Ocean Instruments SoundTrap ST640 User manual

SoundTrap ST600 and ST640 User Guide
June 2023

1 About this guide...........................................................................................................................4
2 Quick start guide ..........................................................................................................................5
2.1 Opening and closing the housing...................................................................................5
2.2 Batteries........................................................................................................................7
2.3 Memory ........................................................................................................................8
2.4 Install the SoundTrap host on your PC...........................................................................9
2.5 Connect SoundTrap to your PC......................................................................................9
2.6 Check SoundTrap Status..............................................................................................11
2.7 Configure the deployment ..........................................................................................11
2.8 Begin recording using the IR Remote Control..............................................................13
2.9 Data Offload................................................................................................................14
3 More details...............................................................................................................................15
3.1 Data Files.....................................................................................................................15
3.2 Calculation of deployment endurance.........................................................................16
3.3 ST640 multi channel recording ....................................................................................16
3.4 Clock details ................................................................................................................17
3.5 Deployment hardware ................................................................................................17
3.6 Depth rating and PRV requirements............................................................................18
3.7 Software updates ........................................................................................................19
3.8 MSP firmware updates................................................................................................19
3.9 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................20
3.10 Calibration...................................................................................................................21

4 Appendices.................................................................................................................................22
4.1 SoundTrap HF Click Detector (ST600HF Only)..............................................................23
4.1.1 Click detector.......................................................................................................23
4.1.2 Snippet extractor .................................................................................................24
4.1.3 User parameters ..................................................................................................24
4.1.4 Output File formats..............................................................................................25
4.1.5 Click Detector Caveats and Cautions....................................................................26

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
2.1 Opening and closing the housing
Before opening an underwater housing always check for flooding by shaking and listening for
water sloshing around inside. If flooding is suspected, then be aware that the housing may be
pressurised and therefore potentially dangerous. Carefully relieve any pressure by opening the
small seal screw at the base of the housing.
Opening the housing:
•Ensure the housing is dry and free of fouling.
•Use the supplied 4mm hex key to release the lock screw by
turning clockwise unit the screw bottoms out (figure 1).
•Hold recorder with the hydrophone facing downward to ensure
any remaining water won’t run down into the housing.
•Open the top with a twist and pull motion, ensuring the
hydrophone remains pointing downward.
•Where seal is tight you may need to use a screw driver (in the
slots provided) to gently lever the top open.
Closing the housing:
•Place an elastic band around the bottom set of batteries to
eliminate any battery rattle/movement.
•Carefully check the O’rings. Any nicks or scratches indicate they
must be replaced.
•Lubricate O’rings with silicone grease.
•Check O’rings are properly seated and absolutely free of stray
hair/grit etc
•Insert the chassis in the housing, turning to align the locking
screw.
Figure 1 - Fit an elastic band
around bottom battery set to stop
any movement
Figure 2 –Operation of locking
screw

•Engage the locking screw by turning anticlockwise with supplied hex
key until screw is snug against the housing.
•Warning - over tightening the locking screw can cause the housing
to leak. Stop once it is snug against the housing, no force is
required.
•Seal the gap and locking screw by means of a couple of turns of
insulation tape (figure 2).
•Replacement O-Rings should be type 48x3 N70 (Nitrile)
The O-ring checks are critically important to avoid damage. Any detritus or
damage to the O-rings may result in the housing being flooded which will
almost certainly destroy the electronics.
Sealing the gap with insulation tape is important to avoid silt/mud/sand entering and eventually
working its way under the o-ring seals.
Figure 3 - Avoid silt/mud
entering the o-rings by
sealing with insulation tape

2.2 Batteries
BATTERY WARNING. Lithium ion batteries may explode or burn due to improper use. Careful
attention should be paid to your battery suppliers safety recommendations.
The SoundTrap ST600 is powered by up to 12 Panasonic NCR18650B (flat top) lithium-ion batteries.
These are loaded individually, meaning you can use anything from 1 to 12 batteries depending on
desired length of deployment.
We recommend using Panasonic NCR18650B (flat top) batterie.These are commonly available and
all testing and advertised battery endurances assume use of NCR18650B batteries. Performance of
other brands is unknown. Where using other battery types we strongly recommend sticking to
quality brands such as Panasonic, Sanyo and Samsung. Use of inferior quality batteries may result in
leaking acid, potentially causing damage to the electronics and housing seal failures. Source
batteries from reputable suppliers to avoid inferior counterfeits. Batteries must be 18650 flat top,
unprotected type.
Be careful to ensure correct battery polarity as indicated by the diagram in the battery
compartment. Once loaded, double check each battery’s polarity.
18650 batteries are generally supplied in a partially charged state and should be recharged prior to
first use. Recharging requires a good quality lithium-ion battery charger such as the XTAR VC4 or
similar.
When not in use, batteries should always be removed from the recorder and stored in a fireproof
container. If the batteries will no be used for a long period (more than a month) they should ideally
be stored in a half-charged state in order to maintain future performance.

