Using Arbimon Companion to deploy an AudioMothoth

Overview

Video Tutorial: Using the Arbimon Companion App After setting up and configuring your AudioMoth device, The Arbimon Companion app is used to deploy AudioMoth and Guardian devices in the field. The Arbimon Companion app offers users greater convenience and ease-of-use for deploying. It features include:

• Pairing your AudioMoth devices prior to deployment
• AudioMoth recordings will be automatically linked to the appropriate deployment geolocation, for convenience and ease-of-use when uploading your recordings into Arbimon
• The ability to attach photos to your device deployment location to help you locate it

Please follow the step-by-step instructions in this section, which outline the process of deploying your devices with the Arbimon Companion app.

This article will go over how to pair the AudioMoth with the Arbimon Companion App and deploy a device. 

In order to pair the AudioMoth with the app, make sure the AudioMoth has been updated to the most recent firmware and its settings have been configured.

You will also need to have an Arbimon user account and create a project in Arbimon.  

Getting Started

Download the Companion App from the Google Play Store. An Android device will be needed to run the app. Once downloaded, the app icon will appear like the following:

First of all, you will need to sign in using the same credentials as the ones you used to signup for Arbimon.

Note: If you get “An error occurred. Please try again” error message, make sure you are entering your Username or Password correctly 

A set of projects will appear. Choose the project you want to deploy the AudioMoth in.

Opening the app will lead to a display that looks like the following:

There are three options at the bottom of the app: MAP, a green "+" button (to add an AudioMoth device), and PROFILE. 

The map allows you to look at your AudioMoth devices and see where they are deployed on a map. You also have the ability to click on the Search button in top right corner to search through all of the sites in your project. The Track button on the top left corner allows you to track your location while deploying your AudioMoth device, so you can more easily retrieve your device later. There is also the ability to switch between multiple projects anytime - this includes any project you have created in Arbimon or those you have been added as a Contributor to. The Profile section looks like the following: 

You can change the display of the coordinates by clicking the  Coordinates button. You will see options of Coordinates:

A color can be selected to label the group and then name the group by pressing on Location group at the top. Press Save and it will be available in the next step, when we add a device.

The + button is how a new AudioMoth is synced with the app and deployed. When selecting the  + button, two options will be displayed: AudioMoth or Guardian. Select the AudioMoth option.

Once you have done so, a setup checklist will appear. Before the device can be deployed, the deployment site needs to be set and the app must be synchronized with the AudioMoth. Please add photos of the deployment site.  

Setting a deployment site

• You can select the desired site by searching its name

• You can create a new site by typing a new name and then clicking on + Create. Select a new location by clicking on the map and dragging it to the desired location.

Press Next to sync your AudioMoth with the the app.

The app will walk you through a series of steps to sync the app with the AudioMoth device. Make sure the AudioMoth was configured and given a recording schedule before trying to sync, otherwise you will encounter issues with the sync. The app will play a series of tones as you progress through the sync cycle. The LEDs on the side of the AudioMoth will change when the different audios are played by the app. Learn more about what the LED lights represent here.

Sync your AudioMoth 

Step 1: Set your AudioMoth device to USB/Off, and select Begin Sync. 

Step 2: You should now hear a loud audio tone playing. If you can hear it, select Yes.

Step 3: While the tone is still playing, switch your AudioMoth device from USB/Off to CUSTOM.

Step 4: At this point you should be able to see a solid Red light and a flashing Green light. Select Yes to confirm. 

Step 5: Move your phone near the AudioMoth device, and try to minimize any background noise. Click on Sync To AudioMoth and you should hear a melodic tone. Then click on Next.

Step 6: Confirm that the Red light is not solid by clicking on Yes.

The sync steps are now completed. 

Next, you may select Take Photos. This step is optional, but may be helpful when trying to remember where exactly the AudioMoth was placed or which device when it was deployed. You can add up to 10 photos following the guideline.

Finally, select DEPLOY. 

You will be directed back to the map. There will be a pin on the map where the AudioMoth was deployed. When the pin is selected, it will look like the following image.

By pressing See Detail, more information will be displayed about that AudioMoth.

There will be a zoomed in map of the location of the AudioMoth, which can be edited if desired, or the AudioMoth can be deleted. 

This completes the syncing of the AudioMoth and the Arbimon Companion app. The device is now ready to be placed in the field for recording. 

Then close the waterproof pouch and attach it to the tree/bush/vine upside-down (opening at the bottom) in a position where there are no large, solid obstructions in front or behind the device.

Please also take a look at our recommended best practices for AudioMoth usage and deployment. 

Once you retrieve your AudioMoth, make sure to switch to USB/OFF.

Once your AudioMoth device has recorded audio files, the files can be uploaded into Arbimon for analysis using the Uploader App or Arbimon browser. Please proceed to our next series of articles for the Upload process.