ELEKON BATLOGGER A User manual

BATLOGGER A BATLOGGER A+
www.batlogger.com
Elekon AG
Cheerstrasse 16
CH-6014 Luzern
Manual
Fir ware version V 2.5
BATLOGGER A/A+

Table of contents
1 Safety infor ation and notes......................................................................................................4
2 Overview.....................................................................................................................................6
2.1 BATLOGGER A.....................................................................................................................6
2.2 BATLOGGER A+...................................................................................................................7
2.3 General..................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Device revisions....................................................................................................................8
2.5 Data storage..........................................................................................................................9
2.6 Accessories.........................................................................................................................10
3 Preparation................................................................................................................................11
3.1 Inserting/Re oving Batteries (BATLOGGER A).................................................................11
3.2 Inserting/Re oving Battery (BATLOGGER A+).................................................................12
3.2.1 Battery charging.....................................................................................................12
3.3 Adjusting para eters and settings......................................................................................13
3.4 Connect and install the icrophone...................................................................................14
3.5 Close and secure the device...............................................................................................16
4 General handling and operation...............................................................................................17
4.1 Inserting/Re oving SD Card..............................................................................................17
4.2 Turn on the device...............................................................................................................18
4.3 Main enu..........................................................................................................................19
4.4 Device lock (Theft protection).............................................................................................20
5 Record bat calls........................................................................................................................21
5.1 Delayed recording (Recording in ti e fra es)...................................................................21
5.2 Record ode.......................................................................................................................23
5.3 Trigger odes.....................................................................................................................24
5.3.1 CrestAdvanced trigger...........................................................................................24
5.3.2 Crest trigger............................................................................................................24
5.3.3 Period trigger..........................................................................................................24
5.3.4 SD trigger...............................................................................................................24
5.4 Interval recording (Record in ti e intervals).......................................................................24
6 Process recordings...................................................................................................................25
6.1 Select folder........................................................................................................................25
6.1.1 Delete folder...........................................................................................................25
6.2 Select recording file.............................................................................................................26
6.2.1 Analyse recording...................................................................................................26
6.2.2 Delete recording.....................................................................................................26
7 Recording location....................................................................................................................27
8 Setup (Settings)........................................................................................................................28
8.1 Operation............................................................................................................................28
8.2 Setup-Menu.........................................................................................................................29
8.2.1 Setup 1/7: Delay Record........................................................................................29
8.2.2 Setup 2/7: Trigger...................................................................................................31
8.2.3 Setup 3/7: Audio.....................................................................................................33
8.2.4 Setup 4/7: Location................................................................................................33
8.2.5 Setup 5/7: SD card.................................................................................................34
8.2.6 Setup 6/7: Miscellaneous.......................................................................................35
8.2.7 Setup 7/7: Exit setup..............................................................................................36
9 Recordings and Files................................................................................................................37
9.1 The audio data file ”xxxxxxxx.wav”.....................................................................................37
9.2 Meta data file ”xxxxxxxx.x l”..............................................................................................38
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 2/44

9.3 Log file "BATREC.log".........................................................................................................39
9.4 Para eter file "BATAPARS.x l".........................................................................................39
9.5 Google-Earth file ”route.k l”...............................................................................................39
10 Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................40
10.1 Checklist............................................................................................................................40
10.2 Replace icrophone.........................................................................................................41
10.3 Test icrophone................................................................................................................41
10.3.1 Record silent spectru ........................................................................................41
10.3.2 Record a test tone................................................................................................41
10.4 Update device fir ware....................................................................................................42
11 Technical specifications..........................................................................................................43
12 Exclusion of Warranty.............................................................................................................44
13 Service and Support...............................................................................................................44
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 3/44

