Review: The SSF BAT2 Part 2 Of 2

The layout of the unit is pretty straightforward:

On the upper left, we have the On/Off Button -
Below that, the Enter Button -
On the right, we have the Up/Down Buttons; which are used for Volume and other functions -

This detector is powered by 4 AA size batteries. Any chemistry type can be used (Alkaline, NiMH, etc.).
Frequency range is 15-130kHz, in steps of 1kHz
It is equipped with a front-mounted, 1.5W speaker
Backlight brightness is adjustable, and it features an Auto Shut-Off - Which is fully adjustable, from 1 minute to Infinity.

I like the overall design, my only wish would be to make it smaller (if possible). At the same time, it must be realized, that packing all of these features into a smaller device... would not be easy!

Alright! Let's discuss some of the helpful features (the features that I like) on the SSF BAT2 -
(I really enjoy using this unit!)

* The audio-out jack, referred to in the documentation as 'Earphone Access'. Since I like to do a lot of un-attended recording; this is an important feature for me. When in use (using a 3.5mm stereo cable) the speaker is disabled.

* The (always visible) battery status indicator. This battery icon displays 4 levels of battery condition.

* The volume setting display.

Uncommon features of this bat detector:

* The frequency button - Which (among other things) functions to instantly tune the (main) heterodyne portion of the detector to the (FD) detected/displayed frequency. Neat!

Since we're on the subject of the frequency button - It can also be used to select one of four fixed frequencies. 3 frequencies are programmed (from the factory). 20kHz, 40kHz and 45kHz. The fourth fixed frequency space is left blank (000); you program a frequency of your choosing.

* The bat spectrogram display! Cool!

The SSF BAT2 uses a special microphone element (see Page 10 of the User Manual) which has an enhanced frequency response. And, a special Pre-amp is utilized in the circuit. Very interesting.

I believe that pretty much sums it up, for now. I would highly recommend this unit, there's no denying that it is fun to use!

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The SSF BAT2 Part 1 Of 2

The SSF BAT2, is manufactured by Microelectronic Volkman, and distributed by All About Bats  This bat detector has lots of awesome (and very useful) features!
I'll start at the beginning...
The review sample of the new SSF BAT2 detector arrived very well packaged; safe and sound to me here in the U.S. from Germany. 
The detector was very well protected. Multi-boxed, including a foam-lined inner section.  -See below:

The next item to catch my eye, was the beautiful carry case it comes with! Wow! Really nice, there is even a compartment in the front, that can hold an extra set of (4) AA-size batteries. It features a belt loop, and very secure Velcro flap. I like the case a lot!
For a while, All-About-Bats.net was offering the case free; with the purchase of an SSF BAT2 - So, hopefully some of you were lucky enough to order one while the special offer was in effect.
The unit is provided with: The attached, adjustable wrist strap; a full printed manual in German. I had printed out the English version of it (even before it arrived!)

Here are some Links, to get you started:

MEKV - In German

Links to the User Guide PDF, in both (Orig.) German; and English:

The SSF BAT2 - All About Bats (Original German)

The SSF BAT2 - All About Bats (English)

From the beginning, it's hard not to like this detector! Upon powering up and checking/testing this instrument: You will notice the incredible sensitivity and range; as well as the precision of it's Volume control. These are simply the two main features that I noticed first.

This bat detector has quite a bit of "Wow factor" - Which is nice, at this price point. I really like it's features! This bat detector is very easy and fun to use!
I believe that a major reason for this, is that this unit is really two bat detectors-in-one. When switched on: The frequency division portion of the unit is always on, and "scanning" the air space in front of it -Constantly displaying the detected frequency. At any time, the heterodyne portion of the detector can be instantly tuned, to the frequency being displayed - Simply by pressing one button. Very cool!
Of course, you have full control of the heterodyne portion of the unit, at the same time. Most would say, the main category into which this detector fits, would be heterodyne. That is it's main mode of operation.
First impressions were great! The frequency range of this unit, is 15 to 130kHz. I really liked the sensitivity of the unit, and the audio output of the speaker is very good.
In Part 2 of this review: There will be more photos, and I'll cover more features and performance of this detector ...

Where to buy:

All About Bats

NHBS

This Link (translated to English, by BabelFish) has enough free download-able goodies to keep you busy for a while! I like it!

SSF BAT2 Review Part 2 Of 2

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!

New bat detector - The SSF BAT2 Detektor

There's a fairly new heterodyne bat detector out now.

It's the 'SSF BAT2 Detektor' It may be ordered from NHBS:

It seems to be a really nice detector. It is actually a dual-detector - in a way. It has both heterodyne and frequency division. But, the frequency division capability is not utilized by the User directly. It exists to provide live frequency data to a spectrum display, of sorts...

I'm glad that I've already seen a bit of feedback, from one user: A Professional/Bat Researcher - And, he stated that although he likes the SSF BAT2, it is not as sensitive as other heterodyne or TE detectors.

This is very interesting to me, as I am constantly comparing the performance of bat detectors. In fact, while we're on the subject - I'd say that is how I started collecting and reviewing bat detectors: It began, as my own personal quest; to find a detector that was able to pick up bats well, from good distances.

In any case, it would be nice to have an opportunity to test and review one!
The Site is in German, but you may easily translate, using babelfish.yahoo.com
The Web page also features a User Manual in English, in PDF format: SSF BAT2 Manual
An informative review of this unit, can be seen on this Gentleman's Blog: Davidsbatblog

I have a new favorite word: Fledermaus! I mean, they tell me - I've been bi-lingual since the age of 2 (English/Italian) but, I like the way it sounds...Fledermaus! (I know, it was also an Opera...)
I'd like to learn to speak Swiss-German...