Review: Baton XD From BatBox Ltd. Part 2 Of 2

Review: Baton XD From BatBox Ltd. Part 2 Of 2

As for the process of using it, it just doesn't get much easier - The Baton XD may still have just the one button. However, for those even vaguely familiar with the (simple) instructions: It's a piece of cake, really.
For instance, I would direct the reader, to Page 2 of The Quick Start Guide
The operation of the Baton XD is very straightforward. So much so, that an attempt to describe the graphical instructions, seems redundant. 

The unit is very accurate. As for the resulting spectrograms: They are simply lovely. And by that, I mean not only aesthetically pleasing, but very accurate as well. While testing the last few bat recording units, I have accumulated a lot of data... As a result, while testing bat detectors these days, I find myself deleting the majority of recordings - Including spectrograms. So, please bear with me, while I collect some (using The Baton XD) to post directly into this review. 

The weather here in New York, USA - Has just now become conducive to bat flight/activity. And I hope to have some spectrograms pasted here very soon...Along with other data. However, I would like to do more than just post spectrograms, as I've done in the past.

This year, I thought it would be nice, to provide night vision videos of the bats; as they are being recorded: Essentially giving Visitors a more accurate experience of each individual bat detector, while in use. It is also a lot easier to include video recordings of the bats in flight, than to include audio clips only.
Well, more on this later... 

Back to the subject at hand: The new BatBox Baton XD.

What can I say about this new Baton XD? In my experience, it's proven to be every bit of a workhorse as it's predecessor. That being the original BatBox Baton; which I've owned and used, for years. Although, this unit is even more capable and versatile. When you're in a hurry: It's nice to have a (good quality) bat detector, which you may count on, on your way out the door. 
It's the type of unit, which is simply there when you need it.

As an analogy: It's very similar to the compact pair of binoculars, which a Birder "usually grabs on their way out the door". As you may know, avid Birders usually own quite a few pairs of binoculars. But, many of them come to realize (in time) that there seems to be one pair, which they always reach for - At a moment's notice. That is how I would describe The BatBox Baton XD.
A Hobbyist, and especially a Pro Bat Worker, is also likely to have many bat detectors at their disposal. Now, depending on exactly which, and how many they have available - Chances are, if they are in a rush, The Baton XD would be the one chosen.

Having made that statement, I shall go directly into The Pros & Cons of the unit:

Pros:

• Simplicity - It may be operated without even thinking about it.
• Small / Self-contained - Relatively easy to slip into a (large) pocket (if need be).
• Sensitive / Accurate - It's general performance, is in a word: Impressive!
• Great battery life.
• Features ("real") Time Expansion mode.
• Attaches to a cell phone / smartphone for recording, live spectrograms & advanced features.  

Cons:

• Recording is not built in - An external device of some type must be attached.
• The unit is somewhat directional, by design - Microphone cannot be expected to be effective at more than 180 degrees.
  
• Microphone sensitivity not adjustable - Professionals may desire this feature.

In summary: I'll go ahead and state it - Many of you may already be thinking it: The Cons listed above, may seem a bit "nit picky" to some. Fair enough.

The fact is, I've had a relatively difficult time providing substantial Cons.

For example: The two settings for the volume (in FD mode) have proven satisfactory during my tests.

I happen to like the fact, that the microphone element is protected - Recessed into the built-in "horn" in front.

As previously stated, this (Part 2) component of the Baton XD review, will be updated. Spectrograms, etc., will be added soon.

In the meantime, as always, please feel free to leave Comments (or questions) regarding The Baton XD.

Happy bat detecting! 

Review: Baton XD From BatBox Ltd. Part 1 Of 2

Review: The Baton XD bat detector from Batbox Ltd. Part 1 Of 2

The BatBox Baton XD is a new, dual technology bat detector, from BatBox Ltd. UK

I suppose, that after having tested and reviewed almost 40 different bat detectors, I must have developed the ability to discern a bat detector's ability right away. 
These days, I can practically tell how effective (sensitive) a bat detector is likely to be - Simply by powering it on...Indoors.

