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!
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