Bat Detecting Season 2015 Mini-Reviews Of 4 New Bat Detectors

Bat Detecting Season 2015: Mini-Reviews Of 4 Bat Detectors, And Other Updates

I'm faced with a unique situation this bat detecting season: I actually have bat detectors in queue to be reviewed.
More specifically: Several (brand new models) have arrived, for testing and review - I have had the opportunity to un-pack, and briefly test the various detectors, but haven't had the time to share my first impressions of them. And I've been very anxious to do so!

I have been keeping busy, monitoring weather conditions nightly (New York, USA)...Hoping for an occasional evening with conditions conducive to bat flight.
Since I prefer to monitor and record, on the nights which generate a steady stream of bat activity.

The Folks at Titley Scientific are very nice, and are allowing me to take more time to test the new Express. Thank you Titley! 

The four new ultrasonic devices are:  

• The new SongMeter SMZC from Wildlife Acoustics

• The new Baton XD from BatBox

• The new Batseeker 2 from Batseeker

• The new M500 Ultrasound Microphone from Pettersson Elektronik 

...There is, in fact, a fifth ultrasonic device - And it seems to be very eagerly anticipated by all concerned (myself included). But, it hasn't been officially released yet -- And is not available for purchase at this time. So, it's not on this list yet...
It is The new AnaBat Walkabout from Titley Scientific. And, I'm very happy to report that I'm scheduled to receive a loaner unit to test, in the near future.

The AnaBat Walkabout, from Titley Scientific

I'm taking a brief moment away from my (ongoing) review (Part 1 Of 2) of The AnaBat Express, to share my opinions of these four new devices at this time.

I thought it would be a good idea to write a brief, conventional, "mini-review" of each. Similar to a review that one might write on The NHBS Site, for example.
My reviews will soon be featured by Wildlife & Countryside Services as well. Martin is currently working on a new Web page, dedicated to helping you choose the right detector for you. Link will be featured here on the Blog, as soon as it goes live.
 

I will be including The Anabat Express. I'd like to take this opportunity to provide a short, general overview of it as well - Even though the full (2-Part) version will be the next comprehensive review I post. 
Again, these will simply be very basic, and very short reviews.

While working on the Pros and Cons Lists, for the next two bat recorders -- I realized, that: Each Manufacturer has already put forth the effort, to create their own, respective 'Comparison Charts'. And, that any effort on my part, would prove (mostly) redundant at this time.
Instead, I shall post each of their charts below, followed by my observations, regarding any discrepancies. 
In addition, I do plan to publish my own Pros & Cons for each of these two; inside each of their respective full reviews. After a lot of careful contemplation... 

• The new SongMeter SMZC from Wildlife Acoustics

 

(click to enlarge)

As per line 14 in Wildlife Acoustic's SMZC chart above, the 'Red X' represents the lack of an 'Integrated Mounting Bracket' for The AnaBat Express. However there is, in fact, one available from Titley Scientific.

• The AnaBat Express from Titley Scientific 

(Click to enlarge) 

As per line 9 in Titley's AnaBat Express chart above, we have a green 'Yes' for 'Detachable microphone for external mounting'. This is true, for the most part - The included microphone is detachable. However, in order to "externally mount it", a (fairly inexpensive) Microphone Extension Cable must be purchased separately. 

• The new Baton XD from BatBox

Pros:
* The same comfortable (and successful) shape and design of it's predecessor; the original BatBox Baton - Simply a joy to use.
* Incredible sensitivity - Much more sensitive than the original Baton; bats will be hard-pressed to escape it's detection range. It's pick-up range spans far & wide.
* A dual detector - Frequency division and Time expansion; the lowest-cost (full-on) Time expansion bat detector available.
* Complete with accessories - Each new Baton XD includes useful accessories - High-quality (gold-plated) audio cables. Allowing you to plug-into any recording device, including iPhone and Android devices.
* Operation is very simple - It's easy to get used-to using this bat detector (in either mode).

Cons:
* Retail price may be viewed as a bit high (depending on where you order) - Some may consider the initial investment expensive; however it truly isn't when you consider what you get with this kit.

Bottom Line: Aside from a price tag which some may consider a bit high, there isn't much to complain about with The Baton XD. I really like the unit overall, and honestly cannot bestow all of the accolades that I'd like to, inside this mini-review... It's definitely a bat detector that one can "grow with" (as one's recording skills increase, etc.). The box arrives packed with useful, little goodies; enabling the user to hit the ground running. The BatBox Baton arrives with the cables the user needs, for recording (to more than one device). A 9v (PP3) battery is included; and I also like the drawstring sack provided, for a bit of added protection.

Full review forthcoming... 

