For planing in advance of wind parks, examining roost usage as well as for many other bat acquisition tasks long-term monitoring is very useful. Usually activity needs to be recorded for a time span of multiple weeks or even months. A technically challenging task. The box extension for the batcorder simplifies this task. The batcorder is contained within a robust plastic box. The disc-microphone is installed in the box lid and additionally protected by a foam ring. A specifically designed controle module allows connection of 6V to 17 V batteries. The set is sold with a 6V / 12 Ah lead-gel rechargeable battery.

Using the optional solarpanel recharging is simple and you operate the batcorder fully self-sufficient. The box-extension can be bought in various configurations and is compatible to the batcorder 2.0, batcorder 3.0 and 3.1 as well as to the GSM-batcorder. The standard delivery includes a 6V/12Ah lead-gel battery. This can be charged using the optional solar panel. Thus the unattended runtime of the batcorder is only limited by the memory card for storing recordings. It can be up to 12 months.

Reliable monitoring set

The box is based on experiences gained from the wind turbine extension, which is successfully used since 2010. Thus, we added a microphone test to the box extension, to detect deviances from calibrated sensitivity. If the microphone is damaged by rain or dirt, the controle module reports this per SMS.

At the end of each recording interval (night), the box also sends a detailed status update to a freely choosable cell phone number. This message contains the number of recordings of the last night, overall number of recordings, memory capacity of the SDHC card, microphone sensitivity as well as other error conditions like empty battery. All you need is a standard SIM card, which you can install yourself easily. Prerequisite is reasonably well cell coverage at the location.

Reasonable long-term monitoring

Depending on the expected results long term monitoring can be very powerful. Nevertheless some prerequisites at the location are necessary for optimal use of the batcorder. The box should be set up spaced to reflective surfaces above, below, to the sides as well as to the front to reduce echos. If installed on a mast, the box should face away from the main direction of weather to reduce rain exposure of the microphone. Electromagnetic fields (power lines and such) as well as known ultrasound sources (for example ultrasound based humidity sensors) should be avoided. We recommend to test before installation if such sources can not be avoided.

Monitoring for multiple years, as asked for by some officials, is even with state-of-the-art devices not possible without regular maintenance. Microphones age more quickly and should be tested after a year. The device should also be deinstalled before winter to avoid.

Installation and usage

When setting up the box you should always properly fixate the box. At locations with higher visitor rate, the box should be locked and be installed out of easy reach. If installed on a mast we recommend you ask the mast producer, so a technician can do the installation. Some masts are known to be compatible with the box like the solution of  energiewerkstatt.

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Accessories and standard delivery

The box-extension is delivered including the plastic casing with internal fixation material, the control module (only batcorder 2, 3 and 3.1) and an 6V lead-gel battery. The solar panel is optional.

In addition you need

• batcorder 2.0, batcorder 3.0/3.1 or GSM-batcorder
• SDHC/SDXC card
• SIM-card for sending status sms

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