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Installing SMART
Installing the SMART System on a wind turbine, meteorological tower, or similar structure requires careful planning. Proper connectivity, grounding, and microphone placement will help ensure a successful deployment.
Preparing to Install
Once a SMART System is installed on a wind turbine or meteorological mast, it may become much more difficult to troubleshoot some aspects of the system. You should make sure your SMART System is fully configured and you have the appropriate materials ready prior to installation.

Terms of Use
Document History
This documentation receives frequent updates, which are described here.
Introduction
Song Meter® with Analysis and Remote Transfer, or SMART™, is a multi-channel, ultrasonic audio recording and analysis platform from Wildlife Acoustics®.
Getting Started
The first time you use a SMART System, we recommend setting it up in an accessible location, such as an office. This will make it easier to configure the SMART and perform any necessary troubleshooting.
Microphone Settings and Schedules
Each microphone connected to a SMART Controller can have its own Setting Profile and Schedule Profile. These profiles determine when the microphone is active; the settings it uses to detect, record, and analyze bat echolocations; and set the scheduling of microphone sensitivity testing and moisture clearing.
SMART Controller Configuration
Before you deploy the SMART System, you should configure basic system and network settings. These include login credentials, date, location, and network configuration settings.
Data Management
The SMART System stores recordings and logs on its internal drive initially, and it can periodically transfer new data to a USB or networked storage drive.
Installing SMART
Installing the SMART System on a wind turbine, meteorological tower, or similar structure requires careful planning. Proper connectivity, grounding, and microphone placement will help ensure a successful deployment.
- Preparing to Install
  Once a SMART System is installed on a wind turbine or meteorological mast, it may become much more difficult to troubleshoot some aspects of the system. You should make sure your SMART System is fully configured and you have the appropriate materials ready prior to installation.
- Grounding
  A SMART System should be electrically grounded at multiple points (the controller, microphones, and in-between) to minimize the potential for damage from electrical discharges.
- Calculating Battery and Solar Panel Needs
  If you plan to power a SMART System using a solar panel and external battery, factors that determine how much energy the SMART will use and how much sun exposure is available per day will influence the appropriate equipment choice.
- Installing Microphones
Bat Activity Alarms and Control System Integration
The SMART System can integrate with a windfarm SCADA network or similar control system to perform acoustically triggered curtailment (ATC). You can define custom alarms that detect bat activity based on custom-defined parameters. When these alarms trigger, you can send control signals to other devices on a control system to trigger turbine shutdowns.
Troubleshooting
Specifications
SMART Enclosure
The SMART Enclosure is a preconfigured, weatherproof enclosure that can be purchased with the SMART System.
SMART API and Command Reference
The SMART System software includes utilities, command-line scripts, and APIs that can be used for additional customized programming of the SMART System.
Glossary
Warranty
Except as specifically provided herein, Wildlife Acoustics makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this product.
Declaration of Conformity
Prohibition Against Eavesdropping
Patents
Copyright Notices
Contact Information

Preparing to Install

Once a SMART System is installed on a wind turbine or meteorological mast, it may become much more difficult to troubleshoot some aspects of the system. You should make sure your SMART System is fully configured and you have the appropriate materials ready prior to installation.

Procedure

Configure your SMART Controller's network settings to match the network it will be connected to on-site.
- If you will be using a cellular modem, configure and test it prior to installation.
- If you will be connecting to a local Wi-Fi network, you can use a different network to test the connection process. You may wish to enter the on-site's network credentials in the SMART Controller's network settings prior to installation.
Configure your login credentials on the SMART Controller and familiarize yourself with the process of accessing the SMART Control Panel and Ubuntu command line interface.
Procure a USB backup drive, format it for Ubuntu compatibility, and test the daily USB backup functionality.
Configure and test daily backup to a network storage location via rsync.
Prepare the cables and additional networking components you will need to power and connect every part of your SMART System. These may include the following:

Ethernet cables

Include enough length to account for any possible movement, such as the rotation of a turbine nacelle.

Use UV-protected cable for any lengths of cable that will be exposed to the sun.

Ethernet switches

If you will be connecting more than two microphones to a single SMART Controller, you will need a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch to connect multiple microphones to a single Ethernet port on the SMART Controller.

If the Ethernet switch requires power, ensure you have any necessary power cables or extension cords.

Ethernet signal repeaters

A single run of ethernet cable can only extend 100 meters before you risk signal degradation. If you must span a distance greater than 100 meters, you need a means of repeating the signal and extending the total Ethernet range.