WILDLIFE Song Meter Mini 2 User manual

Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
January 3, 2024

Table of Contents
1. Song Meter Mini 2 Quickstart Guide ................................................................................... 3
2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. About the Song Meter Mini 2 ................................................................................... 4
2.2. Baery Configuration Versions .............................................................................. 4
2.3. Useful Resources .................................................................................................... 5
3. Song Meter Mini 2 Hardware ............................................................................................ 6
3.1. External Features ................................................................................................... 6
3.2. Internal Features ................................................................................................... 9
3.3. Installing a Second Microphone ............................................................................ 14
3.4. Upgrading the Recorder’s Firmware .................................................................... 15
3.5. Loading a Configuration File from an SD Card ....................................................... 16
3.6. Exporting Diagnostics and Configuration Files to an SD Card ................................ 17
4. Song Meter Configurator App .......................................................................................... 18
4.1. About the App ........................................................................................................ 18
4.2. Recorders Screen ................................................................................................. 19
4.3. Configuration Editor Screen ................................................................................ 26
4.4. Configuration Library Screen .............................................................................. 42
4.5. App Information Screen ...................................................................................... 45
4.6. Understanding Schedules .................................................................................... 47
5. Recording Files ............................................................................................................... 54
5.1. Transferring Recording Files to a Computer ......................................................... 54
5.2. WAV Files .............................................................................................................. 54
5.3. Metadata .............................................................................................................. 54
6. Analysis Software ........................................................................................................... 56
6.1. Kaleidoscope Pro .................................................................................................. 56
6.2. Third-Party Software ........................................................................................... 58
7. Maintanance ................................................................................................................... 59
7.1. Deployment Checklist ........................................................................................... 59
7.2. Waterproofing ..................................................................................................... 59
7.3. Mounting .............................................................................................................. 59
7.4. Security ............................................................................................................... 60
8. Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 61
8.1. No LED Activity ....................................................................................................... 61
8.2. SD Cards ............................................................................................................... 61
8.3. Song Meter Configurator App Tips ........................................................................ 61
8.4. No Status or Pairing .............................................................................................. 61
8.5. Recording/Deployment Problems ......................................................................... 61
8.6. Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................. 61
8.7. Contacting Support ............................................................................................... 61
9. Specifications ................................................................................................................. 63
9.1. Physical Specifications .......................................................................................... 63
9.2. Audio and Microphones ........................................................................................ 63
9.3. Baeries .............................................................................................................. 64
9.4. SD Cards .............................................................................................................. 66
10. Warranty and Disclosures ............................................................................................. 67
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
2

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 64).
3. Insert an SD Card into the recorder's SD Card slot.
For additional information regarding SD cards, see SD Cards (page 61).
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.
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.
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.
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
3

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. 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 match. See Types of AA Baeries (page 64) for more information.
• The Song Meter Mini 2 Li-ion can run on between one and six 18650 Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
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.
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 64).
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
4

2.3. USEFUL RESOURCES
2.3.1. 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.
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.
2.3.2. Video Tutorials
Visit www.wildlifeacoustics.com/resources/video-tutorials to view tutorial videos for the Song
Meter Mini 2.
2.3.3. Contacting Support
For technical questions, contact the Wildlife Acoustics support team:
•www.wildlifeacoustics.com/contact-us
• North America (toll-free): 1-888-733-0200
• Outside North America (toll charges may apply): [phone]
2.3.4. 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 important technical support bulletins by signing up to our mailing list at:
hp://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/mailinglist
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
5

3. SONG METER MINI 2 HARDWARE
3.1. EXTERNAL FEATURES
The Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is designed for long-term, outdoor deployment. Made from
durable polycarbonate plastic, it is UV-resistant and weatherproof.
Notable external features of the Song Meter Mini 2:
1. Lockable Latch (page 7): Located along the top edge of the recorder.
2. Primary Microphone (page 7): Every Song Meter Mini 2 comes with a microphone installed
on the left edge of the recorder, covered by a foam windscreen. An optional second
microphone may be installed on the right edge.
3. Enclosure Hinge (page 7): The lid and body of the recorder are aached by a permanent
hinge along the lower edge.
4. Mounting Points (page 8) (shown in front and back views): At the centers of the upper and
lower edges are mounting holes, suitable for zip ties, bungie cords, compatible cable locks,
or screws.
5. Tripod Mount (page 8): A camera-style tripod threaded socket, located on the back face of
the Song Meter Mini 2 enclosure, provides additional mounting options.
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
6