Case-in-point, the new Baton XD detector, from BatBox Ltd. A perfect example.
As soon as I un-boxed it, and powered it on: I could sense right-away, that an "ultrasonic mist net" had just been deployed. It could hear the faintest high frequency sounds within many meters, in any direction. It didn't take very long to realize that this one's a keeper!

 

It features two principal modes of detection: High-quality Frequency Division and Time-expansion (10x). This unit boasts a frequency response better than 18kHz to 120kHz.
 
Particularly note-worthy, is that time-expansion is among the methods of detection which this portable unit is capable of. We ought to keep in mind, that time-expansion is a technology, which has only recently been made affordable. Most especially, to the average Hobbyist. 
If you were among those bat detecting Hobbyists, who longed to have a TE detector - But could not afford one, then this Baton XD is (still) a "Big deal" for you. 
For a long time, I was among the many Hobbyists who hoped to own a detector with the ability to record in time-expansion. And I could not afford one either...

This is not to insinuate that time-expanded recordings are necessarily the "best", or most desirable of methods for recording and/or analysis -- Only that, until recently, it was simply out-of-reach for most. Including some Ecologists, in fact! Now that I think of it...
It wasn't too long ago, that the lowest-cost TE-capable unit, was selling for $1,500 U.S. Dollars. Two units in particular, come immediately to mind, in fact. 

With the release of the Baton XD from BatBox -- We now have a very capable -and- affordable unit; with which to make time-expanded recordings of echolocating bats.
The Reader may notice, that I've used the words "very capable". This is because The XD from BatBox Ltd. is the first of it's kind, to allow continuous / unattended recording (of TE calls). A rather important distinction, when one looks at the available prospects on the market today. Especially in this price range.

It may also be noted, that BatBox was not the first manufacturer to offer a TE-capable unit, in recent years. One that was affordable, that is.
The X05 Series from Ciel comes to mind. My full review of it, may be found Here.
However, this new Baton XD from BatBox, brings us to another level of (TE) recording ability. As well as the ability to choose a Professional quality, Frequency Divided output.

It's size and weight are very similar to the original Baton (which I've written about / Reviewed Here).
Some current retail prices for a Baton XD, range between about $362 (directly from BatBox Ltd.) to $436 (from NHBS); U.S. Dollars. And, of course, there are other online sources to order from as well. Wildlife & Countryside Services has it for £295 including
UK delivery and VAT. I would encourage you to shop around for the best price. 

A very effective way to become familiar with it's features, is to to take a look through the free-to-download Quick Start Guide (direct PDF download Here).

As for the design, it is very similar to the original BatBox Baton; which I'm sure many are at least somewhat familiar with.

This advanced technology Baton XD still retains the ease-of-use of the original. This will be a comfort to those who have owned a Baton before. I found it to be so.

The Baton XD would be an ideal choice, for both beginning and advanced Hobbyists. 
With it's ability to connect to many smartphones: For live analysis, or recording, directly to a smartphone - Many Professionals will find it to be a valuable bit of kit. 
For instance, on Page 1 of The Quick Guide -- The Baton XD is indicated for transects:

"Baton XD is available with built-in strong magnets which will enable the unit to be attached to the exterior of most cars for mobile transect road surveys." 

In the past, I've referred to (the original) BatBox Baton as a "workhorse" of a bat detector. This new Baton XD, is an innovative new bat detector; which is sure to become the new high-tech "workhorse" detector, for many. Especially die hard Fans of the original Baton.   

The Baton XD allows the (headphone-equipped) user, to listen to both the TE (AKA 'TX') and FD audio at the same time. With the push of a button, the user may choose to listen to the TE sounds in the left side, and the FD in the right side; of the headphones -- Or, the other way around, if preferred.
Again, a brief glance at Page 1, of The Quick Start Guide will illustrate all...And of course, the ability to record to your smartphone is also an attractive prospect.

 Part 2 Of 2 of this Review will cover the following material and topics:

• A description of the process of using it.
• Photos
• Accuracy and resulting Spectrograms  
• Pros and Cons  
• Summary

The bats are hibernating for the Winter (for the most part), here in New York USA. The BatBox Baton XD and The M500 USB Microphone (from Pettersson) were the two detectors which I finished the season with.

Part 2 of this Review, will be followed by the (long-overdue) Review of the new M500 USB Microphone from Pettersson. There are several exciting developments there as well!

