The Song Meter SM5 accepts power from D batteries, 18650 lithium-ion batteries, the Wildlife Acoustics Power Kit, or other external DC power sources.
Only one power source can be installed at a time. If the SM5 detects that internal batteries and external power are both present, the recorder will shut down to prevent catastrophic battery failure.
18650 Lithium-Ion Batteries
18650 batteries are a specific size of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and have a greater energy-to-weight ratio than alkaline D batteries.
The SM5's battery tray accepts 18650 batteries oriented horizontally in multiple quantities:
- One to six batteries can be installed and held in place with the included battery bracket.
- Exactly eleven batteries can be installed, filling all available battery slots.
Alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride D Batteries
D-size batteries are available as single-use alkaline batteries and rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. A single use cycle of NiMH batteries last roughly 60-70% as long as alkaline batteries, and this lifespan declines as NiMH batteries are used and recharged repeatedly.
The SM5's battery tray accepts exactly four D batteries oriented vertically.
Power Kit
The Power Kit is a solar panel with an integrated set of rechargeable lithium-ion cells that is compatible with the Song Meter SM5 and several earlier Song Meter models. Depending on the power requirements of your schedule and the sun exposure of your deployment location, the Power Kit can allow for very long deployments.
Third-Party External Batteries
You can power the SM5 from an external battery, solar charge controller, or other DC power source using the Wildlife Acoustics External Power Cable (Product Code: SM3CABPWR). For example, you can connect a solar charge controller to a solar panel, external battery, and the SM5 for deployments that require more battery capacity, solar capacity, or power output than the Power Kit can provide.