Modifying a spy microphone for leopard conservation

[kra]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to attach a spy microphone to leopard radiocollars and have it record continuously for 1 month.

Why? Well, for my project I'm looking at whether strategically played competitor sounds could be used to manipulate leopard movements in order to reduce conflict with people. But I need to know how vocals naturally affect their movements.

I'm looking to hack the EDIC-Mini-Tiny B47 microphone (see attachment) so that it connects to a power source that powers it for 600 hours (its storage capacity). It's current battery life is up to 168 hours.

I'm out in the African Bush right now, and so I would need to know whether this hack is possible and, if so, would be looking to team up with someone who can advise me on how to make the modifications.

Weight is a major limitation here, and I would need a battery solution which weighed < 75g.

Price is also an issue as the project budget is already stretched. So, I would be looking for a battery solution which was preferably < $50 (although, higher priced options would be considered).

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

K.

Disclaimer: I am an electronics newbie and internet access here is limited, but I am a keen learner.

 

[(*steve*)]

how much mass can your leopard tolerate? This will determine the maximum mass of a battery.

I guess the options are to transmit the audio or just record it. The latter simplifies some things, but you have to capture the animal twice.

Are you planning to remove the collar or is it something that will "fall off" after some time?

 

[kra]

Thanks for your message.

With the other components on the collar, 100 grams is really the maximum we have to play with for the microphone, housing, and battery. The microphone is only 19 g and casing will be lightweight; so I think we'll have around 75 g (max) for the battery. Although, smaller would be better.

Collars will all have a drop-off (bio-degradable and/or mechanical); so to keep things simple and costs down the plan was to collect the audio once collars are off.

Cheers again,

K

 

[Anon_LG]

My concern is, how do we know you are not a poacher? Can we see the organisation you are affiliated with? Of course, the more likely explanation is that you say who you are, and if you are doing this in the name of conservation, this is appreciated and I hope this turns out well for you.

Could you give us any background?

Thanks,