Happy bat detecting!
(to those South of the Equator!) 

An Interesting Update - For Owners Of The BatBox Baton XD

Just a temporary update post, (an FYI) for owners of The new Baton XD from BatBox. This reminds me of a "Technical Bulletin" commonly issued to Service Departments of computer hardware systems...

A recent post, from BatBox Ltd. --

"Anyone using the Baton XD bat detector may be interested to know that last night whilst using it I discovered an additional unplanned feature. I'd left the connecting lead in the car but remembered the smartphone. When I opened one of the Spectrogram apps, Spectral Pro, it picked up the expanded bat calls from the XD speaker through the phone mic. and displayed them quite clearly on the Android screen. Although phone screens are relatively small, it is quite possible to distinguish the call traces of all three pip species, plus noctule, serotine and myotis (not to species level) without the connecting lead. Of course this requires a fairly quiet background. I know the mics on phones, these days, are easily capable of covering a range of 12kHz so, theoretically, should be able to handle time expanded calls of all British bats."

There you have it, something new to experiment with!

Happy bat detecting!

Frequency Division Bat Detectors, This And That...

...Somewhere between heterodyne and time-expansion bat detectors, lies the frequency division detector. Not the bottom-of-the-range model FD detectors, mind you - But units that are closer to top-of-the-range.
These are the units that are very useful for bat detecting. Many of them have good pick-up range; and produce favorable recording results. These results are often clear enough, to enable you to make decent sonograms. Especially if the system retains amplitude.

Amplitude retaining FD bat detectors do exist. An excellent overview, and simple explanation of amplitude retention may be seen Here.

Two models of FD detectors that immediately come to mind are:
The Ciel CDB205 and The BatBox Baton.

The Ciel CDB205 is a Frequency Division bat detector that allows you to observe the whole spectrum of bat sounds from 18 to 120 KHz simultaneously. The whole spectrum is divided by 10 and can then be heard on the integrated speaker. It can also be connected to a recording device over the high level line out, for analysis or listening at a later date. The unit comes with an integrated LED torch for detecting in the dark. Requires a 9v battery which is not included with the device.

The BatBox Baton is a simple but versatile bat detector having a monitor speaker allowing reduction of frequencies between 20kHz to 120kHz. The division factor is 10, reducing the sounds of a 50kHz bat to 5kHz. The unit comes with a version of BatScan sound analysis software, developed especially for the Baton.

Having owned, and extensively used both of these kits; I can recommend the BatBox Baton as the better detector of the two.

The Ciel 205 had neat little features that I liked: The translucent green buttons are illuminated, when powered on, the volume is adjustable, and it has the built in LED "torch" (AKA flashlight) to find your way out of the woods with. Each of these features prove to be cool; especially if the majority of use will be during Bat Walks. The CDB205 has recently been replaced with a new version, now known as Revision 2. The 9v - PP3 battery is installed by plugging it into a (heavy-duty plastic) 9v battery snap, inside the compartment in the back.

The BatBox Baton is slim and compact, making it even more portable than your average bat detector. It's single Power On/Off button is inconspicuous - Illuminating with 4 rather muted points of LED light 'round the button itself. Indicating the On/Off status of the unit. Depending on what was available on the date of manufacture - You may get Blue or Red lights. Battery compartment is robust and simple. I use re-chargeable 9v - PP3 NiMH batteries. And, I've replaced batteries in my unit countless times - Without anything ever breaking down or wearing out.

As I've posted on this blog before: One of my main concerns, in regards to the performance (and value) of a bat detector, is it's ability to pick up bats well, and at good distances. Well, the Ciel is a nice detector, and I had used mine quite a bit. However, the BatBox Baton's sensitivity was simply amazing. Thanks in part, to it's use of a MEMs microphone element - It picked up bats very well (and clear), from unprecedented distances away.
Until now, the Baton had been the "Undisputed Champ" of long-distance bat detecting. But, it has finally met it's match - With the release of Dodotronic's Ultramic200K microphone. This new, USB microphone is able to pick-up/record bats at distances of 50 meters away! : )

So, the record stands...until the next bat detector comes out, that can beat it!

Tune-in tomorrow - Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!