The Two New Detectors En Route - A Trivial Status Update

Just an unexciting update on the ETA of the 2 new bat detectors.

I've been watching them closely, anxiously awaiting their arrival.

It  looks like they will both be arriving sometime before the end of this week. So, it took about 2 weeks for them to arrive. All good things to those who wait, and all that...

Now, I would like to share some useful tidbits of information (chiefly for anyone ordering either one of these units): 

• If you live on the East coast of North America, you can expect the delivery to take approximately 8-14 business days (without counting Sundays).
• If you live in Europe, you'll only wait a fraction of that time - Probably about 3 days, would be my guess (mostly likely as short as 1-2 days!).

So, I can't really do much more than to share a couple of random updates:

• The post just prior to this, was a brief review of a book (I was interested in it for a while) titled 'Is That a Bat?' By Neil Middleton. An awesome book, anyway you slice it. It would be especially enjoyed by anyone recording bats in the field; as well as those involved with wildlife sound recording in general.
• I'm also happy to report that I will be reviewing another book on bats here, in the near future. It is titled 'A Miscellany of Bats' by M. Brock Fenton, and Jens Rydell.
• This is also a good time to point out a new book which is scheduled to come out early next year, written by Nils Boulliard. It's title is 'Big Bat Year'

Thinking about these books again, just served to remind me: Pelagic Publishing happens to publish the most desirable books on bats (in the English language) to be found anywhere!

...Ahh...I feel compelled to go on a bit of a tangent here: Okay, there was a time (long ago) when I became very keen on the subject of Falconry. In the very beginning I did have intentions of becoming fully involved with the sport. As I began to learn a lot more, about everything that is involved, etc. - My enthusiasm with respect to the actual hunting waned. 

This was not before having read several good books, and purchasing more than one (VHS tape!) on the subject. Naturally, as with all things which interest me, the tapes were from The UK.

However, studying/following the ancient history of the sport, which goes back thousands of years, is undeniably fascinating.

Since we're already off the path here, let's go just a bit further - As I'm fond of mentioning (to anyone who will listen): All of my favorite avocations happen to have a rich history (and large following) in the British isles:

• Fly fishing / Fly tying
• Birding
• Bat detecting
• Wildlife Sound Recording
• Microscopy

Okay, we will find our way out of this little rabbit hole, in just a moment...

The interesting point that I wanted to bring up, has to do with would-be/beginning falconers: Apprentice Level (where one begins).

Falconry as a sport is steeped in tradition. And by far the most important factor to establish, when considering a new member, was their commitment to this unique sport.

 

Candidates were sometimes (often) "judged" by how many books they'd read on the subject.

In other words Master Falconers, those who would take you under their wing 😀 Could potentially gauge how serious and committed you were, by how many books you owned on the subject.

 

This was a "barometer" to your level of seriousness and dedication. I also distinctly remember reading about (more than one) enthusiastic, potential falconer who owned 250 books! More than enough to secure his entry into the guild I'd say!

And I just couldn't help but think: imagine if we gauged the dedication and commitment of potential Bat Workers by how many books they owned on bats?? 

😀 I'm just trying to be funny of course!  But, if someone wanted to jump start their collection of books, on the analysis of bat calls: They would do well to buy up the collection of offerings now featured at Pelagic Publishing.

As for me...the very latest update (checking status online) is that both detectors The SSF BAT3 and The Teensybat kit/parts, are "out for delivery" today. Yay!

Very exciting news!

•Update: I'm happy to report that both detectors arrived today, as expected. Both have arrived safe and sound, without any damage...... They went through quite a lot on their journey from Europe to the US.

Next post will be some brief 1st impressions!

Until next time, Happy bat detecting!

A Quick Review of the book: 'Is That A Bat?' by Neil Middleton

Book Review: 'Is That A Bat?' by Neil Middleton

'Is That a Bat?' is a book which intrigued me since I first learned of it (probably while pursuing books on the NHBS site).

Okay, I decided to just simply google: is that a bat by Neil Middleton

Exactly as it reads above, with no capitalization, and no question mark, just to see what would happen. The 1st link listed is of the same title, from 'goodreads' where it states "5/5" (Rating).

