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You can put together your own Field Researcher Kit or Sign up here to enter to win a free kit. In order to win a free kit, you will need to submit your Apprentice Certificate to be eligible! Everything you need is listed below.

Kit Content

If you received a free Citizen Scientist Field Researcher kit, check to make sure you have all of the items listed here. Or, use this list to make your own! Your kit should include:

• 1 AudioMoth Recorder
• 1 plastic bag with a zip top lock
• 3 long plastic zip ties
• 1 padded return envelope
• 3 AA batteries

If anything is missing from your free kit, contact Help@EclipseSoundscapes.org.

Get to know your AudioMoth

The AudioMoth is a low-cost, full-spectrum acoustic recording device. The AudioMoth can listen at audible frequencies, well into ultrasonic frequencies. It is capable of recording uncompressed audio to microSD card at rates from 8,000 to 384,000 samples per second and can be converted into a full-spectrum USB microphone. You can learn more about the AudioMoth’s technical specifications on the Open Acoustic Devices website. The AudioMoth in your Citizen Scientist Field Researcher kit has been outfitted with bump dots to help you find all of the important switches and buttons on the device.

AudioMoth Bump Dots Tour

The top of your AudioMoth has 3 bump dots; one large square, one large circle, and one small circle. You will use these to help you find your way!

First, Orient the AudioMoth: With the battery side down on the palm of your hand or on a flat surface, feel the top surface for the large square bump dot. The square bump dot should be positioned in the top left corner. Now, let’s find all of the cool switches and buttons!

• The switch: In the bottom middle you will find the small circle bump dot. On the side edge near this small circle bump dot, there is a small indent. In this indent is a tiny switch. The switch has 3 settings. You will need to set it on “custom.” To set it on “custom” pull the switch closest to the small circle bump dot.
• USB Port: The USB port is located on the side near the large circle bump dot. You won’t need to use it for this project, but it is good to know where it is!  
• Micro-SD Card: The Micro-SD card is already installed in your AudioMoth. Make sure to keep it in the AudioMoth until after recording sound data. You will be sending this SD card back to us after the eclipse! It is located on the side next to the USB port and next to the large square bump dot.
  
• AudioMoth Number: In the bottom right corner, there is a 3 digit number. You will need to record this number in future set-up and recording activities. The number is printed and in braille.

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Looking for a location to put your AudioMoth for the week of the eclipse will be fun! Explore parks, forests, and even your yard to find a tree to hang your AudioMoth. Once you find your location, check to see if you have cell service at that spot. On the day you leave the AudioMoth, you will need to Register its location online. More information about that is in the “Week of the Eclipse – Data Recording” Section further down on this page.

Practicing Active Listening as you look for your location might help you choose a great spot! Check out some cool articles on Active Listening in the Soundscapes Resources.

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Set up your AudioMoth 1-2 weeks before the eclipse. As soon as you install the batteries in your AudioMoth, the power will start draining. So you should wait to install the batteries and set up your AudioMoth no earlier than 1-2 weeks before the eclipse. But, don’t wait until you are at your recording location to set up your AudioMoth. You will need your mobile device and cell service to complete the set up.

Directions: Set the AudioMoth Clock by placing your AudioMoth next to your mobile device or computer and playing the “AudioMoth Time Chime” by clicking the button below.

When you place your AudioMoth outside, you will need to register its location online. Registering your AudioMoth’s location provides us with the latitude and longitude of where you place the AudioMoth and helps us link the data to that location after we receive your Micro-SD card.

After you place your AudioMoth outside and while still at that outside location, you will go to Register the AudioMoth’s location online. As the last step in the AudioMoth set up, you should practice setting the location just as you will on the day you deploy your AudioMoth! Remember to choose “Practice Registration” this time! Go to www.MyAudioMothLocation.org to practice!

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You will place your AudioMoth outside 3 days BEFORE the eclipse and collect your AudioMoth 3 days AFTER the eclipse. It is important to do this because Scientists need to collect baseline data. (Learn more about baseline data here). 

Three days BEFORE the Eclipse Start collecting data with your AudioMoth

1. Gather the items from your Field Researcher Kit

2. Secure your AudioMoth Outside 3 days before the eclipse

3. Register your AudioMoth location while AT the location

Collect your AudioMoth 3 days AFTER the eclipse

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STEP 1: Remove the micro-SD Card

STEP 2: Mail the Micro-SD card to the Eclipse Soundscapes Team

The AudioMoth is for you to keep but we definitely need the SD card!

• Place the micro-SD card in the plastic bag that you used for the AudioMoth. 
• Place the plastic bag with the micro-SD card into the smaller pre-addressed bubble envelope. (The kit came in the larger bubble envelope. Don’t use this larger envelope.) 
• Seal the smaller bubble envelope Pull the cellophane tab on the envelope flap to reveal the sticky adhesive strip. Press the revealed sticky strip  place it in any US Postal Service mailbox. (It already has postage. So no need for stamps.)
• When the Eclipse Soundscapes: Citizen Science Project receives your SD card and puts it into the database we will send you an email telling you that your data is ready to analyze!

Mailing Address:

ARISA Lab, 47 High St Suite 501, Medford, MA 02155

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Below are the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about being an Eclipse Soundscapes: Field Researcher

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