Review: The Batlogger S2 Static Bat Recorder from Elekon

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!

The Batlogger M2 From Elekon - Updated 10/13/2022

The Batlogger M2 From Elekon

The BatLogger M2 comes to us from Elekon AG, in Switzerland. It is a high-end, professional bat detector; and possesses many advanced features.

It is very versatile, and is very well adapted not only to active bat recording (during bat walks, transects, etc.) but also for nightly passive recording. I find this both an excellent and very welcomed feature. Whenever testing and using bat detectors over the years, I always use them in this fashion (overnight/unattended recording). So, I was very happy to discover this ability.

When the unit arrives, the outer packaging / outer box is as one would expect (usually, with packing tape sporting the logo "Elekon" on it). However: Once you get to the inner box - the one holding the Batlogger M2, and it's included cables, etc., then the uninitiated may begin to feel like Indiana Jones in The Temple of Doom...Searching for the hidden "switch" or pressure point which will magically allow the box to open - Granting the new owner access to this high-tech scepter.

More than one user of the new BatLogger M2 has experienced a bit of frustration, while trying to figure out exactly how this box opens...

Well, in hindsight...after experiencing what this bat detector can do, I feel that a box which has the potential to be a bit of a puzzle is quite fitting!

Here, we can think along the lines of The Sword in The Stone, and similar stories...

The formidable capability of this powerful new BatLogger cannot just be handed over to anyone. You must first pass a test, to prove you're worthy!

"With great power, comes great responsibility" - Uncle Ben, from Spider-Man.

The BatLogger M2 measures 220 x 70 x 46mm, and weighs only 222 grams. This is excellent, and it feels relatively light, and very comfortable in the hand. This is also partly due to the detector's ergonomic design. Very nice.

The M2 measures 220 x 70 x 46mm, and weighs only 222 grams. 

It feels lighter than it’s predecessor (The M) and is quite comfortable in the hand. This is due to the detector's ergonomic design.

Holding The M2 for long periods of time should present no issues, or cause fatigue for the majority of users: It features a unique shape, with an ergonomically designed handle. 

The M2 is robustly built, and even features a built-in attachment point for a (user-supplied) lanyard.

The BatLogger M2 - Using Halloween Theme

When considering the (unique) design of The BatLogger M2; I'd like to take this opportunity to point-out that: It's predecessor, The BatLogger M was also fairly comfortable to hold (due to it's hourglass shaped design). However, it is a heavy, solid unit.

Holding The M2 for long periods of time should present no issues, or cause fatigue for the majority of users: It features a unique shape, with an ergonomically designed handle.  

The M2 is robustly built, and even features a built-in attachment point for a (user-supplied) lanyard. 

As for features, there are numerous...

I found The BatLogger M2 very easy to use.

• The M2 uses a built-in, rechargeable, Li ion battery.

• It is currently priced at right around $1,200 USD, directly from Elekon’s Online Shop.

• It is also in stock at many Dealers throughout Europe (NHBS [in The British Isles], etc.)

• The M2 uses a MicroSD card as it’s storage medium - Be sure to get a fast/good quality SD card for best results.

• Front / User-facing Mic for recording comments

• USB-C connector (under rubber SD card cover)

• 3.5mm headphone jack

• Standard ¼” socket for tripod mounting

 

• USB charging cables are provided

• Live Recording Level Indicator

• Recording Modes: Auto / Manual / Paused / Interval Mode

• Live, adaptive Spectrogram Screen Display

• Auto ID! 32 European bat species

• Recent Recordings - displays Metadata for 20 recordings

• Transect Mode - Way-points dynamically displayed in different colours

• Sensors! Temp in ℃ / % r. H. / Lux / GNSS 

• Also height above sea level and velocity

• In/Out Counting feature for bat roost surveys

• Torch Mode

(My Apologies - Image was temporarily lost...

working on it)

An interesting consideration, is that The M2 is well-suited to meet the needs of many bat working professionals. In no small part, due to it's versatility...

Which translates into this BatLogger M2 being very good for:

• Bat Workers
• Ecologists
• Biologists
• Researchers

(My Apologies - Image was temporarily lost...

working on it)

BatLogger M2 - 'Almond' Coloured Theme - Sensor status displayed

The BatLogger M2 also possesses many additional features:

• Ability to add voice comments during a recording session.

