SM4 User Guide
SM4 User Guide
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User Guide
Last updated on August 1, 2019.
CONTENTS
4 Settings 17
4.1 Navigating the Menus ......................................................................... 17
4.2 Setting the Date and Time ................................................................... 17
4.3 Setting the Prefix for Recorded Files .................................................... 18
4.4 Setting the Location and Time Zone..................................................... 18
4.5 Setting the Solar Calculation Method .................................................. 19
4.6 Audio Settings ..................................................................................... 20
4.7 Setting a Delayed Start ........................................................................ 22
4.8 Setting the LED Indicator Mode ........................................................... 23
4.9 Advanced Settings ............................................................................... 23
9 Utilities 47
9.1 Exporting Diagnostics .......................................................................... 47
9.2 Resetting to Factory Default Settings................................................... 47
9.3 Testing Microphones’ Sensitivity with the Calibrate Utility ................. 47
9.4 Formatting SD Memory Cards.............................................................. 48
9.5 Updating the Firmware ....................................................................... 49
10 Specifications 50
10.1 Physical ............................................................................................... 50
10.2 Power ................................................................................................. 51
10.3 SD Memory Cards ................................................................................ 51
10.4 Audio .................................................................................................. 51
10.5 Microphones ....................................................................................... 52
Tutorial Videos
Visit http://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/support/tutorial-videos to view tutorial
videos for the SM4.
Contacting Support
For issues or questions not addressed in this guide, contact the Wildlife
Acoustics Support Team:
■ Email: support2019@wildlifeacoustics.com
■ North America (toll-free): 1-888-733-0200
■ Outside North America: US+1 978-369-5225 (Toll charges may apply.)
2 Overview
2.1 Introduction
The latest generation in the Song Meter series, the SM4 is a weatherproof,
programmable audio recorder designed for the periodic, seasonal, and long-
term monitoring of wildlife bioacoustics in almost any environmental
condition.
You can schedule daily recordings to meet a variety of needs including times
that are relative to sunrise and sunset, specific duty cycles with on/off
recording patterns, and continuous monitoring all day and all night. The SM4
optimizes battery life and memory capacity to record for extended periods of
time. Using both memory slots and new alkaline batteries, a typical
deployment can record for up to 400 hours spanning several months.
Features
■ Lightweight, portable, and completely weatherproof
■ Two (2) built-in low noise microphones for two-channel stereo sound (built-
in microphones can also easily be replaced, if necessary)
■ Supports one or two standard SDHC or SDXC memory cards
■ Weatherproof keypad and backlit display for easy entry and status
■ LED indicator provides recording and sleep mode feedback
■ Integrated top and bottom mounting flanges are designed to work with
cable locks, screws, radiator clamps, bungee cords, and other fasteners
■ Easy to set up and use with convenient Quick Start daily recording
schedules and one-touch start
■ Advanced Schedule mode allows creation of more advanced schedules
■ Customize schedules and estimate impacts on SD memory cards and
battery life with the free SM4 Configurator software
■ One-touch status check shows memory card utilization, battery voltage,
and other recorder health information without interrupting recordings
■ External power option using an SM3/SM4 power cable (sold separately)
■ Self-generated diagnostics assist in basic troubleshooting
■ Internal temperature and battery voltage logging
■ Headphone port for real-time monitoring and system verification
■ Optional GPS accessory automatically sets the date, time, latitude, and
longitude and logs recording coordinates
ITEM: DESCRIPTION:
Display Backlit screen displays all main menu items, settings,
values, message prompts, and status information.
Security Cover Protects the recorder. The cover swings open/closed and can
be secured with a standard lock (sold separately).
Latch Grip and pull to open the security cover. To close, push
the security cover down until the latch clicks.
LED Status Indicator Flashes green once a second when recording.
Keypad Press the keypad buttons to navigate the menus and
options on the display. Buttons include ▲Up or ▼Down,
◄Left or ►Right, ENTER, SCHEDULE START, SCHEDULE STOP,
and CHECK STATUS.
Mounting Flanges Rugged and ready for almost any environment. Use the top
and bottom cutouts to mount the recorder.
Power Switch Slide down to turn power on using internal battery (INT).
Slide up to use optional external power (EXT) or to turn
off (if no external power).
Built-in Microphone On left and right, integrated replaceable low-noise
stereo microphones.
Memory Slots A and B Insert removable SD memory cards to store recordings.
