An audio lure for owl banding can be constructed from a few inexpensive / commonly-available parts. For this lure, I am using a small MP3 player module with a built-in amplifier; this module can play files directly off of USB flash drives or micro-SD cards.
All it needs is connection of a power source and a speaker.
There are many variations of this kind of MP3 player module availalble. I chose this one due to the larger built-in amplifier and an actual knob for power/volume (most use buttons); the analog volume control is just a personal preference.
In the past I’ve used heavy SLA (sealed lead acid) batteries in this kind of lure. But recently I’ve switched to using off-the-shelf Lithium Ion power banks combined with USBC PD adapters that provide 12VDC. These power banks can be swapped out quickly and charged with standard USBC chargers.
The speaker is an outdoor waterproof deck horn. The whole assembly is mounted in an old waterproof Pelican case (which is no longer waterproof due to all of the holes I’ve drilled in it over the course of many audio lure variations).
A list of parts with product links is included at the end of this post; all of these parts are only examples.
The MP3 player module includes wire pigtails for connection of power and two speakers (stereo output). I’m only using one speaker here but this system could be expanded to drive two speakers.
Power is provided to the MP3 module by means of a 12VDC USB-C PD adapter cable.
This cable has a USBC connector on one end and a barrel plug on the other end.
To make the connection to the MP3 module’s power wires, a spring-terminal barrel jack is an easy solution. These barrel jacks are also available with screw or solder terminals.
Alternately, the barrel plug on the adapter cable could be cut off and the wires spliced with wire nuts, solder, WAGO connectors, etc.
The audio lure file (mp3) is saved on a MicroSD card and inserted into the ‘TF Card’ slot on the player:
Components used above:
Amazon links provided but all of these parts are available from many sources.
| Component | Sources |
|---|---|
| MP3 player module | https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Amplifier-Decoder-Microphone-Player/dp/B0DRX5VP5B |
| Deck horn speaker | https://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Outdoor-Horn-Speaker-Impedance/dp/B002UL0WH8 |
| USBC-PD 12V power cable | https://www.amazon.com/HSZJsto-5-5mm-Charging-Charger-Output/dp/B0CBNQN7CR |
| Spring terminal barrel jack | https://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-Barrel-Screw-Connector-Electronics/dp/B01NAYPUAY?th=1 |
| USBC PD power bank | Many possibilities; this is the bank used above: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Charger-Compatible/dp/B09VPHVT2Z |