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high resolution sound recordings - monitor bats - anytime, anywhere

Automated recording of bat calls

The batcorder is the worldwide first data recorder that distinguishes bat calls from other sound sources in real-time (online signal analysis). Calls are recorded digitally as call sequence. Thus, bat calls can easily be sampled automatically at nearly every possible location. Bush crickets and other sounds (wind, water, rustling of leafs, ...) are under most circumstances not recorded at all.

The batcorder was developed specifically to be used as autonomous recording device in the field. It is not a conventional bat detector, bat calls are not played over headphones or loudspeaker. In contrast to other such devices each batcorder and its microphone are calibrated for a fixed sensitivity. Thus, the comparison of activity recorded at different locations is guaranteed.

State-of-the-art technology

Using state-of-the-art technology made this bat detector possible. Recordings are stored on SDHC card, these are also used in many modern photo and video cameras. The batcorder samples sound at 500 kHz with 16 Bit amplitude resolution. Thus, it uses 1 MB of memory per second of sound recording. A SDHC card of 16 GB of memory allows to store around 15.000 typical bat recordings (each with approximately one second of duration). This is sufficient for activity sampling of 5 to 20 consecutive nights at most ground based locations. Setup on wind turbines recordings of more than 30 days usually fit onto the 16GB SDHC card.

Development of the batcorder was focused on simple usage of the device as well as on the omission of unnecessary functions. That way costs were minimized and run time was maximized. The batcorder is optimized for autonomous usage and its casing is weatherproof. Through intelligent algorithms and low-power consuming parts the batcorder reaches run-times of up to 100 hours with the supplied, external NiMH battery pack (6V / 2.7 Ah). This typically resembles 6 to 10 nights of usage in Auto+Timer mode.

Features

The batcorder is easy to use in your field work. The most important feature for you is recording bat calls, three different recording modi exist and are shortly explained here. For more details we invite you to download the batcorder manual.

Auto+Timer-Mode

The batcorder starts up at a user-chosen time (usually in the evening), and starts a recording when it encounters a valid call event. It then saves the incoming sound for as long as further calls are recognized within a chosen time interval (posttrigger time). At a user-chosen time (usually in the morning) the batcorder stops sampling again and shuts down to save battery power.

Auto-Mode

This mode is equivalent to the Auto+Timer mode, but the scanning for calls has to be initiated manually. The timer is deactivated and the batcorder runs until switched off again.

Manual-Mode

In this recording mode the call recognition algorithm is deactivated. Recordings are started/stopped manually by pressing the Rec key.

Accessories

The batcorder is delivered including a battery pack (incl. charging electronics and charger) and a cordura case for camouflage as well as protection and simple setup in the field.

Included in delivery

• Cordura-case for camouflage and field set up
• External battery back (NiMH, 6V and 2.7 Ah) incl. charging electronics
• electret microphone (Knowles) with high omnidirectionality
• transport case

Optional

• wind turbine extension for setting up the batcorder in a wind turbine nacelle
• box extension for long term monitoring
• 12 V adapter for connecting a car battery
• additional battery pack
• ground nail for setting up a tarp pole

Status and availability

batcorder 2.0 are not in stock currently, due to the high order volumes. Delivery time is around 8 weeks currently. Please contact us to get a free quote.