Lock Ring Insert the shackle of an optional key or combination lock
to secure your recorder.
GPS Connection Use the available GPS option to automatically set the
date, time, and location settings.
Pressure Vent Temperature, UV, and water-resistant vent and a self-
regenerating desiccant packet control humidity and
prevent condensation.
Headphone Jack Connect headphones and press ENTER to listen to real-time
audio as it is recorded.
1. Locate the handle for the security cover on the front right side of the recorder
as shown.
2. Grip the handle and lightly pull it to release the latch. The cover flips open and
rotates along its hinged spine like a book, exposing the display and keypad in
the middle section. At this point, you can insert memory cards, adjust the
power switch, and connect an optional GPS or headphones. Continue with the
next step only when you are installing batteries, or replacing a built-in
microphone.
3. Press the small circular indentation between SD memory card slots A and B
with your thumb to release the middle section. If it is difficult to release the
section, press down closer to the gasket seam. This section swings open
exposing the battery bay.
1. Gently and firmly push the middle section (display and keypad) down until it
snaps into place.
NOTE: Be sure the large black inline connectors above the D batteries are well seated in
the channel or the can get lodged between the battery case and the middle section and
prevent proper closing.
The SM4 enters a very low-power sleep state between scheduled recordings
to conserve energy and maximize efficiency for long deployments.
Prior to installation, we recommend that you test all batteries with a high-
quality pulse load battery tester such as the ZTS MINI-MBT.
1. Open the recorder.
2. Insert batteries with their polarity (+/-) orientation as shown on the battery bay
markings.
NOTE: Do not mix batteries of different types, and do not mix old and new batteries.
Remove batteries before storing the recorder for an extended time.
3. Close the middle section and gently press down until it snaps into place.
4. To turn on power, slide the power switch to INT.
5. When not in use, set the power switch to EXT to conserve internal battery
power. Without an external battery source, consider the EXT position to be off.
Only one power source (internal or external) can be active at a time.
TIP: Use the Song Meter SM4 Configurator software to estimate the recording
requirements for your schedules including battery life and memory storage.
1. Each power cable is shipped with a snap-on ferrite to meet standards limiting
electromagnetic emissions and
protecting against electrostatic
discharge. Install the ferrite near the
end of the cable as close to the
recorder as possible.
2. Loop the cable through and snap
the ferrite shut. A zip tie is included
for further securing the ferrite. The
image shows the ferrite as shipped
(right) and as installed (left).
3. Align and seat the cable into the EXT POWER port on the side of the recorder.
Turn the grey locking ring (black on older SM3 cables) clockwise P firmly until
it stops and locks into place.
4. The external power cable includes F2-size spade connectors and ring
terminals. Connect the cable to a 6 or 12-volt battery using one of the
connectors provided. The SM4 provides protection against accidental reverse
polarity connections.
5. Open the security cover and slide the power switch up to EXT.
6. (Optional) Set a minimum voltage to prevent damage to lead-acid batteries
that are not designed for deep discharge.
7. When not in use, set the power switch down to INT to conserve external
battery power. With no internal batteries installed, consider the INT position to
be off. Only one power source can be active at a time.
The following table shows the stereo recording capacity in hours for each
card size by sampling rate to help you choose the right memory card size:
SD Card (GB) 8,000 12,000 16,000 22,050 24,000 32,000 44,100 48,000 96,000
16 139 93 69 50 46 35 25 23 12
32 278 185 139 101 93 69 50 46 23
64 556 370 278 202 185 139 101 93 46
128 1,111 741 556 403 370 278 202 185 93
256 2,222 1,481 1,111 806 741 556 403 370 185
512 4,444 2,963 2,222 1,612 1,481 1,111 806 741 370
NOTE: The above table shows recording capacity for uncompressed WAV recordings.
Three levels of compression can be set in the Audio Settings menus that will significantly
increase these times. More information can be found in the Audio Settings section 4.6 of
this guide.
4. Reformat card(s) using the built-in format utility (see Formatting SD Memory
Cards in the Utilities Chapter).
5. Press Check Status and verify that the card is shown with an appropriate
capacity.
6. To remove a card when recording is completed, push it in and release it. The
spring-loaded slot ejects your card so you can pull it away.
NOTE: Do not remove SD memory cards while the SM4 is recording. This could corrupt
the card.
2. Align and seat the cable(s) into the keyed connector ports.
3. Turn the grey locking ring (black on older SM3 cables) on the microphone or
cable clockwise P firmly until it stops and locks into place.
