Sunday, May 28, 2023

A Muon Detector (nothing to do with bats), The Dodotronic Evo 384K USB Mic Review, Another TeensyBat, PiPPYG's, and Batwalks...

OK, this isn't a bat detector...And it basically has absolutely nothing to do with bats. I apologize; but it's just too cool not to share. 


The complete (unbuilt) Muon Detector Kit
from UKRAA (Link Here).


It's a Muon Detector kit. It detects particles called muons, which originate from cosmic rays entering Earth's atmosphere - And I will confess: Lately, I've become a wee bit obsessed with them. 
In any case, I'm determined to acquire a kit.



For those of you who don't solder/build kits - There's
a fully completed/tested kit, in enclosure available (Here).

Now, after some substantial web searching, you'll find (as I did) that Muon detector kits aren't easy to find. It turns out that, as with everything else I adore, the best kits are found in The UK! From The UK Radio Astronomy Association (www.UKRAA.com).

The (scarce) Muon detectors normally encountered (when one searches fervently for them) are almost always DIY units. Such as this one (what the UKRAA kit is based on). The issue with this one, and all the other (hobbyist-level/DIY) kits, is that in order to build it, one has to order the various components from several different suppliers/locations. 

That is what makes these kits from UKRAA so attractive: They come complete with everything in one package - Even down to the small quantity of optical grease needed for construction! (in small syringe).  

I've been researching them left, right, and center even delving into Particle Physics along the way! The most complex math equations I've ever seen in my life!

As for bat detectors: The Evo 384K USB Microphone from Dodotronic is currently under test. I certainly plan to put it through it's paces. Note: This device records ultrasound and audible sound simultaneously. So far, I've made short recordings of Barred Owls, Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus), and some unidentified creature(s) from the woods. All I keep thinking is - It's time to consult the 'Is That a Bat' book!
The Evo 384k will be featured in a presentation review on BatAbility Courses & Tuition on Tuesday, May 30th!

I am slowly but surely making progress on building more PiPPYG's and Batwalk units...My goal is to provide any supplemental information, construction notes, tips, etc. for these units.  

Best wishes & happy bat detecting!

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