About this product
The Anabat Express from Titley Scientific is a compact and weatherproof recorder that is designed to be deployed in the field for several weeks. It will record bat calls which can then be used for species identification or activity monitoring. Calls are recorded in zero crossing format onto an SD card, ready for analysis with the free Anabat Insight software (available to download for Mac and Windows).
The Express is very simple to use and has a 'one-touch' configuration capability, where you can programme it to record automatically from sunset to sunrise every night (based on GPS coordinates) with just one touch of the 'Mode' button. For more complex programmes, a PC can be used to create a customised schedule which is then uploaded to the Express via the SD card.
The Anabat Express has an integrated GPS receiver that automatically sets the clock, calculates sunset and sunrise times and records the location of the device. A Transect Mode will also track the detector's path and GPS tag all bat calls, meaning that the device can be used for transect work if required.
Camouflaged and compact, the Anabat Express has a weatherproof casing and comes with a 1.5m microphone extension cable and a choice of omni-directional or directional weatherproof microphone. The Express can also be purchased without a microphone. Longer microphone cables allow you to position the microphone away from the unit, which makes it easier to site the recorder in an inconspicuous location or to raise your microphone up to an elevated position when needed.
The Express is powered by 4 x AA batteries. The unit should record for around 14 nights on one set of batteries. Supplied with a padded case, wrist strap, 1.5m microphone extension cable, a magnet for status checking and USB cable.
Features:
• New, easy-to-use interface for setup and download.
• Weatherproof, camouflaged plastic case (IP67).
• Weatherproof, compact microphone.
• Built-in GPS for site location, transect tracking, setting the clock and calculating sunset and sunrise.
• Runs for 14 nights on 4 AA batteries.
• Records temperature and battery voltage.
• One-touch for continuous, scheduled or night-only recording modes.
Recommended Reading:
* Anabat Express User Manual V1.9
Useful Links:
• AnaBat Toolbox
Specification
Specifications:
* External Dimensions: 182 x 119 x 43mm (7.2" x 4.7" x 1.7")
* Weight: 385g (13.5oz) without batteries
* Power requirements: 4 x AA
* Battery life: 14 nights zero crossing recording (based on 10% bat activity and 10 hour nights using 4 alkaline batteries)
* Memory: SDHC Card (up to 32GB)
* Microphone: Weatherproof omnidirectional or directional options
* Audio output: None
* Frequency Range: Up to 250kHz (depending on microphone)
* Housing: Camouflage, weatherproof and shock proof
* GPS: Built-in, daily GPS fixes, Transect mode (GPS fix every second)
* Software: Free to download Anabat Toolbox and Anabat Insight
* File output: Zero Crossing Analysis (ZCA)
* Warranty: Detector 2 years, microphones 1 year
Customer Reviews (1)
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Very pleased with this passive recording solution
By
Alfonso
30 Jun 2015
Written for Anabat Express with Omni-Directional Microphone
The AnaBat Express is the very latest passive bat monitoring solution from Titley. It is a fully weatherproof machine for collecting ultrasonic recordings of bats. And I have been surprisingly pleased with this passive recorder. Originally, before it's arrival – I was skeptical, and wasn't expecting to be nearly as impressed as I am.
The only reason why I've given it 4 Stars instead of 5 is because of the accompanying software – AnaLook. Although it is very competent, it requires much more effort to master than several others currently available. Just my personal view.
The brand-new AnaBat Express records bat calls in zero crossing format, directly to a removable SD card. The recorded ultrasounds are intended to be analyzed afterwards, utilizing Titley's free downloadable software packages – specifically, AnaLookW.
AnaBat Toolbox is also a very helpful, and well laid-out application, developed to help you with manipulation of recorded data. It is also free.
User Manuals may also be conveniently downloaded, via the Menus via one of their Links. All of the most current / up-to-date downloadable applications, and even firmware, may be found on the Titley Web Site. Very convenient.
Well, The AnaBat Express arrived well-packaged, utilizing inflated plastic "cushions". This particular unit, came to me here in the U.S., all the way from Titley in Australia, with no issues.
I like the small size of this unit, very easy to handle (I was able to hold it in one hand). Being a unit primarily designed for passive / unattended bat recording; The AnaBat Express isn't what one would call "feature-rich". Opening the unit, the user will quickly attest to it's economy on buttons. There are 2: A 'Power' and a 'Select' button.
To be fair, they are just about all I've ever needed.
I am fond of the blue LED indicators; the fact that they aren't too bright is also a plus for those in the field (they are not so bright as to ruin one's night-adapted vision).
The design is rather nice – the exterior of this unit is produced in a (very effective) camouflaged finish. When the unit is closed; it's really closed.
The system is very compact; yet has the ability to hold the microphone in a (foam-lined) slot (when not in use). There is also a black plastic cap provided, to screw onto the microphone port, to protect the opening from the elements. It also stores inside the Express.
The essential equipment, which also benefits from the impenetrable housing includes:
The on-board (built-in) GPS unit
The SD Card Slot
Mini-USB connector
4 AA-Sized (LR6) batteries
Not to be left-out...There is also a memory/system clock back-up battery (CR2032) and a Lid Switch; which informs the system (and logs) each time you open/close the unit.
Using the unit is very straightforward and yes, easy! Talk about quick deployment...The AnaBat Express rates very highly in this area. The only drawback I encountered while having tested and used the unit, was the delay in acquiring GPS lock. However, Titley cautions the user regarding this possiblity, throughout their documentation. Which I found admirable. And I found the delay acceptable.
Another feature which I really like, is the 'Instructions for use'.
Just below the small 'SN 324XXX' (serial number) sticker, is a very useful sticker, with simple instructions for the deployment of this unit. Very neat!
Amoung those who would be most interested in The AnaBat Express would be someone for whom quick deployment is paramount. Obviously, this product would prove useful to Bat Workers and Ecologists, needing a reliable bat recording device. But the small size of the Express,would allow each Professional to easily carry more than a few in a back-pack, etc. An AnaBat Express, with batteries installed, is surprisingly light. This translates into the ability to deploy many units, without the need for many people.
So far, I have no complaints. I've used this unit for overnight recording of bat activity, on every good night (with weather cooperating). And, I like the fact that I've found it – Quick to set-up. It's very sensitive in response to bat calls, but doesn't record too many false triggers as compared to other bat recorders in general. Very good!
Whenever a new firmware update is created it will be (automatically) released for it: When you connect your Express to your computer via a USB cable, and open AnaBat Toolbox, you'll have the opportunity to update your firmware.
The unit itself has been working wonderfully. I have no complaints or issues to report.
Happy bat detecting!
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