4. Replace the windscreen when the foam begins to break down and flake. With
normal outdoor use over time, the foam windscreen fades to brown; however,
color degradation does not indicate a loss of integrity.
5. Push the connector for the new microphone through the hole (right).
6. Carefully engage the threads on the new microphone and hand tighten P
clockwise a few rotations.
7. Use a 5/8-inch wrench to finish tightening until snug. The flat of the
microphone should touch the housing. Do not over-tighten.
8. Plug the inline connector into the socket.
9. Install the windscreen.
10. Test the new microphone to ensure it is working correctly.
The following requirements apply to the size of the lock and assure that the
security door cannot be opened or cracked:
Minimum: Maximum:
Shackle Diameter 1/8 inch (3 mm) 3/8 inch (9 mm)
Vertical Clearance 5/8 inch (16 mm) 1.0 inch (25 mm)
Horizontal Clearance 1/2 inch (13 mm) 1.0 inch (25 mm)
A locked recorder will show [LOCKED] in the lower right corner of the Main
Menu.
Use the steps below in the SM4 Configuration Utility to lock or unlock a
recorder.
1. Configure your schedule and settings as normal in the SM4 Configuration
program.
2. Save the .SM4S configuration file using the menu selection "File->Save with
lock/unlock code...". The user is prompted to enter a 4-digit code and indicate if
the configuration is to be locked or unlocked.
3. When the .SM4S configuration file is imported into the SM4 from
the "Schedule->Import Sched+Setts" menu, the recorder will be in one of the
following states depending on whether the recorder was locked or unlocked
and if the .SM4S is locked with a code or not:
a. If the SM4 was unlocked and the .SM4S file is locked with a code, the
SM4 configuration will be updated and locked with the code. The user
will first be prompted to make sure they understand that the
configuration will be locked.
b. If the SM4 was locked, and the .SM4S file is unlocked with a matching
code, the SM4 configuration will be updated and unlocked. This is
how an SM4 can be returned to an unlocked state.
c. If the SM4 was locked, and the .SM4S file is locked with a matching
code, the SM4 configuration will be updated and the SM4 remains
locked with the code. This is how a locked configuration can be
updated with a new locked configuration.
d. If the SM4 was locked, and the .SM4S does not contain a matching
code, then the import will fail with an appropriate error.
WARNING: Once the recorder has been locked, it cannot be unlocked without the proper
code except by contacting Wildlife Acoustics Support.
NOTE: Do not mount the recorder using a cable lock or other nonflexible cord to a growing
tree. Circumferential growth could cause the cable to warp or break the recorder’s
mounting bracket. The tree won’t like it either.
4 Settings
4.1 Navigating the Menus
To navigate the main menu, select items, and configure the values for various
settings, use the following basic steps. All procedures in this guide assume
you are familiar with these steps.
1. Press ▲ Up or ▼ Down and ENTER to navigate any menu.
For example, navigate to Main Menu > Settings > LED Indicator.
2. Press ENTER or ► Right to select menu items and continue to the next
editable item. ENTER and ► Right are interchangeable in the menus with the
exception of the line where schedule blocks are added and deleted.
3. Press ▲ Up or ▼ Down to select values.
Tip: To accelerate the pace when selecting higher or lower values, press and continue to
hold down the ▲ Up or ▼ Down arrow buttons.
2. Press ► Right to set the date (year, month, and calendar day). As you adjust
the month and day, the corresponding sunrise and sunset times appear
(according to the Sunrise/Sunset Type setting) for that date.
3. Press ► Right to set the time (hours, minutes, and seconds).
4. To adjust any value, press ▲ Up or ▼ Down.
5. Press ENTER when finished.
NOTE: The recorder does not automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time.
The selections you make for latitude, longitude, and time zone enable the
recorder to determine the specific sunrise and sunset times for each day.
Specify the local time zone (as used to set the clock) in hours relative to UTC
(Universal Time Coordinated). Exact hour, half, and quarter time zones (:00
:15 :30 :45) are supported.
NOTE: Schedules and settings exported from one recorder and imported on a second
recorder do not overwrite the Prefix, Latitude and Longitude, Time Zone, or Battery
Cutoff settings on the second recorder. Schedules created or edited by the Song Meter
SM4 Configurator software can selectively overwrite any setting upon import.
