Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini 2 User Manual
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Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini 2 User Manual

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Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
January 12, 2024

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Summary of Contents for Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini 2

  • Page 1 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide January 12, 2024...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    1. Song Meter Mini 2 Quickstart Guide ................... 3 2. Introduction ........................4 2.1. About the Song Meter Mini 2 ................... 4 2.2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini to the Song Meter Mini 2 ......... 4 2.3. Battery Configuration Versions ................6 2.4. Useful Resources ....................7 3.

  • Page 3: Song Meter Mini 2 Quickstart Guide

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 1. SONG METER MINI 2 QUICKSTART GUIDE Out of the box, the Song Meter Mini 2 can be quickly configured to run one of a few preset schedules that cover common use cases. Unlatch and open the lid on the Song Meter Mini 2.

  • Page 4: Introduction

    While the first-generation Song Meter Mini's enclosure was comprised of a separate base and lid, the enclosure of the Song Meter Mini 2 is joined by a permanent hinge, and the new, lockable latch can be more easily operated with one hand. The latch can be locked close using an appropriately sized padlock, without requiring an additional security bracket.
  • Page 5 Song Meter Mini. AA Batteries The Song Meter Mini 2 AA can be used with either four or eight AA batteries. With eight AA batteries installed, you can record for twice as long as the original Song Meter Mini could with AA batteries.

  • Page 6: Battery Configuration Versions

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 2.2.3. Configuration and Firmware Files are Cross-Compatible The Song Meter Mini and Song Meter Mini 2 run the same firmware versions, meaning both will be improved by the same new features and bug fixes as we release firmware updates.

  • Page 7: Useful Resources

    Asked Questions. https://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/resources/faqs 2.4.4. Don’t Miss Out on Important Updates We continually add features to the Song Meter Mini 2. Stay up to date with the newest features and receive important technical support bulletins by signing up to our Mailing List.

  • Page 8: Song Meter Mini 2 Hardware

    3. SONG METER MINI 2 HARDWARE 3.1. EXTERNAL FEATURES The Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is designed for long-term, outdoor deployment. Made from durable polycarbonate plastic, it is UV-resistant and weatherproof. Notable external features of the Song Meter Mini 2: Lockable Latch (page 9): Located along the top edge of the recorder.
  • Page 9 1, right. 3.1.3. Hinged Lid The lid for the Song Meter Mini 2 is permanently connected to the body of the recorder via a hinge and lockable latch. When the lid is latched close, a silicone rubber gasket creates a watertight seal between the lid and body.
  • Page 10 0.420'' (10.67 mm). To keep the lid of the Song Meter Mini 2 locked closed, a padlock can be inserted in the loop on the right side of the latch. The internal diameter of this padlock loop is 0.268'' (6.81 mm). We recommend a padlock with a shackle diameter of 1/4''.

  • Page 11: Internal Features

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 3.2. INTERNAL FEATURES ON/OFF Switch (page 12): Located in the lower left of the main internal panel. PAIR/STATUS Button (page 12): Located to the immediate right of the ON/OFF switch. Status LEDs (page 12): Four green/red LEDs laid out horizontally to the right of the PAIR/ STATUS button and to the left of the FUNCTION button.
  • Page 12 3.2.2. PAIR/STATUS Button This is a dual-function button. The Song Meter Mini 2 Status LEDs turn off after one minute without user input. Tap the PAIR/ STATUS button once to reactivate the Status LEDs. Press the PAIR/STATUS button once to check the Status LEDs.
  • Page 13 Red Solid SD Card issue 3.2.4. Battery Compartment The lid of the Song Meter Mini 2 holds the recorder's batteries. Depending on the version of the recorder, it holds either AA batteries or 18650 Lithium-ion batteries. AA Battery Compartment The AA battery compartment holds two plastic battery trays. Each tray holds four AA batteries, and you can power the recorder with four or eight AA batteries in total.
  • Page 14 3.2.5. SD Card Slot The Song Meter Mini 2 recorder saves recording files and a summary log to an SD card installed in the memory card slot. To insert an SD card, slide it into the slot until it clicks into place. To remove, gently press the card further into the slot until it clicks again, and let the internal spring mechanism eject the card.
  • Page 15 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 3.2.7. Function Button and Function LEDs The physical controls on the Song Meter Mini 2 allow you to perform four basic functions without the Song Meter Configurator app. Available Functions There are four Function LEDs: •...

