The Somerset Bat Group is offering the chance to build your own LOW cost, and HIGHLY capable bat detector. You can build your own ultrasonic detector, with features available on commercial devices costing hundreds of pounds, for just £20.

How to build your own

In collaboration with Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Bat group are running Bat Detector building workshops where you can build your own detector from the Pipistrelle family of devices.

If you want to build a detector, no experience (of soldering or anything else) is needed and the materials cost just £20. One person can work on each kit but you can bring a second person to watch and help (minimum age 10).

To build a detector you will need to bring along:

1. A steady pair of hands! Some of the components are only mm long. The leader will demonstrate methods to help with accurate placement.

2. Good close to eyesight. If you use reading glasses, perhaps bring along an extra pair a bit stronger than usual.

3. To test your Pipistrelle detector. 3 AAA Batteries and wired headphones (or speaker), with a standard 3.5mm jack.

A headtorch and magnifying glass may also be useful if you have them, but the leader may have some to borrow.

What does the Bat Group supply?

All the components, materials, tools and equipment needed to build the detectors.

A leader from the bat group will start with a briefing about the detectors, and then walk you through, step by step, the instructions to safely build and test them.

What will you be building?

The Pipistrelle family of devices has been developed by Phil Atkins from Wiltshire using the RaspberryPi Pico. They offer advanced abilities at a truly market disrupting cost. They have upgradable software on board, which means new features may be made available at a later date.

· Listen to Phil talking about his detectors on the BatChat podcast in Nov’24

In these workshops you will be building the mini PiPistrelle. There are also several other options in the Pipistrelle family of devices. Please see the bat group website for details:

https://somersetbat.group/advice/which-bat-detector/build-detector/

So if you would prefer to build a Griff (iOS Mic) or PippyG static ultrasound recorder instead, then please contact the bat group to discuss: somersetbatgroup@gmail.com

Build Your Own Bat Detector