Pettersson D240x User manual

ULTRASOUND DETECTOR D240x
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
The ultrasound detector D240x is an easy-to-handle and very powerful instrument for conversion of
ultrasound to audible sound. It is primarily intended for studying bats and other animals emitting
ultrasound. The detector has two independent ultrasound conversion systems; a heterodyne system and
a time expansion system. The detector is equipped with a digital display to provide very accurate
readings of the tuned frequency.
Before using the detector, please read the following information carefully! Further information on the
identification of different bat species using ultrasound detectors may be found in the literature (e.g.
Barataud: The inaudible world available from Pettersson Elektronik).
The D240x transforms ultrasound in the range 10 -120 kHz into the audible frequency range.
Although the main application for the D240x is studying bioacoustic ultrasound (bats, rodents, bush
crickets etc.), the detector can be used in many other situations where detection of ultrasound is
involved (ultrasonic intruder systems, leaks in pressurized systems, corona discharges etc.).
The transformed sounds are monitored either through the built-in loudspeaker or through headphones
connected to the PHONES jack. A tape recorder may be connected to the TAPE jack to make
recordings of the transformed sounds or the direct microphone signal (if the COMment button is
pressed, the microphone signal is directly connected to the TAPE output to enable the recording of
spoken comments on the tape).
GETTING STARTED
The detector is powered from one 9 V battery. An alkaline battery will last for appr. 15 hours.
Remove the battery compartment lid and insert a new battery. Observe the polarity! Then turn the
VOLUME control/ON-OFF switch clockwise to switch the detector on. The LCD display now shows
the tuned frequency (heterodyne system only!) and the LCD backlight is turned on. The LCD
backlight also serves as a battery condition indicator, so if the backlight is too weak to read the display
in darkness, it is time to replace the battery! To test the detector, perform the following steps.
Set the HET/TIME EXP switch to the HETerodyne position and the NORMAL/TE→HET switch to
the NORMAL position. Adjust the VOLUME control so that a weak noise is heard in the loudspeaker.
Then turn the FREQUENCY control to give a display reading of approximately 20 kHz and gently
snap your fingers near the microphone (at the front of the detector). A scraping sound should then be
heard in the loudspeaker. Another good ultrasound source is a jingling bunch of keys.
The frequency control works in the following way. The display shows the center of the frequency
range (approximately 10 kHz wide), to be transformed. If the control is set to 30 kHz, you can listen to
ultrasonic frequencies between approximately 25 and 35 kHz.
Next, let’s have a look at the time expansion system. First, set the HET/TIME EXP switch to the
TIME EXP position. Set the TRIG switch to the MANual position and the MEMory SIZE switch to
the 1.7 sec position (both switches are located on the time expansion control panel on the under side of
the D240x).
Hold the detector in your left hand and push the MANUAL START/STOP button on the time
expansion control panel with your pointing finger to make the red LED light up (indicating
”SAMPLING”). Produce some ultrasound (e.g. as described above) and then push the button again to
stop the sampling. The detector then replays the sounds immediately before (i.e. 1.7 seconds before)
the button was pushed the second time, at a rate ten times lower than the original rate. Replaying the
stored sequence takes about 17 seconds (34 seconds with time expansion factor 20). After replaying

the sequence once, it is replayed repeatedly until the push-button is pushed again. The frequency
control and the displayed frequency does not have any effect on the time expansion system.
The time expansion system also has several advanced operation modes, which are described below.
If the volume control is turned up too high, acoustic feedback (a howling sound) may occur when the
detector is working in the heterodyne mode. To avoid this, simply turn down the volume control or
use headphones instead.
The D240X comes with a soft carrying case. For protection of the detector we recommend you keep it
in this case when not in use. The detector should be placed with the display upwards in the case.
THE HETERODYNE SYSTEM
There are several different principles to convert ultrasound into audible sound. As mentioned above,
one of the systems in the D240x is based on the heterodyne principle. This technique means that a
limited frequency range is selected for conversion into the audible range. If the frequency control is set
to 30 kHz, the range from appr. 25 to 35 kHz will be transformed. This is illustrated in the figure
below.
Let’s assume an ultrasonic signal with constant frequency is emitted. When the frequency control of
the D240x is turned from low frequencies to higher, a high-pitched tone will be heard in the
loudspeaker when the frequency setting is appr. 5 kHz lower than the frequency of the ultrasound
source. The closer the tuned frequency comes to the ultrasound's frequency, the lower the frequency of
the loudspeaker tone gets. When both frequencies are identical the resulting output frequency becomes
zero, i.e. nothing is heard in the loudspeaker. If you continue to turn the frequency control towards
higher frequencies, a tone will again be heard in the loudspeaker, however this time the frequency will
increase as the tuned frequency increases. By tuning the frequency control up and down it is possible
to locate the frequency resulting in a zero Hz output frequency (the tuned frequency then equals the
frequency of the ultrasound).
NOTE: The example above is only intended to illustrate the heterodyne principle. Constant frequency
sounds are very rare in practice, so in most cases you will only be able to get an approximate measure
of the signal frequency.

