The ecoPi series are a collection of modular devices we developed and built based on the implementation of an economical Raspberry Pi single-board computer (RPi, Raspberry Pi Foundation).
What is the ecoPi:Boom?
The ecoPi:Boom is a combination of a speaker and an integrated automated recorder. Like all devices in the ecoPi-series, it is equipped with a self-sufficient power supply.
The idea of developing the ecoPi:Boom arose following a request from the Swiss planning office Orniplan AG. The company was looking for a speaker unit that would play calls of the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) and thus attract these birds to specific potential breeding sites - in this case, the gravel covered rooves of buildings. An acoustic recording option was additionally integrated to be able to monitor success in attracting Common Terns.
Remote access to the devices was therefore necessary, which additionally reduces the amount of maintenance the devices require.
How does the ecoPi:Boom work?
The ecoPi:Boom automatically plays selected acoustic recordings and also automatically records its surroundings. This allows target bird species to be attracted and also recorded acoustically. The playback and recording times can be adjusted flexibly, so that long-term monitoring can also be easily implemented.
Remote access to the devices enables external monitoring and reduces operational personnel requirements. Thus, the ecoPi:Boom is very cost-effective.
How is the ecoPi:Boom constructed?
The ecoPi:Boom comprises of a combination of two separate modules. The power supply module ensures the self-sufficient operation of the device and essentially comprises of a solar panel and a battery.
The technical module contains all of the components necessary to play and record acoustic recordings, i.e. in addition to the loudspeaker and microphone it also includes a Raspberry Pi (Rpi) minicomputer and a GSM module for remote access.
The modular design makes the ecoPi:Boom easy to transport and install.
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An ecoPi:Boom installed on a gravel roof.
The speaker and recording microphone (under the beige ‚roof‘) are clearly visible. The power supply module can be seen in the background.
© OekoFor GbR -
ecoPi:Boom devices ready for transport.
For this purpose, the power supply module (solar panel & battery) and the technical module (speaker & recording microphone) are sat on top of each other to save space.
© OekoFor GbR
Application examples
The ecoPi:Boom can be implemented well in reintroduction programs - as presented here. The combination of playing and capturing acoustic recordings also enables long-term monitoring, deeming the ecoPi:Boom suitable for monitoring programs.
As a cost-effective solution, the ecoPi:Boom can also be used in combination with other measures to help increase the chances of successfully attracting birds. In combination with other methods the eciPi:Boom can also help improve the data basis for nature conservation issues, via the data it gathers.
News
August 2021
- The devices were set up with remote access in order to facilitate external adjustments of device settings and enable operational monitoring. These features were successfully used in the Common Tern project.
More information about remote access options can be found in this blog-post.
April 2021
- The ecoPi:Boom is already in use for attracting Common Terns (Sterna hirundo). More information can be found in this blog post.