• Ability to add a tag to a specific recording.

• Ability to view and/or playback recordings directly from the device.

Ability to change the way it sorts through recordings: Name ascending, Name descending - Date ascending, Date descending.

After an adequate amount of testing, it was easy to confirm the accuracy of not only the recordings, but the M2's valiant attempts to auto ID the species detected.

Now, of course, I reside in The U.S. and the unit currently only Auto ID's European bats. 

(My Apologies - Image was temporarily lost...

working on it)

BatLogger M2 - On windowsill - Passive recording (Green theme)

The BatLogger M2 can display the metadata of each recording such as: 

• The Trigger frequency.

• Temperature.

• Profile used (Explore, Passive, etc.).

• A graph with the spectrogram (spectrum data is averaged).

(Sorry - Image was temporarily lost...

working on it)

The M2 - Displaying detailed GPS satellite Info

Some of the other data, accessible directly from The M2 includes:

• The Log (Batrec.log file) - Displaying hardware/Mic events.

• Ability to create custom Recording Profiles (this may also be done via the desktop app).

• Ability to check/change sample rate (312.5kHz, 384kHz or 500kHz)

Pros:

• A feature-rich, Pro-level bat recorder, which will meet the needs of the most demanding Biologists.

• Ability to create several customization's - Via device, and/or via the free desktop app (BatExplorer).

• It is as sensitive, accurate, and as pleasurable to use as you might expect from a top-of-the-range bat detector.

• It’s simple enough to use straight out of the box - Yet has enough advanced features to keep a user busy for many days - Just learning how to use them all!

• The GPS/GNSS is extremely accurate, and the resulting .gpx files may be viewed with a myriad of Apps.

• With a user-replaceable microphone module, this detector has the potential to last many years.

Cons:

• It froze on me once. I had to plug it into my laptop’s USB port, in order to power it down.

• I occasionally find the BatExplorer software to be a little slow.

So, I'd like to share some information recently acquired (Oct. 2022) via e-mail correspondence with an acquaintance of mine, who is a Professional Bat Researcher. His name is Jon Whitehurst, IoW Bat Group Operations Officer - IoWbats.org

He is also a long-time user of The Batlogger M, in September, he wrote to ask what my thoughts were regarding the new Batlogger M2. 

I advised him that The M2's microphone, recording range, and rejection of non-bat sounds was superior to The M. Also, that The M2 has so many features, as to almost make The M seem quite plain (in comparison). And a couple of other things I like about it.

Having recently acquired the new M2, he's had opportunities to use both the M/M2 side-by-side in his work on The Isle of Wight.

I was granted permission to quote him, with the caveat that these are casual observations from some of the first outings, rather than scientific comparisons.

With that stated, I shall simply quote him directly:

"Hey Al, just got my first two surveys in with M2 and classic back to back. Performance wise, the M2 had better trigger reliability than the classic (M2 set to high and classic on crest triggering).

M2 is more sensitive and looks better signal to noise, and first glance better linear dynamic range.

M2 GPS not as accurate but OK... In transect mode, it was great to have track and position in front of me as the woodland track I was walking has a number of false paths and potential for getting lost.

However, I think there is a wrong sign in the code that sets the direction of the position arrow - one for me to feed back to Elekon. Also great to have Lux and RH data as well as temperature recorded.

It is a definite game changer - not had time to really delve into optimising the settings yet though..."

-And- 

"Definitely getting much better triggering though - recording bats (common pips) where the classic is missing them, but I need to swap the mic over on the classic, just in case it is the mic that is degrading..." 

I understand what is meant by his last statement. As with enough use and passage of time, The Batlogger M's microphone can begin to lose sensitivity. In some cases this happens gradually (almost imperceptible) and in some, quite rapidly.

Jon was also kind enough to share the following screenshots with me. The first one represents The Batlogger M. The second one, The Batlogger M2:

Red is Pip and Cyan is Bbar

M2

"The missed ones by the classic look to be weak calls on the M2 recordings, so might just be down to sensitivity/signal to noise rather than the trigger algorithm itself.

The GPS track shows you how long the M2 took to stabilise at the start compared to the classic... One to watch really as "GPS lock" does not necessarily OK to operate accurately.

By the way, the transect is a continuous walk at 2km/S, no stopping, both the recorders set to record 500mS pre and 2500 post trigger."

