Record a Transect Using the Built-In Location Logging - SM5

Song Meter SM5 User Guide
Core Product
SM5
Accessory

During scheduled recording, the SM5 can record location data from its built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver.

About this task

If you configure the SM5 to sync to GPS and GLONASS continuously, the recorder will write location data to its summary text file once every ten seconds during recording periods, as opposed to its normal cadence of one summary update every minute. The metadata of each audio recording will also include the recorder's location at the time the recording ended.

The date, time, and location data in the summary file can be imported into a spreadsheet processor or converted into other formats.

This function is better suited for long-term deployments than app-based transect recording because it does not require a paired smart phone or tablet. However, continuous GPS/GLONASS sync significantly reduces the SM5. For very long-term transects, you may need to use a limited recording schedule, an external power source, or an entirely separate location logger.

Procedure

  1. While configuring the SM5 for your deployment, go to Settings > Time & location and set GPS sync to Continuous.
    In this mode, the SM5 keeps its internal location data and clock synchronized to GPS/GLONASS, and it logs status updates to its summary file once every ten seconds.
  2. Mount the SM5 so that it has a clear view of the sky.
  3. Turn the SM5 on and wait for the status screen to read GPS:Active Fix & sync.
    With a clear view of the sky, this should take about a minute or less.
  4. Allow the SM5 to record.
  5. To review the saved location data, view the file named RecorderName_Summary_CardNumber.txt in a text editor, or import the contents into a spreadsheet processor as comma-separated values.
  6. Check that the file name of each audio recording contains a dollar sign ($).
    A file name such as S5A00032_AC_20260130$143201.wav indicates that the SM5 had an active GPS/GLONASS connection for the entirety of the recording's duration. A file name without a dollar sign, such as S5A00032_AC_20260130_143201.wav, indicates that the SM5 was not receiving updated location data for some or all of the recording's duration.