WILDLIFE Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User manual

Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
January 26, 2024

Table of Contents
1. Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Quickstart Guide ............................................................................. 3
2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. About the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ............................................................................. 4
2.2. Changes from the Song Meter Mini Bat to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 ...................... 4
2.3. Baery Configuration Versions .............................................................................. 7
2.4. Useful Resources ................................................................................................... 7
3. Song Meter Mini Bat 2 Hardware ...................................................................................... 9
3.1. External Features ................................................................................................... 9
3.2. Internal Features .................................................................................................. 13
3.3. Microphones ......................................................................................................... 18
3.4. Update Firmware Using the Physical Controls ..................................................... 20
3.5. Load a Configuration File from an SD Card Using the Hardware Buons ............... 21
3.6. Export Configuration and Diagnostic Files to an SD Card from the Main Panel ..... 22
4. Song Meter Configurator App ......................................................................................... 24
4.1. About the App ....................................................................................................... 24
4.2. Recorders Screen ................................................................................................ 26
4.3. Configuration Editor Screen ................................................................................ 35
4.4. Configuration Library Screen ............................................................................... 61
4.5. App Information Screen ...................................................................................... 69
4.6. Understanding Schedules .................................................................................... 70
5. SD Card Contents ............................................................................................................ 78
5.1. SD Card Organization ............................................................................................ 78
5.2. File Name Conventions ......................................................................................... 78
5.3. Audio Files ............................................................................................................ 78
5.4. Summary File ........................................................................................................ 81
5.5. Diagnostics Files .................................................................................................. 82
6. Analysis Software ........................................................................................................... 84
6.1. Kaleidoscope Pro .................................................................................................. 84
6.2. Third-Party Software ........................................................................................... 86
7. Maintanance ................................................................................................................... 87
7.1. Deployment Checklist ........................................................................................... 87
7.2. Waterproofing ..................................................................................................... 87
7.3. Mounting .............................................................................................................. 87
7.4. Security ............................................................................................................... 88
8. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 89
8.1. Recorder Not Turning On ...................................................................................... 89
8.2. Recorder Not Updating Status ............................................................................. 89
8.3. Unable to Pair App with Recorder ........................................................................ 90
8.4. SD Card Error Messages ....................................................................................... 91
9. Specifications ................................................................................................................. 94
9.1. Physical Specifications .......................................................................................... 94
9.2. Audio and Microphones ........................................................................................ 94
9.3. Baeries .............................................................................................................. 97
9.4. SD Card Compatibility ......................................................................................... 100
10. Warranty and Disclosures ............................................................................................ 102
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
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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 97).
3. Insert an SD Card into the recorder's SD Card slot.
For additional information regarding SD cards, see SD Card Compatibility (page 100).
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 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.
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.
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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 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.
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 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 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 9).
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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 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 7) 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.
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.
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.
Song Meter Mini Bat 2 User Guide
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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 approximately 10 dB more sensitive in
the ranges 20-50 kHz and 70-105 kHz.
Figure 1. Sensitivity and Noise of the Song Meter Mini Bat 1 and 2 Ultrasonic
Microphones
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
48) for details on changing this seing.
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.
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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 97) 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 98) for details on choosing compatible
baeries.
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.
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 97).
2.4. USEFUL RESOURCES
2.4.1. Where to Find This User Guide
This user guide is published in multiple locations:
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• 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.
2.4.2. 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 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): [phone]
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3. SONG METER MINI BAT 2 HARDWARE
3.1. EXTERNAL FEATURES
Figure 2. 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).
3. The Ultrasonic Microphone is installed flush with the enclosure, protected from water and
animals by a metallic mesh over a water-proof membrane. See Microphones (page 18).
4. The Enclosure Hinge keeps the lid and body of the recorder permanently aached.
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Figure 3. Front-Right View
1. A Padlock Loop allows the enclosure to be locked closed. See Padlock Compatibility (page 12)
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 19).
4. The Bar Code Label lists the recorder's Model Name and Serial Number.
5. A water-proof Vent regulates humidity and pressure inside the enclosure.
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