THE TIME EXPANSION SYSTEM
This technique is similar to recording a sound on a tape recorder and then replaying the tape at a
reduced speed. However, in the D240x the signal is not stored on a magnetic tape but in a digital
memory. The time expansion principle is unique in the sense that it is the only ultrasound conversion
system that retains virtually all characteristics of the original signal, so time expanded signals are well
suited for many forms of advanced signal analysis (e.g. with our sound analysis software package
BatSound). A time expansion factor of either 10 or 20 can be selected with the switch located
immediately to the left of the relay output connector. The switch is accessible through the opening for
the relay connector. Using a small screwdriver or similar object is recommended to alter the switch
setting. The switch was given this sheltered position on purpose, to avoid inadvertently changing its
setting. The factory default setting is 10 (switch pointing towards the microphone).
There are two basic operation modes of the time expansion system, manual and automatic. The
operation mode is selected with the TRIG switch. In the manual mode, the MANUAL START/STOP
switch is used to start and stop storing the signal, while in the automatic mode, the detector captures
the signal itself when it exceeds an adjustable threshold level.
The maximum storage time in the time expansion system is 3.4 seconds. The actual memory size is
selected with the MEMory SIZE switch. The alternatives are: 3.4 sec, 1.7 sec and “MIN”. The default
factory value for “MIN”is 0.1 sec. On request, it is however also possible to obtain a “MIN” storage
time of 0.05 sec or 0.8 sec.
In order to obtain the highest sound quality on time expanded sounds, headphones should be used to
monitor the sounds. Listening to the heterodyne system through the speaker, while sampling a signal
to the time expansion system will cause the high frequency parts of the speaker sound to enter the
microphone and to be mixed with the desired ultrasonic signal.
When the D240X is switched on, the memory of the detector is filled with a random signal which may
sound like white noise. After switching the detector on, please allow at least the chosen memory time
(e.g. 3.4 seconds) to elapse before you interrupt the recording by pressing the MANUAL
START/STOP button (or, in the AUTO mode, the recording is interrupted by an incoming sound) and
this random signal will be replaced with a “real” signal. If you change the memory time, please first
make a new recording and allow the entire memory to be filled, as described above.
The manual triggering mode
To select the manual triggering mode, set the TRIG switch to the MAN position.
The MANUAL START/STOP switch is used to start and stop the sampling into the digital memory of
the time expansion system in the manual operation mode. The red LED below the frequency display
indicates the recording status (light on = ”recording”, light off = ”replaying”). When the detector is in
the ”record” mode, samples are continuously stored into the memory (when the memory is full the
samples that were first stored are overwritten, so at each time, the memory contains the last 3.4/1.7/0.1
seconds of the signal). Pushing the push-button to switch to the ”replay” mode, will cause the content
of the memory to be replayed in an endless loop fashion. This is done at 1/10 (1/20) of the original
rate, so one sequence lasts for 34/17/1 (68/34/2) seconds.
The automatic triggering mode
To select the automatic triggering mode, set the TRIG switch to the AUTO position. In this mode, the
detector will capture the signal itself and store it in the time expansion memory.

In the absence of sound, the detector is continuously recording into the memory. When a sound
exceeding the chosen trigger level is detected, the detector interrupts the recording and automatically
replays the stored signal once. A 50% pretrigger function is applied, which means that the detector
stores the signal starting from a time “50%” prior to the triggering instant. 50% relates to the chosen
memory size. E.g. with a memory size of 3.4 seconds, the pretrigger time is 1.7 seconds. That way the
onset of the pulse that triggered the detector, will not be cut off.
The trigger level can be continuously varied with the LEVEL ADJ control. You need a small
screwdriver or similar to change the LEVEL ADJ control. Turning the control clockwise increases the
threshold level. Setting the control maximum counter-clockwise will cause the detector to trigger all
the time, since the noise in the input amplifier then will exceed the threshold level. There is also a
switch (TRIGGER LEVEL) to enable quickly changing the threshold. The LOW position will trigger
the time expansion system at a low signal level, i.e. the detector will capture weaker signals. Changing
the LEVEL ADJ will affect the sensitivity in both the LOW and HIGH positions.
Normally, all sounds exceeding the threshold level within the frequency range of the detector will
trigger the time expansion system. It is, however, also possible to activate the frequency selective
triggering mode. This is done by setting the TRIGGER SOURCE switch to the HETerodyne position,
and the output from the heterodyne system will be used as trigger signal instead. That way the setting
of the heterodyne frequency control (the frequency shown on the display) will determine which
frequencies the time expansion triggering system will respond to. Setting the heterodyne control to 30
kHz will capture signals between approximately 25 and 35 kHz. This is useful to reduce the influence
from background noise or to make the detector capture only certain species. It should be noted that
even if the detector has its highest sensitivity near the tuned heterodyne frequency, strong signals
outside of this range can also trigger the system. In particular, if the detector’s input amplifier is
overloaded, harmonics will be created, which may cause the triggering system to trigger although the
fundamental frequency is not within the tuned (heterodyne) frequency range.
Heterodyne analysis of the stored signal
The signal stored in the time expansion memory is normally replayed at one tenth of its original rate. It
is, however, also possible to play it through the heterodyne system at its original rate. That way the
user can analyze the stored sequence carefully, e.g. checking for max and min frequencies etc. This
mode is also useful to demonstrate the heterodyne principle in front of an audience.
To feed the stored signal through the heterodyne system, the NORMAL/ TE→HET switch should
be in the TE→HET position and the HET/TIME EXP switch in the HET position.
This mode is intended for use in the manual triggering mode. If you wish to use it in the automatic
triggering mode, you should change the TRIG switch to MAN immediately after the signal you want
to study has been captured, or the detector will start recording again after replaying the sequence once.
Using the relay output
In some situations, you may want to automatically dump the time expanded calls onto a tape recorder.
This can be achieved using a voice activated tape recorder. However, the D240x also has an output
which can be used to control a relay, which in turn can turn on/off a tape recorder. A separate relay
unit will be available from Pettersson Elektronik.
The relay control output should be used only in the automatic triggering mode. It will be activated
when a signal exceeds the triggering threshold level, and remains activated while the sequence is
replayed once.

