Hello all, I just recieved 63 of the new AudioMoth cases in the most recent group buy through GroupGets. Just wanted to report a few problems. The latch on the cases appears to be a weak point. On first use 2 of the 63 cases I recieved broke at the latch, and in two different places. In each case, I was doing the simple task of closing the latch, nothing too severe, and they both snapped. I am dealing with GroupGets about getting replacements, but wanted to share the info here too.
Pictures attached.
Sorry to hear that sacha, I'll have a close look at my case.
A couple of things that I have noticed on mine, and I wonder if you have seen this on yours as well?
when closed the sides of the top of the case bulge slightly, where the pressure from the rubber is forcing the case lid up
the vent membrane is bulged outwards. As this case has not been outside yet since it arrived, this happened in construction, or possibly in the reduced pressure of the cargo hold of the shipping aircraft (mine arrived closed)
I would be interested in others cases.
Hello Andya, I have noticed that the microphone hole membrane bulges outward on first closing. I don't know where I read it, perhaps on here, but I do remember reading that it will take about 40 minutes for the case before it becomes fully waterproof and that it is suggested to not put it out until that happens. I am guessing that there is some pressure adjustment that needs to go on and both of your observations of bulging might have something to do with this? I deployed my devices and left so did not check them after that 40 minute period.
Sacha
Thanks for the reply, apologies I should have made it clearer that the membrane arrived stretched, and is domed outwards, even when the case is open.
The actual membrane is quite flexible and will dome slightly depending on how it was affixed and also on closing the case due to the over pressure. The over pressure (rather than the doming) creates a short term attenuation which disappears as the pressure equalises over the first 1-2 hours - https://github.com/OpenAcousticDevices/White-Papers/blob/master/An_Injection_Moulded_Case_for_AudioMoth.pdf.
If you can email Andy - andy@openacousticdevices.info - we'd be keen to get these clasps back to have a look at and we can then send you replacements.
Also. Did you choose the black colour over the green, or had the green ran out when you ordered?
The green had run out when I ordered, so these are the black cases. GroupGets is already in the process of replacing them, but I will still contact Andy and send them to him for inspection.
A third one broke today. Also the clasp.
Hi Sacha, Can you email a photo to andy@openacousticdevices.info showing the crack and we can arrange to send you a replacement clasp. Did it break as you were closing or opening the case? Alex
@Alex Rogers I sent photos to Andy showing all of the breaks.
The clasps in both of those pictured above broke while closing. I didn't observe the break in the third one but the person deploying the device (who had no reason to open it and claims they didn't) says that it broke while they were tightening the velcro while attaching it to a bamboo tripod (pictured here). Sacha
Same here. The clasp of my black case has a growing crack and will probably break completely if I keep using it. Maybe I can prevent the crack from growing with some preventive glueing and I'm curious what kind of glue people recommend for this.
Hi Wim, Can you email a photo to andy@openacousticdevices.info showing the crack and we can arrange to send you a replacement clasp. Was there any marking on the surface prior to the crack appearing? Alex
Thanks Alex. I just emailed Andy the following:
Please find attached a photo of the crack that developed in my AudioMoth case. It wasn't there when I got the case and I have deployed it about a half dozen times. Looking at the photo it also shows how the case seems to be bulging on the side of the crack, suggesting that there is too much stress there. This bulging also shows when the case is empty, so it is not due to the AudioMoth being too thick.
Thanks for your help with this.
Wim
Yes the same thing has happened to my latches on one of the two so far after only 3 uses.
I also have a case with a latch that seems to dislocate itself with high degree of regularity!
I am now resorting to use a cable tie - these cases arent cheap plus the hassle of getting them from the US. A suggestion - maybe the hinge should be on the other side so that if using a cable tie, then the hinge side would be uppermost?
Hi Steve. They said they would replace the clips on mine but still waiting. Elastic band used on dry nights till then. A
It happened on closing
Can you send the photos to andy@openacousticdevices.info who will arrange to send you replacements which have a been through an updated moulding temperature profile. Is it possible to get better focused images of the broken part?
ok Ill do that. Better photo attached also
Do the clips still hold the wire ring in place? The force of closing the case should be taken by the ring rather than these clips?
no. The latch springs off unfortunately
Do we have a local centre for replacement plastic catches ? I have 2 new AudioMoth cases on both of which the hinge areas have failed on the black catch !
Send me an email - alex@openacousticdevices.info - and we'll post you two new ones made with a modified material and moulding temperature.