how to record using a microphone at a distance of max 30m - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: tizi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 08:51:10 am
content: Hi all,i have an issue with the neighbors dog barking which has been going for 3 yrs now, done all the right things spoke to the neighbors many times don't give a shite, what im hoping is if you guy may be able to help, in a circuit of sorts that will allow me to record when the dog barks, council has requested that i note when it starts barking blah blah. ive tried a normal mic connected to the pc using audacity not powerful enough, distance max 30m directly in front of my house.ive also download an app on android which will allow me to record certain freq, date and time stamp attaching a custom mic would be awesomeim handy with a soldering but failing when it comes to designingMany thanks tizi

author: IanMacdonald
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 09:03:13 am
content: Your problem with the PC may be an incorrect type of mic. If it's a cardioid, these are specifically designed not to pick up distant sounds. You need an omnidirectional type. Other than that, a small preamp might solve the problem.Also, Windows has a quite well concealed 'gain boost' option in the mic channel controls. If this is off it will be very low gain.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 10:27:38 am
content: I've recently moved house and discovered that the deaf moron who lives opposite has a disturbed german shepherd which barks and whines continuously at all hours of the day and night, after living here for two days I approached the neighbours on either side to introduce ourselves and both said it was a very quiet area except for the barking dog. Later that day I went over and had a polite talk with the guy who as it turns out is in fact partiality deaf and a moron to boot.I mentioned the barking dog and he stated that none of the other neighbours had ever complained or brought it to his attention so as far as he is concerned it isn't a problem, I told him that it was a concerning issue which needed to be addressed without mentioning that I had already discussed the matter with other neighbours and the truth be known the other neighbours simply don't want to cause any trouble or get on the wrong side of this guy.As instructed by the council authority I am currently keeping a log book with dates, times and duration of the noise, in addition I have now provided him with a polite letter being formal notification requesting that he take steps to mitigate this tormenting problem, it has only been a week since the letter and we haven't spoken since but still give each other a wave just to be civil and neighbourly. We have simply had enough of this constant all night barking which is extremely loud and disrupting or sleep, to finish with I don't blame the dog at all either, it is probably just whining in an effort to find an intelligent master which it doesn't currently have.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 10:31:08 am
content: You need this tool , or similarhttp://www.extech.com/display/?id=14486

author: tizi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 10:45:14 am
content: Quote from: IanMacdonald on November 11, 2017, 09:03:13 amyeah have tried the gain to 30db alot of background noise.thanks for the tips

author: tizi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 10:52:03 am
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on November 11, 2017, 10:27:38 amdogs bark its a given, theres barking and theres barking all day long and the owners do not give a crap.i feel your pain, i have 3 dogs when they bark im out there as a respectful neighbor..

author: tizi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 10:56:31 am
content: Quote from: ebclr on November 11, 2017, 10:31:08 am@ $300+ over my price range

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 11:45:27 am
content: Perhaps you could get away with using a battery operated baby monitor device and transmit the audio back to a location where you can do with it whatever you like, some may incorporate an adjustable vox or voice/ noise activated transmission as opposed to an open microphone, I'm not sure on their maximum range and you will need to locate one unit close to the source which means coming up with a way to protect and conceal it, anyway just a thought and probably not that expensive either.