• The new Batseeker 2 from Batseeker

This little detector, is by far, the most inexpensive unit you can buy - And it's ready-made, no assembly required. A simple design, using a good quality microphone. Add two AAA Size batteries, and enjoy!
I see that it has improved, since the original Batseeker 2. 

 Speaker on left-hand side / Battery compartment, upper right-hand side

On/Off switch seen on the far left-hand edge / Microphone hole, on right-hand side

Pros: 
* Very inexpensive - Currently the lowest-priced bat detector available.
* Super-simple to use - Basically, one On & Off switch.
* Very lightweight and portable -The only weight comes from the 2 AAA-sized batteries.
* Great for beginners - Frequency division detector, with no tuning required.

Cons:
* Construction is not robust - Housing is made from fairly thin (black) plastic.
* Battery latch is not very strong - Battery door sometimes opens on it's own. 
* Short battery life - Battery consumption could stand some improvement. 
* No external jack - There isn't a (3.5mm) jack for audio output / recording.

Bottom Line: 
The new Batseeker 2 is the least-expensive route, for getting someone a working bat detector. It's operation is simple enough to allow practically anyone to use it; including youngsters. An excellent first detector. Obviously better than not having a bat detector at all.
With the addition of well-placed piece of adhesive tape (Masking tape, Scotch tape, etc.) to hold the battery door closed - You have a very lightweight, super-portable, FD detector; at a price that's hard-to-beat.

Full review forthcoming...

• The new M500 Ultrasound Microphone from Pettersson Elektronik

Pros: 
* The M500 is compact, very lightweight and portable; yet very well-built, with sturdy construction throughout.
* It features a 500kHz sample rate, 16 bit ADC resolution, an advanced electret Mic element and an 8-Pole Anti-aliasing filter. 
* May be used as omnidirectional or directional - Using the removable, plastic "horn" provided (seen attached, in Photo above).
* Complete with software and high-quality USB cables - Allowing you to connect to virtually any (MS Windows) tablet PC or laptop.

Cons:
* Cannot be used without attachment to a computing device - Forgive me for stating the obvious, but several Folks have inquired.
* Overall performance of the system, is in direct proportion to the overall abilities (speed) of the PC system it's attached to.
* Will not work on Apple-based devices.
 
Bottom Line: First and foremost - Please keep in mind, that this (mini) review is based on one of the first Beta versions of The M500. Many changes have taken place, since I was issued this sample (one of the very first units). Batsound Touch software is all-new; and there have likely been some updates made to the actual hardware as well. 
Pettersson's new M500, is a USB-based ultrasonic microphone, providing great overall performance. When considering a USB Mic in it's price bracket or below: It is the clear choice. Each unit will be provided with a light version of the brand-new BatSound Touch software, and (gold-plated) USB cables. The M500 USB Mic performs best on a fast computer; if you have a slow tablet or PC, you may want to consider getting an upgrade.
I happen to like it very much; and find it aesthetically pleasing as well. I found it to out-perform all USB-based microphones in it's price-class (and lower). 
Note that The BAT MiniMic still reigns supreme in the $695 (and higher) category.

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC Recorder From Wildlife Acoustics Part 3 Of 3

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 3 Of 3

My Nephew, Gabriel endorsing The SMZC

After testing the Songmeter SMZC for several months, I found it to provide very accurate recordings -- And along with Kaleidoscope software, very accurate species ID's.
To reach this conclusion (in this case) what I did, was:

I took the time to make identical (simultaneous) recordings, using an Elekon Batlogger M (for good measure).
Make comparisons between recordings, etc. 
Manually identified the species; and compared results.

I am (still) a huge Fan, of Kaleidoscope software. And, since a search for "kaleidoscope" on this blog, will return plenty of Reviews featuring my opinions of it -- I will not go into it in this particular review.
To summarize, however: I will state the obvious - It is the best software to pair-up with any of WA's Songmeter Recorders. They are literally, made for each other!

Here is a print-screen, depicting everyone's favorite CF bat: Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary bat):

AKA: 'LACI'

 

Pros:
* Long battery life - Using both Alkaline and rechargeable NiMH batteries.  
* Very easy to deploy - Set-up, from box to field is pretty straight forward. 
* Prominent LCD display (w/ back-light) displays pertinent information.
* Lower price than it's closest competitor (The AnaBat Express).


Cons:
* Kaleidoscope software (which works best with it) is not free.
* GPS must be purchased separately. 
* Larger/heavier - More cumbersome than it's closest competitor (The AnaBat Express).

One of the best places to order the new Songmeter SMZC, is from Wildlife Acoustics themselves. Especially, if you are in The US, of course.
Other places to shop, if in The UK, include NHBS.

The first two segments of this review may be accessed here: Part 1 Of 3, Part 2 Of 3.

If you are trying to decide, between The Songmeter SMZC and The AnaBat Express; I sincerely hope that my reviews of each, will help to make the decision easier. Part 1 Of 2 of my AnaBat Express review, is currently posted - But, is in a state of flux: As I continue to edit and update it. Part 2 Of 2 is also a current work-in-progress. 

Further reading: 2012 Article by Ian Agranat of Wildlife Acoustics. I recently found myself re-reading this article, written by The CEO of Wildlife Acoustics. And, I still find several parts of it fascinating (and relevant). For those who are interested, it explains the benefits of zero crossing recording, in a manner that is easily absorbed! 

I hope to add more images to this particular Post, in the near future.

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC Recorder From Wildlife Acoustics Part 2 Of 3

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 2 Of 3

Welcome to Part 2 of 3, of the new Songmeter SMZC recorder review. Let's start, by going over some of this machine's main features:

The new SMZC from Wildlife Acoustics is built tough. There are no "weak links" to worry about on it. I like the fact, that even the (already robust) Mic element, is covered by a thin, felt-like material. This is a simple way to keep any debris from ever coming in contact with the microphone. I sometimes wish that other manufacturers (of bat detectors) would do the same thing.
It's very easy to use - Install batteries, and you're almost half-way done.
The recorded bat calls are easily transferable to your laptop, via the (included) SD memory card.
This machine will allow you to record bat activity, for about 40 nights! (per set of fresh batteries)
Priced at just $649 U.S., it is positively, one of the most economical un-attended solutions available. The price will be attractive to many in the field of Bat Ecology.

For those using Kaleidoscope Software, who need to manipulate the ZC recordings - There are a lot of things you can do: Chief among these, is the ability to easily convert the Zero cross recordings of The SMZC to .wav files - For playback and analysis.
 
Note: Way back in the "early days" of zero-crossing technology - The process, of simply playing the recordings back, might have been considered a bit convoluted (by today's standards).

The ideal buyer might be someone who needs to deploy several recorders, in various locations - And, needs to do it quickly.

In use, The SMZC seems to have a respectable pick-up range. There is a PCB mounted, 3.5mm earphone jack located inside the SMZC box. This is provided so that you can listen to the sound input while recording; this may be used for live monitoring, to check the status of the microphone, perform test recordings, etc.

If you would like to do a bit of quick monitoring, in the field -
Just plug a pair of earphones/headphones into the 3.5mm jack, and listen for yourself -You'll notice that the omni-directional microphone is picking up everything!
{As per WA's Site: "If you need to ensure that your recorder is operating properly, the Song Meter SMZC has an integrated earphone jack inside the enclosure. Simply open the lid and plug in ear buds or headphones to monitor."}
Of course, thresholds/triggers can always be adjusted as necessary. 

  
The unit can be permanently mounted to a flat surface (or, on trees of various sizes) using any of the various built-in screw holes. These holes will (more than likely) be used to secure the SMZC to a tree, using several of the common best-practices in use today.
And, at this point, I must also mention (as a reminder) the available options and accessories

With the top cover safely closed-up, in preparation for mounting/deployment - The green LED light will be visible to you, so that you can get feedback before, during, and after the unit is mounted:
- A steady blinking: Indicates the unit has started it's scheduled program; and will be recording when the (appropriately set time arrives). Again, it basically serves as an all-systems-go indicator. I would like to have seen a built-in diffuser (as seen used on The SM3, and other units). It informs you that the system is awake, and will be actively monitoring when the time you've specified rolls around.

One of the best places to order the new Songmeter SMZC, is from Wildlife Acoustics themselves.

Part 3 Of 3 of this review (the final installment) will also include sonograms, and screen captures. 
Happy bat detecting!

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 1 Of 3

Review: The brand-new Songmeter SMZC zero crossing recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 1 Of 3

This Part 1 Of 3, will serve as an Introduction / Prelude of The new SMZC. Part 3 will feature the screenshots, sonograms, recordings, and other colorful goodies...

The New SMZC is the latest unattended bat recording solution from Wildlife Acoustics. It combines small size (especially for an un-attended/tree-mount unit) with a very competent zero-cross technology recorder. An informative (back-lit) LCD display, status LED (where would we be without LEDs?), and GPS capability round out The SMZC's main features.
Some of the very first pictures I took of this new Songmeter, may be seen on this Post.

The Songmeter SMZC might be considered a "smaller sibling" to The SM3BAT (also from Wildlife Acoustics). One of the main differences, is that this machine records in zero crossing mode only. Whereas in The SM3BAT, zero crossing mode is an available option. 
It seems to me, that there is definitely a demand for such a machine. A lower-cost ZC recorder, which may be confidently deployed as a rugged, unattended monitoring solution for bats. From what I've seen and read: Many companies who need to perform unattended bat surveys, are in need of exactly these types of features.
The lower cost translates to more remote units in the field - Which in turn, translates into more data collected. When it comes to unattended monitoring of bat activity - One could pair this SMZC up with their Kaleidoscope software, and have a powerful combination for the accurate collection (and processing) of data.

