Monday, June 6, 2022

Random Thought Of The Month - May

Running a bit behind this time, with my Random Thought of The Month". This is the random thought for the month of May 2022.

This time, it has to do with technology — more specifically, the technology that we all use everyday: Even more specifically, laptops.

We've probably all heard (or overheard) that expression: "I need a new laptop". Sometimes, prefixed with the word "mom" or "dad" — as in "Mom I need a new laptop! "

In my experience, the person making this statement, is usually someone who doesn't have an understanding of how a laptop operates. They have no idea of what goes on inside a laptop, or even the rudimentary relationship between hardware and software... And in fact, typically have a very limited knowledge of what might be causing their current laptop to behave poorly — Or, "slow" (the most commonly heard complaint).

This complaint is normally made by someone of millennial age, or younger. Although I've also heard it from senior citizens, as well as from people of varying ages.

I must point out, straight away that as part of this discussion — I am not including (considering) any of the end users, clients, etc., whom I'd been tasked with providing computer support to (over the many years of my career). Here, I'm only discussing Family, friends, and acquaintances.

The gist of the situation, is as follows: We have a person, who has simply been using their laptop - Without any idea or care as to it's upkeep... This goes on for some time; after which a laptop invariably begins to slow in it's computing performance. To the impatient, and somewhat spoiled amongst us - this is unacceptable — And a clear indication (as far as they're concerned) that they need a new laptop.

Those with even a cursory knowledge of laptops, have a bit of understanding as to why this happens. And probably even have a vague idea of the machine being in need of some maintenance, etc.

However, someone who is not accustomed to waiting a few extra seconds for anything, begins a slow descent into desperation (and anxiety) over the need for a new laptop.

There are also some additional, amusing tidbits to consider:

  • Not only is there nothing physically wrong with the laptop, but it invariably tends to be a higher end model (retailing well north of $1,000 [US]). Sometimes, easily twice as much.
  • The owner of said laptop, spends 99% of their time just surfing the Web. Spending time on social media, and/or playing games, etc.
  • I've also witnessed a lot of maltreatment of the laptops themselves - Neglecting to place them on hard, flat surfaces: So that the built in vents (and cooling fans) can have access to ambient air. This in turn, forces the machine to run at higher temperatures then it should — causing wide variations in thermal cycling. 
  • In addition to a myriad of minor (compounding) issues and unnecessary wear, this eventually causes what is known (to computer engineers) as "chip creep".

Further to the above, consider the practice of placing laptops on pillows, bedding, blankets, and sheets. Not good.

What typically happens in the aforementioned scenarios, is that the person almost immediately orders a brand new laptop.

I suppose the thing that sticks out to me most, is the lack of productive output —From those usually found in these scenarios. It is the striking contrast, of someone having an expensive/high end tool — Who uses it just to idle away the time.

All while there are many other people, who are struggling to actually produce work —And are forced to use sub—optimal equipment.

As for me, I have always tended to buy affordable laptops. And, having been a computer engineer for about 16 years, I'm able to get them to continue functioning well past their "expected" life span. For those unfamiliar with the accepted business model — that translates to 3 years. Sometimes 2, if it's a very lucrative business or company.

Where many other (private citizens) would have already replaced theirs, twice.

In my case (personally) I will keep a tablet or laptop in continuous use for 8 or 9 years.

Most recently, I'll take a "hand-me-down" laptop from someone. It's a similar scenario —The original owner feels that the laptop isn't good enough for them, or not fast enough for them.

It happens all the time...

This reminds me of a story I once read — A journalist went to spend some time Birding in Costa Rica. His contact/guide there, lived very close to the jungle. This journalist/visitor considered himself an excellent birder... But soon discovered that his host had uncanny, and extraordinary skills as a birder. Not only when spotting and identifying birds using binoculars. But also by ear! He'd never seen anything like it before and was beyond impressed! 

