Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini User manual

1Song Meter Mini Quick Start
2Introduction
2.1 Song Meter Mini Models
3The Song Meter Mini Recorder
3.1 External Features
3.2 Internal Features
3.3 Installing a Second Microphone
3.4 Preventing the Recorder from Leaking
3.5 Lithium-ion Battery Lid
3.6 Upgrading the Recorder’s Firmware
3.7 Loading a Config File from an SD Card
3.8 Loading a Config File to an SD Card
4Song Meter Mini Configurator App
4.1 Installing the App
4.2 Bluetooth Connection
4.3 Recorders Screen
4.4 Status Screen
4.5 Pairing the Recorder with the
Configurator app
4.6 Pairing with a Different Recorder
4.7 Paired Configuration Screen
4.8 Ultrasonic Settings Screen
4.9 Acoustic Settings Screen

4.10 Location and Time Zone Screen
4.11 Schedule Editor
4.12 Schedule Block Examples
4.13 Utilities Menu
4.14 Testing the Ultrasonic Microphone
4.15 Testing the Acoustic Microphone
4.16 Configuration Library Screen
5Recording Files
5.1 Transferring Recording Files to a
Computer
5.2 WAV Files
5.3 Zero-Crossing Files
5.4 Metadata
6Analysis Software
6.1 Kaleidoscope Pro
6.2 Third-Party Software
7Specifications
7.1 Physical
7.2 Audio and Microphones
7.3 Battery Life
8Warranty and Disclosures

Online User Guide
Download this guide at
www.wildlifeacoustics.com/resources/user-guides
Tutorial Videos
Visit www.wildlifeacoustics.com/support/tutorial-videos to
view tutorial videos for the Song Meter Mini and Song Meter
Mini Bat .
Contacting Support
For technical queries contact the Wildlife Acoustics support
team:
•Email: [e-mail]
•North America (toll-free): 1-888-733-0200
•Outside North America (toll charges may apply): +1
978-369-5225
Don’t miss out on Important Updates
We continually add features to the Song Meter Mini and Song
Meter Mini Bat. Stay up to date with the newest features and
receive important technical support bulletins by signing up to
our mailing list at:
http://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/products#mailinglist

1 Song Meter Mini Quick Start
1. Remove the lid from the Song Meter Mini recorder.
2. Insert four AA alkaline or NiMH batteries and an SD card.
3. Switch the recorder’s power switch to On.
4. 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 Mini Configurator app from the Apple App
store or Google Play store onto your mobile device.
6. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device.
7. Launch the app.
8. The Song Meter Mini will be detected by the app and will appear
in the Recorders screen.
9. Press and hold the Pair button on the Song Meter Mini recorder
for 3 seconds. The Bluetooth LED on the recorder will blink green,
indicating it is ready to pair.
10. In the app, tap the Pair button when it appears in the Recorders
screen. The recorder’s details will turn green, indicating successful
pairing.
11. A pop-up asks if you want to set the recorder’s time zone to your
mobile device’s time zone. Tap OK. Next, a pop-up asks the same
about location. Tap OK.
12. After pairing, tap the Configure button for the paired Song Meter
Mini recorder in the Recorders screen. The Configure screen will
open.
13. Select a preset recording schedule from the dropdown menu and
make any desired setting changes.
14. The recording schedule and settings changes load onto the
recorder after each change.

15. Tap the unpair button on the Recorders screen and the Song
Meter Mini is now ready to deploy and record.
2 Introduction
Our smallest, lightest and most affordable wildlife audio
recorders, the Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini family offers
simple, yet innovative tools for recording bats, birds, frogs and
other vocal wildlife.
The Song Meter Mini recorders leverage the processing power of
modern smart phones for remote scheduling and status checking,
using the free Song Meter Mini Configurator app.
2.1 Song Meter Mini Models
The Song Meter Mini family comprises two recorder models: the
Song Meter Mini and the Song Meter Mini Bat. Both use the Song
Meter Mini Configurator app for iOS or Android.
In this guide, when features are common to both models, the
Song Meter Mini and Song Meter Mini Bat are commonly referred
to as the “Song Meter Mini recorder’, or just “recorder”. When
there are differences between models, the Song Meter Mini and
Song Meter Mini Bat are described separately.
NOTE: This manual uses the word “acoustic” to describe frequencies
considered within the range of human hearing, below around
20,000Hz. “Bat” or “ultrasonic” is generally used for frequencies
above 20,000Hz.

Key Differences Between Models
•The Song Meter Mini utilizes an acoustic microphone for
recording sounds such as those made by birds or frogs.
•The Song Meter Mini Bat utilizes an ultrasonic microphone
for recording bat calls.
•Settings for acoustic and ultrasonic microphones are
different and use different screens in the Configurator app.
•An optional acoustic microphone can be installed on either
model to add acoustic recording capabilities on the right
channel. When a second acoustic microphone is installed on
the Song Meter Mini, this allows single channel audio
recording with either the left or right channel microphone,
or recording on both channels simultaneously in stereo
mode.
•When the optional acoustic microphone is installed on a
Song Meter Mini Bat, it is possible to run a recording
schedule which alternates between acoustic and ultrasonic
microphones. The ultrasonic and acoustic microphones,
however, cannot be used at the same time.
•It is not possible to add a second ultrasonic microphone to
the Song Meter Mini or Song Meter Mini Bat.

3 The Song Meter Mini Recorder
This section describes the Song Meter Mini recorder hardware.
3.1 External Features
The Song Meter Mini recorder is designed for long-term, outdoor
deployment. Made from durable polycarbonate plastic, it is UV
resistant and weatherproof.
Song Meter Mini Bat
Song Meter Mini
Ultrasonic microphone
Connection for
optional acoustic
microphone
Acoustic microphone
(Left)
Connection for optional
2nd acoustic microphone
(Right)
Mounting brackets

Mounting Brackets
Mounting brackets top and bottom can be used to secure the
recorder, for example to a branch or post. Typical mounting
methods include bungie cords, zip ties or cable locks. Cable locks
must be under 0.3” (7.6mm) diameter.
Lid
The recorder consists of a main enclosure with sealed, snap-on lid.
To remove the lid, grasp the long edges with your fingers,
applying slight pressure with your thumbs to the center. The lid
will pop off to expose the recorder’s interior.
A label inside the lid provides basic instructions, button
definitions, and Status LED definitions (see section 3.2)
An optional lid to hold Lithium-ion batteries is also available (see
section 3.5).
Microphones
The Song Meter Mini utilizes a single built-in acoustic
microphone, designed to record up to 48,000Hz audio. The
microphone has a replaceable windscreen. An additional acoustic

microphone can be purchased and added to the right side for
stereo recording.
The Song Meter Mini Bat utilizes a single built-in ultrasonic
microphone, designed to record from 8kHz up to 250kHz. The
microphone is flush with the enclosure edge and has a mesh
screen to protect against physical damage. An acoustic
microphone can be purchased and added to the right side for
recording acoustic sounds.
Optional Acoustic Microphone Port
This is the connection point for an acoustic microphone. There is
an internal socket for the acoustic microphone wire connection.
Air Vent
A pin-hole air vent on the reverse of the enclosure prevents
pressure build-up inside the recorder but does not allow water
ingress during normal use. The pin hole opening must not be
blocked or covered in any way.
A self-regenerating desiccant packet inside the enclosure offers
further protection - it will absorb or release moisture to keep a
regulated humidity inside the recorder.
Pin-hole
Air vent

Security Strap
A lockable security strap is available for the Song Meter Mini
recorder. The strap is adjustable to accommodate the larger
Lithium-ion lid

3.2 Internal Features
On/Off Switch
•On: Battery power is enabled. Schedule is started.
•Off: Schedule is stopped. Battery power is disabled.
When the Song Meter Mini recorder is first powered on, the
Status LEDs show Bluetooth, Recording, and SD Card status. After
one minute with no further activity, Status LEDs are disabled
On/Off switch
Power jumper
block
Pair/Status
button
Function
button
Status/Function
LEDs
AA battery
holder
Optional acoustic
microphone
connection
Li-ion lid
connection
SD memory
card slot

NOTE: When the Song Meter Mini recorder is powered off, it goes
through a routine to end and save any current recording. This can
take a few seconds.
Power Source Jumper Block
The Song Meter Mini recorder can be powered by 4 AA batteries
or 2, 4 or 6 Lithium-ion 18650 batteries with the optional Lithium-
ion battery lid.
The power source jumper determines which source will be used. It
connects the left pin to the center pin for AA power, or the right
pin to the center pin to use Lithium Ion batteries installed in the
optional Lithium battery lid.
•Remove the jumper by pulling it up.
•Install the jumper by pushing it down on the left two pins to
use AA power or the on the right two pins to use Lithium-
ion batteries.
•Default configuration is for AA batteries.
NOTE: If the jumper is disconnected or in the wrong position the
recorder will not power up.
AA Battery Holder
The battery holder takes 4 AA alkaline or NiMH batteries.
3 pin connector power
source connection with
the jumper installed in
the default configuration
to use AA batteries

AA Lithium batteries are approved for use. AA Lithium batteries
are not rechargeable and under many circumstances will not
provide longer life than AA Alkaline batteries
•Ensure batteries are oriented with the correct
positive/negative polarity.
•Remove batteries before storage.
SD Memory Card Slot
The Song Meter Mini recorder saves recording files and a
summary log to an SD memory card installed in the memory card
slot.
To insert an SD card, slide it into the slot until it clicks into place.
To remove, gently press the card further into the slot and then
slide out.
•Only remove the SD card with the recorder powered off.
•Use the Configurator app to check recording space available
on the SD card.
NOTE: Wildlife Acoustics recommends the SanDisk brand of
memory cards for their superior performance.
NOTE: Be sure the card’s write protection switch is “off”. The Song
Meter Mini recorder will not record to a write-protected card.
PAIR/STATUS Button
This is a dual function button.
Press the PAIR/STATUS button once to check the Status LEDs.
Press and hold the PAIR/STATUS button for three seconds to
activate the Song Meter Mini recorder for pairing with the

Configurator app. Pairing must be manually confirmed from the
app (see section 4.5)
To unpair, press and hold the PAIR/STATUS button on the Song
Meter Mini recorder for three seconds, or use the Configurator
app.
Status LEDs
The three Status LEDs on the recorder provide Bluetooth,
Recording and SD Card information.
The Status LEDs remain active while the recorder is paired with the
Configurator app.
The table of Status LED definitions, below, is also found inside the
recorder’s lid for reference.
Bluetooth:
Off
Not paired
Green Blinking
Pairing
Green Solid
Paired
Red Blinking
Clock needs to be set
Red Solid
Pair failed
Recording:
Green Blinking
Recording (*Triggered)
Green Slow
*Armed & waiting for trigger
Green Solid
Waiting next recording
period

Red Solid
Can’t record
SD Card:
Off
No card detected
Green Blinking
Card is active: do not eject
Green Solid
No activity: can be ejected
Red Blinking
SD card full
Red Solid
SD card issue
* Song Meter Mini Bat in Bat Mode only.
Function Button and Function LEDs
Press the FUNCTION button multiple times to cycle through the
Functions. When the desired Function LED lights, press and hold
the FUNCTION button for 3 seconds to select it.
The selected LED will blink green while the function is in progress.
When the function successfully completes, all four LEDs will blink
green three times.
If the function fails, all four LEDs will blink red six times.
There are four Function LEDs .
•Diags: This runs an internal diagnostic check. Two files are
then written to the SD card:
oA diagnostic file describing the functions of the
recorder with a file name of
Prefix_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.minidiags. This is used

by Wildlife Acoustics Support to evaluate the health
of your Song Meter Mini recorder.
oA configuration file named Prefix.miniconfig. This file
can be used to load the configuration onto other
Song Meter Mini recorders.
•Load: This loads a configuration file (.miniconfig) and/or
firmware file (.smm), from the SD card to the recorder (see
section 4.13). If there are both a config file and firmware
update file on the card, the config file will be loaded first
and then the firmware update will be loaded.
•Defaults: This resets to factory defaults. Resetting factory
defaults clears all internal settings except current date and
time (see sections 4.8 and 4.9 for default settings). Default
settings can also be changed on the app.
•Format: This formats the SD card (this can also be done in
the app, see also section 4.13).
Right Microphone Connector
This is the connection point for the optional acoustic microphone.
3.3 Installing a Second Microphone
1. Remove the recorder’s lid. In the top right corner of the recorder
is a removable black plastic bolt threaded through a black plastic
nut.

2. Use a ¾” wrench to gently unscrew the bolt from the nut. When
the bolt is removed the internal nut will stay in place.
3. Thread the wire connector for the second microphone through
the hole. Do not connect the wire to the circuit board yet.

4. Turn the microphone clockwise to screw it into the internal nut.
Be careful to make sure the connection wires are rotating freely as
the microphone is turned. Make sure the thread is not crossed.
Tighten lightly with pliers or a wrench. Do not over-tighten.
5. Now connect the microphone wire to the jack labelled “Right
Mic” on the circuit board. Route the wires to the right of the SD
card to avoid physical interference or electrical noise from the SD
card.

NOTE: The built-in microphone is referred to as the Left Channel.
The optional second microphone is referred to as the Right Channel.
3.4 Preventing the Recorder from Leaking
The Song Meter Mini family of recorders are designed with all
kinds of weather in mind, and will not let in any water under
normal circumstances. However, there are a few routine checks
that should be done to make sure that your recorder is as
weatherproof as it was when you received it.
•Examine the black rubber gasket inside the lid. The gasket
should be free of debris and tears. Note that DEET, a
common ingredient in insect repellant, is known to degrade
the plastic used in the Song Meter Mini enclosure. Some
plant oils may also soften the recorders rubber gasket over
extended periods of exposure. When possible, avoid contact
with insect repellants
•Avoid putting strain on the Song Meter Mini case by
mounting it too tightly. This can distort the case and break
the seal with the lid, causing a gap that may leak. Note that
trees can sometimes grow rapidly enough to cause further
strain on equipment that has been mounted on them.
•Ensure the bolt covering the optional microphone port on
the right side of the recorder is tightened and undamaged.

3.5 Lithium-ion Battery Lid
An optional lithium-ion battery lid is available that can hold 2, 4 or
6 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. This provides up to
approximately five times the battery life of 4 alkaline AA batteries.
The lid adds 15/16”(24mm) to the usual depth of a Song Meter
Mini recorder.
WARNING! Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if not used
correctly. Please carefully read the following specifications and
instructions. Wildlife Acoustics sells high-quality lithium-ion
Connection to
circuit board
Removable zip
tie for strain
relief