Vemco Ascent AR2 User manual

D O C - 5 8 3 0 - 0 3
A R / A R 2 U S E R G U I D E
V E R S I O N 1 . 3
J U L Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 8
S T U D E N T N A M E
R O O M N U M B E R
Requires the use of the
latest VUE software

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
At VEMCO, we make every effort to ensure all of our products are as safe as possible. However,
some hazards are unavoidable when deploying equipment underwater.
Your safety is important to us, so please read this list of cautions carefully, and follow the directions
below.
Case Pressurization
If a case leaks underwater, the inside pressure will increase to match the pressure at that depth.
This extra pressure will release as the unit is brought to the surface; however, if the leak is small,
that pressure release will be very slow. This will result in the case still being highly pressurized at
the surface.
Such a case can fly apart with explosive energy and represents a serious safety hazard.
Battery Breach
Lithium batteries contain chemicals that represent a serious health hazard –particularly
when combined with water.
Most VEMCO receivers and acoustic releases use this type of battery. A battery breach can occur if
a VEMCO receiver or acoustic release becomes damaged and water gets into the internals.
In addition, the reaction of the released chemicals with water in the sealed case can lead to case
pressurization, which could be explosive.
Safety Features
VEMCO receivers and acoustic releases that are designed to be deployed at depth may be
equipped with a pressure release that will activate when internal pressure reaches a certain level
above external pressure. This mechanism can fail if a receiver or acoustic release has been
damaged or if the release is blocked or fouled.
More details regarding specific receivers or acoustic releases can be found in the corresponding
user manual.
IMPORTANT
Throughout this document,
read all warnings and cautions
before proceeding
with next steps in procedures and using the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What to Do?
1. Employ safety procedures required by the country or state in which you are working.
2. Always use protective clothing, gloves and glasses, and work in a well-ventilated area.
3. Treat any receiver or acoustic release pulled from the water as if it has the potential to be
pressurized or contain a breached battery. Point it away from yourself and others.
4. If a receiver or acoustic release shows any signs of internal pressure or breach, do NOT
attempt to open it. Handle it very gently and store it in an isolated location, then call
VEMCO Customer Support (see section 9.2 for contact information).
Such signs may include:
Popped or bulging pressure release
Air or water seeping from seams
Signs of internal water (e.g. sloshing sound)
Excess weight
Signs of physical damage
If a receiver or acoustic release shows signs of damage or heavy biofouling, handle with
extreme caution, and use all necessary protective equipment.

Summary of Manual
This manual is intended to provide VEMCO users with the information they require to use the
ASCENT Acoustic Release (ASCENT-AR/AR2). VEMCO highly recommends that the user fully
read the manual before using the equipment or the VUE software.
Section 1: Introduction
Getting to know the ASCENT-AR
Section 2: Getting started
Testing the ASCENT-AR before deployment
Section 3: Communication
How to use VUE with an ASCENT-AR
Section 4: Deployment
Important points to consider in a deployment plan and the most common attachment method
Section 5: Maintenance
How to care for the ASCENT-AR, including replacing the battery, and how to prepare it for storage
Section 6: Additional Information
Additional information about the ASCENT-AR that is good to know but not mandatory for basic
operations
Section 7: Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions related to using the ASCENT-AR
Section 8: Troubleshooting
Solutions to common issues that may arise
Section 9: Appendices
For the latest versions of user manuals and software,
visit www.vemco.com.

Table of Contents
1Introduction........................................................................ 1
1.1 System Overview................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 ASCENT-AR / ASCENT-AR2 Case.....................................................................................2
2Getting Started .................................................................... 4
2.1 Connect Battery.................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Testing................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2.1 In-Air Test...................................................................................................................5
2.2.2 In-Water Test.............................................................................................................. 6
3VUE Communication.............................................................. 7
3.1 Installing the VUE software................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth ..................................................................................................8
3.2.1 Using INTERNAL Bluetooth........................................................................................ 8
3.2.2 Using the EXTERNAL Bluetooth Adapter ...................................................................8
3.3 Activate Wireless feature .................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Establish Bluetooth communication................................................................................... 10
3.4.1 The Receiver Tab..................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Select Logging Options..................................................................................................... 12
3.6 Acoustic Release in VUE.................................................................................................. 13
3.7 Logging mode................................................................................................................... 14
3.7.1 Start Logging............................................................................................................ 14
3.8 Offload Data...................................................................................................................... 16
3.9 Disconnect communication with release ........................................................................... 17
4Deployment .......................................................................18
4.1 Deployment Facts/Tips ..................................................................................................... 18
4.1.1 Mooring .................................................................................................................... 18
4.1.2 Biofouling.................................................................................................................. 19
4.2 Mooring Line Attachment.................................................................................................. 19
4.3 Acoustic Release.............................................................................................................. 20
4.4 Re-arming Acoustic Release............................................................................................. 21
5Maintenance ......................................................................24
5.1 Main Battery Replacement................................................................................................ 24
5.1.1 Open the ASCENT-AR Case.................................................................................... 24
5.1.2 Disconnecting and Removing Battery....................................................................... 26
5.1.3 Install Battery............................................................................................................ 27
5.1.4 Close the ASCENT-AR Case.................................................................................... 28
5.1.5 Resetting the Battery Usage Indicator ...................................................................... 30

