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.
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.
- Alarms
  As the SMART System is recording and analyzing, it can trigger alarms when the characteristics of the bat call meet certain parameters. Raised alarms can be sent to a control system in order to shut down or slow a turbine.
- Control System Integration
  The SMART System provides several means through which other devices can retrieve information about detected bat activity in real time. This information can be used to inform automatic wind turbine curtailment or similar control decisions.
  - Control System Integration with OPC UA
    OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is a machine-to-machine communication protocol used for industrial automation developed by the OPC Foundation. The SMART Controller OPC UA interface provides a secure mechanism for retrieving status information, system updates and alarm notifications from a SMART device.
    - Install and Configure the SMART OPC UA Server
      The SMART OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) Server is installed automatically with the SMART System Software version 1.3.1 or later, for either Ubuntu 18.04LTS or 22.04LTS. In order for the OPC UA Server to begin running, you must configure SCADA settings on your SMART Controller.
    - Connecting to the OPC UA Interface
      The SMART’s OPC UA Model is accessible from any client supporting the OPC UA standards (for example, the popular UAExpert client). You can connect to the server using multiple different methods, depending on your network configuration.
    - Customize Startup Arguments for the SMART OPC UA Server
      The smart-opcua service may be configured with additional startup options to suit the needs of your installation. For example, the default connection port of 4840 can be changed using the --port option.
    - SMART OPC UA Information Model
      The OPC UA Information Model describes the organization of all information that can be polled via OPC UA. This information is necessary in order to correctly request and interpret outputs from the SMART Controller.
    - OPC UA Events
      Your OPC client can subscribe to smart-opcua events published by the SmartController node (NodeId = 15740) in order to receive any OPC UA events that may occur.
    - Enable SMART System Status Events over OPC UA
      A SMART System can be configured to send OPC UA events in response to possible error states, such as a detected reboot, lack of disk space, or microphone failure.
  - Control System Integration over Modbus
    One method for integrating a SMART System with a SCADA system or similar control system is using the Modbus protocol. Other Modbus-compatible devices on the network can poll the SMART System for information about the system's status and the status of the SMART System's bat activity alarms.
  - Control System Integration Using the Digital I/O Pins
    The SMART Controller features a block of assignable, Digital I/O (DIO) pins. You can control these pins with a simple script to signal the states of up to four alarms in response to detected bat activity.
  - Serial Output
    The SMART System can output system status information and pass-level measurements of bat call parameters via its two serial ports.
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

Control System Integration with OPC UA

OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is a machine-to-machine communication protocol used for industrial automation developed by the OPC Foundation. The SMART Controller OPC UA interface provides a secure mechanism for retrieving status information, system updates and alarm notifications from a SMART device.

OPC Clients are able to take appropriate actions according to local needs, including bat curtailment processing. The Information Model used by the SMART Controller provides a flexible and comprehensive set of variables, methods and publish/subscribe features to enable full monitoring of a SMART system.