1 Safety nformat on and notes
Before operating the device, please read this anual thoroughly and retain it for reference.
General safety nformat on:
•Ignoring the associated infor ation given under this sy bol ay result in
serious injury or even death.
•Use the device only in its intended anner. Any other uses ay lead to
da age to the device or in the vicinity of the device.
•Do not place the device on or near a heat source (heating, fire, etc.). Protect.
it against high te peratures and te perature fluctuations
•Place the device so that it can not beco e a danger due to dropping, falling
etc.
•The device ust be kept out of reach of children.
•Make sure no foreign objects (coins, pins etc.) or liquids can enter the unit.
•Only use the specified supply voltage for the device.
•When installing the device and the icrophone cable it ust be ensured that
it can not co e into contact with other live objects. Also, ake sure that no
electric shock caused by lightning, high-voltage power lines etc. can occur.
Faulty connections and da aged cables can cause electric shock or fire.
•Be sure the use of this device is allowed in the country and in the
environ ent required. The use of this device ay be dangerous and has to
be avoided in the following areas:
•Where it can interfere with other electronic devices in environ ents such as
hospitals, airports, aircrafts, etc.
•Where there is risk of explosion such as gasoline stations, oil refineries, etc.
•It is responsibility of the user to enforce the country regulation and the
specific environ ent regulation.
•Do not use the unit while operating a vehicle (such as a bicycle, otorcycle
or car).
•An alteration or odification of the device affects the product safety. Caution:
Risk of injury!
•Do not perfor any repairs.
•Handle the device with care. It can be da aged through i pact, hits or
dropping even fro low height.
•Avoid operation in close proxi ity of strong agnetic or electro agnetic
fields trans itting antennas, RF generators or near electronic devices such
as obile phones. This ay affect proper operation.
•By handling error, unit alfunction, or during repair work the stored data ay
be destroyed or erased. It is therefore advisable to ake a backup copy of
i portant data, on the PC hard drive.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 4/44

Batter es (BATLOGGER A): This device requires 8 standard AA batteries (1.2V –
1.5V). The use of rechargeable batteries is strongly reco ended. Use only
batteries of the sa e or equivalent type. Insert the batteries in the re ovable
battery holder as indicated and insert it inside the device (see figure below). Battery
polarity ust be followed. Keep batteries away fro children.
Dispose of exhausted batteries according to local legal require ents. Do not
dispose the by throwing away with nor al household rubbish.
Re ove batteries fro the unit if it will be not used for long period of ti e.
Exhausted batteries should be re oved fro the battery co part ent to prevent
over-discharge, which can cause leakage and ay cause da age to the device.
Avoid short circuiting the contacts in the battery co part ent and battery ter inals.
Do not atte pt to open or repair the batteries. Do not expose the batteries to high
te peratures or allow oisture or hu idity of any kind to co e into contact with it.
When transporting and storing several BATLOGGER A together, the corresponding
regulations have to be followed.
L -Ion battery (BATLOGGER A+): Do not atte pt to open or repair the battery.
Do not short circuit the battery. Do not expose the battery to high te peratures or
allow oisture or hu idity of any kind to co e into contact with it. Only use original
spare parts.
When transporting and storing several BATLOGGER A+ together, the
corresponding regulations have to be followed.
The battery should be charged at te peratures between 0°C and 40°C and
discharged at a te perature between -10°C and +50°C. Using the battery at
te peratures outside of this ranges ay cause the battery to beco e hot or to
break and ay also har the perfor ance of the battery or reduce the battery’s
expectancy.
Env ronmental cond t ons: The BATLOGGER A is housed in a robust,
weatherproof case. The case ust be properly closed and secured to aintain
weatherproofness.
All external connectors are protected against oisture and rain only if the
corresponding cable is properly connected.
M crophone / Ultrason c sensor: An active electret icrophone is used as
ultrasound sensor. Attention has to be payed to a proper fitting of the icrophone in
its plug. The icrophone itself can be da aged by water. It ust be protected fro
dirt, rain and extre e hu idity, and it requires corresponding positioning. A
defective icrophone can lead to unusable or incorrect data.
Measurement dev ce: The BATLOGGER A is a very sensitive easure ent
device and ust be treated as such. To achieve useful and reproducible results you
should consider so e preparation easures and fa iliarize yourself with the
device. So e basic knowledge about bats and ultrasound is required.
Ma ntenance and care: Only clean this device with a slightly da p, lint-free cloth
and do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Ensure that no water intrudes the
device.
Note on env ronmental protect on: Electric and electronic devices as well as
batteries ust not de disposed of with household waste. Consu ers are obliged by
law to return electrical and electronic devices as well as batteries at the end of their
service lives to the public collection points set up for this purpose or point of sale.
Details to this are defined by national law of the respective country. This sy bol on
the product, the instruction anual or the package indicates that a product is
subject to these regulations. By recycling, reusing the aterials or other for s of
utilising old devices/batteries, you are aking an i portant contribution to
protecting our environ ent.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 5/44

