Unwavering Dedication to "My" Bat Detectors

"Find what you love and let it kill you"     

 -Bukowski

Sure, I can talk about it now; I'll try to keep it short. Unnecessary details have been omitted.

Lest anyone doubt my dedication to bat detectors... lol ...read on:

It was August 23rd (2021) I had some superfluous concern for the wee kit; I knew it would be fine, but still...

It had been exposed to non-stop rain (from hurricane Henry) for 12+ hours; and I knew the batteries were halfway to flat.

Everything was very muddy...some torn clothes and a few hours later: 

A Doctor was confirming that my shoulder wasn't dislocated. He recommended an MRI and orthopedic specialist (concerned about torn/damaged rotator cuff, cartilage/nerves, etc.).

I got a nifty navy blue sling for my right arm, and lots of pain.

Needless to say, I was determined early on, not to allow this little mishap delay my current testing, and upcoming reviews - and it didn't.

 

Bruise from torn bicep

So, an Orthopedic Dr. had X-Rays performed; and scheduled an MRI. 

Turns-out, I fractured my shoulder. Luckily, surgery wasn't required.

Things in progress (back in 2021):

Currently in the early stages of testing/data collection, using USB microphones from Pettersson Electronic. Utilizing the Bat Recorder Android app by Bill Krause, which I found to work very well! 

Also working on a video presentation review, for The M500 and U384 USB Mics from Pettersson. This will be featured exclusively on The BatAbility Club Web Site.

With more amazing equipment on the horizon...

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The uMoth (AudioMoth) From Open Acoustic Devices

Review: The uMoth (AudioMoth) From Open Acoustic Devices

FYI: A full, webinar (review) of The uMoth was presented on The BatAbility Club (on 9/11/2023). This detailed discussion (1+ hour) is available for viewing anytime, to members of the Club (individual memberships are only £30 per month).

The uMoth is the worlds smallest passive bat recorder. It is a miniaturized version of the well-known AudioMoth, passive/static wildlife sound recorder. Just like the larger (original) AudioMoth unit - The uMoth is not only able to record ultrasound, but sounds in the audible range as well.

Stock Photo - Back/Microchip view of The uMoth.

This brings to mind The AudioMoth Live desktop App, and the fact that the heterodyne detector simulator, tunes down to 12kHz. 

Let me point out straight away, that Open Acoustic Devices is a non-profit organization. There are two firms who manufacture these devices designed by The Open Acoustic Devices Team. They are: GroupGets and LabMaker.

Front of The uMoth - Where the microphone hole, MicroSD card slot, Battery connector, Main switch, and MicroUSB connector reside.

The current price(s) from the manufacturers (at the time of this writing) are:

GroupGets - $99.99 + Shipping

LabMaker - Currently not available (sold out)

Packaging - The uMoth arrived (rather quickly) to me, here on the East coast of The US, from England. It arrived well-packaged & protected. See below - Inner box, after removing from external, brown padded envelope: 

The uMoth PCB, packed with Silica gel

(cute business card is visible through static-proof bag).

The uMoth measures 32 x 24mm and the PCB itself weighs just 5 grams (without battery).

It's intended to be used on certain animals as well. The fact that it's so small and light, makes it an excellent candidate for attaching to animals (especially large mammals); providing Ecologists/Biologists with dynamic sound recordings. Adding a very interesting facet to their collection of sound files.

Photo above shows: The uMoth, USB based battery charger, and an enclosed battery. Photo provided by Open Acoustic Devices.

Features - As per Open Acoustic Devices' site: 

• Silicon Labs Wonder Gecko microcontroller:

– 48MHz 32-bit processor 

– DSP instruction support and floating-point unit 

– 256kB Flash 

– 32kB RAM plus an extra 256kB of external SRAM 

– For full details of the Wonder Gecko microcontroller please see the Wonder Gecko reference manual. 

• On-board analog MEMS microphone, Sensitivity -18 dBV/Pa, 63 dBA SNR, 10Hz to 192kHz 

• Sample rates up to 384kHz 

• Micro-USB B port for power, configuration and for reprogramming the Flash 

• 2-pin JST-PH header for connecting external power supplies (3.6V to 6V) 

• 6-pin 2.54mm pitch header for multi-function 3V General Purpose I/O (GPIO) 

• 6-pin 2.54mm pitch serial wire debug port 

• MicroSD card connector compatible with up to 1TB capacity

One of the reasons why I became fascinated with The uMoth: It's ability to comfortably fit into an empty film pot! With battery! Photo provided by Open Acoustic Devices.

Yes - It's in there, with MicroSD card inserted, and battery (it's sitting atop Page 2, of the 7-page datasheet). 

The uMoth has been designed to not only be incredibly small, but also versatile. Those who know their way around single board computing devices (like the Raspberry Pi or Arduino) will be happy to see the flexibility offered by The uMoth. Several available contact pads, offering: GIPO/logic states, a 3v power output, and other geeky goodness, provides plenty to keep an evil genius satisfied.

