Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini 2 User manual

Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
January 26, 2024

Table of Contents
1. Song Meter Mini 2 Quickstart Guide .................... 4
2. Introduction ...................................................... 7
2.1. About the Song Meter Mini 2 .................... 7
2.2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini to
the Song Meter Mini 2 .................................... 7
2.3. Baery Configuration Versions .............. 13
2.4. Useful Resources ................................... 15
3. Song Meter Mini 2 Hardware ........................... 18
3.1. External Features .................................. 18
3.2. Internal Features .................................. 27
3.3. Microphones ........................................ 40
3.4. Update Firmware Using the Physical
Controls ...................................................... 44
3.5. Load a Configuration File from an SD
Card Using the Hardware Buons ............... 46
3.6. Export Configuration and Diagnostic
Files to an SD Card from the Main Panel ....... 49
4. Song Meter Configurator App .......................... 53
4.1. About the App ........................................ 53
4.2. Recorders Screen ................................. 58
4.3. Configuration Editor Screen ................. 77
4.4. Configuration Library Screen .............. 118
4.5. App Information Screen ...................... 131
4.6. Understanding Schedules ................... 134
5. SD Card Contents ........................................... 150
5.1. SD Card Organization ........................... 150
5.2. File Name Conventions ........................ 150
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5.3. Audio Files ............................................ 151
5.4. Summary File ....................................... 155
5.5. Diagnostics Files ................................. 158
6. Analysis Software ........................................... 161
6.1. Kaleidoscope Pro .................................. 161
6.2. Third-Party Software ........................... 166
7. Maintanance ................................................... 167
7.1. Deployment Checklist ........................... 167
7.2. Waterproofing .................................... 168
7.3. Mounting .............................................. 169
7.4. Security ............................................... 169
8. Troubleshooting .............................................. 171
8.1. Recorder Not Turning On ....................... 171
8.2. Recorder Not Updating Status ............. 172
8.3. Unable to Pair App with Recorder ........ 175
8.4. SD Card Error Messages ...................... 177
9. Specifications ................................................ 184
9.1. Physical Specifications ......................... 184
9.2. Audio and Microphones ....................... 185
9.3. Baeries .............................................. 187
9.4. SD Card Compatibility .......................... 193
10. Warranty and Disclosures ............................. 195
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1. SONG METER MINI 2 QUICKSTART GUIDE
Out of the box, the Song Meter Mini 2 can be quickly
configured to run one of a few preset schedules that
cover common use cases.
1. Unlatch and open the lid on the Song Meter Mini 2.
2. Depending on the version, insert four or eight
AA baeries or between one and six Lithium-ion
baeries.
For additional information regarding baeries, see
Baeries (page 187).
3. Insert an SD Card into the recorder's SD Card slot.
For additional information regarding SD cards, see
SD Card Compatibility (page 193).
4. Slide the ON/OFF switch to ON .
If the Bluetooth ® LED flashes red, this indicates that
the recorder's internal clock is not set. It will be set
when pairing.
5. Install the Song Meter Configurator app from the
Apple App Store or Google Play Store onto your
mobile device.
6. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile
device.
7. Open the Song Meter Configurator app.
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The Recorders screen will be displayed. The Song
Meter Mini 2 will automatically be detected by the
app and will appear in the Recorders screen.
8. Press and hold the PAIR/STATUS buon on the Song
Meter Mini 2 for three seconds.
The Bluetooth LED will blink green, indicating the
recorder is ready to pair with the app.
In the Song Meter Configurator app Recorders
screen, the Pair icon is displayed next to the Song
Meter Mini 2.
9. Tap the Pair icon.
The icon will turn green, indicating successful
pairing.
A pop-up message will appear asking if you want to
set the recorder's time zone to your mobile device's
time zone.
10. Tap Yes.
A pop-up message will appear asking if you want to
set the recorder's location to your mobile device's
location.
11. Tap Yes.
12. Tap the Configure icon for the paired Song Meter
Mini 2 in the Recorders screen.
The Configuration Editor screen is displayed.
13. Select a preset recording schedule from the
dropdown menu and make any desired seings
changes.
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The Song Meter Mini 2 is now ready to deploy and record
using the schedule you selected.
NOTE
Any changes made in the Configuration
Editor screen are immediately loaded
and saved into the Song Meter Mini
2. There is no need to manually save
changes. If the Song Meter Mini 2
is unpaired or powered o, it will
remember any changes made from
within the Configuration Editor screen.