Please note that not all tape recorders can be used for this. It is required that the recorder can be left
with the "RECORD" button permanently activated and that it is possible to connect the output of the
relay in series with the recorder’s batteries or power supply. Please note that the maximum ratings
(current and voltage) of the relay must not be exceeded! For information on the maximum ratings
please refer to the specifications for the relay!
Please also make sure that the recorder starts quickly enough. Most recorders require at least one
second to start recording.
High-speed replay
When the NORMAL/TE→HET switch is in the TE→HET position, the signal in the time expansion
memory will be replayed at its original rate, as described above. The signal from the time expansion
system is also available at the RELAY OUTPUT connector. As opposed to the TE signal at the TAPE
jack, this output is not lowpass filtered. So, if you have access to an ultrasonic transducer
(“loudspeaker”), you can use this output to replay the captured sequence in its original shape. The
impedance of any device connected to this output should be at least 500 ohms.
The “Relay Output” Connector (top view)
1 and 2 –relay output (if polarized, 1 = positive, 2 = negative)
3 and 4 –signal output (3 = signal, 4 = ground)
5 –polarizing hole for the connector
NOTE: If you wish to connect equipment other than Pettersson Elektronik’s to this connector, please
first contact us for instructions. Please also be careful not to let metal objects enter the case of the
detector through the relay output connector opening, since this may damage the detector.
INPUT GAIN CONTROL
In order to avoid overloading the input amplifier, the D240x has an overload indicator and an
adjustable input gain control. If the signal is overloaded, spurious harmonics will be created. Such a
signal should of course not be used for analysis. If the OVERLOAD indicator flashes frequently, you
should set the GAIN switch to LOW. The actual gain in the LOW position is determined by the setting
of the GAIN control. To adjust this, use a small screwdriver or similar (the control is located about 5
mm below the front panel). Usually, this is not necessary to do very often, you will probably find a
suitable setting and you will then only use the switch to change the input sensitivity when required.
OUTPUTS
The two 3.5 mm sockets are used to connect a set of headphones or a tape recorder. The TAPE output
is not affected by the setting of the volume control or the HET/TIME EXP switch. When the COM
switch is pressed, the time expansion output signal is temporarily replaced by the amplified
microphone signal, enabling the recording of spoken comments on the tape.
1
2
3
4
5

If the input impedance of the tape recorder is very low (lower than 5 kohms), the signal levels in the
detector will be decreased, resulting in a weaker output to the loudspeaker or headphones. Any tape
recorder connected to the TAPE output should be battery powered. The maximum length of any
connected cable is 1 meter.
The PHONES socket is used to connect a set of stereo headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Connecting a
set of headphones will automatically turn off the internal loudspeaker. For both output sockets, the
heterodyne signal is available on the left channel and the time expansion signal on the right, regardless
of the setting of the HET/TIME EXP switch (see illustration below).
TAPE and PHONES output connections
Technical specifications
Type: Heterodyne and time expansion (x10 or x20)
Frequency range: 10 -120 kHz (min.)
Display accuracy: +/-0.15 kHz
Bandwidth(het.): 8 kHz (+/-4 kHz),-6 dB
Samplingfrequency: 307kHz
Memory size: 1M x 8 bits
Resolution: 8 bits
Storage time: 3.4, 1.7 or 0.1 sec. (selectable via switch)
Trigger modes: Manual, level -broadband, level -narrowband
Pretrigger: 50% of the selected storage time
Battery: 1 x IEC 6LF22 (9V)
Quiescent current: 30 mA typ. including LCD backlight
Size: 119 x 60 x 25 mm
Weight: 170 g. including battery
Outputs: 2 x 3.5 mm jacks for headphones and tape recorder (appr 350 mVrms/3.3 kohm).
Comment switch: Yes
Miscellaneous: Overload indicator, adjustable input gain, replay of signal in memory through heterodyne system,
control output for relay
Using the detector in intense electromagnetic fields may cause interference and/or temporary signal loss.
HET. TIME EXP.