It's been quite some time since a bat detector has impressed me this much. The only other (Pro-level) bat detector which was this impressive, was The AnaBat WalkAbout from Titley. The WalkAbout was a bat recorder which ticked all the boxes.

Next up, will be a full review of The BatLogger S2 - Passive/Static bat recorder also from Elekon.

Until then...

Happy bat detecting!

The Batlogger M2 From Elekon!

I'm very happy to report, that the Batlogger M2 from Elekon, has recently arrived for review! 

It was accompanied by their new Batlogger S2, static/unattended bat recorder as well. The S2 will also be given a test and review...

However, my local weather here in New York has started to cooperate —And has become more conducive to bat activity in the past 2 days. I immediately took this opportunity to test The Batlogger M2.

I set it up on a windowsill (indoors, of course) and selected the 'Passive Mode' recording option - I had already become familiar with the User Manual, so it was very easy to navigate around it's menus.

The good news, is: When I came back to check on it a short time later, I went through the small list of recordings, and saw that it recorded a bat! 

The additional good news is: This new Batlogger M2 is not only an excellent performing, Pro-level bat detector...But it is a joy to use, and absolutely lovely as well! 

Wow! It is packed with wonderful features and abilities - I look forward to providing detailed reviews of it. Both on The BatAbility Club, and here on the blog.

For now, you can have a look at it (and some of it's features) on The Elekon website.

 

As always - Happy bat detecting!

A Promising New Contender - Batlogger A From Elekon

Have a look at what has just been announced by Elekon!

BATLOGGER A

Just record

"But it isn't quite that simple. We did some thoughts and implemented some of the ideas of our costumers. The result is a box that can just be placed in the field.
A lot of features of the BATLOGGER-family are available in the BATLOGGER A as well.
Let surprise yourself...."

"Step in the world of real time recordings of bats

The new BATLOGGER A is the next member of the BATLOGGER-family. The real time recording, in full spectrum, with 16-bit resolution is as powerful as with the BATLOGGER M and BATLOGGER C.
The device is ideally suited for passive monitoring at a location. The BATLOGGER A is fully waterproof and can be easily and inconspicuously placed in the field.
Adjustable trigger functions, options for delayed records and the analysis software BatExplorer are of course fully supported."

Link to the article

Link

Happy bat detecting! 

Update: New Batlogger C Now Available From Elekon!

New Batlogger C now available!

The New Batlogger C has just been announced as being available! (for order from Elekon). 

Happy bat detecting!

Review: Brand-New Stereo Batscanner From Elekon AG Part 2 Of 2

Review: The new Stereo Batscanner - Scanning bat detector from Elekon Part 2 of 2

The current User Manual, is a straightforward, one page document (now available in pdf format Here). It is currently available in both the English and German language.

I'll admit, I do not have a lot of experience using Stereo bat detectors - But - Testing Elekon's new Stereo Batscanner (on a recent field trip) was a real pleasure.

I was pleasantly affected with this new Stereo Batscanner, right from the start. Having a sensitive, high-quality microphone on each side of the unit, makes it twice as hard to miss any foraging bats.

An FG Knowles Mic on each side (Port & Starboard):

Above the detector in this Pic, is a (high-quality) right-angle stereo adapter. Along with a (shielded) Stereo patch cable (for connection to a recording device). Both are 3.5mm.

The 3.5mm audio output jack, is located at the front & center of the bat detector. A right angle (male-to-female) stereo adapter (like the one pictured above) may help to keep things neat. These may be found/purchased separately, 
As many are already aware, The FG Knowles microphone element(s), such as those used in The Stereo Batscanner are rather robust. In other words, they are quite tough. Their small, dainty appearance might lead one to presume they are delicate - But, this is not the case. Even so, I rather wish there were something there to protect the Mic...Perhaps a thin circle of (acoustically-inert) Felt/material.

There is no denying, that the Stereo Batscanner is unique. The only other (popular) Manufacturer producing stereo bat detectors, is Ciel (in Germany).

