3. Hardware Overview

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder is designed for long-term, outdoor deployment. Made from durable polycarbonate plastic, it is UV-resistant and weatherproof. The enclosure meets IP67 standards, meaning it can withstand temporary submersion in water up to a depth of one meter without water intrusion. Note that installed acoustic stub mics can be damaged by underwater submersion, though they are protected against rain.

A reusable humidity regulation packet (hidden inside the enclosure) and a moisture vent regulate humidity and pressure inside the enclosure. The vent is protected internally by a membrane that blocks liquid water while allowing water vapor to exit the enclosure.

Figure 2. Front-Left View

1. The Enclosure Latch snaps into place to keep the enclosure sealed.

2. One of two Mounting Loops, which can accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up to a diameter of 0.420 in. (10.67 mm). See Versatile Mounting Options.

3. The Ultrasonic Microphone is installed flush with the enclosure, protected from water and animals by a metallic mesh over a weatherproof membrane. See Microphones.

4. The Enclosure Hinge keeps the lid and body of the recorder permanently attached.

Figure 3. Front-Right View

1. A Padlock Loop allows the enclosure to be locked closed. See Lock Compatibility for padlock size recommendations.

2. One of two Mounting Loops, which can accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up to a diameter of 0.420 in. (10.67 mm). See Versatile Mounting Options.

3. A Microphone Port can accommodate a second, acoustic microphone. When no second microphone is installed, the port is occupied by a plastic hex bolt. See Optional Acoustic Microphone Port.

4. The Barcode Label lists the recorder's Model Name and Serial Number.

   This information is also visible in the Song Meter Configurator app on the Status Screen.

5. A weatherproof Humidity Vent regulates humidity and pressure inside the enclosure.

Figure 4. Rear View

1. The upper and lower Mounting Tabs can accommodate bolts or screws with a maximum thread diameter of 3/16 in. (4.6 mm). They can also serve as attachment points for bungee cords or zip ties.

2. A Tripod Mount fits a 1/4ʺ-20 bolt, the same specification used by many cameras, including trail cameras.

The enclosure of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is equipped with attachment points that support a wide range of mounting options:

The enclosure of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is designed to support two layers of security:

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 has a port for an optional, acoustic microphone. When installed, this allows the recorder to alternate between recording ultrasound and recording audio within the typical range of human hearing.

The optional, second microphone can be installed on the right edge of the recorder. When the optional microphone is not installed, a plastic bolt and rubber gasket are used to seal the port.

For instructions on installing the optional acoustic microphone, see Install a Second Microphone.

The lid of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 holds the recorder's batteries. Depending on the version of the recorder, it holds either AA batteries or 18650 lithium-ion batteries.

AA Battery Compartment

The AA battery compartment holds two plastic battery trays. Each tray holds four AA batteries, and you can power the recorder with four or eight AA batteries in total.

If you use only four AA batteries, all four must be installed in the same tray.

Each tray is equipped with a ribbon. When installing AA batteries, position the ribbon underneath the batteries. Pulling on the ribbon will then let you easily remove the batteries.

For information on the different types of AA batteries, including Energizer^® Ultimate Lithium^TM, see Types of AA Batteries.

AA Battery Insertion Order

When inserting batteries, start near the attached end of each ribbon at the outer side of each tray and work towards the free end. This will ensure the ribbon has enough slack to make room for each battery. Without enough slack, the ribbon may push batteries out of the tray.

If only using four AA batteries, make sure the ribbon attached to the empty battery tray does not interfere with the seal between the lid and base of the recorder enclosure.

Best Practices for AA Batteries

Improper battery use can permanently damage your recorder. Always take care to follow these guidelines.

• Do not mix new or freshly charged batteries with used or uncharged batteries. A single dead battery will prevent the entire set from functioning.

  • The recorder will lose power prematurely and may not power on at all.

  • Batteries may leak corrosive chemicals that can damage the recorder.

• Do not mix multiple types of batteries (e.g. combining alkaline with NiMH). This applies even when using eight AA batteries. All eight batteries must be of the same type.

  Ideally, all batteries should be of the same brand and model. Mixing batteries with different characteristics can produce unpredictable results.

• Ensure batteries are oriented correctly. The negative, flat end of the battery should contact the battery tray spring.

  If one AA battery out of eight is inserted backwards, the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 may power on, but a backwards battery will eventually leak corrosive chemicals that can damage the recorder.

• Ensure batteries are oriented with the correct positive/negative polarity.

Lithium-Ion Battery Compartment

The lid of the Li-ion version of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 holds between one and six lithium-ion 18650 batteries. You can install any number of 18650 batteries in any of the slots, and the recorder will work as intended, but using more batteries provides longer run time. See Lithium-Ion Battery Requirements for more details on choosing appropriate batteries.

If using fewer than six lithium-ion batteries, we recommend inserting batteries starting from the left. Because the plastic cover with the Status LED Key contacts the four leftmost batteries when the enclosure is closed, those four battery slots are the most secure. When all six battery slots are filled, or when up to four batteries are installed in the leftmost slots, batteries are least likely to be shaken out of place by a strong impact.

Best Practices for Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Do not allow batteries' electrical contacts to touch each other or any conductive material during transport or storage. Use a non-conductive storage container designed for 18650 batteries to prevent accidental contact.

• Do not mix freshly charged batteries with drained batteries.

• Unlike many rechargeable AA batteries, lithium-ion batteries are shipped with no stored charge. You must charge them before initial use.

• Ensure batteries are oriented with the correct positive/negative polarity.

• Remove batteries before long-term storage to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

• At the deployment site, make sure batteries were not knocked loose during travel.

Warning

There are strict regulations on shipping and traveling with lithium-ion batteries in many parts of the world. Consult applicable laws before air travel or when planning to ship lithium-ion batteries.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder saves recording files and a summary log to an SD card installed in the memory card slot.

To insert an SD card, slide it into the SD Card Slot until it clicks into place. To remove, gently press the card further into the slot until it clicks again, and let the internal spring mechanism eject the card.