Below that, is the link to the publisher Pelagicpublishing.com And below that, is the link to the book on amazon.

Some details:

The complete title of the book is: Is That A Bat? A Guide to Non-Bat Sounds Encountered During Bat Surveys 

It is available in paperback, or e-book (electronic) format. It was published on January 6, 2020. It is 288 pages in length, with 257 figures (illustrations), and 36 tables. 

It features 7 chapters: 3 appendices, a glossary, references, and an index.

It measures 234 x 156mm and weighs 650 grams.

I may be getting a little ahead of myself here, but this is how the table of contents reads:

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
The Sound Library
1. Well, what on earth could it be?
2. Terrestrial mammals
3. Birds
4. Amphibians
5. Insects
6. Electronic and mechanical
7. Weather, people and other nuisances
Appendix 1 Supporting figures and tables
Appendix 2 Problem solving
Appendix 3 Additional resources
Glossary
References
Index

The price varies a bit depending on where you order from, and especially which format you choose; but NHBS currently has the paperback, in stock and available for only £34.99

This book would be quite suitable for a range of readers: Anyone from a hobbyist or citizen scientist, all the way up to professional bat workers and researchers - There is something of interest for anyone who works with bat detectors.

...Now, once I got myself (an electronic) copy, and started to look through it - Wow! I realised straight away that this review might not be so quick and easy:

Not only is there a lot of great info packed into this book; but when you buy a copy, you get access to on online sound library! (via the publishers site). I had no idea, and was pleasantly surprised by this. 

Several of the first sounds & spectrograms, are presented in a quiz/self-test format. This thoughtful inclusion helps make this book a real learning experience.

The next thing that dawned on me, was this book would also be excellent for those involved in wildlife sound recording in general. Definitely a nice cross reference, which is also pleasant to read. As I continued reading, I found myself thinking about getting my own recording equipment out...I eventually did in fact!

When visiting the dealers websites, you will commonly see some sample pages of the book made available, as a preview. The Author uses graphs, and other useful illustrations. As well as some very useful spectrograms & screenshots of various recordings. These were made using Pettersson's BatSound software (from Pettersson Elektronik). 

I found the illustrations to be lovely.

What I liked: 

• A very thorough book!

• Well written, and put together in a logical progression.

• Along with it's online sound library, it is reminiscent of having a course in wildlife sound recording.

I enjoyed 'Chapter 5 Insects', the order orthoptera was discussed (which includes crickets, katydids, and grasshoppers). As a long time fan of singing insects, I liked the included oscillograms  & spectrograms. As well as the concise facts shared about each species mentioned. 

This treatment is repeated when the subject of amphibians is covered, as well as: Small and large terrestrial mammals, birds, and rodents. To a lesser extent (for obvious reasons) even 'Electronic and Mechanical' sounds are touched on in Chapter 6. Very interesting stuff!

I was also happy to see the appendices (neat stuff), and suggestions for further reading. In Appendix 3 for instance, the Author shares some very neat websites.

Considering the wide range of acoustic subjects covered: mainly the animals which are also recorded while one is focusing on bats - This book would be great for anyone venturing into the field - both figuratively and literally!

Without a doubt, anyone who intends to record bats in their natural environment, would do well with a copy of this book. You may also be interested, in seeing the assortment of books dealing with bats, currently offered by Pelagic Publishing here.

Until next time (when we'll be discussing bat detectors), 

Happy bat detecting!

Two Wonderful Bat Detectors Are On Their Way!

Just a quick post for now - I'm excited to announce that two unique bat detectors are currently on their way here!

To make it more fun, I'll only share a few clues and hints (for now): 

• They each have lovely, colour touch screen displays, featuring live spectrograms!
• One from the Netherlands, the other from Germany.
• Both from non profit entities (I had to purchase them).
• Chances are, you've never even heard of, or seen either of them.
• The one from the Netherlands, is a DIY kit which will require soldering.
• I've been wanting to get the one from Germany since at least 2019.

The DIY bat detector kit from the Netherlands, is currently out of stock - With no ETA as to when kits will be available again. So, there's no point in discussing it any further at this point in time. 

