Laboratory2 SOROKA-18E Quick start guide

Laboratory2, LTD
Page1
Version of 21.12.2020
SOROKA – 18E
DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
OPERATIONAL MANUAL

Laboratory2, LTD
Page2
Version of 21.12.2020
CONTENTS
1 PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ITS OPERATION ......... 4
1.1 Purpose of the voice recorder. ......................................................................................................... 4
1.2 The main technical characteristics of a dictophone are given in table 2 ......................................... 4
1.3 Light indication of operation modes and battery charging modes.................................................. 5
1.4 Design and operation of the voice recorder. .................................................................................... 7
2 VOICE RECORDER USAGE .............................................................................. 8
2.1 Operating limitations. ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Preparation of voice recorder for usage. ......................................................................................... 8
2.3 Rechargeable battery charging........................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Setting voice recorder parameters. .................................................................................................. 9
2.5 Usage of the voice recorder. ............................................................................................................. 9
2.6 Creating a configuration file. ........................................................................................................... 9
2.7 Verification of files digital signatures. ........................................................................................... 12
2.8 External microphone connection. .................................................................................................. 14
3 SYSTEM OF VOICE RECORDER LABELS ..................................................... 15
4 LOGGER ........................................................................................................... 15
5 CURRENT REPAIR OF THE VOICE RECORDER ........................................... 17
5.1 General instructions ...................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Typical faults ................................................................................................................................. 17
6 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION.............................................................. 18
7 MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY ................................................................... 18

Laboratory2, LTD
Page3
Version of 21.12.2020
The operation manual contains data on technical characteristics, the device and the principles of work,
rules of storage, instructions on operation and maintenance, necessary for the correct operation and
full use of technical capabilities of a dictophone of "SOROKA-17Е".
Fig. 1. Delivery set of voice recorder Soroka-18E.
Table 1. List of items supplied.
Name The
number
Option
18E
1. Voice recorder «Soroka-18» 1 +
2. Memory card microSDHC 1 32GB
3. The adapter for accumulator charging 1 +
4. Passport 1 +
5. USB cable to charge the recorder 1 +
6. Packaging 1 +
7. CardReader 1 +

Laboratory2, LTD
Page4
Version of 21.12.2020
1 Product specification and description of its operation
1.1 Purpose of the voice recorder.
The voice recorder Soroka-18E is designed to record audio with the built-in digital MEMS mi-
crophone in mono mode to the micro SD memory card or micro SDHC Class4 or higher.
1.2 Basic specifications of the voice recorder are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Specifications of the voice recorder SOROKA- 18E.
№
Parameter
Description
1 Dimensions 24x14,1x9
2 Operating temperature range -20° C to +40° C
3 Recording file format «.WAV»
4 Type of memory and filing system
Removable
memory cards micro
SD, micro
SDHC;
FAT32 filing system
5 Interface with PC via micro SD card
6 Charger type Cable USB – micro USB
7 Discretization of sound frequency 8 kHz, 16 kHz, 24 kHz, 32 kHz
8 Resolution 8 bit(u-law), 16 bit, 20 bit.
9 Microphone Sensitivity -26 dBFS at 94 dB SPL (8-9 meters)
10 Non-Linear Distortion Ratio less than 3%
11
Frequency range as per
level - 3 dB
Sample rate
8 kHz
3
Hz
–
3.384
kHz
16 kHz
3
Hz
–
6.768
kHz
24 kHz
3
Hz
–
10.152
kHz
32 kHz
3
Hz
–
13.536
kHz
12
Duration
of work,
when
the resolution is 16-bit
with u-law compression
Sample rate
Typical operating
time* (hours)
At least
*
*
(hours)
8 kHz
65
39
16 kHz
46
27
24 kHz
33
20
32 kHz
27
16
13
Duration of work, when
the resolution is 16-bit
without compression
Sample rate
Typical operating
time* (hours)
At
least
*
*
(hours)
8 kHz
56
33
16 kHz
34
20
24 kHz
27
16
32 kHz
21
12
14
Duration of work, when
the resolution is 20-bit. Discretization fre-
quency
Typical operating
time* (hours)
At least
*
*
(hours)

