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Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Manual

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Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
February 15, 2024

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Summary of Contents for Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini Bat 2

  • Page 1 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide February 15, 2024...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3. Introduction ........................8 3.1. About the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ................8 3.2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini Bat to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ...... 8 3.3. Battery Configuration Versions ................10 4. Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Hardware ..................12 4.1.
  • Page 3 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 11. Warranty and Disclosures ..................... 114...

  • Page 4: Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Quickstart Guide

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 1. SONG METER MINI BAT 2 QUICKSTART GUIDE Out of the box, the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 can be quickly configured to run one of several preset schedules that cover common use cases.
  • Page 5 Any changes made in the Configuration Editor screen are immediately loaded and saved into the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. There is no need to manually save changes. If the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is unpaired or powered off, it will...

  • Page 6: Useful Resources

    If you prefer to configure your recorder settings from a desktop or laptop computer, you can download desktop configurator software for free on our Downloads page. You can export a configuration file from the configurator to load into the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (see Load Firmware or a Configuration from Card (page 48)).

  • Page 7: Don't Miss Out On Important Updates

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 2.6. DON’T MISS OUT ON IMPORTANT UPDATES We continually add features to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. Stay up to date with the newest features and receive important technical support bulletins by signing up to our Mailing List.

  • Page 8: Introduction

    While the first-generation Song Meter Mini Bat's enclosure was comprised of a separate base and lid, the enclosure of the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 9 AA Batteries The Song Meter Mini Bat 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 Bat could with AA batteries.

  • Page 10: Battery Configuration Versions

    Both recorders can also share configuration files. A configuration file exported from a Song Meter Mini Bat can be imported into a Song Meter Mini Bat 2, and vice-versa. This provides a simple way to maintain consistent settings across a mixed fleet of recorders.
  • Page 11 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide NOTE These are two separate versions of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. Neither version can be converted or reconfigured to use the other type of battery. The type of battery used significantly affects deployment time. As a general rule, 18650 Lithium- ion batteries hold significantly more energy than AA batteries, and they are, by definition, rechargeable.

  • Page 12: Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Hardware

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 4. SONG METER MINI BAT 2 HARDWARE 4.1. EXTERNAL FEATURES Figure 2. Front-Left View The Enclosure Latch snaps into place to keep the two halves of the enclosure sealed. One of two Mounting Loops, which can accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up to a diameter of 0.420'' (10.67 mm).
  • Page 13 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Figure 3. Front-Right View A Padlock Loop allows the enclosure to be locked closed. See Padlock Compatibility (page 15) for padlock size recommendations. One of two Mounting Loops, which can accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up to a diameter of 0.420'' (10.67 mm).
  • Page 14 4.1.2. Versatile Mounting Options The enclosure of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is equipped with attachment points that support a wide range of mounting options: • Mounting Tabs at the top and bottom of the enclosure's back feature holes suitable for bolts or screws up to 3/16′′...
  • Page 15 4.1.3. Lock Compatibility The enclosure of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is designed to support two layers of security: • A cable lock can be threaded through the two Mounting Loops along the top of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 to keep it attached to a tree or structure.

  • Page 16: Internal Features

    The Right Mic port allows you to connect a second, acoustic microphone to the recorder. Install a Second Microphone (page 22). 4.2.1. Battery Compartment The lid of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 holds the recorder's batteries. Depending on the version of the recorder, it holds either AA batteries or 18650 Lithium-ion batteries.
  • Page 17 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 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. If you use only four AA batteries, all four must be installed in the same tray.
  • Page 18 4.2.2. SD Card Slot The Song Meter Mini Bat 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 19 Figure 6. Control Panel The ON/OFF switch determines whether the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is fully active or in a low-power, idle state. It is safe to set the switch to OFF at any time without risking data loss.
  • Page 20 SD Card issue *Triggered ultrasonic mode only 4.2.5. Function Button and LEDs The physical controls on the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 allow you to perform four basic functions without the Song Meter Configurator app. Available Functions There are four FUNCTION LEDs: •...

