If you have recorders from the Wildlife Acoustics SM2 family, there are a number of things you should do annually to make sure each is ready for the next recording season:

• Replace the two AA batteries that run the clock with brand new alkalines. See our past blog post for a trick on how to do this.
• Check that the hex nuts that are around the outside of the various ports are hand-tight. These can sometimes get loose and will allow in water. Never use a wrench to tighten these.
• Check that the white hex shaped vent port is also hand-tight. Again, never use a wrench on this.
• Look for any visible damage to the SD card slots.
• Look for any signs of water intrusion.
• Check the lid gasket for tears or anything that would interfere with a good seal such as pine needles.
• Update the firmware to the latest available.
• Test your microphones. Acoustic microphones can be tested by creating a manual recording and listening to it. Ultrasonic microphones should be tested using the optional Ultrasonic Calibrator tool available from Wildlife Acoustics.
• Finally, always create test recordings prior to each deployment to verify that the recorder is functioning as expected and all settings are correct.