SM2 Does Not Record, Loses Date & Time Settings, or Does Not Follow Schedule - SM2/SM2+

Song Meter SM2 Tips and Troubleshooting
Core Product
SM2/SM2+
Accessory

You can turn on your SM2 and use the menu system, but it exhibits any of the following symptoms:

  • When you power on the recorder, its date setting has reset to January 1st, 2000.
  • From the main menu, if you press Up and Down simultaneously, the screen displays Preparing to record, but does not begin recording.

Cause: Dead AA Clock Batteries

The SM2's clock is powered by two (2) AA batteries installed to the right of the four primary, D batteries. The recorder will not be able to record or run its schedule when these batteries are dead.

Solution: Replace AA Clock Batteries

We recommend replacing both AA batteries once per year.

  1. Use a credit card to gently separate the Velcro fasteners holding the AA battery harness in place.
  2. Gently lift the AA battery harness out of the recorder, taking care not to pull on the connected wires.
  3. Replace both of the two AA batteries with brand-new, alkaline batteries.
    Replacing a single battery is not sufficient. One dead battery will prevent the pair from functioning.
  4. Reinstall the AA battery harness using the Velcro fasteners.
  5. Update the recorder's Date and Time settings.

Cause: Severed AA Clock Battery Wires

If replacing both of the two AA clock batteries does not resolve the symptoms, the wires connecting the AA battery harness to the SM2's motherboard may be damaged.

Contact Wildlife Acoustics Support to arrange a repair at a Wildlife Acoustics repair center.