  • Page 21: Microphones

    It resets the structure of the card and reduces the likelihood of data corruption. Reformatting can be done using the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 or using the SD Card Association's official, free formatting utility for Windows and Mac.
  • Page 22 4.3.2. Install a Second Microphone The Song Meter Mini Bat 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 23 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Use a 3/4" or adjustable hex wrench to gently loosen the bolt from the nut, then use your hand to completely unscrew the bolt. If the recorder is laid flat on its back, the internal hex nut will stay in place. The nut is necessary to hold the new microphone in place.

  • Page 24: Update Firmware Using The Physical Controls

    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 Bat 2's SD card slot. Turn on the recorder.

  • Page 25: Load A Configuration File From An Sd Card Using The Physical Controls

    Mini Bat 2. The following procedure loads a configuration file into a recorder using only the physical controls on the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 hardware. To load a saved configuration with the help of the Song Meter Configurator app, see...

  • Page 26: Export Configuration And Diagnostic Files To An Sd Card Using The Physical Controls

    4.6. EXPORT CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC FILES TO AN SD CARD USING THE PHYSICAL CONTROLS Using only the buttons on the main panel of the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 27 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 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 49). Configurations Files can be saved from a paired recorder to the app's Configuration library, then imported to other recorders without using an SD card.

  • Page 28: Song Meter Configurator App

    The Song Meter Configurator app provides a simple interface for configuring the schedule and settings of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. It runs on phones and tablets running iOS and Android, and, once installed, it does not require an internet connection.
  • Page 29 GPS location data, and it only works within about 50 meters of the nearest WiFi router. A dedicated GPS receiver can be paired with a tablet via Bluetooth to provide more precise location data that can be used to set the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's saved deployment location.

  • Page 30: Recorders Screen

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide • French • Spanish • Portuguese • Chinese • German • Japanese The display language of the Song Meter Configurator app will follow the Android or iOS system language setting. To manually set the language of the app, see App Information Screen (page 80).
  • Page 31 • Unpair Tap to unpair the Song Meter Configurator app from the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. You must unpair from the currently paired recorder before you can pair with another. For instructions on pairing with a recorder, see...
  • Page 32 80). 5.2.5. Status Screen The Status screen displays all of the status information broadcast from a Song Meter Mini Bat 2 and received by the Song Meter Configurator app. It shows information about the recorder's SD card, batteries, schedule settings, microphones, and firmware version.
  • Page 33 Bluetooth range. While a Song Meter Mini Bat 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 34 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide NOTE If the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 35 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 Bat 2's internal temperature sensor. The °C/°F toggle switch allows you to set the units of temperature to degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
  • Page 36 5.2.6. Pair the Recorder with the Song Meter Configurator app In order to set the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's date and time and to configure the recorder's settings using the Song Meter Configurator mobile app, you must pair the app with the recorder.
  • Page 37 Automatically Set the Recorder’s Clock The first time the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder is configured, or if the batteries have been removed for some time, the internal clock will not be set. When the recorder is paired with the Song Meter Configurator app, the clock of the recorder will be automatically set to match the Mobile device.
  • Page 38 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Automatically Set the Recorder's Time Zone You can set the time zone setting of the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 39: Configuration Editor Screen