Channel
Select the audio channel or channels. The left microphone is on channel 0
and the right microphone is on channel 1.
Values: stereo, left, or right
Default: stereo
noise than the regular gain. Set to off for use with very loud signals that
might otherwise clip, for example calibrating microphones or recording very
loud noises.
Values: off, 26 dB
Default: 26 dB
NOTE: If the SM4 is set to record continuously with no duty cycle and Max Length is not
divisible into 24 hours, then the last recording of each 24-hour recording period will
truncate. The 24-hour period begins and ends at the time the SCHEDULE START button
was pressed to start the schedule.
Compression
SM4 WAV file compression can be selected to record in a proprietary
compressed W4V format. The W4V format is a WAV file compression
developed specifically for minimizing loss of useful information in
bioacoustics audio recordings while maximizing compression to save on
valuable card space. W4V records the same rich meta-data as when recording
to WAV. There are three compression levels which result in the following
compression:
■ W4V-8: 50% (allows recording twice as long on a given card as compared
to uncompressed WAV)
■ W4V-6: 62.5% (allows recording almost three times as long on a given card
as compared to uncompressed WAV)
■ W4V-4: 75% (allows recording four times as long on a given card as
compared to uncompressed WAV)
The compression algorithm does increase the noise floor of the recording but
for most bioacoustics uses, the difference between an uncompressed WAV
and W4V-8 and W4V-6 will be undetectable since the noise floor in the
recorded environment will be higher than the increased recording noise floor.
W4V-4 will likely cause a slight increase in broadband noise in the
background of the recording. It is best to experiment with your particular
environment to make sure the increased noise is either undetectable or
tolerable.
Wildlife Acoustics’ Kaleidoscope Viewer and Pro software can natively open
the compression formats. The free Kaleidoscope Converter can be used to
convert the files to standard WAV format for use in other software packages.
Additionally, the W4V algorithms are open-source under GPLv3 license.
Please contact us if you are interested in a commercial license.
Values (Hz): none, W4V-8, W4V-6, or W4V-4
Default: none
NOTE: The Record Always quick start schedule will start at the time the SCHEDULE START
button is pressed to begin the schedule. If you prefer to have recordings start on the hour,
you must set a duty cycle, for example 59 minutes of recording and a 1 minute pause. Duty
cycled recordings will start on the hour. Or use the Delay Start setting to set a future start
date to force the SM4 to start recording at midnight.
Overwrite Schedule?
-No
-Yes
Tip: If you want to save any custom edits or blocks you already made to a schedule, select
No here to go back and export that schedule to a memory card, and then you can choose
a new schedule and select Yes here with confidence knowing your previous schedule was
backed up.
4. Press SCHEDULE START to start the schedule or ◄ Left to return to the Quick
Start menu. The new Quick Start schedule is loaded even if you return to the
menu. See the next chapter for details on running and stopping the schedule.
Tip: The recorder automatically attempts to start the current schedule after three (3)
minutes of inactivity.
5. When you press SCHEDULE START, warning messages may alert you about
needed settings, missing SD memory cards, or incompatible or missing
microphones.
6. Each warning is displayed for several seconds. You can proceed immediately to
the next warning by pressing ▼ Down. After the last warning, the recorder will
attempt to run the schedule.
7. While any warning is being displayed, you can press SCHEDULE STOP or
◄ Left to avoid running the schedule and return immediately to the main
menu. Adjust any settings or hardware configurations to resolve the warnings.
Press SCHEDULE START again when you are ready.
8. One of the following screens appear:
If your schedule records always:
2017-Dec-0510:58:37
Preparing to record
A CONTINUOUS #00001
If your schedule calls for specific start and end times that define a contiguous
recording period, recording within the next 45 seconds, then the first recording
period start and end times are shown:
2017-Dec-0510:58:37
Preparing to record
A 11:00-17:00 #00002
If you defined a duty cycle that calls for an even smaller segment of recording
time, that time range appears:
2017-Dec-0510:58:37
Preparing to record
A 11:00-11:30 #00003
If the first recording period start time is more than 45 seconds into the future,
then the recorder goes to sleep to conserve power:
2017-Feb-10 11:05:00
Going to sleep until
2017-Feb-10 19:15:00
The recorder wakes up 30 seconds before the next scheduled recording period
so that it is ready to record on time.
2017-Apr-26 09:02:48
Currently recording:
B 09:00-09:30 #00089
STEREO @SR=24000
■ Line 4: The internal battery or external power supply voltage, and the
internal temperature in degrees Celsius.
