a sustainable solution for the social and economic impact of the Asian hornet on beekeeping, fruit cultivation, agriculture, and viticulture, which will only become more relevant in the coming years.

As long as the Asian hornet and other invasive species have an impact on biodiversity, safety, and food supply, we will continue to develop, support, and make our technology available.

VespaTracker is an integrated ecosystem of hardware and software that enables quick and targeted detection of Asian hornet nests — from ‘tagging’ or ‘tracking’ a hornet to locating and accurately recording the nest.

VespaTracker combines miniature transmitter technology with a user-friendly app, providing a complete solution from detection to action. Our solution allows for thedetection of primary nestsand thus breaks the reproductive cycle of the Asian hornet queen. Secondarynestscan also be found in the same way.

The VespaTracker ecosystemconsists of:

·        The VespaNano transmitter:

an ultra-lightweight, miniature transmitter for single-use based on Bluetooth (BLE) for ‘tracking’ or locating Asian hornet nests. Supplied in packs of 10 transmitters on a rechargeable flexible sheet.

·        The fast charger:

a compact and powerful charger for simultaneously charging the 10 transmitters (in approximately 15 minutes).

·        The software:

was integrated into the existing Hornet Spotter App, available for free on Android and Apple, and consists of:

oA hunting module: tracks the tagged hornet to the nest

oA reporting module: records nests with GPS coordinates and easily shares them with authorities, pest controllers, and research institutions

·        The Range-Pro:

a signal amplifier that increases the range of the VespaNano, allowing hornets to be tracked over greater distances.

·        The Grid-Pro:

a system of one or more beacons that delineates an area and continuously records VespaNano movements. Ideal for mapping zones with high nest activity and monitoring vulnerable areas (e.g. fruit cultivation, agriculture).

VespaTracker has primarily been developed to help combat the Asian hornet, but it can also be used for other invasive species.

. ​The Vespa Tweezer:

A specialized applicator designed to safely hook a Vespa Nano transmitter onto a hornet.

Yes, the VespaTracker solution is sustainably designed with future-proofing in mind.

The VespaTracker solution is set up as a modular ecosystem:

• The Range Pro, charger and applicator remain compatible with future generations of transmitters.
• The software will continue to evolve, but will remain compatible with existing devices.
• Only the transmitter itself will evolve further (smaller, lighter, more efficient, additional sensors), and will continue to work with the above modules.

An investment today will therefore remain relevant in the coming years.

In this way, the Range-Pro, the charger, and the applicator remain compatible with each subsequent version of the VespaNano transmitter. They only need to be purchased once. The Software App will also continue to evolve towards better and deeper data insights, but will always remain compatible.

It is therefore the transmitter itself that will continue to evolve into smaller, lighter and more powerful versions on the one hand, but which will also be equipped with more sensors to measure and know even more things. Thus, it will also provide more and new data about the behaviour of the hornet.

For the 2027 season, which we are already working on, this includes equipping it with a barometric sensor in order to precisely determine the height of the (secondary) nests in the trees. A DSP signal processor is also planned.

Like an AirTag?

No. The VespaTracker system works through direct detection of the transmitter's signal and does not use a network of external smartphones, as is the case with an Apple AirTag.

What is possible, however, is team use. Multiple users can work with the system simultaneously and follow the same transmitter. We call this 'team hunting'.

In team hunting:

• different users simultaneously follow the same hornet
• they can share and combine their observations
• and thus build a more efficient trajectory in the field

The system remains based on local detection of the signal, not on an external network.

If you already have another kit, you can usually continue to use parts of it.

What do you need for our solution to work:

• The VespaNano transmitters:these work together with the Hunting Module in the Hornet Spotter app
• The Hornet Spotter app(free for Android & iOS)
• USB chargerto charge the transmitters (per sheet of 10)

What is optional:

• Range-PRO:for greater range and faster detection of nests

  • Not necessary for occasional use
  • Recommended for more efficient and targeted work

• The applicator:for hook attachment

  • Are you familiar with the hook attachment and applicator from Robor? Then you can continue to use them.

The promised performance of the VespaTracker and signal enhancement can only be guaranteed by using the VespaNano with the Hunting Module in the Hornet Spotter App and the VespaTracker Range-PRO.

We would be happy to discuss what is possible together.

Depending on the schedule and availability, we can:

• organise a test moment
• provide a demonstration
• or discuss a trial setup

Given the nature of the product and the work it entails, this is always done in consultation and under specific conditions.

When used in a group, in most cases one bundle per group is sufficient. One person uses the Range-PRO to follow the signal, while the others support via their smartphones with the app.

The Hornet Spotter app (Hunting & Reporting) is available for free to everyone via the app stores for Android and iOS.

Depending on how often you go out, additional transmitters (per 10 on 1 sheet) can be purchased.

Yes. We provide various forms of support to get started quickly.

• Online: clear manuals, training videos and FAQs via our website vespatracker.com
• Locally: a train-the-trainer programme per province

Within this programme, a core group is trained to subsequently guide and support local users.

The VespaNano transmitter meets the demand for a (1) simple and (2) affordable solution (3) aimed at finding primary nests.

A rechargeable transmitter would lead to a higher weight, more complex production, and a higher cost. Additionally, recovering used transmitters requires extra time and there is a real risk of damage during use (for example, from other hornets, weather, and field conditions). Therefore, a reliable single-use transmitter has been chosen.A reliable single-use transmitter The transmitters are supplied in a rechargeable flexible film (set of 10)..

De zenders worden geleverd in een These are charged for about 15 minutes before use. After correctly cutting off a transmitter, the remaining transmitters in the film remain usable for years.. Deze worden vóór gebruik in ongeveer 15 minuten opgeladen. Na het juist losknippen van een zender blijven de overige zenders in de folie voor jaren houdbaar.