    5.3. CONFIGURATION EDITOR SCREEN The Configuration Editor screen is the interface for editing all of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's settings. When the Song Meter Configurator app is paired with a recorder, you can edit the recorder's settings directly, updating the recorder immediately with each setting change.
  • Page 40 Tap the Configure icon to open the Configuration Editor. When the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 41 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The RECORDER NAME is saved as the prefix of every audio file name for easy file organization. It is also saved to the metadata of each .wav audio file in the "WA|Song Meter|Prefix" field.
  • Page 42 Song Meter Mini Bat 2's schedule capabilities. 5.3.4. Load and Save Configurations from the Configuration Editor Screen When configuring a paired Song Meter Mini Bat 2, the Load and Save icons at the top of the Configuration Editor screen allow you to: •...
  • Page 43 Tap OK. A Success window displays a message confirming the configuration has been loaded. All of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's Status LEDs will flash green to indicate the configuration has been loaded. Save a Configuration File from the Configuration Editor Screen Saving a configuration file copies all of the paired recorder's settings into a configuration file, which is saved to the Song Meter Configurator app's Configuration Library.
  • Page 44 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 5.3.5. 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 44) •...
  • Page 45 Pair the Recorder with the Song Meter Configurator app (page 36). Tap Configure > Utilities > Test microphone. Close the lid of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. Remove the foam windscreen from the acoustic microphone. Connect the calibrator to the acoustic microphone according to the calibrator's instructions.
  • Page 46 Close the lid of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. Turn on the Ultrasonic Calibrator and toggle the mode switch to CAL . Position the back of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 against the front face of the Ultrasonic Calibrator.
  • Page 47 40kHz signal at over 100dB SPL. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity ultrasonic signals may cause permanent hearing loss at audible frequencies. Prepare the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 for recording and place it no more than 20m (65ft) away from the Ultrasonic Calibrator. NOTE Make sure the recorder's schedule is such that it will be awake and in an ultrasonic recording period during testing.
  • Page 48 If the Ultrasonic Calibrator is held very close to the microphone, the calibrator signal may be too loud for the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 to record correctly. The recorded signal will be distorted, and artificial harmonics will be present in the resulting recording.
  • Page 49 Configuration files can be generated using the following methods: • Export from a Song Meter Mini Bat 2 to an SD card using the main panel buttons (see Export Configuration and Diagnostic Files to an SD Card Using the Physical Controls (page 26)).
  • Page 50 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The ULTRASONIC SETTINGS page includes the following settings: Recording Format • Options: Full-Spectrum; Zero-Crossing; Zero-Crossing and Full-Spectrum. • Default: Full-Spectrum. The Song Meter Mini Bat can record full spectrum or zero crossing format files. Both formats can be recorded at the same time.
  • Page 51 In this mode, when the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is scheduled to record, it monitors for incoming sound that meets the defined trigger parameters. When it detects such a sound, it starts recording until either: •...
  • Page 52 (see GUANO Metadata Fields (page 92)). When Save Noise Files? is disabled, the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 checks for recordings that contain at least two pulses that contain components above the Minimum Trigger Frequency (page 51) are at least 1.5 milliseconds in length, each.
  • Page 53 Song Meter Mini Bat to a Song Meter Mini Bat 2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini Bat to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (page 8) for comparisons of the two recorders' frequency responses.
  • Page 54 "folded down" and appear as upside-down artifacts in the recorded audio. In both recording modes on the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 In many situations, when using the default sample rate of 24 kHz, this may not present a significant or even noticeable problem.
  • Page 55 If a test recording shows a faint signal, raise the gain setting. 5.3.8. Location & Time Zone Screen The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 deployment location and time zone can be set in the Location & Time Zone screen, accessed from the Configuration Editor screen.
  • Page 56 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Enter and Exit the Location & Time Zone Screen The Location & Time Zone screen can be accessed from the Configuration Editor either when configuring a paired recorder or when editing a configuration in the Configuration Library. In the Configuration Editor, under the SETTINGS heading, tap Location &...
