Review: EM3 From Wildlife Acoustics Part 1 Of 2

Review: The EM3 From Wildlife Acoustics (Part 1 Of 2) - Some preliminary thoughts, and first impressions -Well, it's finally here! The long-anticipated, new Echo Meter 3 from Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. is now available! I must state, first and foremost: That this new bat detector is revolutionary. It is the first hand-held, ultrasonic detector to feature a (live) sonogram display!
I envision this feature being very welcomed by experienced hobbyists and Bat Workers/Researchers.
Besides being unprecedented, technologically advanced and scientifically useful - The display looks very cool! It can also made to display "White-on-black" (for low light use) at the press of a button. This setting, is recommended for use in darkness (in the field, etc.).

In regards to my more recent reviews; I've been trying to keep a new goal in mind: I've made an effort to keep my reviews a bit shorter; whenever possible. Of course, with some new bat detectors - They simply have too many features to effectively cover on just one, long page. This new EM3 is a good example, of such an instrument. Like other high-end ultrasonic detectors: It has lots of features!
The new Echo Meter 3 arrived promptly, and was very well packaged. As you can see, from the photos: The EM3 is shipped to you with a lot of extras, as standard accessories. Last, but not least of which, is a really neat custom nylon carry case. The EM3 fits in the case like a glove. And, provides sufficient protection.

I'd like to convey the new EM3's features, in the "order in which they were discovered" by me. I presume most new owners of this unit will come across the features of this instrument in the same "order" that I have ~ So, I believe this format will be useful.
As stated on Page 1, of the User Manual: "The default factory settings allow you to begin monitoring bats in minutes."

First, I'm happy to report that the unit does fit comfortably in the hand. Even with the Garmin GPS unit attached to the back. The next feature, that I happen to like - Is the bright, bi-color LED (on the side of the unit) which serves as a battery charging status indicator. Red while the batteries are charging and Green when charging is complete. It is super-bright - Not to worry, it won't be illuminated during normal use (in the field).
I've noticed that the (included) rechargeable batteries charge-up in a very short time. Seemed to be < 30 minutes to me (although I didn't time it).

Next: Powering up - I love the splash screen. You get to see the different, subtle shades of color that make up the display. See for yourself, in the pic below:

Installing the Garmin GPS unit is very easy - Simply press it against the (modern-style) dot fasteners; and you're done. It is held in place very securely:

More to follow...

Review EM3 Part 2 Of 2

The EM3 From Wildlife Acoustics

Just a heads-up, to let you know that the next bat detector I'll be testing & reviewing will be the EM3 from Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. I urge you to check out their Web page - I know that there has been a lot of anticipation surrounding this brand-new, and unique detector...

...See the photo below - To get an idea of what you receive, when you order a new EM3 unit; from Wildlife Acoustics:

- To begin with, this is what it looks like, when your package arrives - You can see the (optional) Garmin GPS unit, in the upper left hand corner.
As you can see, lots of new accessories are included: A brand new 4GB SD card, rechargeable NimH batteries and charger. Also included, are multiple plug inserts for the power adapter; for mains outlets in several countries.
As you can see, in the photo below; each EM3 is provided with a (really nice!) nylon custom carry case. There is also a convenient belt loop on the back - Neat!

Some additional pics of the unit:

Stay tuned!

Review: The Batango From Dodotronic

Review Of Dodotronic's Batango

One of the newest bat detectors on the horizon, also happens to be the smallest. It is the latest offering from Dodotronic, makers of the now well-known Ultramic series of microphones. It is called The Batango. And, believe it or not - It is a fully operational, frequency division bat detector that is made to fit on your key ring!

The Batango's design is simplicity itself: A very small black plastic enclosure; with one momentary push button, and one red LED indicator. This simple ultrasonic detector, is controlled exclusively by this one button. Each of the different settings - Such as: Power On/Off, Volume Up/Down, and Frequency Division Factor settings - Are all adjusted entirely by a simple sequence of button pushes.
See Dodotronic's Batango Web page; for a complete, graphical explanation.
As you can see: The unit is small! Now, you'll never have to miss listening to/or recording some unexpected bat activity!

One side of the unit features the MEMs microphone element (not shown in photo above), along with a 3.5mm Earphone Jack - Which provides audio output.
The unit is powered by a small, "button-type" battery (CR1220 3V Lithium cell) which lasts a good long while. The battery supplied, is still going strong (after a lot of testing).

In the beginning, I've found that it's a good idea to have a print-out of the instructions handy (just until you become familiar with it's operation).

Since Winter is upon us, and my area is currently experiencing very cold temperatures - Ivano Pelicella of Dodotronic, also supplied me with a small, electronic bat sound emulator (this very small circuit was shown on Dodotronic's Web page demo). Pressing a momentary micro switch on the circuit, produces ultrasonic chirps for testing, etc. In addition, I'm also trying to sort through my CDs, .wav files, and some online resources; to locate some (raw) bat recordings, which I would like to try The Batango on as well.

Preliminary tests, using only a pair of (average/inexpensive) earphones were very good. The unit is excellent at rejecting man-made ultrasonic noises. Such as: The ever-popular, rubbing of index & middle fingers against your thumb, or clicking of fingernails, etc. I've recently been informed that this is by design - The unit was designed to reject sounds below 20kHz in frequency.
At the same time, however - It has no problem picking up the ultrasonic pulses produced by the bat chirp emulator. So, this is great news!

