Replace Foam Windscreens - SM5

Song Meter SM5 User Guide
Core Product
SM5
Accessory

After enough exposure to sunlight, foam windscreens can begin to crumble and should be replaced.

About this task

With enough ultraviolet exposure, foam windscreens can turn brown or beige. After further ultraviolet exposure, they begin to physically deteriorate. Generally speaking, windscreens can continue to be used if they are discolored. It is only necessary to replace them when the foam begins to crumble.

Wildlife Acoustics windscreens are held in place using a metal retaining ring. If you have difficulty removing or installing the windscreen by hand, you can use snap ring pliers to pry open the retaining ring.

Figure 1. Retaining Ring and Snap Ring Pliers
The cylindrical tips of snap ring pliers fit into two matching holes in the retaining ring. The pliers can be used to pry apart the two ends of the ring.
To replace a windscreen, you will need the following:
  • Wildlife Acoustics replacement windscreen (product code: WT500_2)
  • Snap ring pliers with a tip diameter of 0.047 in.
  • A marker or similar cylindrical object, slightly less than ½ inch in diameter

Procedure

  1. Remove the stub microphone's old windscreen.
    Snap ring pliers can be used to pry open the windscreen's metal retaining ring. Whether you use snap ring pliers or not, pull the retaining ring gently to remove the windscreen.
    If you use snap ring pliers, use one hand to manipulate the snap ring pliers to loosen the retaining ring, and use your other hand to push the retaining ring off of the microphone.
  2. Check that the microphone's weatherproof membrane was not pulled off with the windscreen.

    The stub microphone should be capped flush at the end of the cylinder, with a fabric-like membrane covering the entirety of the outer face.
  3. Optional: Use a marker or similarly shaped object to pack down the foam of the new windscreen.
    Compressing the foam near the retaining ring can help the windscreen slide onto the microphone more easily.
    Insert the marker into the windscreen and press it against the retaining ring in all directions.
  4. Slide the new windscreen onto the microphone.
    You may use snap ring pliers to loosen the retaining ring, though this is not necessary.
    The windscreen should not be slid all the way onto a longer microphone like the SMM-A2. You should be able to squeeze the tip of the windscreen together.