  • Page 57 Configuration Library. Set Location to Address The Song Meter Mini Bat 2's saved location can be set using a street address, based on the location saved for that address in the Google Maps database.
  • Page 58 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide a numeric value. Positive and negative signs are not used to indicate hemisphere. Instead, N and S are used to specify northern and southern latitudes, and E and W are used to specify eastern and western longitudes.
  • Page 59 At the end of a transect, the app will prompt you to export the KML file to another app on your device. During a transect, the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ignores its programmed schedule while using all non-schedule settings programmed in the Configuration Editor. It will monitor for the entire length of the transect, regardless of the programmed schedule.
  • Page 60 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide App and Recorder Must Remain Paired The Song Meter Configurator app must be paired to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 for the entirety of the transect. Transect location information is taken from the mobile device’s location. For accurate location data and to maintain the paired connection, keep the mobile device close to the recorder for the duration of the transect.
  • Page 61 If there is no SD card inserted in the recorder, or if the SD card is full, the Start Transect button will be inactive. As the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 records audio files, the location of each recording is marked by a black flag with a bat icon on the map.
  • Page 62 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide When you want to end your transect, tap the Stop Transect button. The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 will resume its normal recording schedule, and a KML Alert dialog box will appear.
  • Page 63 If the Delay Start date is enabled, but you power on the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 on or after the specified date, it will begin running its schedule immediately.
  • Page 64 Bat 2 recorder. In most cases, we recommend keeping this setting enabled. Enabling Bluetooth Beacons has no significant effect on the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's battery life. Bluetooth beacons allow you to check the recorder's status when you are unable to access it directly, and they can help you locate a recorder after a long deployment.
  • Page 65 Song Meter Mini Bat 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 67).
  • Page 66 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide • MODE If the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 has the optional acoustic microphone installed, this menu selects whether the schedule block activates ultrasonic or acoustic recording. • START DATE: Month and Day drop-downs When Date Range is active, these drop-downs determine the date when the schedule block begins running.
  • Page 67 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide • Duty On: Days When Cycle is selected, determines the length, in days, of the active portion DAY DUTY CYCLE. • Duty Off When Cycle is selected, determines the length, in days, of the inactive portion DAY DUTY CYCLE.
  • Page 68 Only used for schedules that include triggered ultrasonic recording. This slider sets the percentage of time during triggered ultrasonic recording periods during which the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is assumed to be actively recording audio. Factors Affecting Battery Life Estimations (page 69) for a detailed description of this parameter.
  • Page 69 However, if you have the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 deployed near a bat roost, or if it is running a schedule limited only to the periods with the most bat activity, setting the Trigger Ratio to a higher value will provide a more realistic estimate of your battery and card life.
  • Page 70 For schedules that involve any periods of triggered ultrasonic recording, card usage is much less predictable. The trigger mechanism means that the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 only saves audio to the SD card when it detects nearby bat activity or other ultrasonic sounds. More frequent ultrasonic activity near the microphone will result in more card usage.
  • Page 71 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide • Confirm that the schedule shown on the calendar matches your intended schedule. • Check whether any recording periods from multiple blocks overlap with each other. • Find any conflicts between ultrasonic and acoustic recording periods.
  • Page 72 • The saved location is accurate to within 0.250 degrees latitude and longitude. • The saved time zone matches your current local time zone. Note that the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 will not adjust for changes between Daylight and Standard time without pairing with the Song Meter Configurator app.