Laboratory2, LTD
Page5
Version of 21.12.2020
8 kHz
42
25
16 kHz
26
15
24 kHz
1
8
11
32 kHz
13
8
15
S
uppression outside the band of oper
ating fr
e-
quency range while octave tuning at least 60 dB
16 Average life for at least 2 years
17 Average storage time
not less than 2 years, with the implement
a
tion of
discharge / charge cycle every three months
18 Battery charge time up to 4 hours
19 Function of real-time clock Yes
20 Function of work as an alarm clock yes (up to 10 alarms or daily cyclic alarm clock)
21 Function of files digital signature Yes
22 Voice operated switch (VOX) mode
Y
es
(three
sensitivity
levels
and
record
tags at ope
r-
ation in VOX mode)
23 Ability to manually control the recording level
Y
es (only
under
16
-
bit
resolution and co
m
pression
u-law ); from -12 dB to +18 dB in 6 dB.
24 Automatic sound level adjusting
Yes (only
under
16
-
bit resolution and compression
u-law ); from -12 dB to +18 dB in 6 dB.
25 Logger Yes
26 System of records tags in files
Tags at first and to the end of files; tags on pressing
of the button; tags on operation of an akustopusk.
27 Cyclic recording Yes
* Typical operating time is set by the results of measuring the duration of voice recorders with memory
cards microSDHC Samsung EVO + 32GB.
** Minimal operation time is determined by loss of battery capacity by 40% in the aging process, or at
low temperatures.
1.3 Light indication of operation modes and battery charging modes.
Light indication of operation modes and emergency cases of the voice recorder is shown in table 3.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page6
Version of 21.12.2020
Table 3.Light indication of modes and emergencies.
Modes and emergency cases of
the voice recorder Status of Indicator "Mode"
a) Getting started (when the recorder is
being switching on by the user)
1. In normal recording mode
,
indicator turns green and stays so
until the
end of opening file process (duration of file opening depends on the file size
and free memory capacity). After opening the file, indicator "Mode" repeat-
edly flashes green(internal microphone) / orange (external microphone), or
if the accumulator discharged - red. A further indication is possible only by
pressing a button.
2. If "dict.ini" file is tasked to operate by the alarm clocks, the indicator
lights up green for 1 second and voice recorder enters standby mode by
switching the alarm. A further indication is possible only by pressing a
button.
3. If the recorder is set up to operate as voice operating switch, the indicator
lights up for 1 second green, and then lights up for one second orange. A
further indication is possible only by pressing a button.
b) Mono recording mode (after a brief
pressing of control button)
1. If the battery voltage is normal, the indicator repeatedly blinks
green(internal microphone) / orange (external microphone).
2. If the battery is low, the LED blinks several times in red.
c)
R
ecording mode
with voice ope
r
ated
switch (VOX) (after a brief pressing of a
button)
After detecting the audio signal of the preset level – similar to normal mode
d) Alarm clock record mode (after brief
pressing of the button)
LED blinks slowly red and green colors, independently from the other re-
cording modes and battery charge level.
e)
Standby mode for alarm clocks (Short
time after the brief pressing of the con-
trol button)
After brief pressing the button, there are triple-time alternate blinks red and
green.
f)
Emergency
-
inco
rrect filing
sy
s
tem
,
the lack of a memory card or fault-of
memory card
After switching the recorder on, indicator turns green, then - red, and then
voice recorder turns off.
g) Status "No free space on the disc"
Indicator, after turning the voice recorder on, glows green for some time
(depending on the size of the micro SD and size of file being created), then
recorder turns off.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page7
Version of 21.12.2020
Charge modes light indication of the rechargeable battery is shown in Table 4.
Table 4. Charge modes light indication of the voice recorder rechargeable battery
Charging mode
s
Indicator
Status "Charge"
a) The end of the charge of the rechargeable battery Indicator "Charge" lights green
b)
C
harge of the
rechargeable battery
indicator "Charge" lights
red
1.4 Design and operation of the voice recorder.
The appearance of the voice recorder Soroka-18E is shown in Figure 2.
Fig. 2. Appearance of voice recorder Soroka-18E
The adapter
for connection
of the charger
М
emory card
Operating
mode
indicator
Inclusion
button
Accumulator
charge indicator