The Batscanner Stereo (in the dark)

  
In use - The best description I can offer, in one word is: Pleasant. I envision experienced Bat Workers enjoying the sounds of bats foraging, in stereo. In heterodyne mode, mind you; considered by most (experienced bat listeners) to be the most pleasant mode in which to listen. I'll take this opportunity to remind the reader, that even with the year 2015 approaching, there are still those who enjoy the simple pleasure of listening to bats. In heterodyne mode.
Have a listen yourself, to a quick & easy recording I made below:
(The Stereo Batscanner was connected to a Tascam DR-08 via a stereo patch cable)

Can you tell which direction the bat is flying from? 

The point is, that this detector is of value to both the Hobbyist (who, for example) may not be overly concerned about which direction the bat began it's flight from -To- The Professional, just starting out (with Surveys, etc.) -To- The seasoned Professional, who will be able to easily confirm the bat's direction of flight. -Or- even an individual who prefers to use it outside of work; just relaxing in the back garden. I'm sure the market for potential owners doesn't end there...

Pros -

• Stereo!
• No tuning needed - Scanning Heterodyne.
• Wonderful, small size - Fits in a pocket!
• Relatively long battery life.
• Easy to record from, for unattended monitoring.

Cons -

• Slightly higher price than some other detectors.

Thank you, to Elekon AG, for the loan of the new Stereo Batscanner.
I understand, that there have been a few (minor) improvements made, since the very first prototype was released. Perhaps I'll be re-visiting one of the very latest (full-production) Stereo Batscanner units in the future?

In any case, I am planning to add more recordings -and- a couple of sonograms to this post, in the near future.

Until then...

Happy bat detecting!

Up next, will be a Review of The New SMZC Songmeter platform from Wildlife Acoustics.
Followed by a Review of the new M500 USB Mic from Pettersson.

Review: Brand-New Stereo Batscanner From Elekon AG Part 1 Of 2

Review: The brand-new Stereo Batscanner - Scanning bat detector from Elekon AG

It's finally been announced & released! I'm very happy to report, that I've had the opportunity to test (and use) the new Stereo Batscanner from Elekon for months now...And now, since Elekon AG has announced it - I'm finally able to share my thoughts.

This turned-out to be a very fortunate situation; the timing was perfect, since I was able to test the new detector on one of my recent "mini field trips". We travel to a location (not too far from here, actually), where the bats are even more plentiful (and diverse) than those I routinely record at home.
The result, was a digital recorder full of stereo recorded bat calls! I used my ultra-portable Tascam DR-08 recorder. 

The new Batscanner Stereo, shown with stereo patch cable

(notice LED indicator near 'A', representing Auto Mode)

While on-site, at the "batty" location, a substantial amount of time was spent testing The Stereo Batscanner. The first half, of this particular test session was devoted to testing the new unit's general abilities, as a hand-held bat detector (before hooking it up to the digital recorder, via a stereo audio cable).
It was a real pleasure to use. Of course, there were many (general) similarities to the original Batscanner. The exciting part, was hearing the bats as they flew from Point A to Point B. This new stereo Batscanner adds a wonderful, new dimension  to bat detecting:

A user is able to determine the direction of flight of the bats, as they are being detected.
This can be accomplished by using your ears - And/or your eyes:

• The front-mounted speaker produces enough clear audio, to allow most (experienced) bat chasers to actually determine the origin of the calls, as a bat flies from left to right (or vice-versa). 
• The (very clever) LED indicators on the front panel (below the frequency readout) also indicate which (of the two) microphones are detecting ultrasounds. Very neat!

So, if you cannot decide which direction the echolocation's are coming from, using just your ears...You will be able to determine which direction they're coming from using your eyes!

I found, that simply listening to the foraging bats, was very enjoyable with this new stereo Batscanner. I believe that many experienced detector users will also find this new Batscanner a joy to use. It has all been very exciting for me.

The new Stereo Batscanner arrived promptly from Elekon AG, in it's typical box (packaging) which may be seen below:

 The Stereo Batscanner, in it's box as received (via UPS)

I love the small size and weight of this unit. It's very similar to the original (Mono) Elekon Batscanner. It's nice to have such a capable bat detector in such a small, and easy-to-hold enclosure.

 The battery compartment

The new Stereo Batscanner is also available from NHBS:


 
Features - The new, Stereo Batscanner from Elekon is a scanning, heterodyne bat detector. As it's predecessor, it automatically scans the detecting area for any ultrasonic bat calls - When it detects the ultrasound of a bat's echolocation, it stops scanning, and displays the peak frequency of the detected call.
During my testing, I found the unit's ability to display peak frequencies of the detected bats to be quite accurate. While simultaneously using high-end bat recording systems, to confirm. 

