Bat detectors

Bat detectors are basically electronic gadgets that can translate the high-pitched sounds that bats use to fly in the dark and feed into sounds within our range of hearing. The three most common methods of converting ultrasound into sound that we can hear are ‘heterodyning’, ‘frequency division’, and ‘time-expansion’.

There are a wide range of bat detectors available (pdf 54Kb). Some just use one method to detect bat calls whereas others can switch between two or even three different types of ultrasound conversion. The cheapest models specialize in one method, either heterodying or frequency division. Time expansion detectors have more complex electronics to replicate the bat calls more faithfully and this pushes the price up.

Below is a selection of those available, grouped by manufacturer, with prices starting around £40.

Developed from the popular Mk II range, the Magenta Mk III Digital Quartz Bat Detector has an accurate auto-dimming 3-digit frequency display, a high stability, easily tuned local oscillator together with advanced amplification and filtering.

Extended 15-130kHz frequency range; 3 digit high efficiency display; Auto dimming display; Quartz accurate -always calibrated; Built-in front-facing weatherproof speaker;Headphone and tape sockets.

This device arrives ready built (not available in kit form) and uses modern surface mount components for high stability and reliability. For more details, please fetch the PDF document or buy online below.