Maintain the SM4's Weatherproofing - SM4

The SM4 is designed with all kinds of weather in mind and will not let in any water under normal circumstances. A few routine checks and best practices will keep your recorder as weatherproof as it was when it was brand-new.

• Periodically, examine the black rubber gaskets around the edge of the control panel for debris and tears.
  Wildlife Acoustics sells self-adhesive replacement gaskets.
• Avoid exposing the SM4 to DEET (a common ingredient in insect repellent), and gently clean the recorder on a regular basis.
  Long exposure to DEET and some plant oils can degrade the recorder's plastic body or rubber gaskets.
• Avoid using excess tension when mounting the Song Meter SM4 using a rope, strap, or cable lock.
  Excess force can bend the recorder's enclosure, causing it to open slightly.
  Note that fast-growing trees put additional strain on the recorder over a long-enough deployment.
• Ensure the hexagonal pressure vent on the right side of the recorder and the nuts holding the microphones in place are hand-tightened and undamaged.
  Pressure vents can be purchased from our sales team. To get any damaged microphone ports repaired, please contact our support team.
• Check that the built-in stub microphones are hand-tightened and that the wires connecting these microphones to the SM4's motherboard are tucked into place and will not be caught against the housing gasket.