NOTE: The internal temperature of the recorder is intended for diagnostics and not as an
accurate measurement of outside air temperature.
3. (Optional) You can press the CHECK STATUS button again to return to the
previous screen. The status screen automatically stops appearing after ten (10)
seconds.
1. Open the security cover and insert the headphone cable into the headphone
jack on the side below the
GPS port.
2. You can start a schedule,
start instant recording
mode (Refer to section 5.7
below), or allow a
currently running schedule
to continue.
3. Press ENTER during a
recording to enable
monitoring on
headphones.
CAUTION: Initial headphone volume may be loud.
2017-Oct-14 14:50:48
Currently recording:
A CONTINUOUS
STEREO @SR24000
The WAV recordings are compatible with all popular audio analysis and
viewing programs as well as Wildlife Acoustics Kaleidoscope software.
NOTE: You can open a recording in the SM4 Configurator computer software to view the
schedule and settings used to make the recording.
SM4 schedules are flexible and portable. Schedules exported from recorders
or created by the Song Meter SM4 Configurator software include all
configurable settings. The appropriate settings are applied when a schedule
is imported. This coupling of schedules with their settings enables you to
share entire configurations from one recorder to another.
DUTY: always or
ON hh:mm OFF hh:mm
Each block defines a single continuous recording period between its START
and END times (if DUTY is always), or a series of smaller non-continuous
duty cycles (if DUTY is ON and OFF) that repeat between the START and
END times. The combination of all the duty cycles and recording periods
generated by all the blocks makes up the daily recording schedule.
The START and END times for the block can be a fixed time or relative to
sunset or sunrise. Times are specified using a 24-hour clock (HH:MM). When
A typical schedule might only need one block; however, you can combine up
to ten (10) blocks in a single schedule and can even overlap them. The SM4
scans all blocks and combines all their recording periods.
For example, you can create a schedule to record continuously from sunset to
sunrise in one block and to record 5 minutes on the hour throughout the
whole day (24 hours) in another block. The recorder combines these,
resulting in 5-minute recordings during the days and continuous recordings
during the nights.
In another example, if one block generates a recording period from 08:00 to
10:00, and a second block generates a recording period from 09:00 to 11:00,
the resulting schedule yields a single recording period from 08:00 to 11:00.
TIP: To move to the previous schedule block, press ▲ Up when on the START line.
To move to the next schedule block, press ▼ Down when on the bottom line.
To delete a block:
1. Press ▲ Up or ▼ Down to navigate to the bottom line of the block.
2. Press ► Right to advance to [DEL] and press ENTER.
The following example stretches the display to demonstrate the concept of
adding multiple code blocks in a schedule:
NOTE: This schedule appears under the Quick Start menu as Record Always. It runs
continuously until you press SCHEDULE STOP or it runs out of power or memory space.
Whenever the start and end times are identical and DUTY is set to always,
your schedule is essentially the same as the Record Always schedule.
The Max Length audio setting determines the maximum recording file
duration in hours and minutes. For example, to capture output from this
schedule in hourly segments (6 recordings per day), set the Max Length
setting to 01h:00m.
NOTE: The ON and OFF periods need not add up to an hour, but if they do not add up to
a factor of 24 hours, the duty cycle truncates and restarts at the start time. For example, a
duty cycle with ON 00:04 and OFF 00:03 divides 24 hours into 205 7-minute cycles plus
one 5-minute partial cycle. In the 206th cycle, the schedule records for 4 minutes and then
pauses for only 1 minute (instead of 3). This pattern repeats daily.
This schedule appears in the Quick Start menu as Record 5on & 55off.
NOTE: Some commands listed in this section refer to sunrise or sunset in a general sense
and depend on them in schedule calculations. The recorder recognizes different methods
for calculating precise sunrise and sunset times. To specify a method and view the next
available sunrise and sunset times, select Sunrise/Sunset Type in the Settings menu.
AT DATE DDMMMYY
Causes the schedule to wait until the specified date. YY are the last two digits
of the year in the current century beginning with the year 2000.
NOTE: If you start the schedule after the specified AT DATE, the command is ignored and
the schedule continues.
AT TIME hh:mm:ss
Causes the schedule to wait until the specified date time.
