What to Do Before Storing Your Song Meter Recorders

Your recorders. They've been out in the field for months—wildlife nibbling, wind whipping, and who knows what else. Before stowing them away, take a few minutes to examine and ensure they're ready for the next deployment.

Below are some best-practice tips from Wildlife Acoustics technicians to help you out; these cover all the essential components of recorders that can be affected after prolonged deployments.

Batteries & Power

• Remove all batteries to prevent possible leakage during storage.

• Inspect the battery compartment for any residue or corrosion. If necessary, gently clean it with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.

Data & Memory Cards

• Download and back up all data before removing SD cards.

• After data transfer, reformat the SD cards to resolve any error messages and ensure the cards are completely blank and ready for recording next season.

  • You can reformat cards using your Song Meter or the SD Association's free SD Memory Card Formatter. For detailed troubleshooting tips and reformatting instructions, refer to your recorder's User Guide.

• Store SD cards in protective cases to keep them away from moisture, static, and dust.

Microphones

• Use the Wildlife Acoustics Ultrasonic Calibrator to test the sensitivity of your ultrasonic microphones.

• Create test recordings using your built-in or external acoustic microphones, and listen to them to check their quality.

Inspection & Cleaning

• Thoroughly inspect and clean your equipment to ensure it is free from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could compromise its weatherproof seal or interfere with recording quality.

• Carefully examine the following components to ensure they are in good condition and damage-free (for guidance on locating these parts, see our Song Meter Video Tutorials):

• Use isopropyl alcohol wipes on metal and wire contacts and components to neutralize oxidation buildup, as well as on the polycarbonate enclosure, microphone, and power connectors, to remove dirt, debris, and any rusty deposits.

• Inspect microphone ports for debris or insect nests; gently clear them with compressed air or a small, soft-bristle brush.

• Check casing, closures, gaskets, and vents for dirt, wear, or cracking; replace if damaged to maintain weatherproofing.

• Also, examine any hex nuts and ensure they are hand-tight to maintain weatherproofing. (Never use a wrench to tighten these.)

• Finally, inspect recorder accessories (windscreens, cables, straps, poles, mounts, solar panels) for wear and damage; repair or replace as needed.

Safe Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, and stable environment.

• Use silica gel desiccant packs in storage cases to reduce moisture.

• Keep recorders in a protective case or sealed plastic bin to prevent dust and pests.

• Store accessories with cables coiled loosely to avoid kinks.

Documentation

• Label each unit and its accessories so teams can quickly match them up at the start of the next season.

An Ounce of Prevention

A little extra care now, before seasonal storage, can prevent headaches later and make a big difference in extending the life of your acoustic recorders. Above all, be sure to remove oxidation and have any damaged seals repaired.

If you find that your equipment needs servicing, send it in now to avoid the spring rush! Take a minute to fill out this form, and a member of our Support Team will be in touch.