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2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. ABOUT THE SONG METER MINI 2
The Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini 2 acoustic
recorder oers simple, yet innovative tools for
recording birds, frogs, and other vocal wildlife.
The Song Meter Mini 2 leverages the processing
power of modern smartphones with the Song Meter
Configurator app. This companion app allows you
to program the seings and schedules of multiple
recorders and to check essential status info like baery
and card usage from within Bluetooth range of the
recorder.
2.2. CHANGES FROM THE SONG METER
MINI TO THE SONG METER MINI 2
The Song Meter Mini 2 builds on the first-generation
Song Meter Mini by taking into account the feedback we
have received from users in all types of scenarios since
the original product's launch in 2019.
The first- and second-generation recorders share much
in common, and users coming from the original Song
Meter Mini will find themselves well at home with the
new Song Meter Mini 2. However, there are several
major improvements worth highlighting, as well as
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functional dierences that we recommend keeping in
mind, particularly if you have a mixed fleet of first- and
second-generation recorders.
2.2.1. Improved Enclosure
The Song Meter Mini 2's enclosure has been completely
redesigned from the ground up to be more robust and
easier to use.
While the first-generation Song Meter Mini's enclosure
was comprised of a separate base and lid, the enclosure
of the Song Meter Mini 2 is joined by a permanent
hinge, and the new, lockable latch can be more easily
operated with one hand. The latch can be locked close
using an appropriately sized padlock, without requiring
an additional security bracket.
NOTE
The optional Security Bracket accessory
for the first-generation Song Meter Mini
is not compatible with the Song Meter
Mini 2.
The seal between the two halves of the enclosure has
been improved, and the enclosure (excluding acoustic
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stub mics) passes IP67 standards. This means it is
dust-tight and can withstand temporary submersion
in water up to a depth of one meter without leaking.
Note that installed acoustic stub mics can be damaged
by underwater submersion, though they are protected
against rain.
The back of the Song Meter Mini 2 features a tripod-
style, ¼”-20 threaded mounting point. This enables you
to mount the recorder using many accessories designed
for trail cameras and similar devices.
For more detailed information on the new enclosure, see
Song Meter Mini 2 Hardware (page 18).
2.2.2. Baery Configuration
The original Song Meter Mini had one built-in AA baery
tray, allowing the use of four AA baeries by default.
The optional Lithium-Ion Lid accessory replaced the
standard lid with a compartment for up to six 18650
lithium-ion baeries, installed in pairs.
The Song Meter Mini 2 now comes in two entirely
separate versions, AA and Li-ion, each with a
permanently installed baery tray for its respective
baery type. See Baery Configuration Versions (page
13) for more detail.
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NOTE
The Song Meter Mini 2 is not compatible
with the Lithium-Ion Lid accessory for
the first generation Song Meter Mini.
AA Baeries
The Song Meter Mini 2 AA can be used with either four or
eight AA baeries. With eight AA baeries installed, you
can record for twice as long as the original Song Meter
Mini could with AA baeries. Ribbons built into the AA
baery trays allow you to remove baeries much more
easily.
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FOUR OR EIGHT: MAXIMUM AA
VOLTAGE IS THE SAME
AA baeries in the Song Meter Mini
2 AA are wired in two parallel sets
of four baeries. This means that the
recorder's Status screen will show the
same voltage reading whether four or
eight brand-new baeries are installed.
The voltage reading on a recorder with
eight baeries will decline at half the
speed compared to a recorder with four
baeries.
Lithium-Ion Baeries
The Song Meter Mini 2 Li-ion can be used with any
number of 18650 baeries between one and six. Unlike
the first-generation Song Meter Mini's Lithium-Ion Lid
accessory, 18650 baeries do not need to be installed in
pairs.
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CHANGE IN VOLTAGE READING
The original Song Meter Mini's Lithium-
Ion Lid used pairs of 18650 baeries
in parallel with other pairs of baeries.
The new Song Meter Mini 2 Li-ion uses
individual 18650 baeries in parallel with
each other. This means that the voltage
reading on the Song Meter Mini 2Li-ion's
Status screen is half that of the original
Song Meter Mini, despite having the same
possible deployment time.
For example, with six fully charged 18650
baeries, a first-generation Song Meter
Mini will display a voltage of 8.4 V, while
a Song Meter Mini 2 will display a voltage
of 4.2 V. Both recorders have the same
total energy available despite the voltage
dierence.
2.2.3. Configuration and Firmware Files are
Cross-Compatible
The Song Meter Mini and Song Meter Mini 2 run the same
firmware versions, meaning both will be improved by the
same new features and bug fixes as we release firmware
updates.
