Hi Derrick,
Well, I am feeling a little guilty here since I kind of started all of
that umbrella hat parabolic stuff. It now has a life of its own and
seems to be spreading.
It is included in the latest edition of Make magazine #14 (on the
newsstand now)
http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol14/?pg=138&search=parabolic+mic&u1=texterity&cookies=1
There is even an associated how-to video produced by the magazine at:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1408076/umbrella_parabolic_microphone/
And of course there is the Instructables page at:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Dollar-Store-Parabolic-Mic/
The original version is at:
http://www.bambooturtle.us/ParabolicMicrophone.html
That said, a little word of warning. The bottom line here is that this
is not a very rugged device that can hold up to extended field use. Nor
is it something I would recommend for scientific use. Yes it is
inexpensive, lightweight, collapsible, and perhaps even disposable. It
should hold up ok for a couple of weeks but expect to have to handle it
gently in the field. As with the umbrella hat, the little tie-clip
lavalier ( If you are talking about the one from Radio Shack) is of only
average quality. Don't expect pristine, high quality recordings. If the
examples of recordings on the Make, Instructables, or my own web sites
are good enough for you, then you are in business! Let us know how
things turn out.
Jim Lee
DB wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am a complete novice at recording, and am hoping to learn a lot
> very quickly. I am a 37 year old male named Derrick working on a
> masters degree in biology. I did my research on the effects of
> prescribed burning on bird populations over time, and am going to
> start writing my thesis in the fall. My girlfriend is also working
> on her masters and is currently doing research on saki monkeys in the
> jungles of Peru. I will be going to join her in 2 weeks. She has
> expressed an interest in recording the vocalizations of the monkeys,
> and I am planning on constructing a parabolic microphone and using a
> sony voice recorder to record the vocalizations. I have a very
> limited budget, and have ordered a umbrella hat to construct the
> parabola with, and a lavalier tie clip microphone. The sony recorder
> I am planning on using has the folling specifications listed below.
> Any advice would be appreciated. One problem I see with this is not
> being able to listen via headphones as I am recording to make sure I
> am getting what I want. Thanks in advance for any help. Derrick
>
>
>
> Features and Benefits
> Sony ICDB300 - 64MB Digital Voice Recorder
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
>
> The thin and stylish ICDB300 Digital Voice Recorder is great for
> digital recording on the go. Whether you're at school, in a meeting
> or on the road, this high capacity voice recorder will be a handy
> companion. With a 64MB Flash Memory IC chip and up to 37 hours of
> Recording Time in LP Mode, you can rest assured knowing your digital
> voice recorder will be ready when you are. Convenient features such
> as the LCD display for showing recording data and 250mW speaker
> output make seeing data and listening to audio a breeze.
> Features
>
> Compact Slim Design: A slim design means it is easier then ever to
> have a recorder on hand to capture the next great idea
>
> Up to 37 Hours of Recording Time in LP Mode Available on the
> integrated circuit chip which may be recorded over and used again.
>
> Digital VOR (Voice Operated Recording): Stops the recording during
> silent pauses, saving valuable recording time, then begins recording
> again without missing a single syllable thanks to the digital buffer.
>
> 64MB Flash Memory: Uses a high capacity IC chip, which may be
> recorded over and used again and again, with distortion-free clarity.
>
> Easy-to-Read LCD Display Shows number of messages recorded, recording
> length, date, time, and battery power remaining.
>
> 250mW Speaker Output: Provides increased speaker output.
>
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
>
> Specifications
> Product Features
> Up to 37 hours recording time (LP Mode) 4 Folders Digital VOR Large
> LCD display
> Technical Details
> Model: ICDB300 Item Package Quantity: 1 Hardware Platform: PC Device
> Type: Voice recorder Recording Media: Flash memory Memory Capacity:
> 64 MB Folders: 4 (up to 396 messages) Recording Modes: HQ, SP, LP
> Recording Time: 37 hours Inputs/Outputs: 1 Microphone input, 1
> Headphone output (mini) Speaker: 0.79 inches (2 cm) Speaker Output:
> 250 mW Power Requirements: DC 3V with "AAA" x 2 battery Battery Life:
> (Approx.) Up to 22 hours recording, up to 13 hours 10 minutes
> playback Color: Silver Width: 1.36 inches Depth: 0.7 inches Height:
> 4.31 inches Weight: 2.1 ounces
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> "While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
> sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
--
Jim Lee - Bamboo Turtle Studio
http://www.bambooturtle.com
Home of the Rock Nest Monster
http://www.bambooturtle.us/Rock_Nest_Monster.html
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