Final Prototype Deployment Activations/Weather Situations

Following three days of rainfall, wind and generally poor weather there has been two significant activations on the single unit deployment at site one.   There are three issues here that are worth noting. 

Firstly the IP Box which has been waterproofing the main portion of the electronics has work as expected.   There has been three days of rain and while the box has been at the base of a tree offering it some basic protection (as opposed to being placed inside a trap box as eventually it will be) the unit has been exposed to the elements.   We have stated that the solar panel and speaker are being housed separate from the main unit and they are more exposed to the elements, and there was evidence of rainfall on both.    For the main unit there is no evidence of moisture inside the box itself which is housing the main electronics (and the expensive parts of the units, see 'economic breakdown' in a different post on this blog).

The two activations that are present shown on the camera are represented by a cat which can be seen in the above photo.  It is clearly seen on a series of photos that take place at 8:25pm.   As noted the camera needs to be reset so that it reflects daylight savings and the correct year.

We have shown evidence in the past of the unit with the basic sound profile (which we are using again for current testing) which has two possum sounds, two chick sounds and a stoat sound consistenly attracting cats and feral cats to the unit.  The second activation which can be seen clearly in the photographs is the large brush tailed possum which arrived at the unit and was in the vicinity of the unit at 9:15pm. 

The final issue relating to the unit is again the question of the battery unit and solar panel charging.  There has been three days of rainfall and overcast weather.   The suspicion is that this has limited the ability to charge the unit.  There is clear evidence that the unit has been working during darkness (as shown by the photographs) however by the early morning the unit has stopped.  This is something that has been experienced with the unit.   The speaker deployed with this unit is a 4w speaker.   Once the unit has been moved into morning light the unit has started immediately operating exactly as expected (using the day profile).    We are going to run trials with different strength speakers and also experiment with the solar panel in a location that has more direct access to sunlight, in addition we are charging the unit fully in daylight (solar) and will then place it in semi-shade for the deployment.

Final Prototype - Brief Demo

This is a brief demo and explanation of the final unit prototype as it is deployed:

Final Prototype Deployment Now in Progress

Final deployment of the unit to run until 2021.

We have now reached the point where we have made what we believe will be the final design for the sound lure, which is being placed in an outside rural position indefinitely.    Since November we have been deploying and adapting the design, including spending extended time checking the units viability.

Waterproofing: This has been a key issue for the long term viability of the unit.   Initially we designed 3D Printed boxes created by students in the classroom to protect the first run of the boxes, while this worked against rain of varying levels particularly when it was combined with a wooden stoat or rat box.    Given that the

Above: External bolts to show exit points

first trials were taking place over Summer or Autumn, we were aware of an increase in condensation during Winter that would cause difficulty with the units.    The solution as detailed on this blog we believe has been to use IP Rated Waterproof boxes.     These boxes have extremely limited ability for water to enter them.   By drilling two bolts holes into both end of the boxes and placing two bolts into both sets of holes, and then protecting the gap between the bolt and the box, this should make the units essentially waterproof.   We will be leaving the unit pictured above outside for an extended period of time (intended to be the rest of the year) to ensure that it is working.  We do have questions over the two parts of the unit that are currently external, the speakers and the solar panel.  Compared to the rest of the unit these are relatively inexpensive and somewhat disposable but this also allows the set up to be flexible.

Battery/Power Level: Every indication that this has been resolved.  The oustanding issue is the weather proofing of the solar panel unit and the long term lipo battery use with the unit.    The batteries are charging each day, overtime we would expect there to be a drop off in efficiency of them as a unit.  We are undertaking to work with solar panel experts to indentify the size, durability and cost price of the best unit for moving forward (long term) with the project.    We have versions of remote monitors to constantly check the battery level for the device.   We have a cut off point for the device to shut down if the battery level is too low.   In full sun there is no question that the device is able to maintain itself on a daily basis, running all day, having the unit charge during the day and then play all night, maintaining enough charge to complete and re-start the cycle.   In full shade the unit is able to operate from a mains charge for four days without requiring any additional charging. 