  • Page 16: Installing A Second Microphone

    If all four LEDs flash red six times, the function was unsuccessful. 3.3. INSTALLING A SECOND MICROPHONE The Song Meter Mini 2 has a port available for a second, optional microphone, which you can install yourself. To do so, you'll need to remove the plastic hex bolt that occupies the right-hand microphone port and install the microphone according to the steps below.

  • Page 17: Upgrading The Recorder's Firmware

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Hand-turn the microphone clockwise to screw it into the internal nut. Make sure the microphone wires are not caught on anything as you turn the microphone. Make sure the threads of the microphone align with the threads of the hex nut.

  • Page 18: Loading A Configuration File From An Sd Card

    There must be only one firmware file on the card. Eject the card from your computer's operating system before physically removing the card. Insert the SD card into the Song Meter Mini 2's SD card slot. Turn on the recorder.

  • Page 19: Exporting Configuration And Diagnostic Files To An Sd Card From The Main Panel

    3.6. EXPORTING CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC FILES TO AN SD CARD FROM THE MAIN PANEL Using only the buttons on the main panel of the Song Meter Mini 2 hardware, it is possible to export two useful files: • Configuration File: [RECORDER NAME].miniconfig This is a file containing all of the recorder's settings.
  • Page 20 If this happens, check that the SD card has available space and displays no error messages on the recorder's Status screen (see Status Screen (page 25)). NOTE Diagnostics files can be generated and emailed to Wildlife Acoustics Support from within the Song Meter Configurator app. See Email Diagnostics to Wildlife Acoustics (page 36).

  • Page 21: Song Meter Configurator App

    The Song Meter Configurator app provides a simple interface for configuring the schedule and settings of the Song Meter Mini 2. It runs on phones and tablets running iOS and Android, and, once it's installed, it does not require an internet connection.
  • Page 22 The usable range of a Bluetooth signal varies from phone to phone and tablet to tablet, but it is usually under 30 feet, assuming a clear line of sight between the Song Meter Mini 2 and the phone or tablet. 4.1.2. Supported Operating Systems The Song Meter Configurator app is available for Android and iOS devices.

  • Page 23: Recorders Screen

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 4.2. RECORDERS SCREEN The Recorders screen is the first screen displayed when the Song Meter Configurator app is launched. The Recorders screen can be accessed from anywhere in the app by tapping the Recorders icon in the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 24 See Configuration Editor Screen (page 31) more information. • Unpair Tap to unpair the Song Meter Configurator app from the Song Meter Mini 2. You must unpair from the currently paired recorder before you can pair with another.
  • Page 25 While a Song Meter Mini 2 is paired with the Song Meter Configurator app on one mobile device, it will not broadcast Bluetooth beacons for other mobile devices to receive. Only the paired mobile device will receive real-time status updates.
  • Page 26 NOTE If the Song Meter Mini 2 is currently recording only on the left microphone, then the level meter for the right microphone will not respond to sound, even if the right microphone is installed.
  • Page 27 The same serial number is also printed on the right side of the recorder's enclosure. • TEMPERATURE Displays the temperature reading from the Song Meter Mini 2's internal temperature sensor. The °C/°F toggle switch allows you to set the units of temperature to degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
  • Page 28 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide If the Song Meter Mini 2 is not currently recording, this displays the time of the recorder's next scheduled recording period. This text will only display if an SD card is installed with enough available space for the next recording period.
  • Page 29 Mobile device. Automatically Set the Recorder's Time Zone You can set the time zone setting of the Song Meter Mini 2 automatically when pairing with the recorder. During pairing, if the recorder's current time zone setting does not match the time zone setting on your mobile device, the app will ask if you want to update the recorder's time zone.
  • Page 30 Tap YES to set the programmed location of the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder to the current mobile device location Tap NO to leave the currently programmed location of the recorder unchanged.