2 Overv ew
2.1 BATLOGGER A
Case with cover LC-Display
Battery holder Micro SD card slot
Closing latch Micro SD card
Left Key ( ) SD card adapter
Menu Key ( ) Microphone with cable 2 and cover
Right Key ( ) Microphone connector
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2.2 BATLOGGER A+
Case with cover Micro SD card slot
LC-Display Battery
Battery slot Charger with power adapters
Closing latch Micro SD card
Left Key ( ) SD card adapter
Menu Key ( ) Microphone with cable 2 and cover
Right Key ( ) Microphone connector
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2.3 General
The BATLOGGER A/A+ is a data logger, which records ultrasound vocalisations of bats in real-
ti e, and stores the for later processing on a icro SD / SDHC e ory card (real-ti e
recording syste ).
In a real-ti e recording syste , the ultrasonic signal is digitized directly without change and
with high sa pling rate. Hereby the BATLOGGER A/A+ continuously analyses the signal and
only stores it to the SD card when bat activity is detected. The signal is recorded to internal
RAM and subsequently, if certain criteria is fulfilled, stored as recording files (sequences of
echolocation calls) onto SD card.
Apart fro the bat calls, which are stored as standard audio WAVE files, additional infor ation
is written in text for at into a “.x l” file, which stores all the settings of the BATLOGGER A/A+
at the ti e of recording, including ti e, date and location of the recording, and the current
te perature.
To allow a later overview over all deploy ents of the device, its operating state is being written
to a “LOG” file on the SD card.
The BATLOGGER A/A+ is thus especially suitable for autono ous operation and unattended
onitoring. The BATLOGGER A/A+ is pri arily used stationary, which is often referred to as
passive onitoring.
The only difference between BATLOGGER A and BATLOGGER A+ is the battery type (size) and
the corresponding operation ti e.
2.4 Device revisions
This device underlays continuous develop ent efforts to aintain and i prove its producibility
and functionality.
Hardware revision history:
HW Revision B3: Initial release
HW Revision B4: Mini ized power consu ption during sleep ode
The revision nu ber can be found in the BATREC.log file in the “power on” entry.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 8/44

2.5 Data storage
The audio files are stored on the icro SD e ory card as #****.wav files (where # = 4 digit
serial nu ber of the device), with consecutive nu bering (****). For every #****.wav file, a
#****.x l file is stored, which contains all para eter settings, date, ti e, geographic position
and te perature at the ti e of recording of the corresponding WAVE file. Ultrasound data of the
icrophone are first written to the internal Rando Access Me ory (RAM) of the device. After
ter ination of a single recording sequences (Recording...), the data is stored auto atically fro
RAM to the SD card (Saving... #****.wav). During this storage ti e (duration depends on file
size and card type), the device is blocked.
SD card: The device uses icro SD / SDHC /SDXC cards with FAT32 file syste
as storage edia. When the ter “SD card” is used, always a icro SD / SDHC /
SDXC card is eant. Test have shown, that cards of different vendors ay vary in
writing and erasing speed. We refrain fro giving reco endations for specific
products or vendors, as offered sizes and technologies change constantly, which
ay also influence card perfor ance. SD cards ay have a write protect switch
that prevents writing to the cards when the switch is on LOCK. Please ake sure to
disable the write protect switch of the SD card before using it.
SDXC cards: SD cards larger than 32 GB (SDXC cards) ay be for atted with
exFAT upon delivery and ust be for atted by with FAT32 before use. To do this
insert the SD card into the SD card slot and turn on the device. You will be asked
whether the card should be for atted. Press to for at and confir with .
CAUTION: All data on the SD card will be deleted.
SD card content: A recent version of BATPARS Editor software (Windows and
Mac) is stored on the included SD card. The executable file is in directory
Software/BATPARS and can be started fro there directly. Installation is not
required.
A recent version of BatExplorer PC software is stored on the included SD card. It
ust be installed on the co puter before first use. It can be found in the directory
Software/BatExplorer.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 9/44

