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WILDLIFE Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Manual

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Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
February 27, 2024

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  • Page 1 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide February 27, 2024...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3. Introduction ........................7 3.1. About the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ................7 3.2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini Bat to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ...... 7 3.3. Battery Configuration Versions ................9 4. Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Hardware ..................11 4.1.
  • Page 3 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 10.4. SD Card Compatibility ..................114 11. Warranty and Disclosures ....................116 11.1. Hardware Limited Warranty ................116 11.2. Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. Limited Warranty ............. 116 11.3. Declaration of Conformity ................... 117 11.4. Electromagnetic Interference ................119 11.5.

  • 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: 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 49)).

  • Page 6: 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 7: 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 8 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 9: 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 10 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide • The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Li-ion can run on between one and six 18650 Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. See Lithium-Ion Battery Requirements (page 112) for details on choosing compatible batteries. 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.

  • Page 11: 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 12 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 14) 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 13 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 14 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 15 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 4.1.4. Optional Acoustic Microphone Port The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 has a port for an optional acoustic microphone. When installed, this allows the recorder to alternate between recording ultrasound and recording audio in the range of human hearing.

  • Page 16: Internal Features

    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. AA Battery Compartment The AA battery compartment holds two plastic battery trays.
  • Page 17 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide If you use only four AA batteries, all four must be installed in the same tray. Each tray is equipped with a ribbon. When installing AA batteries, position the ribbon underneath the batteries. Pulling on the ribbon will then let you easily remove the batteries.
  • 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: 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 26 This is a file containing all of the recorder settings, plus hardware diagnostics information that can be used by Wildlife Acoustics Support for diagnosing certain kinds of issues. They can be created manually, as shown below, or automatically when the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 experiences an unexpected reboot.

  • Page 27: 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 28 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 29: Install The Song Meter Configurator App

    The Song Meter Configurator app is available on the Apple App store for iOS devices and on the Google Play store for Android devices. The Song Meter Configurator app is available free-of- charge and is necessary to configure the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. 5.2.1. Install the Song Meter Configurator App on iOS On your iOS device, open the App Store app.

  • Page 30: Recorders Screen

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Tap the Install or Update button to install the latest version of the Song Meter Configurator app to your device. To open the Song Meter Configurator app, tap the Open button in the Play Store entry, or tap on the Song Meter icon in your device's home screen or All Apps menu.
  • Page 31 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Sort by Tap this icon to open a Sort Recorders menu with options to sort the recorders by one of two options. The currently used sort option is indicated by an upwards or downwards arrow. To toggle the sorting between ascending and descending, tap Sort by, then tap the currently used sorting option once more.
  • Page 32 83). 5.3.5. 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 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...
  • Page 36 5.3.6. 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 The app will display messages indicating it is updating the recorder's clock and reading the recorder's settings. The app may prompt you to update the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's Time Zone and/or Location settings to match the settings on your mobile device. See...
  • Page 38 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 39: Configuration Editor Screen

    5.4. 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 Save Tap to save a copy of the paired recorder's settings to the Configuration Library with a custom Configuration Name. See Load and Save Configurations from the Configuration Editor Screen (page 43) for more info.
  • Page 42 Bat 2 will broadcast status beacons that can be received by the Song Meter Configurator app when not paired. If the paired Song Meter Mini Bat 2 does not have an acoustic microphone installed, the Acoustic settings screen will not be accessible.
  • Page 43 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 5.4.4. 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 44 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The following procedure uses the Song Meter Configurator app to save a configuration file from a paired recorder to the app's Configuration Library. To export a configuration file to an SD card using only the recorder's physical controls, see...
  • Page 45 36). Configure and Unpair icons will appear next to the recorder's name. Tap the Configure icon for the paired Song Meter Mini Bat 2 in the Recorders screen. Tap the Utilities icon in the upper-right corner of the Configuration Editor.
  • Page 46 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Connect the calibrator to the acoustic microphone according to the calibrator's instructions. Turn the calibrator on. If the calibrator has the option of multiple test frequencies and amplitudes, select 1 kHz and 94 dB SPL.
  • Page 47 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 48 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 20 m (65 ft) 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 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...
  • Page 50 Utilities Menu (page 44). This utility generates a diagnostics file from the paired Song Meter Mini Bat 2 and opens a blank email, addressed to Wildlife Acoustics Support, with the diagnostics file as an attachment. You can then edit the subject and body of the email before sending it.
  • Page 51 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 52 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 53 (see GUANO Metadata Fields (page 94)). 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 52) are at least 1.5 milliseconds in length, each.
  • Page 54 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 7) for comparisons of the two recorders' frequency responses.
  • Page 55 "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 56 If a test recording shows a faint signal, raise the gain setting. 5.4.8. 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 57 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 58 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 59 Manually Set the Recorder's Time Zone To adjust the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's saved time zone setting, tap Select time zone. In the pop-up window that appears, you can: • Tap SET to update the saved time zone setting to match your mobile device's current time zone.
  • Page 60 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 61 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 62 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 63 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 64 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 65 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 66 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The Schedule Editor interface includes the following elements, listed from top to bottom, left to right. Schedule Editor: Upper Elements Estimate battery and Tap to open the Estimate Battery and Card Life Window (page card life 68).
  • Page 67 DATE features from the schedule block. When these features are disabled, the schedule block will run each day. 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.
  • Page 68 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide + / - drop-down Not active when Time is selected. When Rise or Set is selected: • + specifies an offset after sunrise or sunset. • - specifies an offset before sunrise or sunset.
  • Page 69 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The Estimate battery and card life window contains the following elements: X (exit) button Tap to close the Estimate battery and card life window. Deployment start Tap on the text showing the selected start date to open a calendar date interactive window and select a new start date.
  • Page 70 In the Estimate Battery and Card Life Window (page 68), the Trigger Ratio can be adjusted to set the percentage of time during ultrasonic recording that the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is assumed to be recording nearby bats.
  • Page 71 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 72 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Schedule Calendar The Schedule Calendar provides a visual representation of your recording schedule. It shows when your recorder will be active during any given day. This is especially useful for complex schedules comprised of multiple schedule blocks. By looking at the Schedule Calendar, you can: •...
  • Page 73 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide There are two methods to exit the Schedule Calendar: • Tap the < icon or the Schedule Name in the top-left corner of the screen. • Touch the left edge of the screen with one finger and swipe right.
  • Page 74 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 75: Configuration Library Screen