2.3 Memory
The SoundTrap ST600 series have capacity for up to 4 microSD cards.
Important things to note about memory:
1. You should only use the recommended memory cards –Samsung Evo MicroSD (up to
512GB). All Evo card types are fine, including Evo, Evo plus, Evo Select. Counterfeits of these
cards exist, so only source from reputable suppliers. Using other card types or counterfeits
may result in performance issues such as increased power consumption, sampling gaps or
unreliable recording.
2. The cards are used in the sequence 4->3->2->1 where 1 is the top-most card. Any full or
missing cards will be skipped.
3. It is critical that each card is formatted prior to each deployment. This can only be done in
the SoundTrap recorder using the ‘Delete All Files’ option. This must be done for each card
individually.
4. SoundTrap uses a custom file system to maximise performance and reliability. This means
the cards can only be read with the ‘SoundTrap Card Reader’ application supplied with the
SoundTrap Host software. When inserting the memory cards into a PC you may receive a
message like “Drive is not formatted, do you want to format it now?”. Agreeing to this will
result in loss of data. Instead select ‘No thanks’ and run the SoundTrap card reader
software.

2.4 Install the SoundTrap host on your PC
To start using your SoundTrap you’ll need to install the SoundTrap Host software.
For correct operation of your ST600 it is critical to use SoundTrap Host version 4.0.0 or
later.
•Pre-installation Notes:
oThe SoundTrap host software supports Windows 7,8 & 10 (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.
2.5 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 3.
•Select your SoundTrap by clicking its label on the left.

Figure 4 - The Device List

2.6 Check SoundTrap Status
Note the ‘Status’ panel on the right (Figure 4). Carefully review the state of memory and
batteries in the right-hand pane, checking that all batteries show 100% charge and all
memory show 0% used.
Figure 5 –Deploy Control
2.7 Configure the deployment
•Select the ‘Deploy’ tab as shown in figure 4.
•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 175 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 187 dB, but
comes at the cost of lower sensitivity.
▪High pass filter. This should usually be turned off. This only used in
very 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.
•Click the deploy button which will save the settings and you’re ready to go. If you change
your mind about something, just re-select the instrument from the ‘Device List’.
•The instruments internal clock is synchronised to your PC when you click the deploy button.
Note that the recorders clock requires at least one battery to be installed to keep time
once the USB is disconnected.

2.8 Begin recording using the IR Remote Control
You may use the remote control to start recording. The
recorder housing must be open to receive the signal from the
remote.
•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.

2.9 Data Offload
Once you’re done recording, reconnect your SoundTrap to your PC and select the Retrieve Tab, as
shown in figure 5.
Figure 6 –Retrieve Tab
•Each memory card can be selected using the drop down list.
•You will see a list of files on the selected memory card, 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.

•For faster download in the field, or to save disk space, un-check the ‘Decompress’ checkbox.
This will disable the decompression step of the offload process, meaning you will end up
with ‘sud‘ files only. These can be decompressed into wav files at a later time using the ‘File
Extraction’ option under the tools menu.
3More details
3.1 Data Files
Downloads produce several types of files:
o‘sud’ files which are the raw downloaded file. This is a compressed file and therefore
ideal for storing or sending of complete recordings. It can then be decompressed at
a later time into the following constituent file formats.
o‘wav’ files containing the audio. This is a Microsoft WAV format file that can be
opened by any media player, matlab, raven etc.
o‘xml’ files which contain metadata such as date recorded, gain setting, etc.
o‘csv’ files containing ancillary sensor data (e.g. temperature)
All file types follow the same naming convention consisting of the device serial number followed by
the date and time of the start of the recording in the format YYMMDDHHMMSS.
For duty cycled recording there will usually be one file per recording period. For continuous
recording a maximum file length of 1036800000 samples (2GB of wav) will determine the length of
the files. This equates to 1 hour recordings for a 288khz sample rate.
Where smaller than 2G files are desired for continuous recording it is recommended to set a duty
cycle with ‘zero off time’. For example, a duty cycle of 30 minutes every 30 minutes will result in
continuous 30 minutes files with no missing samples between files.