For charging, onefast chargernecessary, which remains compatible with future purchases of new sheets with transmitters. So the fast charger only needs to be purchased once.

The range depends on the conditions in the field.

• In practical working conditions, the Range-PRO typically achieves a range of about ±600 – 700 metres.
• In favourable conditions (open terrain, little interference), this can be higher.
• In difficult environments (buildings, vegetation, moisture), the range may be lower.
• In the most optimal conditions, a distance of 1,840 metres was achieved.

These values are based on field tests. The effective range may vary and is not guaranteed.

In practice, the VespaNano is used on workers of the Asian hornet. With the VespaNano transmitter, you can already equip workers from primary nests, weighing around 280mg.

The impact of the transmitter depends on:

• size and condition of the insect
• correct attachment
• weather conditions

Yes. The VespaNano is resistant to various weather conditions such as sun, rain, and wind.

The transmitter is protected with a special coating that makes it water-resistant and protects against influences such as moisture and contact with other hornets.

Please note that poor weather conditions (such as rain or high humidity) can temporarily reduce the range due to signal absorption. In those conditions, there is generally also less flight activity from the Asian hornets.

Range of the system

It is indeed important to provide a correct and realistic picture here, as theoretical maximum distances are often communicated in the market.

Our results are based on effective field tests:

• Inideal conditions (open field, line-of-sight)a maximum distance of±1,840 meterswas achieved
• Invery good conditionsapproximately±700 metersis easily achieved
• Inpractical working conditionstoday±500 meters with the Range Pro gun is a stable and reproducible result
• Indifficult environments(buildings, vegetation, moisture/rain) this may be lower

These values arerealistically measured and validated in the field, among others with experienced beekeepers and pest controllers.

It is important to emphasise that claims of several kilometres are generally based onideal testing conditions, which rarely occur in practice. Our focus is deliberately onreliable, reproducible performance in real working conditions, as this is crucial for effectively locating nests.

Technology

We use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), but not in its standard form. The combination of customised protocol stacks, optimisations, and a specific radio frontend in the Range Pro ensures that we go significantly further than classic BLE applications.

Due to intellectual property, we cannot elaborate further without an NDA, but our RF expertise is the result of years of experience within our IT/OT team.

The VespaNano works with both Android and iOS smartphones (iPhone).

Please note that:

• Using only a smartphone currently provides better performance on Android devices. This is due to limitations imposed by Apple on Bluetooth functionality.
• In ideal conditions, a range of approximately 340 metres was measured with Android. Testing with iPhone devices will follow as soon as it is technically possible.
• In combination with the Range‑PRO (signal amplifier), a greater range becomes possible on Android — up to 700 meters in good conditions. For the iPhone, there is currently no support for the Range‑PRO due to limitations imposed by Apple. However, VespaTracker will provide a working solution for this within the foreseeable future.

The Range‑PRO takes over the long‑range communication from the smartphone.

The transmitter must be within detection range of the receiver (smartphone or Range-PRO).

This range is therefore not a fixed distance, but depends on:

• terrain and obstacles
• weather conditions
• user usage and positioning

The Range-PRO was specifically developed to significantly increase this range in real conditions.

The VespaNano transmitter periodically emits a radio signal. This signal is locally received by a compatible receiver, such as a smartphone or the Range-PRO.

The receiver registers the presence and strength of the signal. Based on this, the user receives an indication of:

• proximity to the transmitter
• changes in signal strength

The user moves in the field and interprets these signals to determine the direction and trajectory of the hornet.

The system therefore does not provide exact location determination, but supports the user through signal detection and interpretation.

The quality of reception can vary depending on, among other things:

• distance to the transmitter
• terrain and obstacles
• vegetation
• weather conditions
• electromagnetic interference

Reception is therefore dependent on the conditions and usage, and requires active monitoring and interpretation by the user.

The transmitter is activated as soon as you cut it loose from the flexible film. From that moment, it sends a signal every second for a maximum of 4 hours — enough to locate a nest, provided that one does not wait hours to start hunting.

The transmitter itself is not rechargeable. The sheet on which the transmitters are located is:

• Charging is done via the USB charger.
• A full sheet (10 transmitters) charges in approximately 10–15 minutes
• Unused transmitters can be kept for the next season, and later recharged for use

The VespaNano transmitter is for one-time use.
The other VespaTracker products (Range-PRO, fast charger and Grid-PRO) are designed to evolve through software updates. New versions remain compatible with existing hardware, so your system remains usable and up-to-date in the long term.

Updates can easily be done on-site — you don’t need to return anything.

Through the charger and your smartphone, new firmware updates can be automatically loaded. In practice, all devices are supplied as standard with the most recent software. If an update is available, you will be automatically informed and it will be uploaded via the APP, provided your smartphone has an Internet connection.

The system works with auditory signal strength and visual LED information.

The user receives:

·       indications of signal strength with sound and visual feedback

·       feedback occurs via the interface (the screen of the smartphone, whether or not mounted on Range-PRO)

The interface in the App also provides direction determination based on the received signal strengths. The interpretation of distance and direction is done by the user themselves.

Yes, there is an app (Hornet Spotter) which includes a Hunting Module.

The app:

• detects and visualises signals from transmitters
• supports tracking the hornet
• helps in recording locations and observations

The app supports the process, but requires interpretation and correct application by the user.

Yes, there is an app (Hornet Spotter) which includes a Hunting Module.

The app:

• detects and visualises signals from transmitters
• supports tracking the hornet
• helps in recording locations and observations

The app supports the process, but requires interpretation and correct application by the user.