Thoroughly inspect and clean your equipment to ensure it is free from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could compromise its weatherproof seal or interfere with the recording quality. Carefully examine the following components to ensure they are in good condition and damage-free:
☐ Casing ☐ Brackets ☐ Closure ☐ Seals | ☐ Microphone(s) ☐ Windscreen(s) ☐ Pressure vent ☐ Ports & covers | ☐ Wires ☐ Switches/buttons ☐ SD card slot(s) ☐ Battery compartment |
For guidance on locating these parts, see our Song Meter Video Tutorials.
For clearing, we recommend using isopropyl alcohol wipes, which neutralize oxidation build-up on metal and wire contacts and components. A multipurpose cleaner can also be used to remove dirt, debris, and any rusty deposits from the plastic housing, microphone, and power Conxall® connectors.
Check if your recorder’s firmware needs updating. Staying up to date ensures your equipment has the latest features and bug fixes.
Visit our Downloads page and log in with your Wildlife Acoustics account.
Select your recorder model from the product gallery.
Next to the firmware entry, select View.
Select Download and follow the installation instructions on the firmware page.
SD cards are an essential component often overlooked before deployment. Check your recorder’s status screen for errors before heading into the field.
For Song Meter Mini and Micro recorders, select Status in the Song Meter Configurator app.
On Song Meter SM3 and SM4 model recorders, press the Status or Check Status button.
Mini/Micro Card Error | SM3/SM4 Card Error | Error Meaning |
No SD Card | EMPTY | Card is not detected. |
SD Card Full | Example: 256/256 | Card is detected but full. |
SD Card Write-Protected | WP | Card’s write-protect switch is enabled. |
SD Card Bad Format or SD Card Error | ERROR | Card is corrupted or has an unrecognized format. |
SD Card Dirty | DIRTY | Card was interrupted in the middle of recording, and the recorder cannot use it until this status is cleared. |
We recommend reformatting your cards before every deployment. Reformatting the card removes many error messages and ensures the card is completely blank and ready for new recordings. Back up any important data, then reformat your cards using your Song Meter or the SD Association’s free SD Memory Card Formatter.
For detailed troubleshooting tips and reformatting instructions, refer to your recorder’s User Guide.
Perform a test recording in the field or a controlled environment to evaluate microphone sensitivity, recording quality, and battery life. Remember to test internal mics, built-in stub mics, and cabled mics.
Test acoustic microphones by recording your voice and playing it back with Kaleidoscope Sound Analysis software. If you can hear your voice clearly, the microphone is working fine.
Ultrasonic microphones should be tested using the Ultrasonic Calibrator (found on our Accessories page). Complete instructions for this procedure are available in your recorder’s User Guide.
Last but certainly not least, if your recorder uses the Song Meter Configurator app, download and install the latest version onto your Bluetooth®-enabled smartphone or tablet. The app is free for download via the Apple® App Store® and the Google® Play™ store.
If you find any damage that needs repair or have any questions about the maintenance of your Song Meter recorders, our Support Team is ready to help. We wish you a smooth and successful recording season!
P.S. Updated User Guides for the Song Meter Mini 2, Song Meter Mini Bat 2, and Song Meter Micro 2 include a step-by-step checklist for deploying your recorders once prep is complete.
Wildlife Acoustics, Inc.
3 Mill and Main Place, Suite 110
Maynard, MA 01754-2657 USA
+1 (978) 369-5225
+1 (888) 733-0200