  • Page 31: Configuration Editor Screen

    Recorder with the Song Meter Configurator app (page 28) for instructions on pairing. When the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder pairs with the Song Meter Configurator app, it automatically uploads and displays its current configuration to the app. Any changes you make in the Configuration Editor are immediately saved to the paired recorder.
  • Page 32 Delay Start (page 41) window. • Send Bluetooth beacons? Use this toggle switch to set whether the paired Song Meter Mini 2 will broadcast status beacons that can be received by the Song Meter Configurator app when not paired. • SCHEDULE Panel The lower section of the Configuration Editor screen contains many different controls for configuring the recorder's schedule.
  • Page 33 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 4.3.1. Utilities Menu To access the Utilities menu, tap the Utilities icon at the top right of the Configuration Editor screen. The Utilities menu brings up the following utilities: • Test Microphone (page 33) •...
  • Page 34 Pair the Recorder with the Song Meter Configurator app (page 28). Tap Configure > Utilities > Test microphone. Close the lid of the Song Meter Mini 2. Remove the foam windscreen from the acoustic microphone. Connect the calibrator to the acoustic microphone according to the calibrator's instructions.
  • Page 35 Configuration files can be generated using the following methods: • Export from a Song Meter Mini 2 to an SD card using the main panel buttons (see Exporting Configuration and Diagnostic Files to an SD Card from the Main Panel (page 19)).
  • Page 36 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide If your Song Meter Mini 2 is running an out-of-date firmware version, a warning will be displayed on the recorder's Status Screen (page 25). The latest firmware file can be downloaded from Downloads page.
  • Page 37 "folded down" and appear as upside-down artifacts in the recorded audio. In both recording modes on the Song Meter Mini 2, aliasing is possible, as the anti-alias filter takes effect gradually as frequency increases. In Low-power mode, aliasing artifacts will be louder by 3 to 12 dB.
  • Page 38 • Options: Left, Right, or Stereo. • Default: Stereo. If a second microphone is connected to the Song Meter Mini 2, there is an option to record one or two channels of audio. For single channel recording, either microphone can be selected. If stereo is selected, both microphones will record.
  • Page 39 If the mobile device is connected to the internet, or if the nearby area is saved in Google Maps as an offline map, this panel will display an interactive map. The Song Meter Mini 2's saved location is indicated by a red pin, and the mobile device's current location is indicated by a blue dot. A light blue halo around the blue dot indicates the level of precision for the mobile device's detected location.
  • Page 40 One way to update the Song Meter Mini 2's saved location is to tap on the desired location in the map view with one finger. The red pin will be moved to the tapped location, and the address, latitude, and longitude fields will all update to match, reflecting the recorder's new saved deployment location.
  • Page 41 If the Delay Start date is enabled, but you power on the Song Meter Mini 2 on or after the specified date, it will begin running its schedule immediately.
  • Page 42 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Tap the Set delay start date toggle switch to enable or disable the Delay Start setting. When the toggle is enabled, the calendar is active. Navigate between months using the left and right arrows below the Set delay start date toggle.
  • Page 43 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide The Schedule Editor interface includes the following elements, listed from top to bottom, left to right. • Estimate battery and card life Tap to open the Estimate Battery and Card Life Window (page 45).
  • Page 44 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide • START TIME These controls determine when, during a 24-hour period, the schedule block starts running. • Time / Rise / Set drop-down When Time is selected, the schedule block will start at a fixed time on the clock each day.
  • Page 45 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide • END DATE: Month and Day drop-downs When Date Range is active, these drop-downs determine the date when the schedule block stops running. Estimate Battery and Card Life Window From the Configuration Editor screen, tap the Estimate battery and card life icon to open the Estimate battery and card life utility.
  • Page 46 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide running its schedule. To specify an initial delay in the recorder's schedule, use the Delay Start (page 41) setting. • SD card size drop-down Select the card capacity to use for estimating when the card will be completely full.
  • Page 47 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Using lithium-ion 18650 batteries with charge capacities other than 3500 mAh per cell will result in proportionally inaccurate battery life estimations. For more information about recommended lithium-ion batteries, see Lithium-Ion Battery Requirements (page 77).
  • Page 48 Tap the schedule menu to select different preset schedules. If a customized schedule is currently programmed, this menu will display Custom Schedule. When a preset schedule is selected, it is automatically loaded onto the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder. The schedule settings are displayed and can be immediately edited.