2.6 Accessories
Part Description Part#
Micro SD card Micro SD / SDHC / SDXC cards up to 128 GB card size can
be used (32 MB to 128 GB tested). The card ust be
for atted as FAT32.
(1x icro SD card, 16GB included)
Ultrasonic
icrophone
FG black
Ultrasonic icrophone FG black or FG green can be used.
To replace the icrophone, see chapter 10.2.
(1x FG black included)
212.233
MC32, Microphone
cable with Tester
Waterproof icrophone cable 2 with integrated test signal
generator. Co patible with icrophones FG black and FG
green.
(optional)
212.028
Microphone
extension kit 100
green
Extend the operating freedo with the 100 eter extension
cable and the FG green icrophone. Place the icrophone
on top of a easure ent ast or tree while having the
device accessible on the floor.
(optional)
212.031
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 10/44

3 Preparat on
3.1 Inserting Removing Batteries (BATLOGGER A)
1. Open the case cover. Make sure that the device is turned off
2. Re ove the battery holder carefully, without pulling on the cable.
3. Insert 8x AA batteries into the battery holder as indicated. Battery polarity / ust be
followed.
4. Place back the battery holder into the device and place the cable inside the device, so
that it does not get pinched.
Batter es may become hot: Be careful as the device or batteries ay beco e
hot when used continuously for a long period of ti e.
Remove battery: Turn off the device before re oving the batteries. Otherwise the
data ay beco e corrupted and/or the SD card ay be da aged.
Handle batter es w th care: Wipe the electrodes of the batteries with a soft dry
cloth before inserting. Re ove the batteries when you will not use the device for a
long ti e. The batteries ay leak and da age the device if left installed during
prolonged periods of non-use. Store the batteries in a location where the
te perature will re ain at or below roo te perature. Avoid locations with high
te peratures.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 11/44
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3.2 Inserting Removing Battery (BATLOGGER A+)
(A) (B) (C) (D)
1. Open the case cover. Make sure that the device is turned off
2. Lift the safety lever until it is perpendicular (A).
3. Insert the battery as indicated above (B) on the far left and then slide to the right edge of
the case.
4. Close the safety lever to lock the battery (C).
5. To re ove the battery, lift the safety lever until it is perpendicular (A). Then slide the
battery to the left edge of the case and re ove it (D).
Batter es may become hot: Be careful as the device or battery ay beco e hot
when used continuously for a long period of ti e.
Remove battery: Turn off the device before re oving the battery. Otherwise the
data ay beco e corrupted and/or the SD card ay be da aged.
Handle battery w th care: Wipe the electrodes of the battery with a soft dry cloth
before inserting. Re ove the battery when you will not use the device for a long
ti e. The battery ay leak and da age the device if left installed during prolonged
periods of non-use. If the re oved battery will not be used for six onths or longer,
charge the battery for about 30 inutes before storing it, and after that, recharge
the battery every six to twelve onths. Store the battery in a location where the
te perature will re ain at or below roo te perature. Avoid locations with high
te peratures.
3.2.1 Battery charg ng
Upon delivery the battery of the device ay not be fully charged. Please charge the battery
before first use.
Use the included charger to charge the battery. Follow the separate instructions of the charger.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 12/44

3.3 Adjusting parameters and settings
Basically the device can be used directly with factory settings. For so e applications such as
interval recording, para eters ust be adapted accordingly.
Ideally, adjusting para eters should take place before use, directly on a PC or Mac. See
chapter 8.2 and 9.4 for detailed infor ation about para eters and settings.
1. Insert the supplied SD card into
the e ory card reader of your
co puter and start the BATPARS
editor software directly fro the
SD card.
2. Open the file “BATAPARS.x l”
which is stored in the root directory
of the SD card by clicking the
“Open...” button.
3. Change para eters as needed.
e.g. set capture ti e fra e
(schedule) for long-ter
onitoring and directly check
progra ed ti es in advance.
4. Save the para eter file by clicking
*Save*. The para eters are now
on the SD card.
5. Close the BATPARS editor
software with “Close”.
6. Insert the SD card now in the
device. The para eters are now loaded at start-up.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 13/44