Laboratory2, LTD
Page8
Version of 21.12.2020
2 Voice recorder usage
2.1 Operating limitations.
To avoid the voice recorder failure, observe the following rules:
a) Rechargeable battery charging should be carried out only from USB port of PC and
with USB adapter from the delivery set;
b) Protect voice recorder from mechanical shocks – severe bumps may lead to
possible microphone destruction. If the voice recorder received mechanical damage during
operation and this led to its failure, it is not covered by warranty.
c) Do not allow dust and moisture on the microphones, as it can lead to significant de-
terioration of the digital microphone performance.
2.2 Preparation of voice recorder for usage.
It is strongly advisable to read carefully this Manual before starting to use the voice re-
corder.
Before starting to use the voice recorder, it is necessary to carry out an external inspec-
tion for mechanical damage. On the surface, there should be no cracks, chips, dents. Metal
parts should not have any traces of corrosion.
Before the work, it is necessary to configure the voice recorder parameters according to
chapter 2.4 of this document.
Check the recording length of the voice in accordance with Table 2.
Check the microphone operation, make and listened to test recordings on your PC.
2.3 Rechargeable battery charging
Connect the charger to voice recorder via the adapter from a set of delivery and then
thrust it in the.
If the battery is discharged, the indicator "Charge" will light up red. Once fully
charged, the battery indicator "Charge" will turn green. Charging time of a fully discharged
battery is approximately 4 hours.
Attention! If you want to keep recorder unused for more than a month, it is needed
first fully charge it.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page9
Version of 21.12.2020
2.4 Setting voice recorder parameters.
Insert the micro SD card into the card reader. Format the micro SD under the filing sys-
tem FAT32.
Create a folder with any name on your computer.
Copy the dict.exe program from the supplied CD disk (or download it from our web-
site) into the created folder.
Run dict.exe program and following chapter 2.6 of this document create a configura-
tion file named dict.ini
Copy the created file dict.ini to the memory card.
Insert the memory card into the voice recorder and switch it on. The voice recorder will
read configuration file and save it to the internal memory. After reading the settings from the
file, voice recorder will automatically remove it and continue to work in a user-defined mode
(indication as shown in Table 3).
2.5 Usage of the voice recorder.
Insert the formatted under FAT32 micro SD card into the voice recorder.
Turn the voice recorder on by pressing the control button for 2 seconds. After turning
on, voice recorder enters the operating mode which has been set by the user at the last setting.
To display the voice recorder current status, briefly press the control button. The cur-
rent state is determined according to the indications on the table. 3.
To switch the recorder off, press the control button and hold it down till the mode indi-
cator stops flashing or goes out (indicator must either begin to turn solid green, or goes off).
Moreover, if the operation has been set for the alarm clock, the operation of all alarms is can-
celed.
After switching the voice recorder off, remove the memory card and insert it into a
card reader. To verify the digital signatures, use the tab "Verifying files integrity" of the pro-
gram dict.exe. Before using program, please, read paragraph. 2.7 of this document.
To listen to the recorded files, use any player that supports "WAV" format (recom-
mended is SOUND FORGE version 6.0 and later).
2.6 Creating a configuration file.
Run dict.exe program and in the opened window select tab "Setting up the voice re-
corder", as shown in Fig. 3. This tab is used to create / read files dict.ini and it contains the
following parameters and options:
a) Enable\disable voice activation (VOX). When this mode is active, recorder starts re-
cording once the audio level of a sound signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the au-

