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6. Maintaining and Protecting the Song Meter Micro 2

Update the Recorder's Firmware

We regularly publish new firmware versions that improve the functionality of the Song Meter Micro 2. If your recorder is running an outdated version of the firmware, the Status Screen in the Song Meter Configurator app will display a message alerting you to the new version. We recommend making sure your recorder is on the latest firmware at the start of each deployment.

Updating the firmware requires downloading the latest firmware file from our Downloads page at wildlifeacoustics.com/account/downloads. The file must be saved to an SD card. A single SD card can be used to update multiple recorders.

Once the firmware is updated, it is not necessary to keep the firmware file on an SD card installed in the recorder.

Update Firmware Using the Song Meter Configurator App

When paired with a Song Meter Micro 2, you can use the Song Meter Configurator app to initiate a firmware update.

This procedure loads a configuration file (ending in .miniconfig) and/or firmware file (ending in .smm), from the SD card to the recorder. If there are both a configuration file and firmware file on the card, the configuration file will be loaded first, and then the firmware update will be loaded.

  1. Install brand-new or freshly charged batteries into the Song Meter Micro 2.

  2. Save the latest firmware file to a microSD card:

    1. Download the current version firmware file from our Downloads page at wildlifeacoustics.com/account/downloads.

      The firmware file name is formatted as sysmicro-X.Y.smm.

      Note

      You must have a user account on wildlifeacoustics.com to access our Downloads page. Only an email address is required to create a user account.

    2. Connect a microSD card to your computer.

      If your computer has a built-in SD card slot, you can use a microSD-to-SD adapter. Otherwise, you can use a USB SD or microSD card reader.

    3. Copy the firmware file to the top level of the microSD card.

      "Top level" means the firmware file must not be inside a folder on the card.

      There must be only one firmware file on the card.

    4. Eject the microSD card from your computer's operating system before physically removing the card.

  3. Insert the SD card into the Song Meter Micro 2's SD card slot.

  4. In the Song Meter Configurator app, open the Utilities menu:

    1. Pair the Recorder with the Song Meter Configurator App.

      Configure and Unpair icons will appear next to the recorder's name.

    2. Tap the Configure icon for the paired Song Meter Micro 2 in the Recorders screen.

    3. Tap the Utilities icon in the upper-right corner of the Configuration Editor.

  5. In the Utilities menu, tap Load firmware or a configuration from card.

    A confirmation message will ask if you are sure you want to proceed.

  6. Tap PROCEED to start the update.

    An Updating... activity indicator will appear.

    The Song Meter Micro 2 will unpair from the Song Meter Configurator app.

    The app will return to the Recorders screen.

  7. Tap the Status icon next to the recorder name to open the Status screen.

  8. Confirm that the FIRMWARE VERSION listed on the Status screen is the latest version.

Update Firmware Using the Physical Controls

We regularly publish new firmware versions that improve the functionality of the Song Meter Micro 2. If your recorder is running an outdated version of the firmware, the Status Screen will display a message alerting you to the new version. We recommend making sure your recorder is on the latest firmware at the start of each deployment.

Normally, the recommended way to update the Song Meter Micro 2's firmware is via the Utilities menu (see Load a Configuration to a Paired Recorder from an SD Card). However, if you are unable to pair with the recorder, the procedure below will allow you to update the recorder's firmware without using the Song Meter Configurator app.

  1. Set the On/Off switch to Off.

  2. Remove one battery from the battery tray. Leave it removed for at least two minutes while you complete the following steps.

  3. Save the latest firmware file to a microSD card:

    1. Download the current version firmware file from our Downloads page at wildlifeacoustics.com/account/downloads.

      The firmware file name is formatted as sysmicro-X.Y.smm.

      Note

      You must have a user account on wildlifeacoustics.com to access our Downloads page. Only an email address is required to create a user account.

    2. Connect a microSD card to your computer.

      If your computer has a built-in SD card slot, you can use a microSD-to-SD adapter. Otherwise, you can use a USB SD or microSD card reader.

    3. Copy the firmware file to the top level of the microSD card.

      "Top level" means the firmware file must not be inside a folder on the card.

      There must be only one firmware file on the card.

    4. Eject the microSD card from your computer's operating system before physically removing the card.

  4. Insert the microSD card into the Song Meter Micro 2's microSD card slot.

  5. After one battery has been removed for two minutes, proceed to the next steps.

  6. Press and hold the STATUS/PAIR button. Keep holding the button for the following steps:

    1. Reinsert the missing battery.

    2. Switch the On/Off switch to On.

      All three STATUS LEDs will light up solid green.

  7. Release the STATUS/PAIR button.

    The STATUS LEDs will flash various patterns for several seconds, then the LEDs will show solid Red, Green, Green from top to bottom.

  8. Press and release the STATUS/PAIR button.

    The STATUS LEDs will flash red three times, then the firmware upgrade will take place.

    The STATUS LEDs will flash green three times to indicate a successful update, then the Song Meter Micro 2 will reboot.

  9. After the recorder reboots, open the Status screen to confirm that the new firmware version is listed.

Firmware Compatibility

The Song Meter Mini family of recorders and Song Meter Micro family of recorders require different firmware files.

All recorders in the Song Meter Mini family can be updated using a firmware file with the name format sys-X.Y.smm. These include:

  • Song Meter Mini 2

  • Song Meter Mini Bat 2

  • First-generation Song Meter Mini

  • First-generation Song Meter Mini Bat

Recorders in the Song Meter Micro family can be updated using a firmware file with the name format sysmicro-X.Y.smm. These include:

  • Song Meter Micro 2

  • First-generation Song Meter Micro

Weatherproofing

The Song Meter Micro 2 is designed to work in all kinds of weather, and will not let in any water under normal circumstances. However, there are a few routine checks that should be done to make sure that your recorder is as weatherproof as it was when you received it.

  • Examine the red rubber gasket around the edge of the battery compartment. The gasket should be free of debris and tears.

    Note that DEET, a common ingredient in insect repellent, is known to degrade the plastic used in the Song Meter Micro 2 enclosure. When possible, avoid contact with insect repellent.

    Some plant oils may also soften the recorder's rubber gasket over extended periods of exposure.

  • Avoid pointing microphones directly upwards.

Mounting

Avoid putting strain on the Song Meter Micro 2 enclosure by mounting it too tightly. This can distort the enclosure and break the seal, causing a gap that may allow water inside. Note that trees can sometimes grow rapidly enough to cause further strain on equipment that has been mounted on them.

Security

mini2-cable-lock.jpg

The upper-left and upper-right corners of the Song Meter Micro 2 enclosure feature loops through which a cable lock can be threaded to secure the recorder to a tree or structure. The diameter of the cable must be narrower than 0.420 in. (10.67 mm) to fit through these loops.

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