If at this point you're wondering "what is he going on about?"

Have you ever wished that your coffee maker could turn on at the first fly by of a bat? Well, it wouldn't be out of the question using this circuit board as your starting point...

                        

                                                            

GIPO pads are clearly visible on the circuit board.

I found several tiny screwdrivers ideally sized for the turning the rotary switch.

                                                         

Here is a link directly to the Datasheet for The uMoth. When you do order a battery (or two) for it, make sure that it comes equipped with the correct size JST-PH connector.

It just so happened, that one of the batteries I ordered (from Amazon) came with everything needed to get the battery attached to The uMoth. As well as an excellent printed page, describing all you need to know about JST connectors:

                                                     

This one included a small length of heat shrink tubing, 2 connectors (w/red & black leads), and a convenient fold-out providing you with all you need to know about JST connectors.

An assortment of JST connectors.

       

You may learn more about JST connectors here.

To give you an idea of what your typical batteries will look like:

The first two are ideal sizes, for a good balance between small size and performance. The extra small (100maH) one was used for experimental enclosures (paper clip for scale).

I cut and soldered the red & black wires (into their correct places) and used my own heat shrink tubing. However, you do not need to go that route. For someone not keen on splicing wires and soldering: The included instructions and something like a ball point pen (or similar) are all that is required to achieve what is needed. 

The uMoth is a bat detector/wildlife sound recorder which may be used in a simple manner (with minimal configuration) - Or, fully customised by specifying times to turn on/record, shut-off/stand-by, trigger by amplitude, trigger by filter setting, and other options.

The AudioMoth Configuration App

Default screen/when first launched - 1970 appears, to help remind you to set the clock.

The next tab is for scheduling.

The next tab, allows you to narrow down which sounds get recorded, by the set-up of filter settings.

The next setting, allows you to set which sounds get recorded, by the set-up of sound duration.

A look at the 'Advanced' tab and it's available settings.

The uMoth would be ideally suited for those wanting the features and performance of the full-sized AudioMoth, in a much smaller package.

Ballpoint pen for scale.

This tiny unit would also be good for those needing to deploy several recorders, quickly, and easily - across a medium-sized area. The uMoth is excellent for attaching to trees. And again, may be attached directly onto medium to large sized animals - providing unique recording opportunities.

Especially, for example if a certain species shares it's habitat closely with the target species.

An example of an quick/simple approach to set-up might entail something like:

• Inserting an appropriate MicroSD card & attaching a recommended battery.
• Configuring the unit via the AudioMoth Configuration software.
• Making sure your time is set - Via Configuration /or Chime App.
• Deploy in desired location.

An example of a more thorough approach to set-up, might include additional steps, things like:

• Configuring the unit to turn on/off at desired times. Up to 4 times in a 24 hour period.
• Setting-up the filter settings.
• Setting-up time duration settings (Minimum trigger duration).

During my extensive testing, I found The uMoth to reproduce sounds very accurately. I found it to offer plenty of sensitivity, with very little self noise. 

Just to outline what each of the three switch settings provide:

• USB/OFF

Consider this a starting point: With a USB cable connected, it allows you to: Set the on-board clock, configure scheduled recording(s), and apply new firmware.

When not connected to a computer, it serves as an Off switch.

• Custom

If configured (recording schedule has been set): The uMoth will start running it's configuration. In order for this to happen, the clock must be set - Either during configuration, or with a chime from your smartphone.

• Default

This will cause The uMoth to start recording continuously. It will use whichever sample rate, and gain level is configured. The clock doesn't need to be set.

Below, are just a few short spectrograms, made using The uMoth, and using Kaleidoscope Pro software, from Wildlife Acoustics:

Eptesicus Fuscus - Big Brown Bat

Eptesicus Fuscus - Big Brown Bat

Lasionycteris Noctivagans - Silver-Haired Bat

Some additional features:

• EFM32 Gecko processor

• Capable of recording at sample rates up to 384kHz

• Records uncompressed WAV files to microSD card

• Powered by a two pin JST-PH connector 

• Can be used with 3.7 V - 6 V batteries

• Analog MEMS microphone

• Analog pre-amplifier with adjustable gain

• Measures just 26 x 36 mm

• Configurable USB interface

• Onboard real-time clock keeps track of time in UTC

• Exposed header for GPIO expansion 

Pros:

• Excellent, sensitive, low-noise microphone.

• High-quality, detailed recordings.

• Very small size.

• Long battery life versus size of batteries (LiPo).

Cons:

• Configuration isn't as easy as other (more expensive) static recorders.
• Cannot always be ordered immediately (may need to join a campaign).
• The clock must always be set: Either via a few clicks, while connected to PC, or via the smartphone chime app.