External features, continued:
6. Optional Acoustic Microphone Port (page 8): A second acoustic microphone can be
installed on the right edge of the Song Meter Mini 2. When a second microphone is not
installed, the port is occupied by a plastic hex bolt.
7. Air Vent (page 8): Located on the lower-right edge of the recorder, this vent has an
internal membrane that allows air and moisture regulation without allowing water ingress.
3.1.1. Lockable Latch
A latch is used to close the lid. The latch is easily closed or opened by hand. The latch will snap
closed to provide a tight seal for the lid.
A cable lock can be threaded through the latch to mount and/or secure the Song Meter Mini 2.
Cable locks must be under 0.3 in (7.6 mm) in diameter.
3.1.2. Microphones
By default, the Song Meter Mini 2 utilizes a single built-in acoustic microphone. The microphone
has a replaceable windscreen.
An additional acoustic microphone can be purchased and added to the Song Meter Mini 2. This
enables you to record in stereo (two-channel) or to specify the left or right channel for mono
(one-channel) recording.
When two microphones are used, the built-in microphone is considered channel 0, left. The
optional second microphone is considered channel 1, right.
3.1.3. Hinged Lid
The lid for the Song Meter Mini 2 is permanently connected to the body of the recorder via a
hinge and lockable latch. When the lid is latched close, a silicone gasket creates a watertight seal
between the lid and body.
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
7

3.1.4. Mounting Points
Mounting points can be used to secure the recorder to a branch or post (for example). Typical
mounting methods include screws, bungie cords, cable locks, and zip ties.
3.1.5. Tripod Mount
On the rear of the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is a standard-sized threaded socket. This socket is
typically used for camera tripod mounts or any other type of mount which uses the same thread
size.
Tripod mount thread size specification: 1/4ʺ20 pitch.
3.1.6. Optional Acoustic Microphone Port
The Song Meter Mini 2 has a port for an optional second microphone. This allows for recording
two channels of audio at once and provides redundancy in case one microphone is damaged.
The optional, second microphone can be installed on the right edge of the recorder. When the
optional microphone is not installed, a plastic bolt and rubber gasket are used to seal the port.
For instructions on installing the optional acoustic microphone, see Installing a Second
Microphone (page 14).
3.1.7. Air Vent
An air vent on the side of the enclosure prevents pressure build-up inside the recorder but does
not allow water ingress during normal use.
WARNING
The air vent opening must not be blocked or covered in any way.
A self-regenerating desiccant packet inside the enclosure oers further protection; it will absorb
or release moisture to regulate humidity inside the recorder.
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
8

3.2. INTERNAL FEATURES
1. ON/OFF Switch (page 10): Located in the lower left of the main internal panel.
2. PAIR/STATUS Buon (page 10): Located to the immediate right of the ON/OFF switch.
3. Status LEDs (page 10): Four green/red LEDs laid out horizontally to the right of the PAIR/
STATUS buon and to the left of the FUNCTION buon.
4. Baery Compartment (page 11): The baeries are installed in the lid of the enclosure,
opposite from the main control panel.
5. SD Card Slot (page 12): Located in the upper-right of the main internal panel. SD cards can
be inserted into the slot under a protective plastic panel.
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
9

6. Right Microphone Connector (page 12): Located to the immediate right of the SD Card slot.
7. FUNCTION Buon (page 13): Located to the right of the four Status LEDs.
3.2.1. ON/OFF Switch
•On (up position): Baery power is enabled. Schedule is started.
•O (down position): Baery power is disabled. Schedule is stopped.
When the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is first powered on, the Status LEDs show Bluetooth,
Recording, and SD Card status. If the recorder is left alone for one minute, the LEDs will turn o.
NOTE
When the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is switched o, it goes through a routine to
end and save any current recording. This can take a few seconds.
3.2.2. PAIR/STATUS Buon
This is a dual-function buon.
The Song Meter Mini 2 Status LEDs turn o after one minute without user input. Tap the PAIR/
STATUS buon once to reactivate the Status LEDs.
Press the PAIR/STATUS buon once to check the Status LEDs.
Press and hold the PAIR/STATUS buon for three seconds to enable pairing with the Song Meter
Configurator app. You must the tap the Pair icon in the app to complete the pairing.
To unpair, press and hold the PAIR/STATUS buon on the Song Meter Mini 2 recorder for three
seconds, or tap the Unpair icon in the Song Meter Configurator app.
3.2.3. 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 Song Meter Configurator
app.
The table of Status LED definitions, below, is also found inside the recorder’s lid for reference.
Table 1. Status LED Key
LED Label LED Activity Status Meaning
Bluetooth: O Not paired
Green Blinking Pairing
Green Solid Paired
Red Blinking Clock needs to be set
Red Solid Pair failed
Recording: Green Blinking Recording
Green Solid Waiting for next recording period
Red Solid Cannot record
SD Card: O No card detected
Green Blinking Card is active: do not eject
Green Solid No activity: safe to eject
Song Meter Mini 2 User Guide
10