The bat detector from Germany is in stock & available for purchase. So, I'll tell you a little bit about it:

It's The SSF BAT-3 from Microelectronic Volkmann 

The very neat-looking SSF BAT3

Check out the All About Bats page - Originally in the German language; most of the related web pages are (using the Google Chrome browser provides auto-translate).

The SSF BAT3 provides live spectrograms

in a very compact size

That's it for now! Of course there will be lots more to share over the next few days!  Including more pictures, and links!

Happy bat detecting! 

Review: The Newest Echo Meter Touch 2 (Non-Pro Version) From Wildlife Acoustics

From Wildlife Acoustics 

So, here's a bat detector which needs no introduction... The Echo Meter Touch 2

Stock photo from Wildlife Acoustics website.

This is how the unit arrives, double-packed, directly from Wildlife Acoustics.

Very well protected inside the cardboard box

The Echo Meter Touch App, is what you download for free, from the Google Play site online - In order to operate the unit on your cell phone. All units manufactured after 2021, will have a USB—C connector.

It's important to keep in mind that a USB—C to Micro—USB, or Micro-USB to USB-C adapter may also be used...These are inexpensive, and readily available. Any adapter used, should conform to the On The Go specification.

The Echo Meter Touch 2 is very small and light, some would say amazingly so!

One of the reasons why I mention this specifically, is because it seems to me, to be even lighter than any of it's predecessors.

At the time of this writing, it is selling for $179 US dollars — directly from the Wildlife Acoustics website.

The echo meter touch 2 in it's protective carry pouch

(very neat!)

You will find that the echo meter touch 2 is very reasonably priced, and available from many different sellers — online. Including NHBS in the British isles; and Wildlife & Countryside Services.

It doesn't take very much practice before becoming comfortable using the echo meter touch app. You are able to easily toggle between compressed and expanded mode, using the icon on the main monitoring screen.

Remember to configure your Auto ID mode. Enter the Auto ID mode: and select from North America, Europe, United Kingdom, Neo Tropics, and a South African region (should be available in the latest version by the time you're reading this).

There is also a small manual record button — Red, and marked with an M. — which you can use to initiate a recording..... This button may be used on its own — or while triggered recording is in session... This is helpful in case the trigger misses something. You may read more about this in section 2.5 of the User Manual.

As always, I recommend reading the the freely downloadable User Manual — preferably in it's entirety!

You also have the ability to stop the recording label icon to open the notes page. Voice and text notes are saved as metadata in the recording, and they are transferred along with the recording to your PC. You can later use the search feature, to search the text of any text notes you had may have added.

The app has a limit of 10,000 recordings— after that, recordings will need to be transferred or deleted.

Another interesting feature is that in live mode, heterodyne can be tuned automatically or manually.

In GPS view: you can see the different locations, since each recording session is shown with a different path colour.... The KML file is generated and stored with the session, in the session folder.

I'm glad that you are able to adjust The Real Time Expansion on a previously made recording. 

In order to adjust pitch (1/10 is higher pitched [and the one I prefer] and 1/20 is lower pitched).

The nightly sessions mode is very neat, and behaves as a sort of unattended recording mode. Nice.

There are several methods of transferring your recordings onto a computer. You may use WiFi, a USB cable, or email. I experimented with all of them.

Part 5.2 of the user manual discusses audio specifications, of both the EM2 and the EM2 pro. Very informative, as you would expect.

You can also have a look at this page, on the Wildlife Acoustics site; which shows a neat side-by-side comparison - between The EM Touch 2 and The EM Touch 2 Pro.

The Echo Meter Touch 2 is very easy to use; and would be ideal for a beginner, or just about anyone interested in listening to, and/or recording bat calls.

And as always, I recommend the EM Touch 2 Pro to those who prefer better performance and features.

You can use The EM Touch 2 to save triggered recordings to .wav files. You may listen to the recordings, in either RTE (Real Time Expansion), HET (heterodyne), or traditional Time Expansion. In other words, while recording —Or while listening to the recorded files on your phone.

You can use the Touch, to transfer recordings to your computer. The app bundles the recordings into a zip folder, and allows downloading by entering a short URL into any web browser.

