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Summary of Contents for Wildlife Acoustics SM4BAT ZC
- Page 1 See Page 1 for Quick Start Checklist Song Meter SM4BAT ZC B I O A C O U S T I C S R E C O R D E R User Guide Last updated on February 20, 2021.
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
5.3 The Recording Screens ................26 5.4 Checking the Status of the Recorder ............. 27 5.5 Monitoring Live Audio with Headphones ..........28 5.6 Stopping a Recording Schedule ............. 28 5.7 Making an Instant Recording ..............29 Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. page ii... - Page 3 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide Contents 5.8 Retrieving and Analyzing Recordings ............ 29 5.9 Recording Files ..................29 5.10 Recording Metadata ................30 5.11 Recording Summary Text File ............... 30 6 Creating Custom Schedules 6.1 Schedule Blocks ..................32 6.2 SM4 Configurator Software ..............
- Page 4 • 978-369-5225 Don’t miss out on Important Updates We continually add features to the Song Meter SM4BAT ZC. Stay up to date with the newest features and receive important technical support bulletins by signing up to our mailing list at: http://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/products#mailinglist...
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Page 5: Quick Start Checklist
Press CHECK STATUS to verify the time, microphone, SD memory cards, battery voltage, temperature, and firmware version. Check Wildlife Acoustics’ website for new firmware and update if necessary (see section 7.5). Use the keypad to select Quick Start and choose a recording schedule. -
Page 6: Overview
Overview 2.1 Introduction The latest generation in the Song Meter series, the SM4BAT ZC is a weather-proof zero-crossing (ZC) recorder for the periodic, seasonal, or long-term monitoring of bats in almost any field conditions. You can schedule daily recordings to meet a... -
Page 7: Visual Tour
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 2 Overview 2.2 Visual Tour Power Switch Security Cover Memory Slot A Display Lock Ring Latch Memory Slot B GPS Connection LED Indicator Pressure Vent Keypad Headphone Jack Mounting Flange ITEM: DESCRIPTION: Protects the recorder. The cover swings open/closed and can Security Cover be secured with a standard lock (sold separately). -
Page 8: The Main Menu
Utilities Save status and troubleshooting information to an SD Export Diagnostics card to send to the Wildlife Acoustics Support Team. Set factory default Restore the original recorder settings to their factory-fresh values and revert to a like-new state. CAUTION: Any custom schedules or settings are replaced. -
Page 9: Setup And Installation
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation Setup and Installation 3.1 Opening the Recorder When instructed by the procedures in this guide to open the recorder, follow the steps below. Locate the handle for the security cover on the front right side of the recorder as shown. -
Page 10: Turning Power On And Off
The recorder uses four size D alkaline or NiMH batteries. NOTE: We prefer Energizer brand of alkaline batteries for their superior performance. The SM4BAT ZC enters a very low-power sleep state between scheduled recordings to conserve energy and maximize efficiency for long deployments. -
Page 11: Connecting External Power
The external power cable includes F2-size spade connectors and ring terminals. Connect the cable to a 6 or 12-volt battery using one of the connectors provided. The SM4BAT ZC provides protection against accidental reverse polarity connections. Open the security cover and slide the power switch up to EXT. -
Page 12: Inserting Sd Memory Cards
With no internal batteries installed, consider the INT position to be off. 3.5 Inserting SD Memory Cards The SM4BAT ZC saves recordings to one or two SD memory cards installed in the memory card slots. NOTE: We prefer the SanDisk brand of memory cards for their superior performance. -
Page 13: Connecting And Mounting A Microphone
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation 3.6 Connecting and Mounting a Microphone You must connect an available SMM-U2 or SMM-U1 microphone to record bats. SMM-U2 The SMM-U2 is the newest generation of microphone and improves upon the SMM-U1 with lower noise, better weather protection, and much lower cost. - Page 14 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation The enclosure's innovative waterproof design includes a built-in mounting bracket that allows for a wide range of mounting options. The SMM-U2 has a cardioid sensitivity pattern which means it is most sensitive to the front and sides and less sensitive to the back.
- Page 15 To assure the best possible recording: Test the microphone when it is first received and regularly thereafter using an Ultrasonic Calibrator available from Wildlife Acoustics. This will allow you to quickly detect a loss in sensitivity. Mount the microphone away from all solid surfaces including the recorder itself, walls, ground, water, tree branches and trunks and foliage to avoid recording echoes or dispersing the sound.
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Page 16: Protecting The Microphone And Recorder
The attachment remains weatherproof at angles up to 45-degrees from horizontal. 3.7 Protecting the Microphone and Recorder Protecting the SM4BAT ZC from Electrostatic Discharge The Song Meter Surge Suppressor protects the recorder from power surges from electrostatic discharge or... - Page 17 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation Protecting the SMM-U2 from Electrostatic Discharge Mounting microphones high off the ground, especially in dry or windy conditions, could result in microphone damage from electro- static build-up. The available SMM-...
- Page 18 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation See section above on how to protect the recorder using the available Song ■ Meter Surge Suppressor. Protecting the for SMM-U1 from Water Damage When installed correctly, the SMM-U1 microphone is completely weatherproof. It features a hydrophobic membrane that is transparent to acoustic or ultrasound signals.
