Elekon Batlogger M Bat Detector

About this product

The Batlogger M from Elekon is a sophisticated bat detector / recorder designed for transect surveys and bat walks. This compact handheld device features a weatherproof FG Knowles microphone which allows it to record full spectrum ultrasonic calls over the range of 10 – 150kHz. These recordings retain details of the amplitude and harmonic structure of the original bat signal; details which play a huge role in the accurate determination of species. Files are saved in WAV format onto an internal SD card along with additional information such as location (using the built-in GPS) and temperature.

In addition to recording  full spectrum calls, the Batlogger M also features a super heterodyne monitoring capability which will automatically convert bat sounds to a frequency that you can hear. Like the , the Batlogger will automatically adjust to the peak frequency so that you don’t need to worry about missing bats or adjusting the settings yourself (although you can if you want). Calls are played through the built-in speaker or you can listen via earphones.

Different recording settings are available, including scheduled, permanent or instant as well as different trigger thresholds for call identification.  All settings can be accessed directly on the Batlogger M. Alternatively, the free BATPARS Editor Software can be used to customise your settings on your PC. These are then transferred to the device via the SD card.

The Batlogger M is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery which is charged using the included charger. As this device is made by a Swiss manufacturer, please note that this charger has a type C Europlug (CEE 7/16) power plug). The internal battery allows recording over several nights, but for those who want longer autonomous observation and protection against weather influences, a Strongbox can be purchased separately which includes a set of batteries in a weatherproof case. Alternatively, if you are looking for a long-term recorder, you may wish to consider the or the .

The Batlogger M comes in a sturdy foam-padded carrying case, and includes a 16GB Kingston SDHC-card (loaded into the device) and a charger. For additional accessories, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

The free BatExplorer Software for Windows allows you to manage and analyse Batlogger M recordings easily and quickly. Listen to time-expanded recordings, filter and sort to find relevant data and import, export or backup your data. A customisable spectrogram with zoom and measuring aid facilitates manual species identification. BatExplorer also includes computer-aided identification of species with the help of an integrated bat species library (European species). Requires Windows Media Player version 11 or above.

Free software is also available for Mac users (BatScope) to analyse and manage recordings. BatScope allows you to transfer recordings from your Batlogger M to a structured and easily searchable database from where you can view spectrograms and automatically analyse and classify calls to species. It also enables you to cut long recordings into single bat calls.

GPS data from the Batlogger M can also be extracted for use with Google Maps/Earth. Requires a minimum of OS X 10.6 and 1 (preferably 2) GB RAM.

The Batlogger M is covered by a 2 year warranty, please note that this does not include the microphone. are available to purchase separately and are extremely easy to change – just unplug your old one and plug in the new.

Recommended reading:

 

Specification

Dimensions:

• Size (W x L x D): 80 x 155 x 38mm
• Weight: 350g
• Size of case (W x L x D): 330 x 280 x 75mm

Power:

• Power supply: 3.7 V 4600mAh Li-Ion-battery
• Power consumption when recording: approx. 230mA
• Power consumption in sleep-mode: approx. 10mA
• Operating time when recording: approx. 18h per battery charge
• Operating time in sleep-mode: approx. 400h per battery charge

Charger / Charging:

• Charger (included): Wall power supply 12 V DC (NOTE: charger has a power plug)
• Charging socket (voltage, capacity): 9 V DC to 15 V DC, min. 5 W
• Battery charge: I-/U-charge with 750 mA / 4.2 V
• Charging duration: approx. 7h

Recording:

• Sampling Rate: 312.5kHz
• Amplitude resolution: 16 bits (ADC)
• Sensitivity range: 10 – 150kHz
• Trigger Modes: Manual, Continuous, FFT-Crest, Period
• FFT-Trigger: 4 parameters (Crest / RMS / High Pass / Peak)
• Period Trigger: 2 parameters (ProdVal / DivVal)
• Recording duration after trigger: 0 – 53.5s @ 312.5kHz SR
• Recording duration before trigger: 0 – 53.5s @ 312.5kHz SR
• Recording duration with manual trigger: 0 – 53.5s @ 312.5kHz SR
• Recording duration with continuous trigger: 0 – 53.5s @ 312.5kHz SR
• Programmable time intervals: 2 per day

Additional measurements:

• Positioning: GPS (coordinates/times)
• GPS – mode: on / off
• Temperature of environment: Resolution 1°C, internal

Data storage:

• Storage media: SD-, SDHC-cards (SD 2.0), max. 32GB, SDXC cards max 128GB (with latest firmware when card is formatted to FAT32 in the Batlogger)
• Length of single “call”-sequences: 0 – ca. 50 s per File @ 312.5 kHz SR
• Recordings per GigaByte: approx. 25 min (real time)
• Type of microphone: Elektret mikrophone, plug-in type

Analysis:

• Data transfer: SD-, SDHC memory card
• File formats: .wav and .xml
• Audio output: Headphones (3.5mm mini jack)
• Time expansion: Factor 1 – 20 (Pitch)