Since 2021 I have been designing and refining electronic devices and iPhone / iPad software to make bat detecting and bat recording as inexpensive and as simple as possible. You can now build very high-quality bat detectors, bat recorders and ultrasonic USB microphones for a fraction of the cost of commercial devices.
For example, if a group of 10 people get together to each build a Griff USB microphone, the total cost including cost of equipment for assembly is under £10 per person. For a pipistrelle nano the cost is under £15 per person, and the pipistrelle nano includes full Griff functionality, so is two devices in one, allowing both standalone and smartphone bat detection.
For example, if a group of 10 people get together to each build a Griff USB microphone, the total cost including cost of equipment for assembly is under £10 per person. For a pipistrelle nano the cost is under £15 per person, and the pipistrelle nano includes full Griff functionality, so is two devices in one, allowing both standalone and smartphone bat detection.
pipistrelle mini and pipistrelle nano handheld bat detectors / 384kHz USB microphone : APPROX £10 / £15 PARTS COST
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pippyg static bat detector with 384kHz full-spectrum recording. Runs for up to 7 days powered by 3x AA rechargeable batteries, records to microSD card : APPROX £15 PARTS COST
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"Griff" and "Griff Mini" 384kHz USB microphones. Use a compatible app to hear and record bats on bat walks, in the park, garden or on formal surveys. APPROX £7 PARTS COST.
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Minimizing build cost - take a look at https://batdetectorists.com/
The costs quoted above assume one-stop shopping for components from DigiKey, a leading US electronics vendor, which is the easiest way to get into building pipistrelle devices. For repeat builders and DIY workshop leaders, costs can be driven even lower by sourcing specific components as well as cables from vendors on AliExpress. Andy Avery's website https://batdetectorists.com/ is a BRILLIANT resource to let you push your build costs to rock bottom. Andy leads the "Build your own Bat Detector" workshops at Somerset Bat Group and has as of August 2026 led over 20 workshops and helped hundreds of people build pipistrelle and Griff devices.
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to have an account on the Meta Cesspit of Hate(™) / Farage Moscow Love-In, Andy has a group you might consider joining, where pip / pippyg / Griff users can exchange tips and war stories, and generally be kind and welcoming to newcomers : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707605677140288/
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to have an account on the Meta Cesspit of Hate(™) / Farage Moscow Love-In, Andy has a group you might consider joining, where pip / pippyg / Griff users can exchange tips and war stories, and generally be kind and welcoming to newcomers : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707605677140288/
pippyg for iOS - configure your pippyg for recording
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BatGizmo on Google Play store
NOTE that I have *NEVER* used an Android device, I can't provide any assistance for Bat Gizmo
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Bat Detector - the PERFECT app for leading a bat walk. I wrote this so I can at least try to be helpful - but do read the manual first.
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email me for more information. I *might* be able to provide some support for self-build devices, but it's best to assume you are on your own.
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