Laboratory2, LTD
Page10
Version of 21.12.2020
dio level is below a predetermined threshold for 15 seconds, then the voice recorder stops
recording and enters the standby mode of the acoustic signal, without closing of the current
file. Sound recording fragments are consistently registered in the current file (up to 70 frag-
ments in one file). For each voice operated switching the tag indicating date and time of
voice operated activation (the beginning of a fragment) will be created in the file (see para-
graph 3). Record fragments of voice operated switch will be separated in the file from each
other with either silence, or beep (item 2.6 (b)).
b) Beep between fragments. After switching the voice activated mode on, the user can
choose a way of fragments separation in the current file. In case of setting a tag "Beep be-
tween fragments", all sound recording fragments in the current file will be divided by
beeps, or, otherwise by silence. Use of beeps between fragments allows the user to define
aurally the beginning of a new fragment when listening files.
c) Sensitivity of voice recording switch. The user can adjust a threshold of voice operated
switch by setting of value in the “Sensitivity of VOX” window. The higher the chosen sen-
sitivity, the by more quiet sounds are recognized by recorder. The recommended sensitivity
value is "average". Under sound resolution of 20 bits sensitivity of VOX is a fixed value
and is not adjustable.
d) To switch on/off the automatic adjustment of record level. After activation of this func-
tion, loud sounds will be weakened, and quiet, on the contrary – amplified. That will allow
aligning the sound level automatically. This function isn't available (is not required) at sound
resolution of 20 bits.
e) To set the fixed strengthening of record level. If the user or the program have turned
sound level automatic adjustment off, then it is necessary to set record level strengthening
from the available row. The recommended values are 0 dB, +6 dB and +12 dB. This function
isn't available (is not required) at resolution of a sound of 20 bits.
f) To set the written-down files size. In this window the user has to choose the files size
recorded to the memory card from the following row: 50 MB, 100 MB, 250 MB, 500 MB,
1000 MB, 1800 MB. The less the files size, the less time is required for their opening, but the
more short-term pauses are in a sound recording when opening the new file.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page11
Version of 21.12.2020
Fig. 3. Tab "Setting the recorder" in dict.exe program window.
g) Choice of sampling frequency. Possible values are 8 kHz, 16 kHz, 24 or 32 kHz. The
higher sound sampling frequency value, the higher quality of the written-down sound, how-
ever the time of autonomous work of a voice recorder is less.
h) Sound resolution. The voice recorder can record in three formats: 16 bits under u-law
compression, 16 bits without compression, 20 bits without compression. Use of u-law
compression allows to significantly increase record duration and by two/tree times decrease
memory consumption on the microSD card in comparison with the record modes in a format
16/20 bits without compression.
i) Switching on/off logger. When logger is switched on, all main events will be saved into
internal memory of voice recorder with their time and date. There is also stored voice record-
er production data (Identification number and number of the internal software). At normal
switching off of the voice recorder, the last 48 events will be copied from the internal
memory onto microSD in the INF_REG.TXT file. More detailed information about the log-
ger see in paragraph 4.
j
l
k
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
m
n

Laboratory2, LTD
Page12
Version of 21.12.2020
j) To set the current time and date. To use the current system time, put a tick to "System
time". To manually change date and time in file system of a voice recorder, remove tick on
"System time" and put a tick "To adjust real time clock".
k) Switching on/off work on timers. To activate recording at certain moments and for cer-
tain time period, it is necessary to establish a tick to "Work on alarm clocks". Operation is
possible either in the mode of "A cyclic alarm clock" or by individually adjusted alarm
clocks. In the mode of "A cyclic alarm clock" the voice recorder makes records daily in the
adjusted time interval. During the work by individual alarm clocks it is necessary to set quan-
tity of alarm clocks in the “Quantity of alarm clocks” window, depending on the necessary
number of record activations. For initialization of each alarm clock set date (day of month)
and activation time, as well as record duration after which voice recorder will switch off and
expect activation of the following alarm clock. Alarm clocks work in strict sequence from the
first to the tenth. The voice recorder will be switched off automatically after the last alarm
clock activation.
l) Writing down the configuration file. After adjustment of the required configuration press
the “Save configuration file” button. The program will create new or will rewrite already
available file of the dict.ini settings to the specified directory. Copy the created dict.ini file to
the microSD card and switch voice recorder on.
m) Reading the configuration file. If it is necessary to read contents of earlier created set-
tings file, then press the “Read configuration file” button and choose a directory for reading
of the dict.ini file.
n) Switching on/off cyclic recording. This feature could be activated if it is needed to con-
tinue recording when the memory card is full. Information will be recorded over the oldest
one on the memory card.
2.7 Verification of files digital signatures.
Run dict.exe program and select the "Verifying of file integrity" tab, as shown in Fig. 4. This
tab is designed to verify digital signatures of the desired file.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page13
Version of 21.12.2020
Fig. 4. Example of digital signature verifying.
In the tab "Verifying of file integrity " there are the following controls:
a) Open the file. Click "Open File" and select the desired directory and file. After se-
lecting of the desired file, the program will perform checking of its digital signature.
b) Indicator of the progress digital signature calculation.
c) Button "Start" / "Stop". File digital signature checking runs by pressing the "Start"
button. By pressing “Stop” button the checking process stops.
At the end of the file checking, the program will show the message "The digital signature
is valid", if the integrity is not violated. If the file contains errors, the program displays the
message "The digital signature is not valid!".
Also, for each file, the serial number of the voice recorder is shown (Fig. 5).
a
b
c

