Ocean Instruments SoundTrap ST300 Series User manual

SoundTrap ST300 and ST4300
series user guide
September 2021

1 About this guide ..............................................................................................................................4
2 Quick start guide .............................................................................................................................5
2.1 Install the SoundTrap host on your PC.............................................................................5
2.2 Connect SoundTrap to your PC........................................................................................5
2.3 Check SoundTrap Status ..................................................................................................6
2.4 Configure the deployment...............................................................................................7
2.5 Begin recording using the IR Remote Control..................................................................9
2.6 Data Offload...................................................................................................................10
3 More details ..................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Data Files........................................................................................................................12
3.2 Battery charging.............................................................................................................12
3.3 Using the optional external battery pack.......................................................................14
3.4 Calculation of deployment endurance...........................................................................15
3.5 Clock details ...................................................................................................................15
3.6 Ancillary Sensors ............................................................................................................17
3.7 ST4300 multi channel recording ....................................................................................18
3.8 Deployment scheme ......................................................................................................19
3.9 Housing maintenance ....................................................................................................20
3.10 Software updates...........................................................................................................21
3.11 MSP firmware updates...................................................................................................21
3.12 Calibration......................................................................................................................21

3.13 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................24
4 Appendices....................................................................................................................................26
4.1 SoundTrap HF Click Detector .........................................................................................26
4.1.1 Click detector..........................................................................................................26
4.1.2 Snippet extractor....................................................................................................27
4.1.3 User parameters.....................................................................................................27
4.1.4 Output File formats ................................................................................................28
4.1.5 Click Detector Caveats and Cautions......................................................................30

1About this guide
This guide begins with a ‘Quick start’ section to help you get going with your new SoundTrap, including
software installation and basic deployment instructions. This is followed by several sections containing
more detailed information around operation, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting. It is
highly recommended you read the entire guide to ensure you have a good understanding of the
instrument and how to get the most from its capabilities.

2Quick start guide
To start using your SoundTrap you’ll need to install the SoundTrap Host software.
2.1 Install the SoundTrap host on your PC
•Pre-installation Notes:
oThe SoundTrap host software supports Windows 7 and 8 (32 or 64 bit versions).
oDo not connect the SoundTrap to your computer until you have completed the
SoundTrap host software installation.
oThe installation will be smoother if you’re logged into windows as an administrator.
•Visit www.OceanInstruments.co.nz/downloads/ to download the software.
•Download and run the installer.
•Once the install completes, run the SoundTrap Host application.
2.2 Connect SoundTrap to your PC
•Connect the SoundTrap using the USB cable provided.
•The drivers will take a couple of minutes to install. Once complete you should see your
SoundTrap appear in the ‘Device List’ on the left, as shown in figure 1.
•Select your SoundTrap by clicking its label on the left.

Figure 1 - The Device List
2.3 Check SoundTrap Status
Note the ‘Status’ panel on the right (Figure 3). Verify that the battery has sufficient charge
and the memory is not full.

Figure 2 –Deploy Control
2.4 Configure the deployment
•Select the ‘Deploy’ tab as shown in figure 2.
•Configure the deployment parameters as follows:
oThe ‘Recording Starts’ section determines when recording will begin. Recording can
begin immediately on disconnection of the USB cable, at a pre-determined date and
time, or manually using the IR remote control. Note that the remote can always be
used to override the other options.
oThe ‘Recording Schedule’ section provides selection of continuous or periodic
recording. For continuous recording simply leave the ‘Periodic Recording’ option
unchecked.
oOptions available in the ‘Audio Options’ will vary according to your device’s
capabilities. Options include the following:
▪Channel Selection selects which channels to record on.

▪Sample Rate should be set based on the frequency band of interest and
data rate considerations. A 96 kHz sampling rate is often a good choice for
general environmental noise measurements. Contact OI support if unsure.
▪Preamp Gain should usually be set to ‘High’. This will result in a maximum
SPL before clipping of approximately 172 dB re 1 uPa. The ‘Low’ setting
should be used for very noisy environments such as in the vicinity of pile
driving. The low setting increases the maximum SPL to around 184 dB, but
comes at the cost of lower sensitivity.
▪High pass filter. This should usually be turned off. Generally only used in
high energy sites or when towing a SoundTrap behind a boat. Turning this
on reduces sensitivity in the band 0 to 600 Hz, while leaving higher
frequencies unaffected.
oDetector –see HF Click Detector section below.
oAncillary sensors –select those you want to log and at what interval. See following
section for details.
•Once you’ve made your selections click the deploy button which will save the settings and
you’re ready to go!
•The instruments internal clock is synchronised to your PC when you click the deploy button.
•If you change your mind about something, just re-select the instrument from the ‘Device
List’.
•Unplug the USB cable and replace it with the dummy plug. If the connector becomes dry,
lubricate with silicon grease or spray to ensure a water tight fit.
Your SoundTrap is supplied with a dummy plug for the wet connector. Please ensure that
you remember to use it when deploying the SoundTrap in order to prevent damage.

2.5 Begin recording using the IR Remote Control
You may use the remote control to start recording.
•Press ‘START’ to start recording.
•Press ‘STOP’ to stop recording.
•If you have set a recording to start recording at a
later time, the recorder will blink red to indicate it
is ‘armed’ and waiting.
•The ‘armed’ state is cancelled by pressing Stop key.
•Re-enable the armed state by pressing the ARM
button.
•You can verify recording has started by checking
for slow blinking of the status (green) indicator.
•Note that the remote is splash proof and designed to tolerate wet hands. Don’t attempt
to use it underwater –you’ll be disappointed.

2.6 Data Offload
Once you’re done recording, reconnect your SoundTrap to your PC and select the Retrieve Tab, as
shown in figure 4.
Figure 3 –Retrieve Tab
•You will see a list of files in the SoundTrap’s memory, including the file name (made from the
device serial number plus local date and time), date recorded, approximate size and whether
it has yet been downloaded to your computer’s hard drive.
•Download individual files by right clicking the file and selecting ‘download’.
•By default all files will be downloaded to a ‘SoundTrap’ folder under My Documents. This
default location can be changed under the ‘Tools’ menu.
•Click the ‘Open Save Folder’ button to open the download folder location.
•To download all files, select all files using the shift key, then click the ‘Download’ button.
•To delete, click the ‘Delete All’ button. Files cannot be deleted individually.