Ultrasound Recorder Building Workshop

The Somerset Bat Group is offering the chance to build your own LOW cost, and HIGHLY capable ultrasound recorder, from the Pipistrelle family of devices (https://www.pippyg.com/). The total cost (including booking fees) will be between £26 and £31, depending on the device and options chosen.

The Bat Group will supply all the components, materials, tools and equipment needed to build the recorders. As the recorders are more complex to build it is suggested that some experience of electronics assembly is beneficial. For example, having attended a bat detector workshop before. A leader from the bat group will start with a briefing about the different recorders, and then walk you through step by step the instructions to safely build and test them.

For more details of the workshop please see the Bat Group website: https://somersetbat.group/advice/which-bat-detector/build-detector/

To build and test your recorder you will need to bring along:

• A steady pair of hands! Some of the components are only mm long. The leader will demonstrate methods to help with accurate placement.
• Good close to eyesight. If you use reading glasses, perhaps bring along an extra pair a bit stronger than usual.
• Three AA batteries (rechargeable are fine), and a ExFat formatted mSD card

A head torch and magnifying glass may also be useful if you have them, but the leader will have some to borrow.

You are welcome to bring along one other person to watch, or help with the build (minimum age is 12, under 18's must be accompanied by parent or guardian).

The cost for the booking (admin and venue hire) is £5, this goes to SWT. Please pay this when you book.

Then on the day of the workshop please bring along cash to pay the Bat Group for the cost of materials and connectors for your recorder. Depending on which type you build, and mobile device you have, this cost will be between £21 and £26.

It is suggested that most people build the PippyG recorder. There is the option to build the π•pistrelle detector/recorder, however as this is in the process of being de-emphasised by the creator, and hence this might be the last chance to build it. Details below:

PippyG

This is a full spectrum recorder, with no audio out. Designed specifically for overnight bat recording or bird/mammal recording. It has fewer configuration options than the similar sized AudioMoth making deployment via the App. much easier. Materials cost = £21

Slightly different in size to the AudioMoth means that no commercial cases are currently available. However the workshop leader can show DIY weatherproof options from £2.

• Click here for details of how to use PippyG

π•pistrelle

A full spectrum recorder and auto-tuning Heterodyne and Time Expansion detector running off 3 AA batteries. The auto-tuned frequency is announced via a synthetic voice, and LEDs provide frequency range information. Sound out via 3.5mm jack to wired headphones or speakers. It can also be used without batteries as an ultrasound mic with a mobile device. Materials cost = £22

• Click here for details of how to use a π•pistrelle.

You may also want a special cable if you want to connect your π•pistrelle to your phone and tablet:

• For everyone: a microUSB to USBc OTG cable. Extra cost = £2
• For Apple devices with Lightning connector - an additional Lightning to USBc adaptor. Additional cost = £2

Before the workshop you may like to:

• Review the presentation used at the workshop.
• Download the configuration app to your device. Search your App store for "Pipistrelle"

If you have any questions please contact the Bat Group directly - [email protected]

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