Again, the only way to order this device, is through either of the manufacturer's respective web sites:

GroupGets - $99.99 + Shipping

LabMaker -  Not available (currently sold out)

I've also been (slowly) working on creating videos, and posting them on my YouTube channel. I would greatly appreciate it, if you would visit, and please consider subscribing. Not for the reason why most YouTubers ask for you to "please subscribe, and hit that button...and bell" and whatever else - No, I'm only asking, for the sheer desire to share information.

As it has always been one of my main goals, from the very beginning with this blog - For it to be a free, non-profit, ad-free place - where I help get the word out about the latest and greatest bat detectors. It's basically the only place on the Web, where you can get completely honest, unbiased, reviews of bat detectors (and associated equipment).

So, again, as for my YouTube channel - I have no expectation of ever achieving 1,000 Subscribers. And that's totally fine.

However, if you know of anyone who might find my (short) videos of interest, please share! It would be nice to have around 100 subscribers one day...

Thanks! 

I've also just started to create simple videos, which allow me to share the actual sound recordings produced by the different bat recorders. There are a few there (so far...) of recordings from this uMoth. 

I may as well mention...My Twitter: @batdetectors

And my Instagram: batdetectors

I'll also take this opportunity to mention, that we've talked about doing a live webinar/presentation review of The AudioMoth USB Mic. It is tentatively planned for The BatAbility Club, in November. As always, it will be a live, detailed, presentation - with opportunities for Club members to ask questions, etc.

This brand-new USB Mic, is the very latest device just developed, by the Team at Open Acoustic Devices in the UK. As far as I know, I'm the only one outside of The Open Acoustic Devices Team, to actually get my hands on one! They aren't available for sale yet. I'm happy to state that I've had plenty of time to test this new USB Mic:

Firstly, I really like it!

And, secondly, I did post a written review of it here on the blog.

 

It is a versatile USB Microphone because it can be attached to either a laptop or smartphone. 

When it does become available for purchase, it will be affordable, at or below the $100 mark...

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting!

Book Review: Big Bat Year A Conservation Story by Nils Bouillard

Review: Big Bat Year - A Conservation Story by Nils Bouillard

The book may be seen here, at the publisher's site.

Big Bat Year, takes the reader along on the unique journey made by it's author, to see as many different species of bats as possible, in a single year.

For those of you who weren't aware, this is similar to a "Big bird year" which some avid birders undertake; often traveling around the world, to see as many different species of birds in a single calendar year.

The book is 232 pages in length, measures 6.21 x 0.63 x 8.92 inches, weighs 510 grams, and was published on April 27th, 2023.

I was very curious about this book, from the time I first learned of it. By the time I'd reached the bottom of page 4 - after reading the rules, which the author decided to impose on himself, I realized two things:

•  He's thought things through, and isn't going to make it easy for himself.
•  I'm going to enjoy reading about this adventure!

This book is unique. This factor was obvious to me, from the time of the book's release. It isn't the kind of book on bats you and I are used to. One of the key differences, is that this is a book which you sit down and read through. 

I know, please bear with me here...

It's a recounting of an adventure, a memoir of a young man determined to accomplish something (unique) which no one had set out to do before:

Record as many different species of bats as possible, while traveling around the world, and limiting yourself to one calendar year. 

I think you would agree, that he's accomplished this goal admirably! 

As always, I advise you to shop around for the best price, and delivery times. Link to NHBS below to get you started:

Back to the book...

I was pleased to read page 11, because it was the first time in which bat detectors were discussed!

Some interesting facts about invasive species began on page 13. There are such sections placed throughout the book. I will not report on all of them, so as to leave some as surprises.

An exciting description of recording a bat in New Caledonia on page 32.

I loved reading about the events leading up to the author's purchase of an AnaBat Walkabout detector (pages 34-35).

There's some concise, but effective, and encouraging words on page 69, for anyone who has ever considered learning more about bats.

Pages 71-74 (Sepilok, Borneo) has a little something for everyone - By the time you reach this point in the book, you've become well-aware that the author gives reports of many different types of animals encountered (not just bats). This will undoubtedly keep naturalists intrigued. 

Pages 75 through 206 represented the whirlwind tour of bat chasing I was looking forward to! 

With a "stop" on page 98, for a concise overview of bats & disease. 

And a short, but informative "stop" on page 100 for an explanation of bats & culture (I enjoyed it!).

Page 114 discussed the author's acquisition of The EM3 detector (from Wildlife Acoustics) so I was smiling!

There was a fascinating "first" described on page 161 (no, I'm not going to disclose everything...).

Pros:

• A unique book, which is easy to read.
• Beautiful assortment of photos.
• Very nice descriptions of the animals encountered. 

Cons:

• I would have loved to see more pictures of bats.

I found the book very interesting, at times exciting, and overall inspiring. It would be of interest to anyone connected to bats in any way; and would also be a great introduction to the world of bats for a newcomer.

If you know a birder, who either would (or should!) be interested in learning more about bats: This is the book to gift them! 

In fact, as I type this, more than one person comes to my mind...Indeed, I will inform the leaders of the 2 Birding Groups I used to tag along with - Highly recommended!  

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting!