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!

Typical Recorders Used For Recording Bats

When using the typical, hand-held bat detectors - The ones we all know & love so much : ) A couple of items are needed, if one intends to record bats. First, of course, is a digital recorder.
The fact is, just about any device that can record sound can be used; including your laptop PC. Anything from a $15 tape recorder from RadioShack, to a top-of-the-line Sound Devices 7xx series can be used.
What I would like to share, are some recommendations that I've received, directly from a couple of bat detector Manufacturers. I love it! What could be better?!?
OK, first up, is the well known Pettersson D240X. If you just think about it for a moment... Many of you will probably remember which recorder has always been recommended (and, many times pictured with) this detector...
Yes, it is the Zoom H2 Digital Recorder! OK, that was an easy one! The D240X is pictured with the Zoom H2 recorder on a few different Web sites (in several languages!).

Next up, the BatBox Baton (from BatBox Ltd.). Here are the recommended recorders:

The Yamaha Pocketrak 2G, was initially recommended by BatBox. It's cost, was around
£175.00. (Details on the following link) 
But, it has been discontinued. Yamaha now has this model available: The Yamaha Pocketrak C24, which costs a bit more (at ~ $199.99 US dollars)

The Transcend MP33- 4GB USB (MP3 Player)
It costs only £35.00. Details on the following link
There's also the Transcend MP330 8BG USB (MP3 Player)
*Note:It doesn't record .wav files, but you can
convert from mp3's. It should suit both the Baton and the Duet.

Another well priced model that was recommended, is from American Audio,
called Pocket Record. It is available from CPC (code DP3028605)
at 75.00 + VAT. Details at this link. However, you will need to purchase a lead with a stereo
3.5mm plug at one end and two mono 1/4 inch jack plugs at the other end,
in order to connect it to a Baton, Duet, etc..

And, lastly, I found this "Alternative" recorder - Similar to the above. Details on the following link.

Next post, I will cover some of my digital recorder recommendations; as well as Cables, etc.

Happy bat detecting! 

Review of The SM2BAT System From Wildlife Acoustics Part 3 Of 3

Review of The SM2BAT system from Wildlife Acoustics Part 3 Of 3

Here is where I would like to share some miscellaneous sonograms and screenshots.

My usual workflow, is to:
Remove the SD card from the SM2 and check it (on PC) for recordings from the night before.
I select one WAC file at a time - Working from the largest (WAC) file to the smallest.
Convert the WAC file to WAV format using the (free) WAC2WAV converter application. The WAC2WAV software allows for a few options & variables. One of the options, is to choose (check-box to tick) is the 'Divide Output By 10' which I normally use. This provides you with wav files that are slowed down by a factor of 10. So, for example, if you were to analyze the files later with BatBox's Batscan SW- You don't have to select anything for 'Frequency and Time Conversion' - It should be left 'Off' which is the default.
Typically, the conversion will produce a lot of individual files. So, I go through each of them, using the same method above.
Recently, I've been using Audacity, to open each Wav file. It's very convenient, because it gives you a visual representation of the audio file very quickly. You can see if there are any bat calls, mixed in among the insect calls. My trees are all occupied by Katydids, etc. - I'm not complaining ('cause I like recording them also!). But, when you're focusing on bat recordings, you have to "weed them out" of course.
Since it's now mid-Summer, I usually find an abundance of my triggered recordings to be entirely of Katydids (for instance). And, I simply delete those and check the next file.
Again, using Audacity (or another audio app) which displays the 'Project' (audio track) conveniently:
What I do, is 'Select All', Amplify' and look at the recording closely, to find any area that looks like a bat call.
I also find myself listening to certain areas of the recording sometimes, just to be sure.

Adhering to the chronological order of a typical workflow, we have:
A typical wav recording (for me), displayed in Audacity:

The above shows a recording with nothing but a Katydid calling. This gives you an idea of what a recording without bats on it looks like.
I've also found, that if you're in a hurry: You can open multiple (wav) files at the same time; and just glance at each one (before closing/deleting) and you can see the bat calls (if they are present) right away. Without even having to 'Select All' and 'Amplify' for instance. It all depends on how much time you have.

This next image, below - gives you an idea of what a recording with bats looks like:

The bat calls, are represented by the "long spikes" on the right-hand-side of the spectrogram. So, as you can see, it's very easy to tell which recordings picked up bat calls - And, which didn't.
Most times, I like to select the area containing bat calls; and cut/paste/save into a new wav file. Which would look like this:

And then, you can look at/analyze the (wav) file, using the application of your choosing. Such as BatBox's Batscan software. Which will produce a sonogram like this quite easily:

BatScan just happens to be the application I go to (these days) - But again, any suitable app of your choosing may be used. For instance, the image above was made quickly, using just the default settings. But, it can be: Enlarged/zoomed-in on, to create an even more prominent "hockey stick" look to the calls.
The kHz settings can be changed, for a more accurate display and analysis.
And, (for a quick "trick") if you do select 'Time Expansion' it will automatically produce a more accurate analysis - Where you can see the calls were actually made between 40-50kHz (Big Brown Bats typically echo-locate between 25-51kHz) see below:

In the above example, you can also see a few Katydid chirps, on the lower left.
The recordings produced, using the SM2BAT are very high-quality. The 192kHz sampling rate is very nice - Crisp & clear. My next post(s) will feature some audio files you may listen to, made by the SM2BAT. And, probably some made by the Pettersson D240X; since I am still very fond of the TE recordings produced by that unit as well.
I hope that you've found this (3-Part) review of the SM2BAT informative (and hopefully, interesting as well).

Happy bat detecting!

Review of The SM2BAT System From Wildlife Acoustics Part 2 Of 3

Review of The SM2BAT system from Wildlife Acoustics Part 2 Of 3

The SM2BAT happens to be the approximate size of other comparable unattended recording solutions. In fact, it is a bit smaller than some. It is easily portable, fitting one (along with accessories, etc.) into a backpack is effortless. Without batteries installed, the unit is very light. In fact, you could probably fit 2-3 units in a backpack (depending on the size of the backpack).

The layout of the unit is nice and simple. The SM2 platform features a large LCD display, several jumpers for setting filtering parameters, and a green LED (for status indication). Sensitivity and filtering are fully adjustable, across the spectrum of the unit's abilities.

The fact is, that once you've read the User Manual(s); and become familiar with operation of the unit - You'll probably find your bat recording becoming so automated; that you'll become lazy! Especially, for those of us who are used to the typical set-ups required for overnight bat recording. In most cases, this consists of:

Standard check of the detector - Battery condition, and any other settings
Standard check of the recorder - Same as above
Locating your audio cable - For connecting the two
Masking (adhesive) tape, etc. for temporary mounting 

Once the SM2BAT is set-up, you can let it go for a few days, a week, or more! And, the unit will diligently record bats, every evening - From sunset to sunrise. So, you can see how easily one can become "lazy".
Click Here to see a graphical representation of the unit's specifications.

OK! On to some more good stuff!

Among the features I like:
The fact that the unit records unadulterated sound, in 192kHz, is great!
The nice selection of audio filtering combinations available. There are lots of options selectable from the jumpers. Below, is a pic of how the unit's jumpers were set at the end of my testing:

Over the testing period, they were slowly migrated, from left to right : )

The fact that the unit can be used as a "Set-and-forget" recorder (for up to 9 days, in any case) is a plus.
The unit is very economical; especially when compared to the similar systems that are currently available.
If you have a quick look at the Comparison Chart, on the Wildlife Acoustics site, you'll see what I mean.
The SongScope software, from Wildlife Acoustics is very versatile; and produces nice-looking (and informative) sonograms.

With the great help/suggestions and support I received from the Folks at Wildlife Acoustics, I ended up with a diverse collection of recordings. The nice thing about it, is that I was able to test a lot of different variations of settings. In a short period of time. You can basically go either way, in your approach to the use of this system: You may choose to rely mostly on the default settings - And take a more simple approach (which is exactly what I did in the beginning of the test period). Or, you may be the type who enjoys tinkering & experimenting. In which case, you'll find no shortage of combinations/settings available to you.

Among the features that I'm not crazy about:
Obviously, one of the drawbacks, is that it cannot be used as you would a typical hand-held bat detector. You can't just grab it and go, on your way out to the woods, or to attend a Bat Walk.
I also wish there was a way to insert and remove the SD cards a bit more easily - Instead of having to remove one of the D-cell batteries each time.

The additional offering of the free, WAC2WAV software - Which is of course, as the name implies: For converting the propriety Wac files into universally used Wav files - Could be placed in both the 'Like' and 'Dislike' category. Likes would be: That it is free, and very versatile. I must confess, that it does offer some features that I find fascinating. Such as systematic removal of noise - In the form of separate Noise Files that are automatically created. As well as a few other neat little options.
But, at the same time, the Dislike would be: The fact that it is needed in the first place!

There is still the matter of providing sonograms, and possibly some recordings; produced by the SM2BAT. The fact that my original hard drive is (temporarily) inaccessible prevents me from posting them easily.
So, I'd rather just go ahead and extend this review a bit: Stay tuned for Part 3 of this Review...

In conclusion, I have a feeling that I'll be writing some more posts demonstrating the abilities of The SM2BAT Platform soon. In addition to the final installment of this review (AKA Part 3). I may be "re-visiting" this unit, and the Pettersson D240X in future posts. Since at this time, I consider both of them to be very impressive.

Click here for Part 3 Of 3 of this review

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The SM2BAT From Wildlife Acoustics - Part 1 Of 3

Review of The SM2BAT system from Wildlife Acoustics Part 1 Of 3

In this first Part of the review, I will be focusing on the main attributes and features of the SM2BAT. The second Part will present lots of great stuff! Such as: Impressions of performance, summary of typical workflow, and a synopsis of how it compares to other ultrasound recording devices - Sensitivity and quality of sound recordings. And, any other stuff I'm able to share! Part 3 Of 3 will provide: Sonograms and sound recordings of bat passes.

To begin with, there are a few features that make this bat detecting system desirable:

* It is particularly well-suited for unattended monitoring/recording of bat activity (it's proven to be excellent for my nightly recordings).
* It is capable of recording many bat passes, for up to 9 nights! directly onto multiple (up to 4) SD cards.
* It's very easy to use, and no PC is needed for the set-up, or actual recording.

There's something else that I must point out, it is the Customer Service/Support aspect of Wildlife Acoustics: In a nutshell, their Technical Support is second to none. That is not to say that other manufacturers of (high-end/top-of-the-range) bat detectors are lacking in this department - They clearly aren't - Certainly not any of the ones that I've dealt with (so far, anyway).
It's just that, in this case, any questions or issues that one may have about their products are answered almost immediately. Their Customer Support is lightning fast! Questions sent via e-mail or left on voice-mail are responded to in moments. And, always with clear & concise information. Usually followed by a follow-up e-mail as well.
How do I know this?

OK, First a confession: I did read both of the included Manuals...Just not very thoroughly - Yes, shame on me...I was very anxious to see how well the SM2 would record bats, so I basically just skimmed over the User Manual...So as a result, I was unclear in the proper operation of the unit, or the most efficient way to post-process it's recordings. So, I ended up having quite a few questions and minor issues. All of which can be classified under 'Operator error' (by the way). As we used to say when I was a Service Technician (many moons ago).

Well, the point of all this, is that I came to discover just how quickly and politely all inquires are responded to. So, potential buyers can rest assured. Wildlife Acoustics definitely excels at customer support!

Another neat attribute of the SM2BAT I like, is how the microphone units are protected.  Using a well-secured, dark gray foam. In the printed materials provided, Wildlife Acoustics explains just how waterproof their SM2 Platforms are. And also explains best practices, and tips for outdoor deployment. I have not used the SM2BAT in inclement weather. As I'm always reluctant to do so (with any ultrasonic recorder).

The SM2 has been blessed with great pick-up range. There is a PCB mounted, 3.5mm earphone jack located inside the SM2 box. This is provided so that one can listen to the sound input while recording; this may be used for live monitoring, to check the status of microphone(s), perform test recordings, etc.
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! Very clearly, I might add. Of course, thresholds/triggers need to be set...

- To open the SM2BAT, you may use either an appropriately sized Flat-head screwdriver, or medium sized Phillips-head (which is what I prefer).
The unit can be permanently mounted to a flat surface (or, a relatively large tree) using the 4 built-in screw holes.
With the top cover screwed back on, in preparation for mounting/deployment - The green LED light will be visible to you, via a built-in diffuser. So that you can get feedback before, during, and after the unit is mounted:
- A steady, repeated blinking: Indicates the unit has started it's scheduled recording. This informs you that the system is awake, and is actively monitoring.

Using the downloaded Song Scope software, available for a 14-day trial period Here You can analyze the data in Wildlife Acoustics' proprietary WAC format. Or, use their free WAC2WAV converter utility. It's really neat! See a screenshot below:

Keep in mind, that the installation and configuration of the SM2BAT is an easy process. But, the (very nice) Folks at Wildlife Acoustics were kind enough to configure my loaner unit, so that it was all ready to go!
What this means, is that they configured the unit to begin recording at sunset; and stop at dawn.
Just install batteries - 4 D cells (Energizer brand recommended), a Class 4 SD memory card, and you're done. 
Some of the other main features, located "under the hood" are: The LCD display - Which is easy to read, and will help you set all device options.
Among the main things you might want to do are:
- Set the Record Start and Stop times, set the internal clock.
- Change jumper settings for advanced filter settings
- Modify the trigger schemes
- Adjust Sensitivity values which you can use to fine-tune the level for the triggering.
 And quite a few other things.

Of course, after a brief phone conversation with one of the Gentlemen at Wildlife Acoustics - I understood everything very clearly. I had quickly learned how their proprietary WAC files work, and how to manipulate them, etc. - And it's been nothing but fun ever since! I've got lots of recorded bat calls to listen to, and create various sonograms with...So I'll be signing off for now.

Click here for Part 2 Of 3 of this review

Happy bat detecting!

Additional Findings With The Pettersson D240X

I'd like to share some additional observations and thoughts, in regards to the Pettersson D240X Detector.
One minor thing, that I didn't notice before (and didn't include in my recent review) is that the frequency control knob is very precise and selective. This proved to be an advantage when listening to insect calls...

Rarely does a Summer go by, where I don't become interested in the singing insects. Primarily, Katydids - They are just about always present and "singing". So I used the Katydids' constant, high frequency "singing" for the recent A/B comparisons.

I had an opportunity to do some side-by-side testing, with other detectors; to check sensitivity and pick up range. I discovered that the D240X easily out-performs the other hand-held units, by a fair margin.
Now, I've always known, that heterodyne detectors reproduce more components of a bat call, for instance. But, it never really occurred to me that the same thing would happen when listening to insects. The reason for this, is that until now: I've really only tested inexpensive heterodyne detectors (for the most).

During side-by-side comparisons with both frequency division and heterodyne detectors - I can say that, the better detectors can keep up with the D240X; as far as detecting insects. Again, for the most part. But, I noticed something interesting: The "details" of the calls being produced by the D240X. When listening, even with just the built-in speaker; I was a bit surprised when I noticed "hidden melodies" (for lack of a better description) in the Katydid's calls. It's a bit difficult to explain. They sounded as though they had an added "dimension" to them, sort-of musical.
Which, you may recall, I also experienced when listening to the recorded (het) bat calls made with the D240X.
I've also just found another great link, in re: to the D240X. On this page there's a link to a neat PowerPoint Presentation/Slide-show, that explains how to record using a Zoom H2 digital recorder. The info is useful.

In years past, I've come across articles recommending heterodyne units to be used for detection of various singing insects. By far, my favorite article, can be found here: Link To PDF and here: HTML (Web) format

-Great article!

I've been interested in detecting and recording various singing insects for several years now (from about 2006). A very nice, inexpensive book on the subject (for North American residents) is:
Night-Singing Insects Of The Northeast
I don't recall seeing a British or European "equivalent" of this book. If you know of one, please contact me - I would like to add it to my library.

Next post: Full Review Of Wildlife Acoustics' SM2BAT Platform

Happy bat (and bug) detecting!

The Song Meter SM2BAT Terrestrial Ultrasonic Package (192kHz)

Just an update/reminder: The new bio-acoustic recording device that I'm currently reviewing - Is The Song Meter SM2BAT, from Wildlife Acoustics. Wildlife Acoustics is located right here, in the USA (Massachusetts to be exact). Preliminary tests of the SM2BAT are promising, it's designed for un-attended (long-term) monitoring. And, it's microphone is very sensitive.

Also, the SM2BAT platform compares very favorably to other cutting edge ultrasonic recorders. I'm still going through the recordings from last week, and need to determine the best format to use, to present the sonogram images here. Unfortunately, I've had nothing but lousy (rainy) weather here this past week...So, I don't have any new recordings.

The fact is: The SM2BAT platform was designed to be deployed outdoors - Many very clever features were utilized in it's design. It was made to remain safe, and functioning in conditions where other bat detectors simply would not survive. This is very advantageous to Bat Researchers...As for me, I always employ an extra measure of caution. Which is why I wouldn't place it outside, even in the lightest drizzle...

When using (or owning) expensive bat detecting equipment, it's hard to avoid the "nervousness factor" (for lack of a better term). It's similar to owning/wearing an expensive wristwatch, or other piece of jewelry. For lack of a better analogy. One of the differences is, that many times an expensive detector is precisely what is needed.
If one is determined to try and identify the species of bat being monitored - Whether it's a dedicated hobbyist, or as is most frequently the case: a Bat Researcher. An advanced detector is a necessary tool. In the case of $1,000+ USD ultrasonic (bat detecting) equipment, a measure of very careful handling is prudent. I believe most would agree. The recent spell of lousy weather we've been having here, is also the reason why there haven't been any new sonograms posted from the Pettersson D240X (That detector is like a Fabergé egg).

The weather forecasts call for more rain this week...but, we'll see...I hope to have some new sonograms/recordings up here soon.

In the meantime, here are some photos of the interior of the SM2 system, along with microphone attached:

This photo shows the various jumpers:

Happy bat detecting!

To Commemorate The Wonderful NYC Bat Walks In Central Park This Year

A post! To Commemorate The Wonderful NYC Bat Walks In Central Park This Year: I'd like to take the time to congratulate the Leaders of the Bat Walk: Married couple Danielle Gustafson and Brad Klein; not only on yet another successful & educational Bat Walk - But, also on the wonderful article published in New York Newsday about it. Outstanding!

Well, I thought it would be interesting (and useful) to create a blog entry, to inform possible budding bat enthusiasts about the electronic bat detectors currently available. Since those reading this post are probably new to bat watching / bat detecting; I will simply list some of the entry-level models that are currently out there. Keep in mind, that sadly, we don't have many makers of low-cost bat detectors here in the US. Which is why, except for Tony Messina, the recommendations are from companies abroad. This blog also features full, detailed reviews of each. If you're interested, you can type in the name of the detector that interests you, in the 'Search This Blog' box on the right-hand side of the first page.

These are bat detectors that are simple, inexpensive, and good performers:

The BatBox Baton, from BatBox in the U.K. - An outstanding, frequency division detector.

The USD6 from YS Design in Japan - A very neat, scanning Heterodyne detector.

And, for those who are handy with basic soldering skills (simple electronic components): You could not possibly do better, than to look at the two kit offerings from Tony Messina in Arizona. Highly recommended!
There is the Simple Bat Detector Kit - and - The Bat Scanner (partially-built) Kit

Now, of course there are other detectors...Many of which are really awesome, but they begin to get expensive. If any other good, inexpensive detectors come to mind, I will update this post.
There are plenty of detailed reviews of other detectors on this blog, so if you don't mind spending more on a bat detector - By all means, check them out! (If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a bat detector nut!)
 ~90% of my bat detecting is passive monitoring of my backyard. Right outside my back window, in Bronx, NY. I happen to like Frequency Division detectors. They are convenient to plug into (via 3.5mm stereo cable) just about any digital voice recorder that one has available. Enabling you to get un-attended recordings of bat passes during the night.

I hope we have many new bat enthusiasts added to our ranks! Thanks to the work of Danielle and Brad. Of utmost importance, is an awareness that bats are beautiful, amazing, and very beneficial creatures. They have suffered a bad reputation (based on myths, etc.) for far too long! Well, I could go on and on...but, I'll say ciao for now.


Happy bat detecting!