Battery Type Setting - SM5

Song Meter SM5 User Guide
Core Product
SM5
Accessory

The Battery Type setting adjusts how the SM5 handles the end of battery life to suit different battery chemistries and external power sources.

To ensure consistent end-of-deployment behavior and prevent SD card corruption or data loss, it is important to set the Battery Type to match the power source you will use during your deployment.

Tip: If you are using one type of power source before your deployment while you program your SM5, but will be using a different power source during your actual deployment, choose the setting that matches your deployment power source.

If the Battery type has not been set, SM5 will display an on-screen message prompting you to set it every time you turn it on: Battery Type should be set for optimal performance and battery life.

Once you have selected a Battery type, the SM5 will not display this message again until you restore factory default settings.

Internal Battery Options

Different types of batteries put out different voltage levels as they are used, up to the point where they can no longer power the SM5. The Battery Type setting tells the SM5 to shut itself down at a voltage that indicates a given type of battery is about to die completely. Without a programmed shutdown behavior like this, nearly-dead batteries can cause the recorder to repeatedly turn on and off, potentially leading to SD card corruption.

The following options are suited to three common types of internal batteries compatible with the SM5.

These options will only apply while the SM5 is powered using internal batteries. If one of these options is selected while the SM5 is connected to an external power source, no minimum voltage threshold will be applied.

Lithium-ion 18650 (Default)
The SM5 will shut down when the battery voltage falls below 3.0 V.
D Alkaline
The SM5 will shut down when the battery voltage falls below 3.7 V.
For use with single-use, D-size (IEC R20), alkaline batteries.
D NiMH
The SM5 will shut down when the battery voltage falls below 4.0 V.
For use with rechargeable, D-size (IEC R20), nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

External Power Options

The following options are for use with external power sources.

These options will only apply while the SM5 is powered via its Ext Power connection. If one of these options is selected while the SM5 has internal batteries installed, no minimum voltage threshold will be applied.

Wildlife Acoustics Power Kit
The SM5 does not enforce its own minimum voltage.
The Wildlife Acoustics solar Power Kit uses regulated voltage outputs that do not gradually decline over time.
Custom External
Allows you to set a custom minimum voltage between 0.0 V and 12.0 V for external power sources.
When the external power voltage falls below the specified threshold, the SM5 will suspend its schedule, sleep for 24 hours, then wake up to measure the voltage again. It will repeat this cycle until the voltage has risen above the specified threshold. This behavior is intended to allow an external solar panel to recharge the attached battery.
If using a third-party external battery, refer to the battery's documentation for a recommended minimum voltage to maintain the health of the battery.

Shutdown Behavior with Incorrect Settings

If you incorrectly set Battery type to Power Kit or Custom External but use internal D or 18650 batteries, the SM5 will not shut itself down at a chosen voltage. The SM5 will run until the internal batteries fail. Failing batteries may cause the SM5 to lose and regain power multiple times in quick succession, which can cause SD card corruption.

If you incorrectly set Battery type to Lithium-ion 18650, D Alkaline, or D NiMH but use an external power source like the Wildlife Acoustics Power Kit or a third-party external battery, the SM5 will not shut itself down at a chosen voltage. This will match the intended behavior with the Power Kit. If using a third-party external battery, the SM5 will run until the battery fails. This may drain the battery below its minimum intended use voltage, putting additional wear on the battery. This will also prevent the SM5 from allowing 24 hours for the external battery to recharge from a solar panel.