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Preset schedules for ultrasonic recording are: • Record bats 24 hours a day (subject to triggering). • Record bats from sunset to sunrise (subject to triggering). • Record bats 30 min before sunset to 30 min after sunrise (subject to triggering)
  • Page 76 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 77 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 78 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Tap DELETE. 5.5.5. Share A Saved Configuration File A configuration file can be shared to other iOS/Android devices or a computer. The configuration file has the file name suffix .miniconfig. In the Configuration Library screen, tap on the selection circle icon to the left of any configuration to select it.
  • Page 79 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Because the Mail app cannot interpret a .miniconfig file, the body of the preview window will display a short string of nonsensical text. Tap on the Share icon, shown as a square with an upwards arrow.
  • Page 80 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide This will bring up an Apps list. From the Apps list, tap the Song Meter app. The Configuration file will be imported and visible in the Configuration Library.
  • Page 81 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 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. Importing files sent via other means, such as a message app, a cloud storage app, or the device's file browser, works via a similar series of steps.
  • Page 82 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. 5.5.7. 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 83: 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 84: Understanding Schedules

    Displays a short info page about us. 5.7. 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 85 5.7.1. 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 86 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 87 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 88 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide DUTY CYCLE: Always END TIME: Rise + 00:45 The above example is more concise than the one shown in Schedules and Schedule Blocks (page 85), as it does not make use of the DUTY CYCLE feature. This schedule block begins 1 hour and 30 minutes before sunset, it ends 45 minutes after sunrise, and it runs uninterrupted for the time in between.
  • Page 89 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 90 Song Meter Mini Bat 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 85). START DATE sets the date when the block should begin running, and END DATE sets the date when the block should cease.
  • Page 91 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Record Continuously All Hours of Every Day The following schedule records continuously all day and night, 24 hours per day: START TIME: Time 00:00 DUTY CYCLE: Always END TIME: Time 00:00 Whenever the start and end times are identical and the DUTY CYCLE is set to Always, the schedule will record continuously.

  • Page 92: 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 93 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 94 6.4.4. GUANO Metadata Fields Full-spectrum .wav files and Zero-Crossing .zc files saved by the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 include the following GUANO fields: • Firmware version: Firmware version installed on the recorder at the time of recording.

  • Page 95: 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 96: 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 97 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 will attempt to shut itself down cleanly before the batteries reach this point, but that shut-down is based on the typical behavior of 18650 Li-ion batteries and alkaline AA batteries.

  • Page 98: 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 99 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 100: 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 101: 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 102: 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 103: Troubleshooting

    Recorders screen, see App Not Receiving Status Updates (page 103). 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 6)).

  • Page 104: Unable To Pair App With Recorder

    6)). 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 105: Sd Card Error Messages

    (page 49). 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 6)).
  • Page 106 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 107 6)). 9.4.6. SD Card Bad Format This indicates that the card is not formatted correctly. The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 expects cards to have one of two particular file systems, depending on the size of the card: • For SDHC cards, which range in size from 4 GB to 32 GB, the file system must be FAT32.

  • Page 108: Specifications

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide 10. SPECIFICATIONS 10.1. PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Height 4.7 in. (120 mm) Width (with no right 5.6 in. (142 mm) microphone) Depth 1.6 in. (40 mm) Weight with no batteries AA Version: 0.53 lb. (240 g) Li-ion Version: 0.51 lb.
  • Page 109 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 110 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 111: 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 112 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 113 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 114: 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 115 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 116: Warranty And Disclosures

    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. 11.1. HARDWARE LIMITED WARRANTY Product Components Warranty Period...

  • Page 117: Declaration Of Conformity

    Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide repaired product, part, or software for a period of ninety (90) days from shipment, or through the end of the original warranty, whichever is longer. 11.2.5. OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE Customer should refer to the WAI website at www.wildlifeacoustics.com/support...
  • Page 118 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide Manufacturer: Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. 3 Mill and Main Place, Suite 110 Maynard, MA 01754 United States of America Declares that the following product: Product Name: Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Product Type: Bioacoustics Recorder Conforms to the appropriate country standards and governing regulations listed below.

  • Page 119: Electromagnetic Interference

    11.5. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 was found to meet IPX7 standards, with the exclusion of acoustic microphones. This rating means the enclosure is dust-tight and can withstand temporary submersion in water up to a depth of one meter without leaking.

  • Page 120: Patents

    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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