Of course, I was very curious about this new machine from the very beginning - Back when I first learned of it's evolution and progress. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with The SMZC, but after some thorough testing, I haven't found much about it that I don't like.

Initially my main concern, was the fact that The SMZC is a zero-crossing recorder - Now, the zero-crossing technique may have it's place in the world of bat recording...It's engineered to help Ecologists and Bat Workers. However, I've never found bat recorders using this method to be very exciting.
I've collected (and analyzed) many zero-cross recordings over the years. Most of them, were produced while testing The AnaBat SD2. Analyzing and playing the sounds back, was not exactly exhilarating; regardless of the software used (of those available at that time).
In other words, quite stale and boring - Especially when compared to what we have available today! Of course, this is not to say that bat call analysis should be exciting; just that I happen to prefer it that way. If working with bat recordings makes-up a large part of your career, then perhaps this is also true for you? 

Software like Kaleidoscope allows one to display bat calls in a dozen different (and useful) ways. And it does this quite easily, I might add.
I've often wondered: How could anyone actually prefer a black-on-white display, over a full-color Hanning representation? Putting aside the aesthetics, color representations of bat calls are (scientifically) much more significant; to say the least. More on this topic in Part 2...

This new SMZC has actually changed the way I look at the zero-crossing recordings of bats - Literally. I believe the "secret" (for my renewed interest) is in the way their Kaleidoscope software handles the recordings. It was a bit of a surprise to me. 

However, I suppose it was the ease with which one can playback a bat call, which opened my eyes to the usefulness of zero crossing. Using Kaleidoscope software, that is.

The new Songmeter SMZC arrives just as well-packaged as any of the other products from Wildlife Acoustics.

Unpacking The SMZC:

In it's (optional) mounting bracket (prior to installation of the easy-open latch).

Pictured above, is a snapshot I took while unpacking the new loaner unit. It was so new, that the easy-open handle was not attached yet. I received one of the very first production units as a test loaner. This was long before The SMZC had gone into full-production.
Since then, the latch has been installed (by me) and is pictured below, just for reference.

Songmeter SMZC

I must state that I like this new unit! It's small size (11.5" x 5.0" x 2.75") makes it very easy to handle. It's manageability makes it easy to set it up, especially for some spontaneous bat recording sessions.
For example, I was fortunate enough to have this machine with me, on a trip to the Lake George (NY) area.
We stayed at a wonderful cabin on a river; and I was able to (easily) place The SMZC on a table (on the back deck) facing the river. Leaving it there to simply record bats overnight, provided me with lots of great recordings. These will be shared in Part 3 of this review...

The view from behind the cabin

(taken with a P&S digital cam)

It's probably safe to say, that this newest Songmeter from Wildlife Acoustics wasn't designed so that bat detecting Hobbyists could make impromptu recordings...The reality is, The SMZC is a serious unattended recording solution, devised to meet the needs of Bat Workers and Ecologists Worldwide. It's designed to be professionally set-up (deployed) and allowed to monitor and record bat activity, for about a month (before collecting the SD memory card[s] containing the data).

At this point, I'll share the link, to the easy-to-read Comparison Chart, provided by Wildlife Acoustics.

It's plain to see, that Wildlife Acoustics has been listening to those who routinely survey bats, and have developed a new solution from the ground-up. The SMZC is designed to collect large amounts of recorded ultrasonic bat calls. Historically, zero-crossing technology has always been selected, whenever large quantities of ultrasonic recordings were expected. This is because ZC bat recordings consume much less memory space than almost* (any) other bat recording method.
Note: I've indicated * "almost" because there are, in fact, some other recording methods out there, which take even less (memory) space.

SMZC with backlight lit/showing Status

I really like the ease with which an SMZC can be deployed. Very simple set-up; with Menus and commands which are nearly intuitive. This is more of what an un-attended recording solution should be like:

• Robust (fully weather-resistant)
• Easy to program (right out-of-the-box)
• Capable of storing very large amounts of data (recordings)
• Makes working with ZC recordings easy

If you need to deploy several recorders, in various sequestered locations - And, you need to do it quickly - The Songmeter SMZC would probably be the machine you choose.

The price, may also be attractive, to many in the field of Bat Ecology: Currently $649 (US Dollars).

One of the best places to order the new Songmeter SMZC, is directly from Wildlife Acoustics themselves. However, depending on your location in the World, you may find a better deal from Authorized Resellers in your Country.

Much more to follow in Part 2 Of 3...