  • Page 49: Configuration Library Screen

    • Configuration files can be shared via standard iOS or Android protocols. • A shared configuration file can be copied from a PC to an SD memory card and the SD card can then be used to program the configuration into a Song Meter Mini 2 recorder.
  • Page 50 The configuration file's location and time zone will overwrite the previously saved location and time zone on the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder when the saved configuration file is loaded, either to a paired recorder or via an SD card.
  • Page 51 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide In the Configuration Library screen, tap on the selection circle icon to the left of any configuration to select it. Selected configurations have the selection circle icon filled in with a check mark. Repeat Step 1 to select multiple configurations, if desired.
  • Page 52 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide This opens the iOS interface for sharing files between apps. If the Song Meter app is not shown in the list of apps in the sharing interface, tap the More icon at the far-right end of the list.
  • Page 53 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide The Configuration file will be imported and visible in the Configuration Library. On Android, import from Gmail Open the Gmail app. Open the message containing the .miniconfig file attachment.
  • Page 54 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Tap on the attachment. The Configuration file will be imported and visible in the Configuration Library. 4.4.5. Edit A Saved Configuration File In the Configuration Library screen, tap on the name of the configuration you wish to edit.

  • Page 55: App Information Screen

    Recorders or Configuration Library screens. It contains: • Information about the current version of the app • Links to user guides, tutorial videos, and frequently asked questions for Wildlife Acoustics recorders • Language settings for the Song Meter Configurator app •...

  • Page 56: Understanding Schedules

    4.6.1. Schedules and Schedule Blocks A schedule for the Song Meter Mini 2 can be made up of up to ten schedule blocks. If a schedule block were just a single recording period, having only ten would be severely limiting. For instance, let's say you wanted to capture a short snapshot of a soundscape over the course of each day by recording 5 minutes at the start of every hour.
  • Page 57 Duty Off: 00:55 END TIME: Time 00:00 With 5 simple commands, this one schedule block has told the Song Meter Mini 2 to record 5 minutes at the start of each hour. Let's break down how each command works. NOTE This example does not use the optional Date Range feature.
  • Page 58 START TIMES and END TIMES set relative to sunrise and sunset. NOTE When you start your deployment for the first time, the Song Meter Mini 2 will pick up in the middle of any schedule block that should be occurring at that time. The recorder does not need to wait for the next occurrance of the START TIME when it turns on.
  • Page 59 This means that, if your goal is to record the dawn chorus each day, the Song Meter Mini 2 can time its recording period to follow sunrise as it shifts earlier and later in the day over the span of weeks and months.
  • Page 60 For example, if block 1 includes a recording period from 13:45 to 14:15, and block 2 includes a recording period from 14:00 to 15:00, the Song Meter Mini 2 will treat the time from 13:45 to 15:00 as one single recording period, only broken up according to the...
  • Page 61 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide START DATE and END DATE These commands work similarly to the START TIME and END TIME commands, described in Schedules and Schedule Blocks (page 56). START DATE sets the date when the block should begin running, and END DATE sets the date when the block should cease.
  • Page 62 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Whenever the start and end times are identical and the DUTY CYCLE is set to Always, the schedule will record continuously. Record Continuously for Part of Each Day The following schedule records daily from 4:00am to 10:00am:...

  • Page 63: Recording Files

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 5. RECORDING FILES The purpose of the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is to create audio files that are embedded with metadata. The files are initially written to the SD card, and from there can be transferred to a computer for analysis.
  • Page 64 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide • Length • Loc Position • Make • Model • Original Filename • Sample rate • Serial • Temperature Int • Timestamp • WA|Song Meter|Audio settings • WA|Song Meter|Prefix...

  • Page 65: Analysis Software

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 6. ANALYSIS SOFTWARE 6.1. KALEIDOSCOPE PRO Kaleidoscope Pro analysis software allows you to quickly sort, label, and identify bird songs, frog calls, and bat identifications from weeks, months, or even years of recordings. Whether you...
  • Page 66 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide label each cluster to efficiently analyze your recordings. Customize cluster settings to help you more easily search for a specific species or refine for classifiers. 6.1.3. Sound Pressure Level Analysis The Kaleidoscope Pro SPL Analysis feature allows you to scan recordings to analyze the noise spectrum, and generate reports of sound pressure levels in accordance with various standards.

