Abstract
The purpose of this project was to create a device to detect infrasound communication from elephants. The device was designed and prototyped to be capable of monitoring an input signal for infrasound. If infrasound is detected, an audible alarm is sounded. This device can record audio signals for long periods of time to a digital storage device. It can be utilized for other areas of study with some modification. For example, by selecting appropriate sensors the device can be used for studying vibrations in structures. The device is low-cost so it would be able to be procured more easily and in higher quantities than more expensive and cumbersome laboratory monitoring equipment. This device could also be used as an educational and research device for students studying animal behavior in the field and laboratory. Infrasound is not limited to only elephants, but hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses and giraffes also communicate with infrasound. Environmental infrasound from sources such as wind turbines, sonic booms, explosions, tornadoes, and earthquakes can also be monitored.
Highlights
A Portable System for Detecting Infrasound Using a MicrocontrollerThe purpose of this project was to create a device to detect infrasound communication from elephants
The Propeller Experiment Controller (PEC) is free, open-source software for a microcontroller designed to meet the basic needs of automated behavioral research
To verify the correct operation of the Infrasound Detection System (IDS), waveforms with known frequency and amplitude content were computer generated. These signals were generated by combining frequency f1 at amplitude A1 with frequency f2 at amplitude A2, etc. This complex generated signal was played into the IDS and checked for correct detection of frequency and amplitude against the known values
Summary
The purpose of this project was to create a device to detect infrasound communication from elephants. An audible alarm and a visual stimulus are presented This device can record audio signals for long periods of time to a digital storage device. The device is low-cost, so it would be able to be procured more and in higher quantities than more expensive and cumbersome laboratory monitoring equipment. This device could be used as an educational and research device for students studying animal behavior in the field and laboratory. We advocated that comparative psychologists need to learn how to use microcontrollers and that the PEC is a good choice (Varnon & Abramson, 2013; Varnon & Abramson, 2018; Varnon, Lang, & Abramson, 2018)
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