Review: The AR125 From Binary Acoustic Technology Part 1 Of 2

Review: The AR125 From Binary Acoustic Technology Part 1 Of 2

(Serial number hidden for privacy)

The AR125 is easy to hold and point, due to the durable plastic handle that comes attached as standard. I like the fact, that it also has a 3/4" threaded opening at the very bottom (of the handle) for attaching to a standard photo tripod. 

Installation is easy, and it's easy to set-up & use: One end of the USB cable gets plugged into the AR125 and the other end is plugged into your computing device.
There aren't many external "features" to describe; all of the actual features present themselves on your computer's screen.

The AR125 (and the AR180) would be ideal units for those interested in:
Transects (esp. mobile/from a vehicle, or other forms of transport)
Unattended recording, and live recording (using a Netbook/small laptop PC)

(AR125 comes with handle attached - It is removable)

When you are ready to record some bats - 
Plug one end of the (provided) USB cable into the back of the unit
Plug the other end into an available USB port on your computing device
Launch the SPECT'R software
Check the software's settings (which will typically be set the same as you left them)
Type in a new file name (for the naming of the recordings) And, click 'Record'
The application also gives you the option of saving your settings; by clicking 'File' (from the Menu bar), 'Save settings'
For my testing, I simply used the current date (ie: "7-22"). The program simply starts each recording with "7-22" as the beginning of it's name. It worked well for me.


After setting up the AR125 & my Asus Netbook (mini-laptop) for an evening of bat recording - I got into the habit of turning off the WLAN (and Bluetooth). The initial idea, was simply to have one less device using the resources of my wireless router (overnight).
Even though, I realize that the the impact is minimal (to say the least). It may seem barely perceptible - But, It seems to not only free up more PC resources (making the SCAN'R software scroll even smoother), but also quiets background hiss even further. This may be a helpful "trick" to try, if you're using a low-end Netbook/laptop like mine.

So it appears that this is a case where the more I use this bat detector, the more I like it.

Pros:

•  Large, excellent-quality sensor (microphone element)
•  Simple device, robust: nothing to break-off or get physically damaged.
•  No batteries to worry about.

Cons:

• Not compact or ultra-portable, for easy transport.
• Not weather-proof. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 Of 2 of this review, when I'll cover: More details and pictures of the unit itself, the software packages, and the brightly-coloured sonograms... 

Happy bat detecting!

The AR125 From Binary Acoustic Technology - First Impressions

Here are some first impressions of the AR125 Ultrasonic Receiver from Binary Acoustic Technology

First, I'd like to take this opportunity to lash-out at our local UPS drivers, who have picked up a new habit in this City as of late: They like to ring your doorbell like maniacs, leave the package near your door, and take off in their trucks. Shame on you!

In any case the unit arrived very well packaged and in good condition. The instrument itself, was double boxed – which is the proper way to send electronic equipment in the first place. When Amateur Radio hobbyists send vintage radios to each other, this is always the method of packing used. So, this should always be done with instruments that might be considered delicate. OK, end of rant.

Now, you may, or may not have noticed...That Binary Acoustic Technology may also be abbreviated as BAT. I mention this, because many times (in research and detector comparison papers) The AR125 is referred to as the BATx (x being anything from 2, to 125, to ?).
For instance, in certain comparison charts out there - You may see The AR125 referred to as the "BAT2", "BAT-AR", or sometimes even just "BAT" this can be confusing (as you might imagine). Since, until now the only bat recorder that the majority of Folks know of (with a "BAT" in it's name) was the SM2BAT, from Wildlife Acoustics.

The AR125 arrived in a fairly well sized brown cardboard box. Upon opening the box: The inner box, was protected with a nice amount of pink popcorn/Styrofoam "peanuts" (as they are sometimes referred to). The purpose of these, is to provide protection to the second box inside. The second white cardboard box was lined with ample cone-shaped foam. This offered very good protection to the AR125 Receiver inside. 

When you order a standard AR125 Receiver from Binary Acoustic Technology, you get:
The Ultrasonic Receiver, a Software CD ROM (containing all the drivers/software you need), as well as SPECT'R (Spectral analysis, digital Tuning, and Recording) software
a black USB cable for connecting the unit to your PC 


As well as two (slightly different) copies of SPECT'R (Spectral analysis, digital Tuning, and Recording software). AKA SPECT'R III SCAN'R (Snapshot Characterization and Analysis software) is also included.
A basic (printed - Not photocopied) Hardware Manual is also included (not pictured here).

In the pic below, you can see: The AR125, in it's plastic bag (complete with Silica gel absorbent cylinder), the black (good quality) USB cable, and software CD (containing AR125 drivers, etc.).

As you can see, on the CD ROM itself, it's entitled 'BAT Software Suite'. The AR125 Receiver drivers for various types of personal computers are provided. For best results, ensure that you install the correct (specific) driver. Installation is very easy - I went from un-boxing to recording bats in about 10 minutes.
Early testing looks very promising!  

 All I have (right now) is one "little peep" (call) from what Kaleidoscope says is an Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) -But- This was recorded using the AR125 and displayed (here) on the SCAN'R software. I like it! We've had nothing but thunderstorms here (Northeastern US) for days...

To be continued...

Happy bat detecting!