Pipistrelle (current version 4.12L) is a unique self-build* electronics project, exploiting the high performance, low cost and rich functionality of the Raspberry Pi Pico to deliver the world's most cost-effective full-spectrum bat recorder. Listen to the extraordinary sounds generated by British bats and recorded by pipistrelle HERE. You can buy circuit boards and a solder paste stencil to build your own pipistrelles HERE. The cost is $5 for 10 blank PCBs, $10 for the solder stencil, plus shipping from China, typically $21 to $24. The solder stencil you need to order is the NON-FRAMEWORK version, and is best in 0.10mm thickness. The PCBs should be ordered 1.2mm thick for best acoustic performance. They can be ordered in a number of different coloured soldermasks. Green is manufactured one day faster than other colours, exotic colours like purple can increase the price, and blue or black is best. Although red - which is a free option - is pretty sweet. Always buy 10 PCBs, even if you intend to only build 5 devices. The cost of 5 PCBs is the same as 10, and the extras will come in very handy when assembing your solder stencil frame. You can buy components to build 5 pipistrelles HERE - component cost is (as of July 23rd 2023) around £70+VAT for 5 pipistrelles, around £120+VAT for 10. If you do not have Sn63/Pb37 solder paste in the house, add THIS to your DigiKey shopping basket for another approx £10+VAT. You can download a deliverables package HERE which includes a combined assembly manual and user guide, Raspberry Pi Pico firmware, and software tools as source code and node.js cross-platform executables. You can download the free iOS App "Pipistrelle" HERE. This app to configure your pipistrelles for recording, and works on iPhone, iPad and ARM (M1 / M2) Mac models. An Android version is under development by a third party. Pipistrelle is part of a broader family of self-build bat electronics projects, details HERE. But take note, for the pipistrelle detector/recorder device this page is the up-to-date place to come for information. The information on the other pages is not updated as frequently as here. *IMPORTANT : the hazardous nature of the assembly process - a 260ºC hotplate, lead-based solder and flux fumes, soldering iron and sharp cutters - makes this project unsuitable for children. Indeed, any inflammable life form should not attempt this. Some previous electronics assembly experience is definitely preferred, and a steady hand and good near vision is a prerequisite for accurate placement of surface-mount components. See the assembly manual for details on the specific equipment that is required to assemble pipistrelles, some tricks and tips to maximise your chances of success, and even more safety warnings. Be careful out there. |