**Current Project Phase: Design & Planning**

##Overview:
Final Goal: Create an autonomous recording unit for long term use outdoors

Approach: Use Arduino to record audio in 30-60 minute intervals relative to local time of sunrise and sunset.  A low cost olympus audio recorder is preferred as the actual audio recording device to insure high quality audio recording.

Audio unit: I currently have access to several Olympus dm-620 units which can be controlled via an optional rs-30w remote module operated with an infrared remote.

Other required components:
Real time clock w/ alarm
Battery-powered operation
Possible logging of temp\humidity
Ir module

Input and suggestions needed:
As someone new to the Arduino community I’m looking for an approach that will allow me to complete this project in about 30-50 hours.  I do have people who can offer general programming guidance. Would you recommend avoiding any custom digital recording options? Is it feasible to try to control the recorder with an IR module? Via the usb cable?

Suggestions for battery powered Arduino projects; can Arduino run in a low power mode? I would like the Arduino to run for 2 weeks; I only need it to be active to turn on/off the recorder and collect temp/humidity data.

##Challenges
1.  Can IR signals being transmitted by a factory made remote be replicated? This would allow an Arduinio IR module to control the recorder?
2.  Can the recorder be controlled via USB?
3.  How much battery power will be required for 1-2 weeks of operation?  How can power use be monitored?
4.  What are best practices to weatherproof components?
5. Should I give up on the Olympus Audio Recorder interface and try to implement audio recording using Arudino?

##Links
**Suggestions & Related Projects**
[My request for design input on Arduino Forums](http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=266516.msg1879225#msg1879225)


**example code & Instructables**
[Clone a remote](http://www.instructables.com/id/Clone-a-Remote-with-Arduino/)