Recommended Accessories
You will need a battery, charger and memory card. Only the accessories listed are known to be compatible. We have used other batteries and cards, most will work however there can be significant downsides. Some memory cards may use more than triple the power, or writes can be slow. To guarantee things work properly you should use products from this list.
Molicel or Nitecore Protected Battery
- High quality batteries with protection circuit.
- Capacities from 3500 mAh to 3600 mAh.
Battery Chargers
- While most 18650 battery chargers are compatible, some chargers charge faster than the battery manufacturer recommends.
- We stock a selection of recommended chargers in our store. Below is a full list of other chargers we have used and recommend.
- XTAR MC1, XTAR VC2 or XTAR VC4
- Nitecore UI1 or Nitecore UI2
- Nitecore UM2 or Nitecore UM4
- Nitecore Q4 (discontinued but great)
SanDisk Extreme 64GB, 128GB
- These cards are fully compatible with Owl Sense. We typically recommend 64 GB Extreme cards since the 128GB models use more power. We do not stock 128GB cards.
- We recommend WavPack Lossless compression with 64GB cards to maximize runtimes and to ensure enough capacity. With compression the battery will run out before the card fills.
Samsung EVO Plus 64GB, 128GB
- These are our favorite cards, but have been hard to find in 2026.
- These memory card has been rigorously tested and is highly reliable with exceptionally low power consumption.
- With 128GB of storage, you'll run out of battery before the card reaches capacity.
- We recommend WavPack Lossless compression with 64GB cards to maximize runtimes and to ensure enough capacity. With compression the battery will run out before the card fills.
Desiccant
- To prevent moisture-related issues, using desiccant is highly recommended. Each unit comes with a desiccant packet that should remain inside during use. Although the case is fully water-tight, rain or snow may enter during setup.
Other Accessories
We might not offer support to users who want to experiment with other accessories. However this is the minimum of what you need to work with Owl Sense. Even if these constraints are met, there still could be compatibility issues.
- Batteries need to be 70mm in length and MUST have a protection circuit.
- Batteries should have a large button top to ensure proper contact.
- Memory cards must be Speed Class 10 and support Application Class A1 or A2.
Getting started
Mobile App
Download the latest app to connect and configure the Owl Sense. See the Getting Started section in the app for a quick tutorial.
Product Manual
For detailed usage information, see the Owl Sense Manual.
Firmware Updates
We are constantly improving things, we recommend using the latest firmware version!
Questions?
Audio analysis can be challenging. There are several free tools that we recommend checking out.
See our Analysis page for more information.
Why not use AAs? Alkaline batteries have reduced runtimes at high and low temperatures. While this does affect rechargeable lithium batteries, they perform significantly better in these environments. Rechargeable lithium batteries allow you to always deploy recorders with fully charged batteries without having to discard partial capacity singe use batteries.
Owl Sense uses a single 18650 lithium battery. These batteries are quite common, however there are some important distinctions. Most 18650 batteries are sold as loose cells and used in larger packs. It is critical for the battery or pack to have circuitry to prevent short circuits, over charging or over discharging of the battery.
Some individual 18650 cells have a built in protection circuit that prevents short circuits, over charging or over discharging from damaging the battery. These are the type of battery Owl Sense requires. These are often labeled as protected cells.
WARNING:
The user must have appropriate understanding of lithium ion batteries before purchase. Use caution when working with and using lithium ion batteries as they are very sensitive to charging characteristics and may explode, burn, or cause a fire if misused or mishandled. Always charge in or on a fire-proof surface. Never leave batteries charging unattended. Buyer is responsible for any damage or injury caused by misuse or mishandling lithium ion batteries and chargers. No express or implied guarantee of compatibility with any device can be made. Charge only with a smart charger designed for this specific type of lithium ion battery. Do not mix and match old and new, used and unused batteries.
- DO NOT USE WITH E-CIGARETTE, VAPORIZER, OR SIMILAR DEVICE
- MISUSING OR MISHANDLING LITHIUM ION BATTERIES CAN POSE A SERIOUS RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH
- BATTERIES MAY EXPLODE, BURN, OR CAUSE A FIRE IF MISUSED OR MISHANDLED
- ONLY USE WITH PROPER CIRCUITRY IN A PROTECTED BATTERY PACK
- ONLY USE WITHIN MANUFACTURER LISTED SPECIFICATIONS
- DO NOT STORE LOOSE BATTERY IN A POCKET, PURSE ETC. - ALWAYS USE A PROTECTIVE CASE OR BOX
- KEEP AWAY from metal objects to prevent short circuiting
- DO NOT short circuit
- DO NOT use if wrapper or insulator is damaged or torn
- DO NOT use if damaged in any way
- DO NOT overcharge or over-discharge
- DO NOT modify, disassemble, puncture, cut, crush, or incinerate
- DO NOT expose to liquids or high temperatures
- DO NOT solder, spot weld only
- User must be familiar with handling lithium ion batteries before purchase
- Usage of batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK
- ALWAYS charge in or on a fire-proof surface and never leave charging batteries unattended
- RESELLERS MUST FORWARD ALL WARNINGS TO ALL CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR REFERENCE AND SAFETY
Owl Sense is designed and assembled in the USA. Owl Sense utilizes many components sourced from around the world. The main electronics are made in Taiwan with the circuit board production in China. Final assembly is done in Montana, USA.
The easiest and cheapest way we've found to mount Owl Sense to vegetation(ideally trees) is with 550 paracord.
Contact us for interest outside of the United States.