Hi, I understand that you have done some trials with Audiomoth and LoRa in Belize (based on your post in April 2019). May I know if there are any updates? We would like to use the Audiomoth for sensing gunshots, and real-time alerting of rangers via a LoRa network. Thanks a lot!
The range in tropical forests was very limited - down to 200m sometimes which was quite disappointing. Suspect that it depends on the terrain, and the density and type of vegetarian so needs more experimentation. If you can get clear line of sight back to the ranger station it would probably work well.
I am curious. Which frequency and spreading factor did you use? What about the aerials for the gateways? 433 MHz (but it depends on local regulations) must be much more effective penetrating dense foliage.
I am also very curious about how the device might be configured to transfer the SD card's contents over a USB tether (that might also provide power) without physically removing the card, and generally working with a co-processor.
I've had a long-running discussion with Topher White of RFCX about whether chainsaw detection might be accomplished on-board on an AudioMoth-class device, and a reasonably reliable signal sent out via Ham Radio APRS using commodity 5W VHF handsets ...
Technically it would be possible But would require the USB device class to be changed in the firmware to get a decent transfer rate.
Thanks Alex. I have tried LoRa transmissions on campus, and was also unable to attain reliable communications beyond 500m. May I find out from you, based on your experience in Belize, how long each Audiomoth will last when powered by the 3 AAA batteries?
The configuration app gives the energy consumption depending on the configuration used. For long duration deployments we use Energizer Lithium Ultimate batteries but standard Alkaline batteries are pretty good as well. For the long term deployments in Belize we used large 6V lantern batteries, which with custom firmware running the gunshot detection algorithm, meant we could listen (not record) for 12 hours each day, for one year.