The screenshot below, shows the spectrogram of Lasionycteris noctivagans, a species of Vesper bat, here in The Northeastern United States:

 

A recording of a Silver-Haired Bat, made with The EM Touch 2

Viewed using Kaleidoscope, and Zoomed-in on a bit.

Pros:

* Price: Reasonably affordable, considering what you get (providing that you already have an Android cell phone).

* Easy to use, with a lot of features - not the least of which is Auto ID.

* Lightweight and robust.

Cons:

* Speed and responsiveness are directly related to the speed and responsiveness of your cell phone (new, fast phone = fast bat detector).

* Audio output isn't very loud. On the late model Samsung cell phone I used, I found myself wishing it was much louder.

So, the other minor Con, would be that it's no longer manufactured for use on any Apple devices.

Note: When rushing out to detect bats using the default settings (presuming you're recording bats in rainy conditions - from a dry refuge!): You will hear light rain / raindrops being registered. 

This may be remedied by making adjustments in the frequency response parameters - Basically the "window" of frequencies you allow the unit to record - An incentive to become familiar with the customization's The Touch is capable of; as well as The User Manual in general.

Which all serves to help you get the most out of The Echo Meter Touch 2.

This pretty much sums up The echo meter touch 2 (non pro edition). I plan to add some more info to this review in the near future; along with some recordings, et cetera.

Thank you to Wildlife Acoustics for providing the unit for review! The EM Touch 2 has been sent to The BatAbility Club (in Scotland) - Where it will be featured in an upcoming free giveaway—For BatAbility Club members!

Until next time, Happy bat detecting!

Random Thought for July

I'm running a bit behind schedule with these random, Random Thoughts Posts...

I'm just going to skip June - So here's July's Random Thought:

Can your favourite hobby stand-up against occasional set-backs? Can your chosen hobby withstand the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune?

What about disappointment after disappointment?

Well, I actually went through some similar situations, to those I've alluded to above... However, my bat detecting wasn't the hobby! In fact, while on the subject, I should point out that my love of bat detecting has been put to the test (over the past 12 years) ...and has obviously survived unscathed. 

No, in my situation, the hobby whose feet were held to the fire was Amateur Astronomy.

Spoiler alert: My astronomy hobby didn't "survive".

I'll make a long story short - I was on the precipice of really taking the plunge into visual astronomy/observing (and pencil sketching Deep Sky Objects) again. 

I was making preparations for many weeks. I was slated to receive not 1, but 4 vintage telescopes: A dream come true for many amateur astronomers any way you slice it. These weren't just old telescopes, but models which are much-sought-after. In addition: I was getting these telescopes for a very modest cost, they had each been meticulously restored & cared for, and were owned by someone who wasn't only a expert astronomer, but a bona fide Scientist (he was also a very nice guy).

I was obviously very excited about receiving these instruments; and made plans for where each would reside, when & where they'd be used, etc. I was doing more than just counting the chickens before they hatched...I was organizing them as well.

Unfortunately, with the passage of time, small "hiccups" in the logistics of the situation ensued: Some expected (inclement weather), some unexpected... And as these obstacles waxed and waned, my interest and dedication to the hobby itself simply waned. In fact, it gradually waned until I'd lost not only hope, but just about all of my interest in the hobby altogether. It just happened.

So I eventually ceased my (formally incessant) pursuit of acquiring these instruments. And declined the offer to go through with the purchase/acquisition of the telescopes.

All-in-all it seemed to me, to be an interesting chain of events. For instance, there were many ways to look at the situation. As well as other options available to me... For example, I could've simply purchased a modest, brand-new telescope. Although the choices/selection were very dismal at that point - due to the trucking/shipping shortage in The USA at that particular time.

The take away from all this, is that I reached a point where I was done with it. I'd gone from the very lofty heights of excitement, joy and expectation, to the very dismal lows of losing hope. I found myself not wanting to be involved (or active) in this particular hobby any longer.

One of the odd things about it, is that I couldn't foresee this happening. I was fortunate enough to have the space to safely house the telescopes; and the great fortune of dark skies. Yet it happened anyway. 

