The batcorder is the worldwide first data recorder that distinguishes bat calls from other sound sources in real-time (online signal analysis). Calls are recorded digitally as call sequence. Thus, bat calls can easily be sampled automatically at nearly every possible location. Bush crickets and other sounds (wind, water, rustling of leafs, ...) are under most circumstances not recorded at all. Still bat calls will not be missed due to how the trigger was trained.

The batcorder was developed specifically to be used as autonomous recording device for simultaneous use in the field. It is not a conventional bat detector, bat calls are not played over headphones or loudspeaker. In contrast to other such devices each batcorder and its microphone are calibrated for a fixed sensitivity. Thus, the comparison of activity recorded at different locations is guaranteed. Being used since more than 20 years over 10000 batcorders are collecting bat data. We focused on data comparability and thus, even newer devices come with new features, the recording sensitivity and call trigger are fully comparable. That way you can gain knowledge on bat activity over a long time span.

1. Recording bat calls

   The batcorder records bat calls in highest quality. The device is designed for echo-free, omnidirectional sensitivity thus achieving high sound quality. Defined by 500 kHz sampling rate, 16 bit amplitude resolution and an SNR of roughly 84 dB with calibrated microphone.

2. Automatic mode

   Recordings are taken fully automatic. You choose a start and stop time and within that time period the batcorder recognizes bat calls and starts recording them. With the supplied battery pack you get runtimes of up to 15 days due to the intelligent hardware design only using 78mW of power.

3. With a system

   The batcorder hardware is part of a well designed system for automated recording, analysis and identification. Data is stored and presented ina clear way and data evaluation tools are built in. Maximum gain of time and focus on the essentials.

4. Modular extensions

   Adjust the batcorder to your usage needs with the various extensions available. That way long-term monitoring as well as nacelle monitoring are possible independent of the power grid.

Properties

Recording

• Trigger by call quality
• Calibrated sensitivity
• Omnidirectional microphone
• Comparison of locations
• Temperatur-logging (15 min interval)

Technology

• low power consumption
• 500 kHz / 16 bit
• Responsive: 16 to 150 kHz
• Electret-microphone (Knowles FG)
• 6V/2,4 Ah NiMH battery pack
• zusätzlicher interner Akku

Usage

• Simple to use
• Sturdy (weather)
• Cordura case as cover
• Selectable minimum frequency
• Selectable amplitude treshold
• Posttrigger (0 to 0.8 s)

Modern technology

The batcorder is based on modern electronics fully designed and developed inhouse. Recordings are stored on SDHC/SDXC memory cards. With a samplingrate of 500 kHz and 16bit resolution a second of sound equals 1MB of data. Using a normal 32 GB SDHC card you can thus store around 40.000 typical call sequences. On normal locations this is sufficient to store the activity of a full bat season. Bat calls start the recording and the absence of calls stopp the recording. The overall sensitivity can be adjusted within a 24 dB range.

When developing the device we focused on a simple usage and omission of unnecessary functions. That way the batcorder is very easy to use. We also designed it for autonomous use with a sturdy aluminum casing. Intelligent programming and power-saving components allow runtimes of up to 140 hours with the supplied battery pack (6V/2,4 Ah). Using the timer mode and only listening for bat calls from sunset to sunrise thus result in roughly 14 days of use. The product is made in Germany and we try to get supplies from as many local companies as possible.

Features

The batcorder was designed for easy use in the field. Your most important task with it is recording bat calls. Thus we will introduce the different recording modes. Further information are found in the batcorder manual.

1. Auto+Timer-Mode

   The batcorder start at the set time and will record whenever it detects bat calls. As long as bat calls are repeated within the set posttrigger time, a single file is written. At the chosen stop time the batcorder shuts down and sleeps until next start time occurs.

2. Auto-Mode

   When you start this mode the batcorder will listen to bat calls and record them upuntil you stop the mode again. So it works as the Auto-Timer but without automatic start/stop.

3. Manual-Mode

   In this mode recordings are only taken if you press the recording button. No automatic call recognition will take place.

4. Temperature-Logging

   A temperature sensor (microphone pole or microphone disc) is read every 15 minutes and the current temperature is logged to the logfile.txt. bcAdmin does extract the temperatures and stores them for correlation and other features. That way for each recording you get the interpolated temperature at recording time.

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Accessories and standard delivery

The batcorder is shipped with a battery pack incl. charging electronics and a cordura case for camouflage and easier attachment in the field.

Included in delivery

• Cordura-case for camouflage and attachment
• External battery pack 6V/2,4 Ah NiMH incl. charging electronics
• Internal LiIon-battery for short usages(one to two nights)
• Electret-microphone (FG, Knowles Acoustics) with high omnidirectionality
• Sturdy transport case

Optional accessories

• WT-Extension for use of the batcorder in wind turbine nacelles
• Box-Extension for use of the batcorder in long-term monitoring
• Additional battery pack
• Cable for connecting a 6V, 9V or 12V battery

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