  • Page 73: Configuration Library Screen

    Intervals when acoustic and ultrasonic recording periods overlap with each other are shown in red. The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 can only use one recording mode at a time. During these conflicts, the recorder will record in acoustic mode.
  • Page 74 The configuration file's location and time zone will overwrite the previously saved location and time zone on the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder when the saved configuration file is loaded, either to a paired recorder or via an SD card.
  • Page 75 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The entry for each configuration includes the following elements: • Selection bubble Tap this bubble, on the left side of each list entry, to select the configuration for deletion or sharing. You can select multiple configurations at once.
  • Page 76 Song Meter Mini Bat 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.
  • Page 77 Song Meter Mini Bat 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 78 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The Configuration file will be imported and visible in the Configuration Library. Android: Import from Gmail If a .miniconfig file is sent to you as an email attachment, you can import the file into the Song Meter Configurator's Configuration Library.
  • Page 79 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Tap on the attachment name. Do not tap on the Download or Google Drive icons. The Configuration file will be imported and visible in the Configuration Library. 5.4.7. Edit A Saved Configuration File You can edit any configuration stored in the Configuration Library, whether it was created from scratch, saved from a paired recorder, or imported from an email or file storage app.

  • Page 80: 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 81: Understanding Schedules

    Displays a short info page about us. 5.6. UNDERSTANDING SCHEDULES Writing a custom schedule for the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 can appear to be a daunting task. The scheduling system is very flexible, and while that provides great benefits in the hands of an experienced user, it can also be overwhelming to someone who does not understand the fundamentals of how a schedule works.
  • Page 82 5.6.1. Schedules and Schedule Blocks A schedule for the Song Meter Mini Bat 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.
  • Page 83 Duty Off: 00:55 END TIME: Time 00:00 With 5 simple commands, this one schedule block has told the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 to record 5 minutes at the start of each hour. Let's break down how each command works.
  • Page 84 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 Bat 2 will pick up in the middle of any schedule block that should be occurring at that time.
  • Page 85 This means that, if your goal is to record the dawn chorus each day, the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 86 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 Bat 2 will treat the time from 13:45 to 15:00 as one single recording period, only broken up according to the...
  • Page 87 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 5.6.4. Date Range and Day Duty Cycle By default, every Song Meter Mini Bat 2 schedule block runs every single day, starting from when the recorder is powered on or until the Delay Start (page 63) date occurs, if applicable.
  • Page 88 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide During "inactive days" for this schedule block, other blocks in your schedule may still run, depending on their settings. The START DATE, END DATE, and DAY DUTY CYCLE commands only affect the schedule block to which they are applied.
  • Page 89 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Record in Multiple Blocks Relative to Sunset and Sunrise The following schedule uses two blocks. The first block defines a period relative to sunrise and the second block defines a period relative to sunset. The combined result records for two hours centered on sunrise and two hours centered on sunset.

  • Page 90: Sd Card Contents

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 6. SD CARD CONTENTS This section describes what kinds of files the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 saves to its SD Card, how they are organized, and what kinds of information they contain.
  • Page 91 Full-spectrum .wav files include additional metadata not shown in the GUANO fields. If you open a .wav recording from a Song Meter Mini Bat 2 in the desktop Mini/Micro configurator, the program will display all of the settings and schedule parameters that were programmed on the recorder that produced the recording.
  • Page 92 Model name of the recorder. • Original Filename File name of the recording as originally saved to the SD card by the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. This metadata field will remain even if the file name is later edited.

  • Page 93: Summary File

    SD card. This file's name is formatted as [RECORDER NAME]_Summary.txt. A new line is written to the summary file for every minute the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is awake and recording or monitoring in triggered ultrasonic mode. Each line of text is broken up by commas into data fields, with column headers listed in the first line of the file.

  • Page 94: Diagnostics Files

    Automatic Diagnostics Generation If the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 experiences a sudden reboot, it will save a diagnostics file to the SD card as soon as it powers on. The date and time in the file name of the .minidiags file indicate the time when the file was generated.
  • Page 95 If the batteries are used to the full extent of their lifespans, they may reach a point where they are just barely keeping the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 powered on. At this point, small fluctuations in power draw can cause the battery voltage to drop, causing the recorder to power off unexpectedly.

  • Page 96: Analysis Software

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 7. ANALYSIS SOFTWARE 7.1. 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 97 Song Meter Mini Bat 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. 7.1.3. 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 98: Third-Party Software

    Kaleidoscope Pro trial. 7.2. THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 creates standard .wav files and/or zero crossing files. The audio application must be able to support the sample rate of the recorded file, and/or zero-crossing...

  • Page 99: Maintenance

    Latch the recorder shut, making sure nothing blocks the enclosure from sealing. 8.2. WATERPROOFING The Song Meter Mini Bat 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 100: Mounting

    0.420'' (10.67 mm) to fit through these loops. To keep the lid of the Song Meter Mini Bat 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).