The Stereo Batscanner is super-easy to use: It powers On, by depressing two buttons on the unit: The Power-On -and- Volume Up buttons. This design (also present on the original Batscanner) prevents the unit from being turned-on accidentally. While in transit, in a pocket, etc.

This detector has the potential to suit a variety of different owners: From Beginners just starting-out, to experienced "veterans" (Hobbyists), to even Professional Bat Workers who would like a comfortable, easy-to-use detector for quick listening sessions, etc.

You can tell which direction the bats are flying from, even from the recordings. Very nice.
I intend to post the various stereo recordings, in the up-coming Part 2 Of 2 of this review.

There is much more to follow, in Part 2...
  
Happy bat detecting!

New Bat Detectors: Available Now! -And- Coming Soon!

"We interrupt our regularly scheduled bat detector reviews, to bring you news of the following new developments"

There are some new bat detecting devices available now – several manufacturers have produced and released new detectors for sale. 

I will be testing and reviewing the following two brand-new systems soon:

In order of their release:

• The pairing of Dodtronic's Ultramic (200K) -And- Ultrasonic Analyzer (for iPad and iPhone); produces a full-featured bat recording solution. I'll be performing my testing and review, on a borrowed iPhone.

• The micro trio, from Ciel EaM - This bat detector is currently very new, and only available to the public via Advance Orders (for now).

Each of the preceding bat recording solutions look very promising!

The solution from Dodotronic & Ultrasonic Analyzer is available now. 

The brand-new bat detectors from Ciel Eam (there are several) are available as pre-order items right now. Others are set to be released soon...

I will also be writing a short review of the latest version of SoundChaser software (works with Dodotronic's Ultramic series of microphones). From Acounect in France. They are also currently offering a free 15-day trial of their software Here. So, if you own an Ultramic, you should have a look and try it out.

Now, on to a few more new bat detectors!

Please Note: At this time, there is no indication that I will have the opportunity to review any of the following new devices. I list them here, for the sake of being complete, and thorough. As always, one of the main purposes of this blog, is to inform the public of new bat detectors as they become available.

Be that as it may, I do plan to purchase and use a Momimic from Dodotronic. So a review of this super-small microphone will eventually be posted here. I am planning to build a homemade, ultrasonic, parabolic dish to record singing insects with. And I plan to use The Momimic as the microphone for it.

Elekon AG - The latest model of their wonderful Batlogger M, has had a few minor changes. The small, external GPS antenna now resides inside the case (no longer visible). In addition, the GPS system itself, now utilizes data from The GLONASS satellites. This is especially helpful, to those in Europe and Russia, etc. Read more at the Newsletter Archive Page.

Avisoft Bioacoustics has recently announced updates to their USG116Hm/116Hmn

Titely Scientific, is poised to release their brand-new AnaBat Express very soon...And, from what I've seen so far - It looks very interesting.

BatBox is supposed to be coming out with a new bat detecting device! No one knows much about it (yet!)

Once again, I will not be reviewing any of these devices, so please contact the manufacturers with your questions.

The "busy season" for new bat detecting devices is here; and once again, I have two (software) reviews in progress...

"We now return to our regularly scheduled bat detector reviews...Part 2 of The Echo Meter Touch review coming up next"

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The NEW Batscanner From Elekon!

Review: The NEW Batscanner From Elekon! 
Elekon - Making great bat detectors even better!

It's a wonderful thing, to see a bat detector Manufacturer making an effort to improve their products. Especially when their products are great performers to begin with. It's simply commendable. The original Batscanner from Elekon is a wonderful detector, which deserves high praise. It seems to me, that this new version has even more to be happy about.
To begin with, it's smaller than the original. In the pic below, I've placed a well-known (Tascam) recorder and a PP3 9v battery near the Batscanner - To help illustrate just how pocket-able it is:

(The new Batscanner from Elekon)

Using the Batscanner is (still) very simple: There are three buttons on the front of the unit - From left to right: The Power On/Off Button, Volume Down, Volume Up. The detector's speaker is located just below these buttons, and provides a surprising level of sound when turned up (beyond 3). Volume settings go from 0 to 5 (Zero being muted, actually).

The Headphone Socket is located on the upper right-hand side of the unit. 