Laboratory2, LTD
Page14
Version of 21.12.2020
а)
b)
Fig. 5. Output of files test results: a) a digital signature of the file is valid; b) Digital
signature of the file is not valid.
After verifying the digital signature of the selected file dict.exe program generates a
report with information available in the labels file. The report contains information about the
number of tags in file to be scanned, their names and their corresponding samples.
This file has the same name as the file which is checked, but with the extension «.txt»
(for example, if the original file is named «FL_8.WAV», the file with information about the
labels will have the name «FL_8.TXT»). The generated file with information on labels is
automatically stored in the directory of the originally scanned file or directory in which to
save the file (see. 2.7 (b)). File with information on labels can be useful when listening to
audio in programs that do not have label recognition.
Fig. 6. The file structure with information about the tags, formed by dict.exe programm.
2.8 External microphone connection.
The external microphone is connected via the USB connector of the recorder. The external
microphone connection is checked when the recorder is turned on. The recorder indicates the
use of an external microphone with orange (simultaneous green and red) blinking LEDs.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page15
Version of 21.12.2020
3 System of voice recorder labels
Recorder Soroka-18E supports automatic layout of files. Tags system makes files analy-
sis more convenient and allows you to avoid wasting time of files creation and modification
when copying. The labels in the recorded files are placed in the following cases:
1) At the beginning and at the end of each file.
2) When you press the control button of voice recorder for the purpose of marking the de-
sired moment.
3) In the voice activation mode, every time when it detects an audio signal (actuation of
the voice activation mode).
Analysis of the tags may be formed, for example, using Sound Forge version 6.0 or higher, or
using software supplied dict.exe (Section 2.7).
Fig. 7. Example of automatic tags recognition by the Sound Forge program in audio files of
voice recorder. The name of each label corresponds to the date and time of its creation.
4 Logger
Logger is designed to register history of recorder’s operation and emergencies to the non-
volatile memory.
In addition, logger contains manufacturing data (recorder identification number and
firmware number)
Logger stores from 32 to 48 latest events, as well as their time and date.
Tag on VOX initiali-
zation
Tag on pressing the but-
ton