3.4 Connect and install the microphone
1. Plug in the connector by arranging the clip of the plug to the notch of the socket.
2. Turn the screw locking ring clockwise to tighten the connector until it is fully inserted.
The icrophone can be placed independently fro the device to ensure opti al acoustic
reception, while allowing an inconspicuously place ent.
To increase the life of your icrophone, it should always be ounted with the opening facing
ground up to a axi u horizontal position to prevent oisture accu ulation inside. Use a
tripod or si ilar to easily ount and direct the icrophone as needed.
Also consider the surroundings of the icrophone. Close objects or surfaces ay reflect sound
and distort recorded bat calls.
M crophone mount ng: To properly place the icrophone, use the tripod socket,
the included strap or si ilar to ount it to sturdy object (tripod, post, branch, etc.).
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 14/44
Screw locking ring

BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 15/44

3.5 Close and secure the device
When using the device in the field, the cover ust be closed tightly and the external connectors
ust be ounted correctly to protect the device fro dust and water. Close the latch until you
hear a “click”.
Ensure t ghtness: Make sure that there is no dirt between the cover and housing
that could affect tightness. If necessary, clean the sealing with a lint-free, slightly
da ped cloth. Internal oisture can lead to short circuits and da age the unit or
even cause a fire.
Avo d temperature fluctuat ons: The device ust be protected fro direct
sunlight and extre e cold in order to avoid extre e te perature fluctuations that
could affect tightness. Place the device in a shady place. Optionally, a
dehu idifying agent can be used to prevent condensation inside the unit.
Secure the dev ce: The device ust be properly installed and secured. In
particular, it ust be ensured that during operation it can not co e loose or fall
down and that no people or ani als can be injured.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 16/44
Closing latch

4 General handl ng and operat on
4.1 Inserting Removing SD Card
1. Open the case cover. Make sure that the device is turned off
2. Place the SD card in the cavity with the card label facing toward you. Slide it to the left
and insert it all the way into the SD card slot.
3. Push the SD card to the left to unlock it and then slide it to the right to re ove.
Remove SD card: Turn off the device before re oving the SD card. Otherwise
the data ay beco e corrupted and/or the SD card ay be da aged.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 17/44

4.2 Turn on the device
Press both keys and si ultaneously to turn on the device.
BATLOGGER A
<< Power-On >>
Device powers up, keep both keys and pressed.
BATLOGGER A
#1234 FW2.4
Elekon AG ^o^
Serial nu ber and software version are indicated on the display.
Ini ializing
SD Card
The SD/SDHC card is initialised.
Using Parame ers
from SD Card
Para eters are loaded fro “BATAPARS.XML” file. See also
chapter 3.3.
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S ar Record >
Device is ready. The ain enu is active.
The first line displays the device date/ti e.
The second line displays the te perature, the used SD card space
and the battery status.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 18/44

4.3 Main menu
Press the key to change between the enu entries.
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S ar Record? >
Press key to enter “Recording ode”. See chapter 5.
Press key to proceed to the next enu ite .
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Tes Record? >
Press key to enter “Test Recording ode”. See chapter 5.
Press key to proceed to the next enu ite .
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Process File? >
Press key to enter “Process File” enu. See chapter 6.
Press key to proceed to the next enu ite .
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Se up? >
Press key to enter “Setup” ode. See chapter 8.
Press key to proceed to the next enu ite .
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Shu Off? >
Press key to shut-down the device.
Press key to proceed to the first enu ite .
Auto atic shut-off:
If no keys are pressed for 4 inutes, and the device is not in recording or sleep ode, it will
switch off auto atically.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 19/44

4.4 Device lock (Theft protection)
The device lock can be used to prevent anipulations on a running unattended device or to
leave the device unusable and thus unattractive for possible thieves. For this, a user definable
PIN (Personal Identification Nu ber) can be configured (see chapter 8.2.6).
If device lock is enabled, on device start-up or anual wakeup, the correct PIN ust be entered
before the device can be used.
En er device PIN
<0>
Use the keys or to change the digit between “<” “>”.
Press key to switch to the next digit or to delete the digit on the
left with <>.
En er device PIN
0000<>
Press key to enter the PIN with <>.
When the correct PIN was entered, the device will start up as usual.
When an incorrect PIN was entered, the device will turn off. After 5 incorrect atte pts, the
device is blocked and needs to be unblocked with the PUK (Personal unblock key). Contact
Elekon AG to get the PUK.
BATLOGGER A/A+ Manual © 2017 Elekon AG 20/44