And, although using this jack for audio recordings is not recommended (by Elekon) I still enjoy making an occasional recording or two (every now & then). Using a shielded audio "patch" cable (3.5mm male plugs on both ends) connected to the (Tascam) recorder pictured above: I've gotten some nice-sounding results (Blogger still doesn't have an easy way to share audio files yet).

As I've stated in the past, I'm one of those Hobbyists who enjoys the musical quality of heterodyne systems. Which would explain why I'd even bother to make a recording.

This latest version of The Batscanner, still employs the built-in, advanced algorithms as the original did. As I've mentioned in my review of the original Batscanner (Link to Part 1 Here). For those who are not familiar: The algorithms are basically a set of computerized rules that are followed when making a decision. For the purpose of our discussion, The Batscanner bat detector: The algorithms decide which sounds are from bats (desired sounds) - And which aren't. These latter sounds originate from other sources, and are therefore (largely) ignored.

The new Batscanner typically retails for under $400 U.S. Dollars, when ordering from Dealers such as: Wildlife & Countryside Services and NHBS

Keep in mind, that the Batscanner may also be ordered directly from Elekon in Switzerland (via their Online Shop).

I'd suggest you check each option to see where you can get the best deal.  

The Batscanner is a good choice for someone who'd like a bat detector that is a bit more advanced than those which are typically considered (in this price range).

The more one looks into the features of this detector, the more it seems to be a good choice. As a final bit of purchasing advice: If you're considering a bat detector in the same price range (~ 250 Pounds Sterling) then you should definitely consider The Batscanner.

Using The Batscanner is very simple: Just power on and enjoy! I normally keep the volume set at 2 and just listen. I've noticed that upon initial power-on: The volume is set at 3 (out of a possible setting of 1 thru 5). I find myself turning it down one step (to a setting of 2) when listening in typical suburban environments. In even less noisy environs (such as quiet woods, etc.) a volume setting of 1 may suffice.  

When you first power-up the unit, it begins at a frequency readout of 48kHz, this is simply by design and has no effect on it's speed/performance, or ability to detect/register a bat at either side of the spectrum.

It's a very unique bat detector: Simple on the outside; easy to use, etc. While all the "magic" is at work on the inside. Namely, those algorithms.

Something new that I've noticed with this latest Batscanner, which wasn't as evident in the first version: The Orig Batscanner had fairly low sensitivity to singing insects.

The new one is much more sensitive to their calls - but in most cases, doesn't "register" (display) the frequency.

This may be considered a mixed bag of sorts: Bat enthusiasts will be pleased that it doesn't pick-up/register the frequencies of singing insects...

Insect enthusiasts will be disappointed that the unit doesn't display the frequency of the singing invertebrates. After all, it is a BATscanner - So those who enjoy listening to Orthoptera should look for another ultrasonic device...

I really enjoy using this unit! When it does pick up bats, it does so in fractions of a second. The MEMs based microphone is fairly omnidirectional, and doesn't miss much! You needn't concern yourself with being pointed in exactly the best direction (although it always helps, of course). The point being: It is not a directional microphone.

Pros:

• Small size - Very easily portable.
• Excellent sensitivity, from MEMs microphone element (which is replaceable).
• Simple operation. 
• Great pick-up range (comparable to other detectors in it's price range).

Cons: 

• The two-digit Frequency Display may be too bright for some. For those who prefer to preserve their dark-adapted vision.

It isn't adjustable, but I'm sure a small piece of masking tape would diffuse the light a bit (if desired). I haven't tested the unit in deep woods, so I didn't have a need to use the tape idea.
If you do try this: Be sure to use a tape with mild adhesive (masking tape, paper tape, etc.).

What's the bottom line? Whenever I'm off to a good "batty" location: Not deep woods/streams or lakes (because that is when The Batlogger M is best!); But, simply places like Suburbs fringed with woodland, or perhaps a Friend or Relative's home (which features a large back garden, etc.) - Then, The Batscanner is the choice I'd make; It would be the detector I'd reach for.

What I've done during the test period, was to bring a small notebook to jot down the frequencies displayed by The Batscanner while picking up bats. To look over later on - Pretty neat!

Note: This new version of The Batscanner replaces the original version. The original models will no longer be produced. Which means that going forward, only the new Batscanner will be available.

Happy bat detecting!