In some strange way, I may be glad that it happened. Going through this ordeal of highs & lows, frustration, etc., literally forced me to reassess the importance/value which that pastime represented to me. It forced me to seriously asses the situation, and cut my losses. 

Bat Detecting Forever!

The next review here, will be of the very latest Echo Meter Touch 2 (with USB-C connector) from Wildlife Acoustics. 

Happy bat detecting!

The Newest Echo Meter Touch 2

The very latest version of the echo meter touch 2 (from Wildlife Acoustics) has arrived.

This will be the version of the EM Touch 2 going forward (with USB-C connector).

I will be discussing this new unit, during a webinar on July 25th, on BatAbility Club, with Neil Middleton.

Happy bat detecting!

Random Thought Of The Month - May

Running a bit behind this time, with my Random Thought of The Month". This is the random thought for the month of May 2022.

This time, it has to do with technology — more specifically, the technology that we all use everyday: Even more specifically, laptops.

We've probably all heard (or overheard) that expression: "I need a new laptop". Sometimes, prefixed with the word "mom" or "dad" — as in "Mom I need a new laptop! "

In my experience, the person making this statement, is usually someone who doesn't have an understanding of how a laptop operates. They have no idea of what goes on inside a laptop, or even the rudimentary relationship between hardware and software... And in fact, typically have a very limited knowledge of what might be causing their current laptop to behave poorly — Or, "slow" (the most commonly heard complaint).

This complaint is normally made by someone of millennial age, or younger. Although I've also heard it from senior citizens, as well as from people of varying ages.

I must point out, straight away that as part of this discussion — I am not including (considering) any of the end users, clients, etc., whom I'd been tasked with providing computer support to (over the many years of my career). Here, I'm only discussing Family, friends, and acquaintances.

The gist of the situation, is as follows: We have a person, who has simply been using their laptop - Without any idea or care as to it's upkeep... This goes on for some time; after which a laptop invariably begins to slow in it's computing performance. To the impatient, and somewhat spoiled amongst us - this is unacceptable — And a clear indication (as far as they're concerned) that they need a new laptop.

Those with even a cursory knowledge of laptops, have a bit of understanding as to why this happens. And probably even have a vague idea of the machine being in need of some maintenance, etc.

However, someone who is not accustomed to waiting a few extra seconds for anything, begins a slow descent into desperation (and anxiety) over the need for a new laptop.

There are also some additional, amusing tidbits to consider:

• Not only is there nothing physically wrong with the laptop, but it invariably tends to be a higher end model (retailing well north of $1,000 [US]). Sometimes, easily twice as much.
• The owner of said laptop, spends 99% of their time just surfing the Web. Spending time on social media, and/or playing games, etc.
• I've also witnessed a lot of maltreatment of the laptops themselves - Neglecting to place them on hard, flat surfaces: So that the built in vents (and cooling fans) can have access to ambient air. This in turn, forces the machine to run at higher temperatures then it should — causing wide variations in thermal cycling. 
• In addition to a myriad of minor (compounding) issues and unnecessary wear, this eventually causes what is known (to computer engineers) as "chip creep".

Further to the above, consider the practice of placing laptops on pillows, bedding, blankets, and sheets. Not good.

What typically happens in the aforementioned scenarios, is that the person almost immediately orders a brand new laptop.

I suppose the thing that sticks out to me most, is the lack of productive output —From those usually found in these scenarios. It is the striking contrast, of someone having an expensive/high end tool — Who uses it just to idle away the time.

All while there are many other people, who are struggling to actually produce work —And are forced to use sub—optimal equipment.

As for me, I have always tended to buy affordable laptops. And, having been a computer engineer for about 16 years, I'm able to get them to continue functioning well past their "expected" life span. For those unfamiliar with the accepted business model — that translates to 3 years. Sometimes 2, if it's a very lucrative business or company.

Where many other (private citizens) would have already replaced theirs, twice.

In my case (personally) I will keep a tablet or laptop in continuous use for 8 or 9 years.

Most recently, I'll take a "hand-me-down" laptop from someone. It's a similar scenario —The original owner feels that the laptop isn't good enough for them, or not fast enough for them.

It happens all the time...