Laboratory2, LTD
Page16
Version of 21.12.2020
If the logger is turned on (see. 2.6 (i)) and voice recorder is switched off (except
emergency reset) logger is recorded to micro SD into the file INF_REG.TXT.
It is not recommended to use the logger continuously since this reduces nonvolatile
memory resource of the voice recorder (it only affects work of the logger itself).
Brief description of the recorded events and the logger structure is given in Table 5.
Table 5. Description of logger tags and events.
Shorthand Description
DEVICE_NUMBER Voice recorder identification number
POWER_RESET Reset by power failure
PIN_76_RESET Processor hardware reset
PMMSWBOR For official purposes
WAKE_UP_FROM_LPX.5 For official purposes
SECURITY_VIOLATION For official purposes
SVSL For official purposes
SVSH For official purposes
SVML_OVP For official purposes
SVMH_OVP For official purposes
PMMSWPOR For official purposes
WATCH_DOG_TIME_OUT Looping / stop of the processor’s program due to
memory card or software failure
WDT_PSWRD_VIOLATION For official purposes
FLASH_PSWRD_VIOL For official purposes
PLL_UNLOCK For official purposes
PERF_AREA_FETCH For official purposes
PMM_PSWRD_RESET Forced software reset (occurs when overwriting voice
recorder microprocessor program). Is called forcibly.
LOW_VOLTAGE_TURN_OFF Low Battery - The recorder is turned off
BUTTON_TURN_OFF Voice Recorder is turned off by pressing
BUTTON_TURN_ON Turning the voice recorder on by pressing
SD_MEMORY_IS_OVER No free space on the microSD - the voice recorder is
switched off
ALARM_TURN_OFF Voice recorder is turned off by timer
ALARM_TURN_ON Voice recorder is turned on by timer
SD_READ_TIMEOUT Micro SD does not respond to a command to read data
SD_WRITE_FAILURE Command to record data do not pass to micro SD
NO_SD_BLKWR_RESPONSE There is no confirmation from mcroSD to the recording
data block
PROGRAM_BOR_RESET Complete reset of the voice recorder. Called forcibly,
if the voice recorder has not detected a microSD
memory card or if the memory card of filing system
contains errors.
SNMI_INTERRUPT Microprocessor system failure (it is necessary to save
the file INF_REG.TXT)
FLASH_ACCESS_ERROR Error of the program (it is necessary to save the file

Laboratory2, LTD
Page17
Version of 21.12.2020
INF_REG.TXT)
OSCILATOR_FAULT Hardware failure of the oscillator
NMIFG_INTERRUPT Microprocessor system failure (it is necessary to save
the file INF_REG.TXT)
EMPTY_CELL Empty cell
UNDEFINED_ERROR Unspecified error or reset
DICT_SOFTWARE_NUMBER Number of internal recorder software
5 Current repair of the voice recorder
5.1 General instructions
If any defect of the voice recorder is detected, repair works are needed. Current repair
of the voice recorder should be made at the factory or in the workshop.
Attention!!! Unauthorized opening of the voice recorder leads to the withdrawing of the war-
ranty from the voice recorder.
5.2 Typical faults
Typical faults of the voice recorder, which may be eliminated by the user, are shown in
Table 6.
Table 6. Typical faults of the voice recorder, and their solutions.
Faults Methods of correction
The voice recorder doesn’t switch on Charge the storage battery
Recorded audio files are not readable or
contain errors
Replace the memory card. If this does not work, then con-
tact the service center.

Laboratory2, LTD
Page18
Version of 21.12.2020
6 Storage and transportation
6.1 The voice recorder should be kept in its original packaging in heated storage rooms at a
temperature ranging from +5 to +25 ˚C with relative humidity less than 80% (at
+20 ˚C). The environment must be free from pairs of acids, alkalis and other aggressive
impurities.
6.2 The Voice Recorder in special packaging may be transported in closed vehicle (rail
cars, containers, cars, water [sea or river] transport), as well as in sealed cockpits of
planes and helicopters.
Attention! If you want to keep recorder unused for more than a month, it is needed
first fully charge it.
Avoid storing the voice recorder in premises with air temperature over 25 ˚C.
7 Manufacturer's warranty
7.1 The manufacturer guarantees the accordance of the voice recorders to the technical
requirements, providing that the customer observe instructions for operating conditions,
transportation and storage, set up by this manual.
7.2 The warranty period is 12 months within the warranty period of storage.
7.3 The warranty period of storage is 18 months from the date of production, if the charge /
discharge cycles of the battery are held every 3 months.
7.4 The warranty period is extended for the period of warranty repairs, if any.
7.5 In case of defects, discovered in the voice recorder due to the manufacturer’s fault
within the warranty period, troubleshooting and replacing (if needed) of the voice re-
corder and its components are made at the manufacturer's expense.