3.2 Calculation of deployment endurance
An excel spreadsheet is provided on the website to help with the calculation of deployment times
for differing deployment parameters. The spreadsheet provides deployment estimates, as well as
identifying one of three possible deployment constraints: battery capacity, memory capacity, or file
count. While the first two are obvious, the file count constraint requires explanation.
The file system used by SoundTrap currently has a minimum file size of 4 MB. When using periodic
recording, if the programmed ‘record for a period of’ period is very short, the resultant file may be
smaller than the minimum file size. This will result in inefficient usage of memory, and the
deployment may be artificially memory limited. For example, a SoundTrap ST600 has 256 GB of
memory; dividing this by the minimum file size of 4 MB gives a maximum of 64000 files.
This limitation becomes an issue when using low sample rates in combination with X3 compression.
By experimenting with the periodic recording parameters in the deployment spreadsheet it will
become clear how to best avoid this limitation.
Be aware that lithium batteries should not be left in a discharged state for periods of more than a
couple of weeks. Doing so can result in a battery acid leak that may damage your recorder. To avoid
this we recommend adding a safety factor to your endurance calculations in case the retrieval of the
recorder is delayed. We also recommend a maximum deployment endurance of 1 year. Beyond
this endurance calculation becomes increasingly inaccurate, thereby risking earlier than expected
battery exhaustion and possible leakage.
3.3 ST640 multi channel recording
The ST640 supports connection of up to four external hydrophones. These are connected via four
wetplugs at the base of the recorder. Each wetplug has a number adjacent to it relating it to the
channel selection in the deployment settings.
ST640 output files are multichannel wav files where the channel numbering is from lowest to highest
physical channel number. For example - recording on channels 2 and 4 only would result in a two
channel wav file with the 1st wav channel pertaining to the 2nd physical channel.
Recording endurance will be reduced by increased channel count due to both increased power
consumption and data rate. We recommend using our online endurance calculator to make these
calculations. Note that the calculator assumes use of HTI-96-MIN hydrophones which consume
approximately 3.6 mW. Use of other hydrophones may give different results.

Compatible hydrophones can be obtained from High Tech Inc USA with model code:
HTI-96-MIN/3V/Low Noise/SoundTrap/-165dB.
This model has bandwidth of 30 kHz. For higher frequency models we recommend discussing your
requirements with HTI.
Is is critical that unused channel connectors are protected with dummy wet plugs. Failure to do so
will result in damage.
3.4 Clock details
SoundTrap’s clock is synchronised to your PC whenever you click on the ‘deploy’ button, with an
accuracy of +/- 0.5s.
Internally the clock is maintained in UTC time. When files are offloaded to the PC file times are
converted to local time (using the PCs location settings) for population of the filenames. This means
that the dates and times in the filenames are always in the time zone of the PC that was used to
offload the files. This can be important where files are offloaded in a region other than that in which
they were recorded. Alternatively, filenames can be assigned UTC times by selecting the ‘Use UTC
time’ option under the tools menu.
Like most electronic devices, SoundTrap relies on a crystal oscillator for time keeping. The oscillator
used in the ST600 has an accuracy of +/- 5PPM, or +/- 0.44 seconds per day. The audio sample rate is
derived from the same oscillator, meaning the sample rate is subject to the same accuracy. The
oscillator will drift with temperature with this range. For more information on the clock accuracy
please see documentation for the oscillator - SiTime part SIT1552AC-JE-DCC-32.768D.
Sampling rate accuracy is also subject to occasional sampling gaps. The nature of SD flash memory
cards is such that occasional the memory card will fail to keep up with sampling, thereby resulting in
dropped samples. When this occurs, an entry will be written to the log (xml) files in the format
“sampling gap X us at sample Y”. There is an experimental option under the Tools menu ‘Zero Fill
Dropouts’. This function will attempt to fill any sampling gaps with a series of zeros. This may be
useful where more precise sampling timing is required.
3.5 Deployment hardware

