Power the SM5 with a Third-Party External Battery - SM5

Song Meter SM5 User Guide
Core Product
SM5
Accessory

You can power the recorder with an external battery with or without a solar panel and solar charge controller.

About this task

You will need the following equipment:

  • Wildlife Acoustics External Power Cable (Product Code: SM3CABPWR)

    The External Power Cable is modular and can be configured to end in one of three formats:

    • 2-pin SAE connector
    • Washer terminals, internal diameter 0.265 in. (6.70 mm)
    • FASTON terminals, internal width 0.250 in. (6.35 mm)
  • External power source capable of providing between 3 and 16 V DC.

    The SM5 typically requires 0.5 W maximum. With future accessories connected to the expansion port on the front panel, the total power consumption may be as high as 13 W.

Procedure

  1. Turn off the SM5 and remove any internal batteries.
    The SM5 cannot use internal batteries and external power simultaneously.
  2. Plug the round, 5-pin end of the Wildlife Acoustics External Power Cable into the Ext Power port at the bottom of the SM5 and secure it using the bayonet collar.
  3. Connect the other end of the external power cable to your power source using the appropriate connectors.
  4. Power on the SM5 and set the recorder's voltage cutoff behavior.

    External batteries typically specify a minimum usable voltage; draining a battery below this voltage can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. Setting this minimum voltage on the SM5 prevents the recorder from draining the battery past this point.

    • Using the built-in display, go to Settings > Battery type > Custom Ext. and select your battery's recommended minimum voltage.
    • Using the Configurator app, pair with the recorder and go to Configure > Battery Type > CUSTOM Ext and select your battery's recommended minimum voltage.

    When the battery voltage falls to the specified threshold, the SM5 will sleep for 24 hours, then wake up to measure the battery voltage again. The SM5 will repeat this cycle until the battery voltage rises above the threshold, at which point it will resume its programmed schedule. This behavior is intended to allow a solar panel to recharge the battery before recording resumes.