The BatBox Griffin - New Firmware, New Features!

The BatBox Griffin - Well, the (last) new firmware (Ver. 21) installed just as smoothly as the previous firmware updates. Less than 10 minutes for the whole procedure. The unit powers itself off automatically when finished. A few short applications run upon the following power-up; and that's it.
Going forward, the unit behaves normally. The new features are now in effect and available. Namely:

* Time expansion recording now has the option of choosing x10 or x16.
· From BatBox: "Time expansion has two selectable modes x10 and x16. Menu access to this option is via the ‘settings’ page under ‘sample rate’."
> As for myself, I prefer a factor of 10x when using a time expansion instrument. 10x time expansion is the type that you will most commonly come across. I'll remind the Reader, that I am a Hobbyist. I will say, that many Bat Workers, and Bat Research Professionals may find the 16x useful: For more detailed studies of the recordings in general.
* iBats - The ability to automatically record in iBats format, so that one may participate in the iBats program.
· From BatBox: "A new unattended option for ‘auto record’ modes is an iBats program, which exactly mimics the recording format of the Pettersson D240x in 320ms continuous mode, as used in the international iBats car survey program."
> I have tested this new feature, although I do not currently participate in the iBats Survey Program.
* Fully adjustable Hi-Pass and Lo-Pass Filters, to be used for recording in unattended modes.
· From BatBox: "New adjustable hi-pass and lo-pass filters have been added to unattended modes, accessible via the ‘settings’ page in the menu. This will enable the selection of particular bandwidths in order to avoid background triggering and also make it easier to focus on target species. The filters affect only the triggering, the metering and frequency division but not the full spectrum recording, so that quality of triggered recordings will not be compromised."
> This is one of my favorite new features. I was very glad to see these HPF & LFP filters. When it comes to electronics, and especially bioacoustic recording devices: I have always had a fascination with filters. I plan to study and test these further (and report my findings, etc.). I believe they will prove to be very valuable when monitoring (recording) bats in areas with man-made noise, etc.
· From BatBox: "Playback of recordings has a % of file displayed on the screen in real time so that bat passes can be accurately noted for position in the recordings."

I'm happy to report, that I've had the opportunity to see each of these (welcomed) new features in action. I've had the time to field test them. And, to also use the options during unattended, nightly monitoring sessions. These new enhancements are pretty much self-explanatory, see below:
(I've added some of my thoughts on each, indicated by the '>') *Please Note* These are just a few of the new features that Version 21 incorporates - There are others...And, I urge you to check out the documentation on the BatBox Griffin Page.

Recent Visit To Bartow Pell Mansion - And, Other Miscellaneous Things...

What follows, is the "debriefing" of my recent visit to Bartow Pell Mansion:
Unfortunately, there weren't many bats recorded: We are getting pretty close, to the end of the season for the majority of our local bats here. I'm still sorting through the recordings made on The Griffin, so there is a chance that I did pick up (an unseen) bat... If so, I will add the sonogram(s) to this post.
-But- I did end up recording a nice assortment of singing insects. That was great!
Yes, one of my other major hobbies is recording singing insects - But - In the interest of those who are interested only in bats; I've kept the subject (and recordings) of insects, out of this blog. I'm sure most Folks prefer it that way. The subject of recording singing insects would definitely need it's own blog!

I can tell you, that The Batbox Griffin and the SSF2 BAT were a pleasure to use in the field!  Dodotronic's Ultramic200K was great, too! (set up on a tiny tripod)

For now, you can have a look at a short video I took of the area. This is behind the mansion. You can hear the water fountain (pond) in the background, among the sounds of singing insects:

Remember, The Griffin Review isn't finished yet...and the SSF2 BAT Review will be coming up soon...

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The BatBox Griffin, From BatBox, Ltd. (UK) Part 1 Of 3

The Amazing BatBox Griffin, From BatBox, Ltd. (UK) Part 1 Of 3

I was very pleasantly surprised, to have the opportunity to review the formidable Griffin (multiple technology) bat detector; from BatBox Ltd. in England. This is their top-of-the-range model, aimed at Professionals; and advanced hobbyists. For those who are not already familiar with this unit, I urge you to visit the BatBox Web site. And, for anyone wanting more detailed information and specifications, etc.; I would strongly recommend that you download & read the User Guide. Not only will it describe the system in detail; but it also provides great recording tips, which includes specific battery recommendations. And, it basically gives you an idea of what a high-end (Top-of-the-range) bat detector is made of.

The Griffin - BatBox Ltd.'s flagship bat detecting system, is an impressive unit to behold. In the hand, you are able to perceive a bit of heft to it - But not too much. Especially when you consider what this unit offers: An advanced, self-contained bat detecting system; which automatically records to CF memory cards. In addition, it's loaded with useful features. This is not just another high-performance bat detector - It is a complete system: Which allows automatic/unattended and scheduled (timed) recordings - Where recording start & stop times are specified by the user. 

First things first: This unit is 3 complete bat detectors, in one hand-held package. Remarkable.
I've got to tell you, for starters - I've determined that the unit is very sensitive, in each of the three modes! Also, being able to easily toggle, through each of the modes (with a simple push of the 'H' button) is really nice.
The frequency division mode is excellent, just as sensitive as their Baton model - Which, as some readers may remember: I have always praised very highly! (and still do). It appears that BatBox really knows how to make a good FD system!
The heterodyne setting is nice and sensitive, the volume may be set quite high if desired (without distortion).
The time expansion system is excellent - Providing an awesome sampling rate of 705.6 kHz
And, the mixed / Binaural setting works a treat! Very nice.

Another prominent feature: Is the large blue display. It is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Frankly, it is the loveliest display I've ever seen on a bat detector.

Some More Initial Impressions:
There is something a little different, and a bit interesting about this instrument: In that the more you use it, the more you come to appreciate it - Especially, it's features.

Things like: Being able to see your remaining battery life at a glance (displayed right on screen), having a graphical representation of your sensitivity setting (Trigger Level for recording), Real-time display of ambient light and current temperature. I happen to really like the (dynamic) bar indicator, which also indicates the point at which recording will be triggered. It reminds me of the types you see on most modern sound recorders these days.
Another one of the features that you must actually use to truly appreciate, is how a you can see just how many triggered events have occurred - By taking a glance at the display. I've found this to be a great plus. It is akin to having a live gauge of your recording progress.
In an area well populated by bats, or where bats are seen in flight: You can see a numerical representation of your recording progress.
As another example: Imagine you are using the system in it's Silent Mode (another great feature!). Whether in a static location, using it for unattended monitoring, or even walking along wooded areas in the field: The Griffin's display, will indicate the number of recordings (triggered events) that have been made. It can help you decide, if you've collected a sufficient number of recordings for the night.

The front-mounted speaker produces excellent-quality sound, which can be adjusted in fine increments, using the encoder knob. Instant playback of recordings (in the field) is yet another uncommon luxury. There are also various options available, which allow a user to configure several different methods of unattended recording.

All-in-all, a very convenient system - It's very easy to use!

Stayed tuned for Part 2 Of 3 of this review - Which will include: A lot more info, performance observations, and some sonograms.

Click here for Part 2 Of 3 of this review

Happy bat detecting!

The Next Bat Detector To Be Reviewed: The Griffin From BatBox, Ltd. UK

Just a very quick "Heads-up" - To let you know, that the next bat detector I'll be testing and reviewing will be  The Griffin, from BatBox Ltd.

Have a look at this machine!

------------------------Unpacking-----------------------

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 ---------Display, outdoors, In the dark (Listening) Enhanced to compensate for Camera ------

Happy bat detecting!