The anchoring scheme used is very dependent on the goals of the data collection in combination
with the deployment environment. Thankfully SoundTraps are more easily deployed than traditional
acoustic recorders due to their small size. A SoundTrap ST600’s weight in water is approximately 1.2
kg.
Most often the hydrophone is located near the sea floor, using an anchored line. This involves
running a line between a heavy anchor weight and either a surface or sub-surface float. A sub-
surface float is often best, as it is less affected by weather/swell and is less likely to be tampered
with. The SoundTrap should be attached to the line a couple of meters off the bottom. The groove at
the bottom of the housing provides an attachment point for one cable tie. This cable tie should be
threaded through the associated hole so it cannot slip off. A second cable tie can then be used
around the top of the titanium section of the housings, below the locking screw.
Avoid using the hydrophone cage as an attachment point. This is too close to the hydrophone and
will likely introduce unwanted noise into the recordings.
Do not clamp the housing in any way. Clamping force may distort the housing, potentially allowing
water to leak past the o-rings. Only use cable ties to fasten the recorder.
Be mindful that a taut line combined with strong currents may result in ‘cable strum’ which may
disrupt your recordings. In this case a rigid frame may be more appropriate.
Ensure there are no metal objects in close proximity (3cm) to the SoundTrap eg using metal brackets
or wire rope. Doing so may lead to galvanic corrosion of the instrument housing.
Don’t mount your SoundTrap so close to the sea floor that it may become covered in sand or mud.
This may also lead to corrosion and corrosion instrument housing.
3.6 Depth rating and PRV requirements
As supplied the ST600 is rated for deployment up to 200m depth. This can be extended to 500m by
adding a PRV safety valve. The safety value ensures the housing cannot become pressurised in the
event of a slow leak. Failing to use a PRV risks injury to the user when the recorder is brought back to
the surface.
PRVs must be purchased direct from Prevco USA, part code 01104-001
PRV Installation Procedure:

We strongly recommend this is carried out by someone with experience servicing underwater
housings:
1. Unscrew gold coloured plug from recorder base using a 3/16 allen key.
2. Ensure sealing surface is perfectly clean.
3. Ensure PRV has good clean o’rings installed.
4. Screw PRV into recorder base using a small crescent wrench being careful not to over tighten.
3.7 Software updates
New software releases will be made available via the Ocean Instruments website. You may which to
subscribe to our email list in order to receive notification of these updates. The update procedure is
generally straightforward –simply install the new software over top of the existing, by running the
msi file and following the usual Windows software install prompts.
The software updates will typically include updates to both the windows software as well as the
device firmware. The updating of the device firmware is an automatic process that occurs when
pressing the ‘deploy’ button.
3.8 MSP firmware updates
From time to time a software release may include an update to the ‘MSP’ firmware. This is a special
section of the device firmware that changes infrequently. In the rare event that an MSP update is
required, the user will be advised during the deploy procedure and will be asked to hold the ‘reset
switch’. This is a security feature that ensures the MSP
firmware cannot be unintentionally modified. The reset
switch is somewhat hidden - it is located adjacent #3
memory card slot and is activated by inserting a pin through
a small hole in the electronics cover.
When asked to ‘press reset’ you must hold down the reset
switch. Once the switch is held down you can click the OK
button (may require second person!) as per the software
instructions. You will then be asked to release the reset switch. This done, the MSP firmware update
Figure 7 - Location of reset switch

will proceed and complete within a few seconds. If presented with the error message “MSP Erase
failed”, it is likely that the pressing of the reset button was interrupted –please try again.
3.9 Troubleshooting
First port of call when experiencing problems is to check that you are using the most up to date
software. Oftentimes small issues are most easily resolved by updating the software –please try this
first. The latest software can be downloaded from here:
www.OceanInstruments.co.nz/downloads/
Problem: SoundTrap doesn’t appear in device list when plugged into computer
Solution: Please try removing all memory cards and lithium batteries. Then disconnect and reconned
the USB cable. If this resolves the problem, try reloading each of the memory cards and batteries to
see which one is causing a problem.
Problem: Offload process reports errors and produces smaller than expected files.
Solution: This indicates errors with USB communication. Common causes include:
1. Using a external hard drive on the same set of ports - this can overload the USB controller.
2. Using a USB hub - try connecting directly to the computer
3. Using a low-quality laptop - try a better computer
Problem: IR Remote is not working.
Solution:
1. Check that it has a battery. These are not suppled due to shipping restrictions. Correct
battery type is the commonly available CR2032. Be sure to remove the plastic insulator
sheet before inserting the battery.
2. Ensure that you are pointing the remote directly at the recorders electronics module.