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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.
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.

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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.
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Prohibition Against Eavesdropping
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Copyright Notices
Contact Information

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.

Warning:

Wildlife Acoustics cannot provide instructions on grounding beyond indicating the grounding points available on Wildlife Acoustics equipment. Consult with an electrician or electrical engineer for further details.

The SMART System is designed for use on tall, exposed structures like wind turbines and meteorological towers where lightning and electrical surges are likely. To minimize the possibility of equipment damage and data loss, you should ground the SMART System at multiple points whenever possible.

The SMART System can be grounded at the following points:

Microphones

Typically, the microphone is the component of the SMART System most exposed to electrical discharge. Without proper grounding, electricity that discharges to the microphone may travel throughout the SMART System, damaging the microphone, the SMART Controller, and any networking components in between.

The body of each SMART MIC-1 microphone features a non-anodized strip of aluminum. You should apply conductive grease between the microphone and a conductive mounting clamp, then ground the clamp.

In-Line Surge Suppressors

Each SMART MIC-1 ships with an RJ45 Surge Suppressor. This should be installed in between the microphone and either the SMART Controller or Ethernet switch, if one is used. The Surge Suppressor should be installed as close as possible to the controller or switch, with the bulk of the Ethernet run in between the Surge Suppressor and microphone, to maximize protection. The Surge Suppressor should be grounded using the pre-installed grounding wire.

SMART Controller

Ground the SMART Controller using the exposed grounding nut, adjacent to the power input socket.