Brust Tailed Possum interacting with Sound Lure

We are currently investigating the viability of the unit to run in partial shade on a full time basis - we believe that it will but are currently finalising our testing to prove this.   This is important because it would mean the unit could be used in bush/vegetation situations where it could be left.   We are focussing in the future on stoats in particular.   The goal is to have a self managing sound lure that can be left long term to attract predators without the need for it being either monitored or powered up etc.   This would be possible only if the unit could be left in position and would not require any additional human interaction (such as changing the batteries etc).

Water Proofing dealt with by the commerical grade nox

Developing the Picaxe Chip Further:
Now that we believe that the waterproofing and power levels have been resolved we can move forward with adjusting the sound levels and profile, this is where the Picaxe chip will come into its own.  The current setup includes a basic 1/5 profile, that is one sound during the day and one of five random sounds at night, played randomly.   With the system set up including the code from the computer the number of sound activations during the day or night are limited only by the size of the mini-SD card are contained within the unit.  Potentially this could be expanded on considerably.   The current coding set up is to reflect its development in the design process, it was essential to develop the water proofing and the circuit design to the point that it was successful so that the coded version of the computer/Picaxe could follow last.   Once we start talking to individuals and partnerships we can target specific time when the unit activates (as it is reading the light level from the solar panel), the frequency with which the unit operates (again based on specific times/light levels).  We are also able to introduce a variable into the unit determining the frequency and the volume at which it is required to operate.   There are nearly unlimited variations that can be easily introduced and coded into the unit.

Cost of the Units: Throughout the process we have attempted to minimise the cost of the unit.  The purpose of this is to ensure that the technology behind the unit and the units themselves are as accessible as possible to the widest range of individuals possible.   The units that are featured on this blog, the latest versions of them, have been created/produced by ten year old students.    We are currently able to create a unit in the region of $50.00 for the entire existing set up, with a further $20.00 required to ensure that the water proofing is complete.   While we cannot look to answer the question of how long that the unit itself will last for we are hopeful that with the steps that have been taken it will remain in operation, in authentic outside environments without needing to be modified or human interaction and the final step is to measure its effectiveness in as many locations and situations as possible.

If you would like to assist in doing that can you please contact us via email (myles.webb@gmail.com) to discuss the matter further.

Waterproofing: Unit Demonstration

This video is a basic demonstration of the water proofed unit with the IP Box bolted into place, the rubber sealed ring in place, and the bolts connecting for the sound and solar power working.  This is the first finished prototype which is playing the 'distressed rabbit' sound profile.   This sound profile is following the 1:5 profile created with the initial code, that is a single profile sound playing with a one minute delay and then at nightime selects one of five random tracks and plays that at one minute interval.    The Picaxe computer has the ability to play any number of tracks in sequence depending only on the size of the mini-SD card that is contained within the MP3 Player.  We have now deployed this version of the sound lure, in conditions including rain, to ensure that the unit is as robust as possible.

Waterproofing the Sound Lure Unit

Above: Unit and casing showing connection cables.

Challenge: One of the key aspects of producing a successful unit is the issue of waterproofing.   The unit has been created, it has been tested, and there is not a question of it working in the short term.

The issue in long term is moisture - there is considerable rainfall in our region (Taranaki) during winter.    As a consequence the unit is going to be exposed to considerable direct rainfall.  This can be addressed by placing the unit inside another box (such as a stoat trap) and placing it inside a plastic box - we have 3D Printed these in the past, designed by students.   We have already lost one unit as a result, when the rainfall entererd the box, despite initial attempts at water proofing.   The next approach is to use a manufactured IP rated waterproof box.    Once the box was used to house the Picaxe and breadboard (as shown in photographs above).   There were a number of features that need to be explained.

Above; Close up of cords connecting to external bolts.

Left:  While the box itself is waterproof and the screws that join the lid on the unit are outside of the box, there is the need for two outputs - one being the solar panel (here shown by the brown and blue cords) and the speaker (the while cords).    The cords in both cases correct directly to a nut and bolt which has been drilled through the box.  They have been sealed on both sides using blue tack with the the tightened bolt.    This will mean that both the solar panel and speakers will be housed seperately from the main unit.  The speakers that we are using have been sourced from Aliexpress and are in the two-three dollar range.   The solar panel is relatively inexpensive, coming in at under $10.00.   The intention is to house both externally but to have them disposable.   With the box, the sealent and the water proofing we are anticipating minimal moisture able to enter the unit.

