Ocean Instruments SoundTrap ST500 User manual
SoundTrap ST500 User Guide
May 2019
1 About this guide ..............................................................................................................................4
2 Quick start guide .............................................................................................................................5
2.1 Opening and closing the housing.....................................................................................5
2.2 Batteries...........................................................................................................................5
2.3 Installing the hydrophone................................................................................................6
2.4 Install the SoundTrap host on your PC.............................................................................6
2.5 Connect SoundTrap to your PC........................................................................................7
2.6 Check SoundTrap Status ..................................................................................................8
2.7 Configure the deployment...............................................................................................8
2.8 Begin recording using the IR Remote Control................................................................10
2.9 Data Offload...................................................................................................................11
3 More details ..................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Adding additional memory cards...................................................................................12
3.2 Data Files........................................................................................................................13
3.3 Calculation of deployment endurance...........................................................................14
3.4 Deployment hardware ...................................................................................................15
3.5 Software updates...........................................................................................................16
3.6 MSP firmware updates...................................................................................................16
3.7 Calibration......................................................................................................................16
3.8 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................19
4 Appendices....................................................................................................................................20
4.1 SoundTrap HF Click Detector (ST500HF Only)................................................................20
4.1.1 Click detector..........................................................................................................20
4.1.2 Snippet extractor....................................................................................................21
4.1.3 User parameters.....................................................................................................21
4.1.4 Output File formats ................................................................................................22
4.1.5 Click Detector Caveats and Cautions......................................................................24
1About this guide
This guide begins with a ‘Quick start’ section to help you get going with your new SoundTrap, including
software installation and basic deployment instructions. This is followed by several sections containing
more detailed information around operation, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting. It is
highly recommended you read the entire guide to ensure you have a good understanding of the
instrument and how to get the most from its capabilities.
2Quick start guide
2.1 Opening and closing the housing
Before opening the housing always check for flooding by shaking the recorder and listening for water
sloshing around inside. If flooding is suspected, then be aware that the housing may be pressurised
and therefore potentially dangerous. Carefully relieve any pressure by opening the small seal screw
at the base of the housing.
Opening the housing:
•Find the ‘open this end’ sticker on the housing.
•Screw open the endcap by turning counter clockwise
•You will probably need to insert a lever arm (eg screwdriver) in the provided holes to gain
sufficient leverage.
Closing the housing:
•Carefully check the O’rings. Any nicks or scratches indicate they must be replaced.
•Lubricate O’rings with silicone grease.
•Check O’rings are properly seated and absolutely free of stray hair/grit etc
•Insert the chassis in the housing and screw all the way home, using a lever arm if necessary.
•Difficulty in screwing home the cap may indicate insufficient o’ring lubrication; do not apply
excessive force –instead correct by applying o’ring lubricant.
•Replacement O’Rings should be type 78x3 N70 (Nitrile)
The O’ring checks are critically important to avoid damage. Any detritus or damage to the O’rings
may result in the housing being flooded which will almost certainly destroy the electronics.
2.2 Batteries
The SoundTrap ST500 is powered by up to 9 ‘D’cell alkaline batteries. These are loaded in sets of 3,
meaning the recorder can be deployed with 3, 6 or 9 batteries depending on desired length of
deployment.
We strongly recommend only using Energizer batteries. These are commonly available and all
testing and advertised battery endurances have been based on this brand. Performance of other
brands is unknown. Most importantly, Energizers are guaranteed not to leak electrolyte when left in
a discharged state. Other battery brands may leak, potentially causing damage to the electronics.
Where possible we recommend checking the voltage of each cell with a multi-meter, prior to
inserting into the recorder. Checking each cell will avoid the possibility of a bad (low voltage) cell. A
single bad cell can significantly affect the recorder endurance and potentially cause damage through
leaking electrolyte. Each cell should have a voltage of at least 1.5V.
Be careful to ensure correct battery polarity as indicated by the diagram in the battery
compartment. Once loaded, double check each battery’s polarity. Just one reversed battery is
enough to severely impact the overall battery life, and potentially cause damage through leaking
electrolyte. Always double check each cell’s polarity.
It is then very important that you verify the supply of power to the electronics. To do this press the
‘BAT’ button on the IR remote and observe the SoundTrap’s red status LED. If all is well you should
see two long red flashes. Note that there is a 10 second delay between connecting the batteries and
the software determining that the supply is stable. Observation of the two long flashes is
confirmation that at least one set of batteries are correctly installed and ready to go.
A single short red flash indicates a problem. In this event, inspect the batteries for correct insertion
and adequate battery condition.
2.3 Installing the hydrophone
From the factory you’ll find the (removable) hydrophone stored inside the battery compartment for
shipping. Unpack and plug it into the wet socket in the recorder endcap, then secure with the locking
collar. The hydrophone is the most fragile component of the system, so best remove it during
transport, and take care to avoid impacts or crushing during deployment.
2.4 Install the SoundTrap host on your PC
To start using your SoundTrap you’ll need to install the SoundTrap Host software.
For correct operation of your ST500 it is critical to use SoundTrap Host version 3.3.1 or
later.
•Pre-installation Notes:
oThe SoundTrap host software supports Windows 7,8 & 10 (32 or 64 bit versions).
oDo not connect the SoundTrap to your computer until you have completed the
SoundTrap host software installation.
oThe installation will be smoother if you’re logged into windows as an administrator.
•Visit www.OceanInstruments.co.nz/downloads/ to download the software.
•Download and run the installer.
•Once the install completes, run the SoundTrap Host application.
2.5 Connect SoundTrap to your PC
•Connect the SoundTrap using the USB cable provided.
•The drivers will take a couple of minutes to install. Once complete you should see your
SoundTrap appear in the ‘Device List’ on the left, as shown in figure 1.
•Select your SoundTrap by clicking its label on the left.
Figure 1 - The Device List
2.6 Check SoundTrap Status
Note the ‘Status’ panel on the right (Figure 3). Verify that the memory is not full.
Figure 2 –Deploy Control
2.7 Configure the deployment
•Select the ‘Deploy’ tab as shown in figure 2.
•Configure the deployment parameters as follows:
oThe ‘Recording Starts’ section determines when recording will begin. Recording can
begin immediately on disconnection of the USB cable, at a pre-determined date and
time, or manually using the IR remote control. Note that the remote can always be
used to override the other options.
oThe ‘Recording Schedule’ section provides selection of continuous or periodic
recording. For continuous recording simply leave the ‘Periodic Recording’ option
unchecked.
oOptions available in the ‘Audio Options’ will vary according to your device’s
capabilities. Options include the following:
▪Channel Selection selects which channels to record on.
▪Sample Rate should be set based on the frequency band of interest and
data rate considerations. A 96 kHz sampling rate is often a good choice for
general environmental noise measurements. Contact OI support if unsure.
oDetector –see HF Click Detector section below.
•Once you’ve made your selections click the deploy button which will save the settings and
you’re ready to go. The instruments internal clock is synchronised to your PC when you click
the deploy button. If you change your mind about something, just re-select the instrument
from the ‘Device List’.
2.8 Begin recording using the IR Remote Control
You may use the remote control to start recording. The
recorder housing must be open to receive the signal from the
remote.
•Press ‘START’ to start recording.
•Press ‘STOP’ to stop recording.
•If you have set a recording to start recording at a
later time, the recorder will blink red to indicate it
is ‘armed’ and waiting.
•The ‘armed’ state is cancelled by pressing Stop key.
•Re-enable the armed state by pressing the ARM
button.
•You can verify recording has started by checking for slow blinking of the status (green)
indicator.
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