This reminds me of a story I once read — A journalist went to spend some time Birding in Costa Rica. His contact/guide there, lived very close to the jungle. This journalist/visitor considered himself an excellent birder... But soon discovered that his host had uncanny, and extraordinary skills as a birder. Not only when spotting and identifying birds using binoculars. But also by ear! He'd never seen anything like it before and was beyond impressed! 

The journalist also soon found out, that this man accomplished all of this - Using an old, cheap, pair of binoculars with a cracked objective lens... And a single, rudimentary field guide (which was beyond well worn).

If I remember correctly, the journalist left the man a new pair of binoculars before leaving.

Incredible — I'm amazed by stories like that. I only wish I still had some information about the article — so that I could share it here.

...and that's how it goes sometimes.

Until next time,

Happy Bat Detecting!

Review: The Batlogger S2 Static Bat Recorder from Elekon

The latest static bat recorder from Elekon, is The BatLogger S2.

Packaging - It arrives in a small, brown cardboard box. And includes a 16GB MicroSD card (installed).

The Batlogger S2 measures 132x72x35mm, and weighs 138 grams.

As just one example, The BatLogger S2 is currently priced at £660 on the NHBS website:

This static bat recorder doesn't have a built in GPS, but rather gets it's location data from the App running on your smartphone.

The Batlogger S2 does have a temperature sensor, and internal rechargeable battery. And a weatherproof enclosure.

It's listed as having a 100 hour recording time (as per Elekon).

I find the design to be a good shape (geometrically speaking). Fairly easy to mount, etc. (although mounting straps aren't provided).

I found the plastic construction of The BatLogger S2 to be less robust than other recorders of it's type on the market.

Additionally, I found the (round) mesh-like covering over the microphone element to be inadequate:

During my brief test period, I found that it allows ambient moisture to enter/contact the (delicate) Mic element. Despite taking additional measures to avoid this.

Elekon advises the user not to mount the S2 in a manner which allows the Mic area to face falling rain.

In other words: avoid exposing the Mic to direct rainfall/raindrops. 

The microphone is a MEMs type element. The Mic board, as well as the system itself utilizes the ubiquitous surface mount technology, which most PCBs use these days. 

Perhaps designing the microphone to sit in a more recessed location, would help avoid direct exposure to rain, etc.?

In use, The S2 is able to be reset (essentially the password) by subjecting the unit itself to motions and/or taps.

This of course, suggests an internal motion sensor.

Elekon's (free version of) BatExplorer (2.1) Sound recording analysis software

Locating, and downloading was Elekon's analysis software was easy.

Installation was also quick. The initial launching of the software took a little while (especially when compared to similar Apps). Many are familiar with this "phenomenon"; and some of us know exactly why it occurs (computer geeks, that is). 

Subsequent launching's of the application were much faster.

I happened to already be quite familiar with The BatExplorer software...

However, the interface has changed...for the better, I'd say: I like the way it looks now...

It does take quite a bit of time to load (a folder) of recordings...

The S2 should be considered by anyone needing a static bat recording solution.

The Batlogger S2 is especially well-suited for someone in need of a physically smaller device. 

You will need to plug the S2 into a standard USB power source (laptop would be ideal; a cell phone charger will also work).

My unit arrived with a flat battery (0% charge). I used a Samsung brand phone charger to charge The S2. This charger, which I had to hand, happened to have the USB-C connector - which is what's required when charging the S2. Unfortunately, a USB-C charging cable is not provided.

I plugged the unit in at 7:30 PM, and 2 hours later - It was only showing 20% charged (via the Batlogger Control phone app).

Just an observation: The built-in thermometers (there are 2) on my unit, consistently mis-reported the temperatures. 

One of the built-in thermometers records/reports the temperature of the S2 itself. The other, reports the ambient temperature...

Pros:

• BatExplorer software and Controller App are free 

• Scheduling / Set-up is straightforward.

• Small size / Light weight

• Microphone is replaceable / and inexpensive

 

Cons:

• Not as robust in inclement weather as it could be.

• MicroSD card requires a “config-type” file to function.

• Control software is limited.

• Relatively expensive, compared to others.

Happy bat detecting!