BoomBox Standard features time-based playlists, a detachable MP3 module and a more intuitive configuration interface.
How it works
BoomBox is a device that connects directly to the camera trap PIR motion sensor. When the camera is triggered and starts recording, BoomBox wakes up and plays an audio file.
The first ABR system was developed in 2016 by Justin Suraci et. al. Building upon this work, the first BoomBox was developed in 2019 by Freaklabs and Meredith Palmer. When using and referencing BoomBox , please cite:
Palmer MS, Wang C, Plucinski J, Pringle R. BoomBox: An automated behavioral response camera trap module for wildlife playback experiments. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Volume 13, Issue 3, March 2022 Pages 611-618. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13789
features
- Audio plays within ~3 milliseconds of camera trap triggering
- Approx. 15 minutes of MP3 play time. (The number of audio files depends on length and sound quality.)
- Sequential or random audio play back
- Time-based playlists
- Adjustable delay time between a trigger event and audio playback
- Speaker decibel level max 80dB at 1 metre (adjustable)
- Detachable MP3 module to easily load and swap audio files
- 1 month battery life (nb: depends on trigger frequency, volume etc). Usual set up is system checks every 2-4 weeks
- Comes with a rugged IP65 rated enclosure
Technical specifications
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Assembly Overview
BoomBox comes with a detailed guide that includes how to assemble and test the system, tips for deployment and troubleshooting help. Below is an overview of how to assemble BoomBox.
- Connect the speakers and trigger cable to BoomBox. Test the device.
- Solder the trigger cable to the camera trap.
- Connect BoomBox to the camera trap and test the full ABR system.
- Prepare and load your MP3 files onto the MP3 module. Reattach the MP3 module to the BoomBox PCB.
- Configure BoomBox and the camera trap for deployment
- Prepare the mounting, including speaker protection.
We highly recommend doing a test ‘deployment’ before heading into the field so you’re familiar with how the system works.
For additional information and support, please first check the forums.
Pricing and purchasing
For pricing and purchasing BoomBox, please visit Freaklabs Shop.