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Page 19: Connecting The Gps Accessory
NOTE: The time zone must be set prior to using the available GPS accessory to automatically set the correct time. The SM4BAT ZC adjusts the time from the GPS based on the time zone setting and sets the recorder’s clock after this calculation. If you change the time zone after the clock has been set, this automatic adjustment does not take place and the clock will not be set correctly. -
Page 20: Securing The Recorder
GPS accessory does not yet have a fix. Be aware that it can be difficult to acquire a GPS signal in thick vegetation. Also note that the GPS cannot be used for precision time synchronization on the SM4BAT ZC as it can on the SM3BAT. 3.9 Securing the Recorder Close the cover to protect the recorder from environmental conditions. -
Page 21: Mounting The Recorder
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation NOTE: This is not a cryptographic solution but the level of security is sufficient to prevent the casual user from changing configuration settings that could impact the success of a deployment. -
Page 22: Replacing The Clock Battery
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 3 Setup and Installation NOTE: Do not mount the recorder using a cable lock or other nonflexible cord to a growing tree. Circumferential growth could cause the cable to warp or break the recorder’s mounting bracket. -
Page 23: Settings
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 4 Settings Settings 4.1 Navigating the Menus To navigate the main menu, select items, and configure the values for various settings, use the following basic steps. All procedures in this guide assume you are familiar with these steps. -
Page 24: Setting The Device Prefix For Recorded Files
NOTE: The time zone must be set prior to using the available GPS accessory to automatically set the correct time. The SM4BAT ZC adjusts the time from the GPS based on the time zone setting and sets the recorder’s clock after this calculation. If you change the time zone after the clock has been set, this automatic adjustment does not take place and the clock will not be set correctly. -
Page 25: Setting The Solar Calculation Method
NOTE: The recorder does not automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time. 4.5 Setting the Solar Calculation Method The SM4BAT ZC can schedule recordings relative to sunrise and sunset times, and adjusts these times as they change during the year. You can choose from four different methods of calculating the sunrise and sunset. - Page 26 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 4 Settings 16k High Filter This sets the 16 kHz analog high-pass filter. A two-pole high-pass filter only allows signals that are higher than the specified frequency to be recorded. The high-pass filter is a two-pole filter, which attenuates sounds at 12dB per octave.
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Page 27: Setting A Delayed Start
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 4 Settings Max Duration Sets the maximum duration of a signal in the specified frequency range that qualifies as a valid signal for the scrubber. A value of none is recommended for recording bats. -
Page 28: Setting The Led Indicator Mode
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 4 Settings NOTE: You can use this feature to synchronize the start of two or more recorders. When you start the schedule, a warning appears reminding you of the delayed start. If the date is in the past, no warning appears and the schedule starts without delay. -
Page 29: Making Scheduled Recordings
The recording schedule determines when each day the SM4BAT ZC records and when it sleeps while waiting for a recording period. The recorder adjusts the zero- crossing sensitivity level at the beginning of every recording period and every hour within a recording period. -
Page 30: The Recording Screens
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 5 Making Scheduled Recordings ■ Tip: If you want to save any custom edits or blocks you made to a schedule, select No here to go back and export that schedule to a memory card. Then, you can choose a new schedule and select Yes here with confidence knowing that your previous schedule was backed up. -
Page 31: Checking The Status Of The Recorder
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 5 Making Scheduled Recordings 2017-Apr-25 23:50:48 Auto-leveling..B 18:45-07:15 #00101 2017-Apr-25 23:50:48 Currently Recording: B 18:45-07:15 #00101 ARMED DIV=08 2017-May-22 23:50:48 Currently Recording: B 18:45-07:15 #00101 TRIGGERED DIV=08 These example screens show the following details: Line 1: The current date and time. -
Page 32: Monitoring Live Audio With Headphones
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 5 Making Scheduled Recordings U2: SMM-U2 microphone U1: SMM-U1 microphone NA: no microphone is connected Line 3: The consumed memory as a fraction of the total capacity in GB for ■ the SD memory cards in slots A and B. In this example, 7 GB have already been used on a 64 GB card in slot A and there is no card in slot B. -
Page 33: Making An Instant Recording
The recordings are compatible with all popular third-party zero-crossings analysis programs available. Wildlife Acoustics recommends and supports our Kaleidoscope software, which allows you to easily view and classify your recordings. Kaleidoscope Viewer is a free download and Kaleidoscope Pro with bat Auto-ID is available for purchase at www.wildlifeacoustics.com. -
Page 34: Recording Metadata
Prefix: The prefix assigned to the recorder in the location settings. Timestamp: The date and time when the recording started. GPS Coordinates: The location of the SM4BAT ZC when the recording first started. The file metadata stores the location coordinates that you manually entered on the recorder as well as the coordinates from the GPS accessory if attached. - Page 35 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 5 Making Scheduled Recordings latitude and longitude was written from the GPS using the WGS-84 coordinate system. If no GPS is attached, the identifiers are lower case indicating that the coordinates were previously written by GPS or entered by the user.