I did notice that The Batango does not feature the same kind of pick-up range, as a normal/full-sized detector. At the same time, I realize that this key-chain-sized detector would not be used in settings where long pick-up range is needed. In my opinion, it's great to have handy for serendipitous monitoring of bats. In other words, in those situations where/when you unexpectedly see bats flying about (while you're away from home).

Some other examples, of settings/locales: You may happen to be visiting, with your Aunt Adele (or your Uncle Dominick). And, when evening begins to roll around...you notice that your Aunt (or Uncle's) backyard has more natural bat habitat that you originally remembered.
Or, there is a small wooded lot or other "batty looking" area that you hadn't noticed before... Or, you are dining at a restaurant, and step outside for some fresh air (while waiting for the main course to arrive) and you notice what you are almost sure was the erratic flight of a bat... I'm sure you can understand my point; and you can just imagine the different possibilities!
The other nice thing about it, is that it can be used very discretely. Most onlookers, or a passerby will think you're simply listening to your MP3 player...

Again, since these types of spots are places where your first indication of bat activity is likely to be visual; the pick-up range of the Batango will be adequate.

In regards to The Batango's recording performance, and sonogram production: The unit wasn't exactly designed with those uses in mind. I will share some excerpts, of a recent e-mail, from Ivano Pelicella of Dodotronic:
"...As I've written in my website it's not suited for audio recordings since the outcoming waveform is synthesized and the spectrogram can have a lot of harmonics due to the square waveform of the internal sound generator. For ultrasound recording the Ultramic is the best solution.

The frequency range is 20 khz ~ 140 khz...Batango has an internal filter that cuts all the signal below 20khz, this is the reason why it's so immune to normal audio..."

So, I've given it some thought - And, after careful consideration: I've decided that instead of writing a Part 2 to this review, I will leave it as-is. And, if any additional info needs to be added - I will add it to this post.

The completed, full production units will be available for purchase from Dodotronic in a few months. In the meantime, any questions may be directed, via e-mail to Ivano Pelicella at Dodotronic.

Winter is a good time to organize your notes, sound recordings and sonograms; to be ready for Spring...

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!

Wildlife Sound Recording Society - Autumn 2011 Journal

From England - The Autumn issue of The WSRS's Journal is out now. It is another feature-packed, fascinating issue.

This volume (Vol. 12 No. 2) includes great articles - Including my reviews of:
SeaWave Software (Page 7)
Dodotronic's Ultramic 200K (Page 12)
And a great article by Chris Scott, titled 'Sound Surveys Yield Secrets Of Bat Swarms'
(Page 38)

There really are lots of other great reviews & articles in this volume!

Wildlife Sound Recording Society

I'll admit, that the yearly Subscriptions/Membership fee is not cheap (for USA residents); but I can tell you - It is totally worth every penny!

A Great Bat Conservation Site! - Bats Of Salamanca

Wanted to share this great bat site:

Bats Of Salamanca

Another "sub-link", from the site above; that features lots of goodies & info to download!

Bats Of Spain & Portugal - Translated Into English

Great info & pictures!

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

Weather Conditions Conducive To Bat Detecting

It has been written in several books (and various other texts/scientific papers), that bats will not (or are very unlikely) to be detected if certain weather conditions exist. This seems to be especially likely, if the guide you are reading, is a bit outdated.

The typical generalizations (or guidelines) have stated, for instance: That bats will not take flight, or leave their temporary (or permanent) roosts, unless the outdoor temperature is at least 50 Deg. F. Those of you who (like me) read all the bat books, texts, and scientific papers that you can get your hands on; will have also read: That bats will not fly if it is too windy, or raining.
To put it nicely: Many of us have already discovered that these guidelines (or "Rules") are incorrect. The interesting thing, is that many modern documents also echo these guidelines.

I've found that a fascinating (and fun) activity, is to actually set-out to prove that these recommendations are incorrect. So, if possible - Place one of your detectors out if:
 Temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit
 It's raining lightly - And you're able to do so without getting the unit wet - Please make sure that your detector's microphone element doesn't get wet!
 It's windy...Not too windy, mind you! Bats certainly will not fly if winds are over 15mph.
Remember to take notes! - Especially if you get any recordings of bats.

Together, we hobbyists will be able to prove a lot of those old texts wrong. And, be able to share new (and interesting) findings/updates. I keep a separate journal (notebook) especially for this purpose. I have already proven that the 50 Deg. F "rule" is not accurate : )

For intermediate or advanced hobbyists:
There is something else. Especially during this Winter - If you capture bat recordings at night, or at dusk/dawn; and it happens to be the "dead of Winter" - It would be good, to try to positively verify the species. This may be done, using the usual/conventional means: Studying various facets of the recordings, studying/comparing the resulting sonograms, etc.

If for instance, you determine that the species recorded; are of a type that should positively be hibernating at that date/time. There is a possibility, that you have picked up bats that are suffering from WNS. Of course, this is a very sad topic for most of us. Depending on your situation, location, (and perhaps other variables) you may be able to share your findings with your local Wildlife Authorities. You may even be instrumental in saving the lives of some bats.
Just keep in mind, that there are some bat species, which are known to be active (even in December) and it is not abnormal. You'll have to use your discretion.

Happy bat detecting!