NOTE: If you use an AT TIME, AT SRIS or AT SSET command in a repeating schedule and
start the schedule after the time indicated, the recorder will assume you wish to record
starting at the previously occurring sunset, sunrise or time and begin recording
immediately.
For example, if you have a schedule that starts with AT TIME 16:00:00 and you are in the
field starting the schedule at 17:00:00, the recorder will not wait until 16:00:00 the next day,
but instead will start recording immediately.
AT SRIS±hh:mm:ss
Causes the schedule to wait until sunrise, plus or minus the specified time.
AT SSET±hh:mm:ss
Causes the schedule to wait until sunset, plus or minus the specified time.
REPEAT
Indicates the beginning of a loop. Must be ended by an UNT command.
UNTDATE DDMMMYY
Ends a loop when the specified termination date is reached. Any RECORD
commands in progress in this loop are forced to stop recording.
UNTTIME hh:mm:ss
Ends a loop when the specified termination time is reached. Any RECORD
commands in progress in this loop are forced to stop recording.
NOTE: If UNTIME is set to the same time as AT TIME, the recorder will not repeat the loop
indefinitely, it will interpret that you wish to start and then instantly stop the loop and will
not make any recordings within that loop.
UNTSRIS±hh:mm:ss
Ends a loop at sunrise, plus or minus the specified time. Any RECORD
commands in progress in this loop are forced to stop recording.
UNTSSET±hh:mm:ss
Ends a loop at sunset, plus or minus the specified time. Any RECORD
commands in progress in this loop are forced to stop recording.
RECORD hh:mm:ss
Starts a new recording of the specified duration. If the RECORD command is
inside a repeat/until loop, the recording may end early to match the outer
loop ending time.
Recording files larger than 2.0 GB are divided into smaller segments.
The recording period will be broken into the length as set in the Max Length
setting of the Audio Settings menu.
PAUSE hh:mm:ss
Pauses the schedule for the specified amount of time. If you set the duration
of the PAUSE command to greater than 1 minute (3 minutes if using the GPS
option), the SM4 enters low-power sleep mode and wakes up at the next
scheduled recording.
■ After you finish editing a schedule and press the main buttons on the
device to exit the editor as viewed through the LCD screen.
■ Before you press the SCHEDULE START button to run a schedule or if the
schedule starts automatically after 3 minutes of no activity.
2. The Schedule Checker performs several tests on the current schedule and
shows errors (if any), followed by warnings (if any), and their matching line
number in your schedule.
3. To view the next error or warning, press the ▼ Down button.
4. To exit the Schedule Checker, press the ◄ Left button. You can also exit by
pressing ▼ Down after the last error or warning.
5. If no buttons are pressed for 60 seconds while a problem is displayed, the
Schedule Checker times out and exits.
6. When the Schedule Checker exits:
■ If you were loading or editing a schedule, you return to the main menu.
■ If you were running a schedule and there are no errors (only warnings or no
problems at all), your schedule starts.
5. If no warnings or errors are found, the following message appears and the
imported schedule is now the current schedule:
Schedule imported
6. Press ◄ Left to return to the Schedule menu. You can now edit or start the
schedule.
NOTE: Schedules exported from a recorder and imported on another will not override the
second recorder’s Prefix, Latitude, Longitude, Time zone, or Battery Cutoff settings.
Schedules created or edited by the Song Meter SM4 Configurator software have the
option to override any of those settings.
The exported file is named with the recorder prefix and the .SM4S extension.
For example: SM400155.SM4S
The default prefix is the device model and serial number. You can specify a
new prefix on the recorder in the settings.
CAUTION: If a file with that name already exists on the SD memory card, it is overwritten.
After exporting the schedule, you can share it with others, load it on another
recorder, or edit it using the SM4 Configurator software.
9 Utilities
9.1 Exporting Diagnostics
This procedure exports a diagnostic file that can be used to assess the audio
performance, settings, schedule, and status of the recorder. The Wildlife
Acoustics Support Team can use this information to help diagnose problems.
The recorder will also create a dump file temporary loss of power for over five
seconds or if it senses other types of failures.
1. Insert an SD memory card into slot A.
2. Navigate to Main Menu > Utilities > Export Diagnostics.
3. The recorder performs internal diagnostic tests and then exports the test
results, the current schedule, and the settings to a file. The file is named with
the recorder prefix, the date and time, and the .sm4dump extension:
PREFIX_YYYYMMDD_hhmmss.sm4dump
4. Remove the SD memory card and insert it into a computer in order to send
the file to Wildlife Acoustics.