The journalist also soon found out, that this man accomplished all of this - Using an old, cheap, pair of binoculars with a cracked objective lens... And a single, rudimentary field guide (which was beyond well worn).

If I remember correctly, the journalist left the man a new pair of binoculars before leaving.

Incredible — I'm amazed by stories like that. I only wish I still had some information about the article — so that I could share it here.

...and that's how it goes sometimes.

Until next time,

Happy Bat Detecting!

Friday, June 3, 2022

Review: The Batlogger S2 Static Bat Recorder from Elekon

The latest static bat recorder from Elekon, is The BatLogger S2.



Packaging - It arrives in a small, brown cardboard box. And includes a 16GB MicroSD card (installed).

The Batlogger S2 measures 132x72x35mm, and weighs 138 grams.

As just one example, The BatLogger S2 is currently priced at £660 on the NHBS website:



This static bat recorder doesn't have a built in GPS, but rather gets it's location data from the App running on your smartphone.
The Batlogger S2 does have a temperature sensor, and internal rechargeable battery. And a weatherproof enclosure.




It's listed as having a 100 hour recording time (as per Elekon).

I find the design to be a good shape (geometrically speaking). Fairly easy to mount, etc. (although mounting straps aren't provided).

I found the plastic construction of The BatLogger S2 to be less robust than other recorders of it's type on the market.
Additionally, I found the (round) mesh-like covering over the microphone element to be inadequate:
During my brief test period, I found that it allows ambient moisture to enter/contact the (delicate) Mic element. Despite taking additional measures to avoid this.
Elekon advises the user not to mount the S2 in a manner which allows the Mic area to face falling rain.
In other words: avoid exposing the Mic to direct rainfall/raindrops. 

The microphone is a MEMs type element. The Mic board, as well as the system itself utilizes the ubiquitous surface mount technology, which most PCBs use these days. 
Perhaps designing the microphone to sit in a more recessed location, would help avoid direct exposure to rain, etc.?

In use, The S2 is able to be reset (essentially the password) by subjecting the unit itself to motions and/or taps.
This of course, suggests an internal motion sensor.

Elekon's (free version of) BatExplorer (2.1) Sound recording analysis software

Locating, and downloading was Elekon's analysis software was easy.
Installation was also quick. The initial launching of the software took a little while (especially when compared to similar Apps). Many are familiar with this "phenomenon"; and some of us know exactly why it occurs (computer geeks, that is). 
Subsequent launching's of the application were much faster.

I happened to already be quite familiar with The BatExplorer software...
However, the interface has changed...for the better, I'd say: I like the way it looks now...
It does take quite a bit of time to load (a folder) of recordings...

The S2 should be considered by anyone needing a static bat recording solution.

The Batlogger S2 is especially well-suited for someone in need of a physically smaller device. 

You will need to plug the S2 into a standard USB power source (laptop would be ideal; a cell phone charger will also work).

My unit arrived with a flat battery (0% charge). I used a Samsung brand phone charger to charge The S2. This charger, which I had to hand, happened to have the USB-C connector - which is what's required when charging the S2. Unfortunately, a USB-C charging cable is not provided.
I plugged the unit in at 7:30 PM, and 2 hours later - It was only showing 20% charged (via the Batlogger Control phone app).

Just an observation: The built-in thermometers (there are 2) on my unit, consistently mis-reported the temperatures. 
One of the built-in thermometers records/reports the temperature of the S2 itself. The other, reports the ambient temperature...


Pros:
  • BatExplorer software and Controller App are free 
  • Scheduling / Set-up is straightforward.
  • Small size / Light weight
  • Microphone is replaceable / and inexpensive
 
Cons:
  • Not as robust in inclement weather as it could be.
  • MicroSD card requires a “config-type” file to function.
  • Control software is limited.
  • Relatively expensive, compared to others.

Happy bat detecting!

The Next Book To Be Reviewed: ‘Sound Identification Of Terrestrial Mammals Of Britain & Ireland’

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