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Page 36: Creating Custom Schedules
NOTE: It is advised to use the SM4 Configurator Software whenever possible to double- check that the programmed schedule will behave as desired. Programs created on the SM4BAT ZC can also be double-checked by importing them into the Configurator and viewing on the graphical calendar. -
Page 37: Sm4 Configurator Software
[ADD] A typical schedule might only need one block; however, you can combine up to ten (10) blocks in a single schedule and can even overlap them. The SM4BAT ZC scans all blocks and combines all their recording periods. For example, you can create a schedule to record continuously from sunset to sunrise in one block and to record 5 minutes on the hour throughout the whole day (24 hours) in another block. -
Page 38: Editing A Schedule
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 6 Creating Custom Schedules 6.3 Editing a Schedule Use this procedure to edit a schedule directly on the recorder using the display and buttons. We recommend that you edit schedules using the Song Meter SM4 Configurator software whenever possible;... -
Page 39: Schedule Block Examples
6.5 Schedule Block Examples This section provides recording schedule examples that demonstrate how schedule blocks work. A schedule specifies when the SM4BAT ZC records but the number of zero-crossing recordings for a given schedule will be determined by the trigger... -
Page 40: Importing A Schedule
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 6 Creating Custom Schedules 01/01 [ADD] Record in 5-Minute Segments Every Hour The following schedule records for 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour all day and continues indefinitely: START: time 00:00 DUTY:ON00:05OFF00:55... -
Page 41: Exporting A Schedule
At the Select Schedule File prompt, press ▲ Up or ▼Down to select a schedule file on your SD memory card. Press ENTER. NOTE: The file name can only be 28 characters or less. The SM4BAT ZC will not recognize or display file names of longer length on the import screen. -
Page 42: Utilities
7.1 Exporting Diagnostics This procedure exports a diagnostic file that can be used to assess the audio performance, settings, schedule, and status of the recorder. The Wildlife Acoustics Support Team can use this information to help diagnose problems. The recorder will also create a dump file temporary loss of power for over five seconds or if it senses other types of failures. - Page 43 Observe the dBv level on the SM4BAT ZC display. If the value is higher (less negative) than -47 dB your microphone has passed and is ready to use. If the value is lower (more negative) your microphone has lost some or all of its sensitivity and should be replaced.
- Page 44 To test the system, use the Ultrasonic Calibrator to emit loud ultrasonic signals that can be picked up by the recorder from some distance. Analyze the recording files later to verify that the SM4BAT ZC settings are appropriate and the system is functioning as expected.
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Page 45: Formatting Sd Memory Cards
If you select Yes, progress messages appear, and then the display returns to the Utilities menu. 7.5 Updating the Firmware The SM4BAT ZC is field-upgradeable. Firmware updates are periodically available with fixes or improvements. Download new firmware from www.wildlifeacoustics.com. (While visiting our website, you can join our mailing list to receive important notices about your SM4BAT ZC and related products.) -
Page 46: Specifications
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications Specifications Physical Length: 8.6 inches (218 mm) Width: 6.0 inches (152 mm) Depth: 3.1 inches (78 mm) Weight: 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) Weight with 4 D Batteries: 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) Operating Temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C) (excluding batteries) Enclosure: Weatherproof, polycarbonate housing. ... -
Page 47: Power
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications Power Battery Specifications: The recorder uses four (4) standard D size disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Estimated Recording Time (dependent on bat activity): Alkaline batteries (14,000 milliamp-hours at 1.5V each): 600 to 700 hours (60 –... -
Page 48: Sd Memory Cards
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications card capacity, battery type and quality (including rechargeable batteries), temperature, recorder configuration and level of bat activity also affect recording time. Clock Backup Battery Type: 3.0-volt lithium CR2032 (approximate 3-year life) Internal Clock Accuracy: 3.5ppm from -40ºC to 0ºC, 2.0ppm from 0ºC to 40ºC (Temperature-Compensated Crystal) 8.3 SD Memory Cards... - Page 49 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. page...
- Page 50 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. page...
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Page 51: Smm-U1 Ultrasonic Microphone
Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications 8.6 SMM-U1 Ultrasonic Microphone Enclosure: Weatherproof stainless steel Directional Pattern: Omnidirectional Element: Knowles FG Output: Differential Built in high pass filter: 4-pole at 8 kHz Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. page... - Page 52 Song Meter SM4BAT ZC User Guide 8 Specifications Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. page...
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Page 53: Warranty And Disclosures
WildlifeAcoustics, Inc. Limited Warranty HARDWARE: Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. (“WAI”) warrants to the original end user (“Customer”) that new WAI branded products will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use. Refer to the Hardware Limited Warranty table at the top of this page for the applicable warranty period from the original date of purchase. - Page 54 Wildlife Acoustics makes no claim to these trademarks. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, individually, as a series, in whole, or in part, Wildlife Acoustics, the publisher, and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, including any damages resulting from the express or implied application of information contained in this document or from the use of products, services, or programs that may accompany it.
- Page 55 Wildlife Acoustics, Kaleidoscope and Song Meter are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SM4BAT FS is a trademark of Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. SDHC and SDXC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C,LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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