5.2 O-ring Care....................................................................................................................... 31
5.2.1 Remove O-rings ....................................................................................................... 31
5.2.2 Clean O-ring Surfaces.............................................................................................. 32
5.2.3 Install O-ring............................................................................................................. 33
5.3 Storage............................................................................................................................. 33
6Additional Information..........................................................34
6.1 Flash Memory................................................................................................................... 34
6.2 Status Light Flashes ......................................................................................................... 34
6.3 Set Local options .............................................................................................................. 35
6.4 Batteries ........................................................................................................................... 36
6.4.1 Battery Life............................................................................................................... 36
6.5 Case External Dimensions................................................................................................ 37
6.5.1 ASCENT-AR............................................................................................................. 37
6.5.2 ASCENT-AR2........................................................................................................... 38
6.6 Update Firmware .............................................................................................................. 39
7Common Questions ..............................................................41
7.1 VUE related questions ...................................................................................................... 41
7.1.1 What is initialization?................................................................................................ 41
7.1.2 What Date/Time format is my sensor data stored in the release and displayed in
VUE? 41
7.1.3 What does the “Hide this alert in future” mean?........................................................ 41
7.1.4 How do I open the Options window?......................................................................... 42
7.1.5 I don’t want VUE to disconnect from the ASCENT-AR after 30 inactive minutes. How
do I change that?..................................................................................................................... 42
7.1.6 What is the Release Test?........................................................................................ 42
7.2 ASCENT-AR related questions......................................................................................... 43
7.2.1 How much range can I expect? ................................................................................ 43
7.2.2 How long will my ASCENT-AR battery last?............................................................. 43
7.2.3 Does release orientation matter?.............................................................................. 43
8Troubleshooting..................................................................44
8.1 VUE related troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 44
8.1.1 I cannot connect to my ASCENT-AR ........................................................................ 44
8.1.2 I see a Battery Usage Indicator reset warning in VUE............................................... 44
8.2 ASCENT-AR case related troubleshooting........................................................................ 45
8.2.1 The threads have been damaged............................................................................. 45
8.2.2 I think the case might be pressurized........................................................................ 45
9Appendices........................................................................47
9.1 Cleaning Instructions ........................................................................................................ 47
9.2 Contact Information........................................................................................................... 47
9.3 ASCENT-AR Specifications .............................................................................................. 48
9.4 Ascent AR2 Specifications................................................................................................ 49
9.5 Warranty and Disclaimer................................................................................................... 50
9.6 Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 51
9.7 Index................................................................................................................................. 52

© (2018) AMIRIX Systems Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein includes
information which is confidential and proprietary to AMIRIX Systems Inc. and may not be used
or disclosed without prior written consent of AMIRIX Systems Inc.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such
marks by AMIRIX Systems Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of
their respective owners.
WARNING
If the ASCENT-AR/AR2 is not used in the manner specified in this
manual, then the manufacturer’s warranty protection may be voided.

VEMCO –ASCENT–AR / AR2 Manual 28 July 2018 1
1Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The ASCENT –Acoustic Release (ASCENT-AR / ASCENT-AR2) is a submersible, single-channel acoustic
release capable staying under water for up to five years. The ASCENT-AR acoustically communicates with a
VR100-200 receiver, and separating from its mooring after an acoustic release command is received and
verified.
The ASCENT-AR is housed in a corrosion resistant cylindrical plastic high
pressure case (AR and AR2 shown at right). The case incorporates an
integral hydrophone at one end of the case and a replaceable mooring lug at
the other end. The ASCENT-AR has the ability to:
Communicate with VUE software through a Bluetooth connection
Quickly and reliably release from its mooring lug (typically within a
few seconds)
Easily re-arm the release mechanism
Allow easy attachment of floatation to exterior casing for buoyancy
Can respond to a VR100-200 without entering a specific serial
number or location
Communicate additional status information to the VR100-200 and
make changes to select receive and transmit operations while
deployed, such as power settings
Report release status and activate the release through the VR100-200
acoustic communication
Report range and depth information as the unit is rising to the surface
The ASCENT-AR communicates to the surface through our VR100-200 active tracking receiver. It is
compatible with all VR100-200 models sold since January 2013. Customers will require a transponding
hydrophone to attach to the VR100. The ASCENT-AR release information that can be
accessed through the VR100-200 includes:
Unit health
Tilt, depth and temperature
Battery life and memory usage
Release range which will aid in locating the release
Built in Transmitter configuration allowing users to change the power setting of the
transmitter
The release mechanism is a mooring lug that is controlled by a DC motor using a
titanium shaft. The exterior of the mooring lug shaft is copper to reduce bio-
fouling.

