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.
  - 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.
    - Enable Serial Output
      To enable serial output of SMART System status and measured bat call parameters, you must select the fields to include in the output messages and configure several aspects of the output message format.
    - Change Serial Port Mode
      The SMART Controller has two serial ports that support RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485. You can configure the active mode for each port using the SMART Controller BIOS.
    - Serial Port Event Message Format
      When enabled, an event message is output from the SMART Controller's serial port in response to a triggered event, such as a nearby bat vocalization or other ultrasonic noise.
    - Serial Port Poll Message Format
      Poll messages are output at regular intervals. These contain an optional text string and status information about the SMART System.
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

Serial Output

The SMART System can output system status information and pass-level measurements of bat call parameters via its two serial ports.

Serial Port Specifications

The SMART Controller has two male, DB-9 serial ports that support RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 protocols. By default, both ports are configured for RS-232.

Both ports are DTE ports. To connect one of the SMART Controller's serial ports to another device with a DTE serial port, such as another computer, you should use a null modem female-to-female cross-over cable or adapter.

With the longer edge of the DB-9 port on the bottom, pin 1 is at the lower-right corner, pin 5 is at the lower-left corner, pin 6 is at the upper-right corner, and pin 9 is at the upper-left corner. — Figure 1. Serial Port Pin Arrangement

Serial Messages

Two types of serial messages can be generated:

Event Messages: Event messages are output each time a triggered recording is completed and the results.csv file is updated. These messages can contain an optional text string and any selected fields from the results.csv file, with the exception of the species ID field.
Poll Messages: Poll messages are output at regular intervals. These contain an optional text string and status information about the SMART System.