  • Page 101: Troubleshooting

    Recorders screen, see App Not Receiving Status Updates (page 101). If none of the FUNCTION LEDs light up at all, your Song Meter Mini Bat 2 may need repair. Contact Wildlife Acoustics Support for further assistance (see Contacting Support (page 7)).

  • Page 102: Unable To Pair App With Recorder

    7)). 9.3. UNABLE TO PAIR APP WITH RECORDER If you are unable to pair the Song Meter Configurator app with the Song Meter Mini Bat 2, first check the following: Confirm that the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is powered on and that pressing the FUNCTION button causes one or more of the FUNCTION LEDs to light up.

  • Page 103: Sd Card Error Messages

    (page 48). If you are still unable to pair with your Song Meter Mini Bat 2 after following these steps, your recorder may require repair. Contact Wildlife Acoustics support for further troubleshooting assistance and to arrange a repair, if necessary (see Contacting Support (page 7)).
  • Page 104 Song Meter Mini Bat 2's SD card slot. 9.4.3. SD Card Full This message means there is not enough available space on the card for the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 to save any more audio files to the card.
  • Page 105 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 Bat 2, nor does it indicate the loss of data recorded before the error occurred.

  • Page 106: Specifications

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 10. SPECIFICATIONS 10.1. PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Height 4.7 in (120 mm) Width (with no right microphone) 5.6 in (142 mm) Depth 1.6 in (40 mm) Weight with no batteries AA Version: 0.53 lb (240 g) Li-ion Version: 0.51 lb (231 g)
  • Page 107 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Digital Anti-Alias Ultrasonic channel: none Filter Acoustic channel, Highest Quality setting: -5.0 dB @ 0.4 f , -12 dB @ 0.6 f Analog Low-Pass Ultrasonic channel: 2-pole 191 kHz Filter Acoustic channel: 2-Pole 20 kHz 10.2.2.
  • Page 108 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Figure 9. Ultrasonic Microphone Polar Response: Front View Figure 10. Ultrasonic Microphone Polar Response: Top View 10.2.3. Acoustic Microphone Specifications • Directional Characteristic: Omnidirectional • On-Axis Sensitivity: +12 ± 4 dB FS re: 1 Pa at 1 kHz, measured at 18 dB gain setting The following charts reflect default gain (+18 dB), 48 kHz sample rate, calibrated sound source one meter from the recorder, perpendicular to microphone axis.

  • Page 109: Batteries And Power

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Figure 11. Sensitivity and Noise Floor, Linear Frequency Scale Figure 12. Sensitivity and Noise Floor, Logarithmic Frequency Scale 10.3. BATTERIES AND POWER 10.3.1. Types of AA Batteries AA batteries are available in several distinct categories: •...
  • Page 110 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 Bat 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 111 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 10.3.3. Power Consumption and Expected Battery Life The tables in this section display measured power consumption for the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 in various recording modes. All measurements were taken using the same SanDisk SD card.

  • Page 112: Sd Card Compatibility

    The minimum speed class required by the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is C4, meaning a minimum sustained write speed of 4 MB/s. The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 gains no benefit from faster cards, though backing up files to your computer may be faster.
  • Page 113 These variations can affect the battery life of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. As a general trend, SD Cards with lower speed classes tend to draw less power than faster cards.
  • Page 114 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 11. 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 Bat 2...
  • Page 115 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide period. Dated proof of original purchase will be required. Products or parts shipped by Customer 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.
  • Page 116 Song Meter Mini Bat 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 117 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.
  • Page 118 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide CA 62986988 GB 2559839 Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. 3 Mill and Main Place, Suite 110 Maynard, MA 01754 United States of America (978) 369-5225 or toll-free in the U.S. (888) 733-0200 www.wildlifeacoustics.com Updated on Feb 15, 2024.

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