Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User manual

Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
January 12, 2024

Table of Contents
1. Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Quickstart Guide .............. 4
2. Introduction ...................................................... 7
2.1. About the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 .............. 7
2.2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini
Bat to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 .................... 7
2.3. Baery Configuration Versions .............. 15
2.4. Useful Resources ................................... 17
3. Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Hardware ..................... 20
3.1. External Features .................................. 20
3.2. Internal Features .................................. 27
3.3. Installing a Second Microphone ............ 39
3.4. Upgrading the Recorder’s Firmware .... 43
3.5. Loading a Configuration File from an
SD Card ....................................................... 45
3.6. Exporting Configuration and
Diagnostic Files to an SD Card from the
Main Panel ................................................... 47
4. Song Meter Configurator App ........................... 51
4.1. About the App ......................................... 51
4.2. Recorders Screen ................................. 55
4.3. Configuration Editor Screen ................. 73
4.4. Configuration Library Screen ............. 130
4.5. App Information Screen ..................... 140
4.6. Understanding Schedules ................... 143
5. Recording Files .............................................. 160
5.1. Transferring Recording Files to a
Computer .................................................. 160
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
2

5.2. WAV Files .............................................. 161
5.3. Zero-Crossing Files .............................. 162
5.4. Metadata .............................................. 162
6. Analysis Software .......................................... 164
6.1. Kaleidoscope Pro ................................. 164
6.2. Third-Party Software ........................... 169
7. Maintanance ................................................... 170
7.1. Deployment Checklist ........................... 170
7.2. Waterproofing ...................................... 171
7.3. Mounting .............................................. 172
7.4. Security ............................................... 172
8. Troubleshooting ............................................. 174
8.1. Recorder Not Turning On ...................... 174
8.2. Recorder Not Updating Status ............. 175
8.3. Unable to Pair App with Recorder ........ 178
8.4. SD Card Error Messages ..................... 180
9. Specifications ................................................. 187
9.1. Physical Specifications .......................... 187
9.2. Audio and Microphones ....................... 188
9.3. Baeries .............................................. 192
9.4. SD Cards ............................................. 198
10. Warranty and Disclosures ............................. 199
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
3

1. SONG METER MINI BAT 2 QUICKSTART
GUIDE
Out of the box, the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 Bat
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 192).
3. Insert an SD Card into the recorder's SD Card slot.
For additional information regarding SD cards, see
SD Cards (page 198).
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.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
4

7. Open the Song Meter Configurator app.
The Recorders screen will be displayed. The Song
Meter Mini Bat 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 Bat 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 Bat 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 Bat 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.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
5

The Song Meter Mini Bat 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
Bat 2. There is no need to manually
save changes. If the Song Meter Mini
Bat 2 is unpaired or powered o, it
will remember any changes made from
within the Configuration Editor screen.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
6

2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. ABOUT THE SONG METER MINI
BAT 2
The Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini Bat 2 oers
simple, yet innovative tools for detecting and recording
bats. With the addition of the optional acoustic
microphone, the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 can also be
used to record birds, frogs, and other lower-frequency
environmental sounds.
The Song Meter Mini Bat 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 BAT TO THE SONG METER MINI
BAT 2
The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 builds on the first-generation
Song Meter Mini Bat by taking into account the feedback
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
7

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 Bat will find themselves well at home with
the new Song Meter Mini Bat 2. However, there are
several major improvements worth highlighting, as well
as 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 Bat 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 Bat's
enclosure was comprised of a separate base and lid,
the enclosure of the Song Meter Mini Bat 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.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
8

NOTE
The optional Security Bracket accessory
for the first-generation Song Meter Mini
Bat is not compatible with the Song
Meter Mini Bat 2.
The seal between the two halves of the enclosure has
been improved, and the enclosure (excluding acoustic
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. Note that installed
acoustic stub mics can still be damaged by underwater
submersion, though they are protected against rain.
The back of the Song Meter Mini Bat 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 Bat 2 Hardware (page 20).
2.2.2. Baery Configuration
The original Song Meter Mini Bat 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
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
9

the standard lid with a compartment for up to six 18650
lithium-ion baeries, installed in pairs.
The Song Meter Mini Bat 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
15) for more detail.
NOTE
The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is not
compatible with the Lithium-Ion Lid
accessory for the first generation Song
Meter Mini Bat.
AA Baeries
The Song Meter Mini Bat 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 Bat could with AA baeries. Ribbons
built into the AA baery trays allow you to remove
baeries much more easily.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
10

FOUR OR EIGHT: MAXIMUM AA
VOLTAGE IS THE SAME
AA baeries in the Song Meter Mini
Bat 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 Bat 2 Li-ion can be used with any
number of 18650 baeries between one and six. Unlike
the first-generation Song Meter Mini Bat's Lithium-Ion
Lid accessory, 18650 baeries do not need to be installed
in pairs.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
11

CHANGE IN VOLTAGE READING
The original Song Meter Mini Bat's
Lithium-Ion Lid used pairs of 18650
baeries in parallel with other pairs of
baeries. The new Song Meter Mini Bat
2 Li-ion uses individual 18650 baeries
in parallel with each other. This means
that the voltage reading on the Song
Meter Mini Bat 2Li-ion's Status screen is
half that of the original Song Meter Mini
Bat, despite having the same possible
deployment time.
For example, with six fully charged 18650
baeries, a first-generation Song Meter
Mini Bat will display a voltage of 8.4 V,
while a Song Meter Mini Bat 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. New Ultrasonic Microphone
The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 uses a dierent microphone
from the original Song Meter Mini Bat. While the
characteristics are generally very similar, it is
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
12

approximately 10 dB more sensitive in the ranges 20-50
kHz and 70-105 kHz.
IMPORTANT
If you intend to record bats in the
range of 20-50 kHz, where the ultrasonic
microphone is most sensitive, we
recommend reducing the gain seing
by 6 to 12 dB compared to any
first-generation Song Meter Mini Bat
recorders you use in similar situations.
Reducing the gain seing will reduce the
likelihood of distorted recordings of loud
bat calls in this frequency range. See
Right Channel Gain (page 102) for details
on changing this seing.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
13

2.2.4. Configuration and Firmware Files are
Cross-Compatible
The Song Meter Mini Bat and Song Meter Mini Bat 2
run the same firmware versions, meaning both will be
improved by the same new features and bug fixes as we
release firmware updates.
Both recorders can also share configuration files. A
configuration file exported from a Song Meter Mini Bat
can be imported into a Song Meter Mini Bat 2, and vice-
versa. This provides a simple way to maintain consistent
seings across a mixed fleet of recorders.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
14

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 Bat 2 can be purchased with one of
two options for baery power:
• The Song Meter Mini Bat 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
match. See Types of AA Baeries (page 192) for more
information.
• The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Li-ion can run on between
one and six 18650 Lithium-ion (Li-ion) baeries. See
Lithium-Ion Baery Requirements (page 193) for
details on choosing compatible baeries.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
15

NOTE
These are two separate versions of the
Song Meter Mini Bat 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 Bat 2.
Other than the dierences in baery compatibility, the
AA and Li-ion versions of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 are
identical in functionality.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
16

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 192).
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.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
17

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 Bat 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 Bat
2. Stay up to date with the newest features and receive
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
18

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
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
19

3. SONG METER MINI BAT 2 HARDWARE
3.1. EXTERNAL FEATURES
The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder is designed
for long-term, outdoor deployment. Made from
durable polycarbonate plastic, it is UV-resistant and
weatherproof.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
20