[Smart Beekeeping Dev Log Part 2] Designing the "ID Card" for Our Hives
Hello everyone, and welcome back. Last week, in Part 1, we explained why we chose NFC tags over handwritten notes or QR codes to withstand the harsh environment of the apiary (sticky gloves, dirt, and rain). Now that we have the hardware (NFC tags and a smartphone), the next question is software: "What exactly should we write on these tags?" Today, we dive into the Data Architecture . As a developer-turned-farmer, this is where I had to balance "Technical Perfection" with "Field Flexibility." 1. The Dilemma: "Storage" vs. "Key" When using NFC, there are two main ways to handle data. This was my first technical hurdle. Option A: Store Everything on the Tag (The USB Approach) We write the entire inspection history (dates, disease status, queen condition) directly into the NFC tag's memory. Pros: No internet connection needed. Cons: Data Loss Risk. If a tag gets damaged or the hive cover blows away in a typhoon, the history is go...