  • Page 67: Third-Party Software

    Kaleidoscope Pro trial. 6.2. THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE The Song Meter Mini 2 creates standard .wav files that can be opened with most audio applications. The audio application must be able to support the sample rate of the recorded file.

  • Page 68: Maintanance

    • In the Location & time zone screen, set the location and time zone manually. 7.2. WATERPROOFING The Song Meter Mini 2 is designed to work in all kinds of weather, and will not let in any water under normal circumstances. However, there are a few routine checks that should be done to make sure that your recorder is as weatherproof as it was when you received it.

  • Page 69: Security

    0.420'' (10.67 mm). To keep the lid of the Song Meter Mini 2 locked closed, a padlock can be inserted in the loop on the right side of the latch. The internal diameter of this padlock loop is 0.268'' (6.81 mm). We recommend a padlock with a shackle diameter of 1/4''.

  • Page 70: Troubleshooting

    8.1. RECORDER NOT TURNING ON If your Song Meter Mini 2 appears to be unresponsive, there are a few things you should check to confirm the cause and try some common solutions: Check that all installed batteries are brand-new or freshly charged and properly installed.

  • Page 71: Unable To Pair App With Recorder

    If you are able to pair with the recorder, check whether the Send Bluetooth beacons? setting is enabled. If this setting is disabled, the Song Meter Mini 2 will not update its status in the Song Meter Configurator app unless the recorder and app are paired.

  • Page 72: Sd Card Error Messages

    If the error message persists, try using a different card with the same recorder, or the same card with a different recorder, if you have multiple. Doing so will help determine whether there's an underlying issue with the card or with the Song Meter Mini 2's SD card slot.
  • Page 73 If you delete files by moving them to the Trash or Recycling Bin but do not reformat the card, the structure of the card is still affected by the deleted files, and the Song Meter Mini 2 will be unable to use that space.
  • Page 74 In the vast majority of cases, the "SD Card Dirty" message does not indicate a serious or unusual issue with the SD card or the Song Meter Mini 2, nor does it indicate the loss of data recorded before the error occurred.

  • Page 75: Specifications

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 9. SPECIFICATIONS 9.1. PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Height 4.7 in (120 mm) Length (with no right microphone, with left 7.0 in (177 mm) microphone and windscreen) Depth 1.6 in (40 mm) Weight with no batteries AA Version: 0.54 lb (245 g) Li-ion Version: 0.52 lb (236 g)

  • Page 76: Batteries

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Figure 1. Sensitivity and Noise Floor, Linear Frequency Scale Figure 2. Sensitivity and Noise Floor, Logarithmic Frequency Scale 9.3. BATTERIES 9.3.1. Types of AA Batteries AA batteries are available in several distinct categories: • Alkaline: This is the standard, single-use battery. When using AA batteries, the Song Meter...
  • Page 77 From one to six lithium-ion batteries may be used in any combination of positions in the battery tray. The redesigned lithium-ion battery compartment in the Song Meter Mini 2 can fit a slightly broader range of lithium-ion batteries than the optional lithium-ion lid accessory for the first- generation Song Meter Mini and Song Meter Mini Bat.

  • Page 78: Sd Cards

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 9.3.3. Power Consumption and Expected Battery Life The tables in this section display measured power consumption for the Song Meter Mini 2 in various recording modes. All measurements were taken using the same SanDisk SD card.

  • Page 79: Warranty And Disclosures

    Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide 10. WARRANTY AND DISCLOSURES Except as specifically provided herein, Wildlife Acoustics makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this product. Hardware Limited Warranty Product Components Warranty Period Song Meter Mini 2...
  • Page 80 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide to WAI must be sent postage-paid and packaged appropriately for safe shipment. WAI is not responsible for Customer products received without a warranty service authorization and may be rejected. Repaired or replacement products will be shipped to Customer at WAI expense. All products or parts that are replaced become the property of WAI.
  • Page 81 Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide Conforms to the appropriate country standards and governing regulations listed below. As the manufacturer, we are fully responsible for the design and production of the above-mentioned equipment. • (FCC) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 15, Subpart B: Class B Device (2015): Radio Frequency Devices –...
  • Page 82 In no event shall Wildlife Acoustics, publishers, authors, or editors of this guide be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.

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