VEMCO –ASCENT–AR / AR2 Manual 28 July 2018 2
1.2 ASCENT-AR / ASCENT-AR2 Case
The ASCENT-AR / ASCENT-AR2 is housed in the black plastic high pressure case. The case consists of an
outer cylinder that is removed to install the D (AR) or DD-cell (AR2) Lithium battery, the endcap which
houses the hydrophone and connects to the metal internal casing, and the mooring lug that separates from the
case to allow the release to rise to the surface. When the outer cylinder is removed, the internal casing
protecting the electronics can be seen. The case dimensions are found in section 9.3.
A crucial part of the release is the hydrophone, located at the top. The hydrophone is similar to a microphone
–it “listens” for sounds and transfers them to the electronics inside the release. This ability to both listen and
broadcast allows the ASCENT–AR to communicate with a VR100-200 through a transponding hydrophone.
Like all hydrophones, the ASCENT-AR hydrophone is a sensitive piece of equipment. Avoid striking the
hydrophone or allowing any object to impact it as damage may occur that would prevent the release from
communicating with the VR100-200.
Do not bump the hydrophone
or the release may be damaged
and unable to communicate.
Retaining O-ring: Holds the Retaining Pin in
place.
Hydrophone: the release
“microphone/speaker” and
most delicate part.
Mooring Lug: This hole is used to secure the
release to its mooring. The mooring lug is left
behind when the acoustic release occurs.
Pressure Sensor: Used to measure depth.
Measurements are stored in memory and
reported to VR100-200 during acoustic
communication.
Bluetooth Activator Hole: Place the narrow
end of the Bluetooth Activator in here to
prepare for communication. Section 3.3 has
more information on the Bluetooth Activator.
Status Light (LED)/Release Valve: The
light flashes red or green to indicate the
release status. Section 6.2 has the full
description.
The Release Valve will open if the internal
pressure is greater than the external
pressure (see section 8.2.2). Never cover
this valve.
Float Attachment Bracket: contains two
9/16” holes for attaching a floatation device.
2 red flashes every 5 sec =
Active Mode

VEMCO –ASCENT–AR / AR2 Manual 28 July 2018 3
The ASCENT-AR is shipped closed. The case only needs to be opened to power the unit. Because the
ASCENT-AR is often shipped with the battery installed but not connected, the first task is usually to open the
case and either connect or install the battery. The only other time the case needs to be opened is when
replacing the battery or preparing the unit for long-term storage. Connecting the battery is explained in
Section 2, along with opening and closing the release case. Replacing the battery is explained in Section 5.1.
ASCENT-AR / AR2 Quick Facts
Dimensions
AR: 401 mm (15.63") x 81 mm (3.2") diameter
AR2: 465 mm (18.29") x 81 mm (3.2") diameter
Weight
AR: 2350 g in air; 500 g in water
AR2: 2746 g in air, 812 g in water
Release Frequency
81.0 kHz
Battery Life
Approximately 28 (AR w D-cell) or 60 months (AR2 w DD-cell)
Memory
16 MB
Operating temperature
-5°C to +40 °C; Water must not freeze.
Maximum Depth
500 meters (730 psi)
Software
Latest VEMCO User Environment (VUE) software
Communication
In air: Bluetooth communication with VUE software
In water: Acoustic communication with a VR100-200 using a
transponding hydrophone
WARNING
The ASCENT-AR pressure case and seal have a maximum static depth rating
of 500 meters (730 psi). Physical shocks to the release, such as bumping
into a solid object, when it is at any depth can result in a considerably higher
pressure on the casing than just the depth pressure and water may enter the
ASCENT-AR case. If the O-rings or their mating surfaces are dirty or
damaged, then water may also enter the release case. If you are suspicious
that water has entered the release, then follow the suggestions in section
8.2.2
for troubleshooting a pressurized case.