A Compact Acoustic Recorder

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA213581 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This paper discusses the design and operation of a portable compact acoustic recorder. Designed to be used in arctic conditions for applications that require portable equipment, the device is configured to fit into a lightweight briefcase. It will operate for eight hours at -40 F with heat provided by a hot water bottle. It has proven to be an effective scientific tool in the measurement of underwater acoustic signals in arctic experiments. It has also been used successfully in warmer climates, e.g., in recording acoustic signals from small boats with no AC power. The acoustic recorders cost is moderate since it is based on a Sony Walkman Professional WM-D6C tape recorder playback unit. A speaker and battery assembly and a hydrophone interface electronic assembly complete the system electronics. The interface assembly supplies a number of functions, including a calibration tone generator, an audio amplifier, and a hydrophone interface. Calibrated acoustic recordings can be made by comparing the calibration tone amplitude with the acoustic signal amplitude. The distortion of the recording is minimized by using a high quality, consumer tape recorder.

Author(s):
Stein, Ronald
Author Organization(s):
WASHINGTON UNIV SEATTLE APPLIED PHYSICS LAB
Pagination:
0006

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NORDA-CONTRIB-PR-89, NORDA
Task Number(s):
I21
Project Number(s):
RJ035
Monitor Series:
CONTRIB-PR-89, 047:242, NORDA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.1.3_Switching and Routing; JCA_6.1.1_Wired Transmission; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Advanced Electronics
Descriptor(s):
*UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS, *ACOUSTIC RECORDING SYSTEMS, *TAPE RECORDERS, *UNDERWATER SOUND SIGNALS, *ACOUSTIC SIGNALS, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, ALTERNATING CURRENT, COSTS, CLIMATE, ELECTRIC POWER, ACOUSTICS, RECORDING SYSTEMS, CALIBRATION, HYDROPHONES, SUPPLIES, ASSEMBLY, BOATS, AMPLITUDE, DISTORTION, CONSUMERS, BOTTLES, ARCTIC REGIONS, HOT WATER, TAPE RECORDING, INTERFACES, TOOLS, ELECTRONICS, AUDIO AMPLIFIERS, FUNCTIONS, PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
Field(s)/Group(s):
Recording and Playback Devices, Acoustics
Keyword(s):
PE62435N, WUDN496433
Report Date:
1989 Sep 21