Above: The full unit in deployment.

Left: The completed wired unit in place inside the IP rated box.   We will be including with the box recycled Silica Gel packets to aid the absorbing of any moisture that is able to enter the box.   Furthermore we are experimenting with wood and 3D Printed designs to minimise the level of moisture.

The final phase of testing of the prototype is to deploy the unit as shown in the photographs in exposed outdoor conditions, including anticipated rain to measure its reliability to the elements.   We are looking to measure any moisture that can develop inside the unit, measure the sound quality from the unit outside of the box and check to maintain the amount of damage that occurs to the unit (if any).  Should there be significant issues with the unit we should be able to detect this prior to our first V3.0 unit deployments which are occurring shortly.   These deployments are different from previous deployments as they are being made at external locations where there are already existing trapping projects or groups that are removing pests from the environment.   In these cases unit which we were able to receive a donation for are being deployed to the New Plymouth Airport and Lake Rotokare Scienic Reserve.   These units are being deployed in exchange for the trapping data and evidence supplied by both these organisations.   We have similar agreements in place with a number of other organisations which we will be able to meet subject to funding.

If you are interested in using our units in a deployment can you please get in touch with us by emailing us at myles.webb@gmail.com if you have any queries.

Combing the Sound Lure and a DOC 200

The next phase of deployment is to combine a standard issue DOC 200 Stoat Trap (pictured left) in combination with a sound lure.

Currently there is no weather forecast for the next week or so, and a consequence the sound lure box is just to put the unit in place.   The solar panel is absent - the unit has been charged using the Lipo battery and mains power, which we are expecting to allow the unit to run for three or four days.   This electronic unit was put together by two ten year olds.  They were given the unit template and duplicated it in the classroom.     The visual lure is a standard egg.   The unit is being deployed in a stand of trees along a South Taranaki River.   This is the location that is described as 'Deployment Site One' where previously a sound unit by itself or a small rat tunnel baited with peanut butter has been deployed. 

The unit deployed (see video below) is a basic test situation.  Further deployments of this combination will see the solar panel fixed to the roof of the trap and the sound box itself further disguised to prevent it acting as a deterent to pests.    It ia intended to be in place for two days before it is removed and set up re-assessed.   There is a tracking camera in place directly facing the trap to record any interactions that occur.

The above video shows the basic set up for the sound lure/DOC 200 combination.  At this stage there is no solar panel connected, as we are wanting it to be a short term deployment, and the speaker is just sitting on the inside of the trap.   Both these will be addressed in future versions of this project.  In the second video shown below this is a brief description of the location of the trap and showing a short demonstration of the sound.

Sound Lure 3.0 Version Update

Over the last month there has been considerable work going on behind the scenes.   The Sound Lure Project is going towards significant funding for the 2020 Calendar Year with the intention of using the funding to be able to push out to a number of groups for field testing.

This funding has taken considerable time and it also needs to be reminded that the person that is running this blog is a full time classroom teacher.   It is hoped that if these applications for funding are successful it will allow significant work to be concentrated on this project.    We have also been identifying potential deployment opportunities locally and at other locations for the lures.

The final issue being dealt with at the moment is the water proofing of the units.   This can be seen in the previous post on this blog.     Water proofing is a considerable issue for the project to be successful.    There have been attempts at having sound units deployed locally these have been blighted by problems from moisture damaging the units and the electronics.   Once this issue is suitably addressed the units will be deployed.    The two photographs on this post are showing an example of the basic electronics with one of the units that is being monitored.   The idea here is to ensure that the unit is staying charged and operating consistently without a pause (as was happening in version 2.0 of the sound lure).    The graphing information and data is showing the units are remaining consistent above the threshold required to maintain a charge with the unit operating.   The next batch of testing is to confirm the success of the water proofing and the success of the battery levels/solar panel combination.