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Both recorders can also share configuration files. A
configuration file exported from a Song Meter Mini
can be imported into a Song Meter Mini 2, and vice-
versa. This provides a simple way to maintain consistent
seings across a mixed fleet of recorders.
NOTE
Configuration files that include the
use of an optional second microphone
cannot be completely imported into a
recorder that does not have the second
microphone installed. Relevant seings
will be altered to only use the available
microphone.
2.3. BATTERY CONFIGURATION
VERSIONS
The Song Meter Mini 2 can be purchased with one of two
options for baery power:
• The Song Meter Mini 2 AA can run on either four or
eight AA baeries.
Alkaline, NiMH, and Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™
baeries can be used. All installed baeries must
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match. See Types of AA Baeries (page 187) for more
information.
• The Song Meter Mini 2 Li-ion can run on between
one and six 18650 Lithium-ion (Li-ion) baeries. See
Lithium-Ion Baery Requirements (page 188) for
details on choosing compatible baeries.
NOTE
These are two separate versions of the
Song Meter Mini 2. Neither version can
be converted or reconfigured to use the
other type of baery.
The type of baery used significantly aects deployment
time. As a general rule, 18650 Lithium-ion baeries hold
significantly more energy than AA baeries, and they
are, by definition, rechargeable. Using six, high-quality
18650 Lithium-ion baeries will enable the longest
possible deployments with the Song Meter Mini 2.
Other than the dierences in baery compatibility, the
AA and Li-ion versions of the Song Meter Mini 2 are
identical in functionality.
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IMPORTANT
Lithium-ion baeries are not to be
confused with Energizer® Ultimate
Lithium™ (Lithium/Iron Disulfide)
baeries.
18650 Lithium-ion baeries are larger
and put out a much higher voltage than
all types of AA baeries. 18650 Lithium-
ion baeries therefore cannot be used
interchangeably with any AA baery.
For specifications regarding baeries and deployment
times, see: Baeries (page 187).
2.4. USEFUL RESOURCES
2.4.1. Where to Find This User Guide
This user guide is published in multiple locations:
• View a PDF in your web browser or download to your
device at www.wildlifeacoustics.com/resources/user-
guides.
• In the Song Meter Configurator app, open App Info >
User Guide.
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The Song Meter Configurator app can be installed from
the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
NOTE
This user guide is updated regularly.
If you use a saved copy of the PDF
to view this guide, consider checking
our website for an updated version.
Whenever you update the Song Meter
Configurator app, the latest version of
the user guide is installed with the app.
2.4.2. Video Tutorials
Visit our Video Tutorials page to view tutorial videos for
the Song Meter Mini 2.
2.4.3. Frequently Asked Questions
You can find answers to many common questions on
our website, under Resources > Frequently Asked
Questions.
hps://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/resources/faqs
2.4.4. Don’t Miss Out on Important Updates
We continually add features to the Song Meter Mini 2.
Stay up to date with the newest features and receive
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important technical support bulletins by signing up to
our Mailing List.
2.4.5. Contacting Support
For technical questions, contact the Wildlife Acoustics
support team using one of the methods below. If
contacting us via our website, please provide as much
detail as you can so we can provide eective help as
quickly as possible.
•www.wildlifeacoustics.com/contact-us
• North America (toll-free): 1-888-733-0200
• Outside North America (toll charges may apply): +1
978-369-5225
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3. SONG METER MINI 2 HARDWARE
3.1. EXTERNAL FEATURES
Figure 1. Front-Left View
1. The Enclosure Latch snaps into place to keep the two
halves of the enclosure sealed.
2. One of two Mounting Loops, which can
accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up
to a diameter of 0.420'' (10.67 mm).
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3. One Acoustic Microphone is factory-installed. A
foam Windscreen reduces recorded wind noise and
contributes to weather protection. See Microphones
(page 40).
4. The Enclosure Hinge keeps the lid and body of the
recorder permanently aached.
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Figure 2. Front-Right View
1. A Padlock Loop allows the enclosure to be locked
closed. See Padlock Compatibility (page 25) for
padlock size recommendations.
2. One of two Mounting Loops, which can
accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up
to a diameter of 0.420'' (10.67 mm).
3. A Microphone Port can accommodate a second,
acoustic microphone. When no second microphone
is installed, the port is occupied by a plastic hex bolt.
See Install a Second Microphone (page 40).
4. The Bar Code Label lists the recorder's Model Name
and Serial Number.
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