NOTE: This procedure is only valid for third-party microphone calibrators that emit a
calibrated 1.0 kHz signal.
The SM4 automatically sets gain to 0 dB, preamplifier gain off and all high pass
filters off to assure an accurate reading.
2. Test the microphone by generating a 1 kHz signal with a professional
microphone calibrator and sliding it over the microphone.
3. Read the value on the screen and press any button to end the calibration.
4. The measured sensitivity can be entered into the recorder in the Advanced
menu in the Settings menu. An entered value will be saved in the recordings’
meta-data for use in noise analysis or for traceability.
10 Specifications
10.1 Physical
Length: 8.6 inches (218 mm)
Width: 7.3 inches (186 mm)
Depth: 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Weight: 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg)
Weight with 4 D Batteries: 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg)
Operating Temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C) (excluding batteries)
Enclosure: Weatherproof, polycarbonate housing.
186
7.32
140°
77.9
3.07
117.2
4.61
59.7
2.35
38.1
1.50
9.5 19.1
.38 .75
218.2
8.59
203.1
8.00
193.4
7.62
177.3
6.98
12.70
.50
5.1
.20 4.7
13.2 .19
.52
10.2 Power
Battery Specifications: The recorder uses four (4) standard D size disposable
alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Estimated Recording Time:
Alkaline batteries (14,000 milliamp-hours at 1.5V each): up to 400 hours
NiMH LSD batteries (9,500 milliamp-hours at 1.2V each): up to 250 hours
Power Consumption: Recording: 135 – 185 mW Sleeping: 1.8 mW
NOTE: SD memory cards consume more than half of all the power used by the recorder.
The recording time and power consumption varies with different card types and
manufacturers by as much as 50%. Based on their low power consumption in our tests, we
recommend SanDisk SDHC/SDXC cards; however, third-party card performance cannot be
guaranteed and other brands may also offer similar performance. Other factors, such as
card capacity, battery type and quality (including rechargeable batteries), temperature, and
sample rate also affect recording time.
10.4 Audio
Channels: 2
Recording Format: 16-bit PCM .wav
Analog to Digital Converter Full-scale: 0.707V rms (2v p-p)
Preamplifier Gain: 0 or 26 dB (only applies to built-in microphones)
Amplifier Gain: 0.0 – 59.5 dB in 0.5-dB steps
Noise Floor: -93 dBV, A-Weighted (@0 dB gain, HPF disabled)
High Pass Filter: Selectable 2-pole at 220 Hz or 1 kHz
Supported Sample Rates (Hz):
8000, 12000, 16000, 22050, 24000, 32000, 44100, 48000, and 96000
10.5 Microphones
Conforms to the appropriate country standards and governing regulations listed below and/or on the following page. As the manufacturer, we
are fully responsible for the design and production of the above-mentioned equipment.
AS/NZS CISPR 11, 2011, Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio-frequency equipment – electromagnetic disturbance characteristics – limits
and methods of measurement, Class A
EN 55011, 2009/A1, 2010, Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio-frequency equipment – Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics –
Limits and methods of measurement, Class A
ICES-003, 2012, Industry Canada, Interference-Causing Equipment Standard, Digital Apparatus, Class A
EN61326, 2013 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory use EMC Requirements
Tested at operating temperatures of -20C to +55C. Testing included 24-hour soaks at both extremes plus 6 cycles for one hour each.
Tested at operating humidity of 95% relative humidity at +40C. Testing included 24-hour soak.
Tested for vibration as per the MIL-STD-810G Method 514.6, category 4 standard.
IEC 60529 IPX6 (Powerful Water Jet Test) (tested exclusive of microphone)
PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION
©2015-2019 Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This documentation may not be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not
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taken in the preparation of this document, individually, as a series, in whole, or in part, Wildlife Acoustics, the publisher, and the author assume
no responsibility for errors or omissions, including any damages resulting from the express or implied application of information contained in
this document or from the use of products, services, or programs that may accompany it. In no event shall Wildlife Acoustics, publishers,
authors, or editors of this guide be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly
or indirectly by this document.
User Guide
Wildlife Acoustics and Song Meter are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
SM4 is a trademark of Wildlife Acoustics, Inc.
SDHC and SDXC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C,LLC.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The Song Meter is patented (U.S. Pat. No. 7,782,195).
Additional U.S. and international patents and trademarks are pending.