Vemco VR2 User manual

How to use the VR2
and with VUE software.
www.vemco.com
19 Sep 2013 DOC-4788-06

Table of Contents
1Introduction........................................................................ 1
1.1 System Overview...................................................................................................................1
1.2 VR2 Case ..............................................................................................................................2
1.2.1 Status Light (LED).........................................................................................................3
1.2.2 Communication Probe Receptacle................................................................................3
2Getting Started.................................................................... 4
2.1 Testing...................................................................................................................................5
2.1.1 In-Air Test......................................................................................................................5
2.1.2 In-Water Test ................................................................................................................6
3Communication with VUE ....................................................... 7
3.1 Install VUE software ..............................................................................................................7
3.2 Open database in VUE..........................................................................................................7
3.3 Connect to VR2 .....................................................................................................................8
3.4 Offload Data from VR2 Receiver.........................................................................................10
3.5 Initialize VR2 Receiver.........................................................................................................11
3.6 Change Code Map...............................................................................................................12
4Deployment .......................................................................13
4.1 Deployment Facts/Tips........................................................................................................13
4.1.1 Mooring.......................................................................................................................13
4.1.2 Spacing.......................................................................................................................13
4.1.3 Biofouling ....................................................................................................................13
4.2 Mooring Line Attachment.....................................................................................................14
5Maintenance ......................................................................16
5.1 Battery Replacement...........................................................................................................16
5.1.1 Open the VR2 Case....................................................................................................16
5.1.2 Remove Battery ..........................................................................................................17
5.1.3 Insert Battery...............................................................................................................18
5.1.4 Close VR2 Case..........................................................................................................18
5.2 O-ring Care..........................................................................................................................19
5.2.1 Remove O-rings..........................................................................................................20
5.2.2 Clean O-ring Surfaces.................................................................................................20
5.3 O-ring Installation.................................................................................................................22
5.4 Storage................................................................................................................................22
6Additional Information..........................................................23
6.1 Flash Memory......................................................................................................................23
6.2 Resume Study.....................................................................................................................23
6.3 Change VR PC Battery........................................................................................................23

7Common Questions ..............................................................24
7.1 VUE related questions.........................................................................................................24
7.1.1 What is initialization?...................................................................................................24
7.1.2 Why does VUE create two .vrl file types? ...................................................................24
7.1.3 What Date/Time format is my data stored in the receiver and displayed in VUE?......24
7.1.4 How do I open the Options window?...........................................................................25
7.1.4.1 Display of location, units, and time..........................................................................25
7.1.4.2 Offload data settings................................................................................................25
7.1.4.3 CSV file settings ......................................................................................................25
7.1.4.4 Other settings..........................................................................................................25
7.2 VR2 related questions .........................................................................................................26
7.2.1 How much detection range can I expect from my tags and receivers?.......................26
7.2.2 How long will my VR2 battery last?.............................................................................26
7.2.3 Does receiver orientation matter?...............................................................................26
7.2.4 At low tide my VR2 receiver will be exposed to direct sunlight, does this matter?......26
8Troubleshooting..................................................................27
8.1 VUE related troubleshooting................................................................................................27
8.1.1 I cannot connect to my VR2 receiver ..........................................................................27
8.1.2 These detected ID’s don’t belong to me......................................................................27
8.2 VR2 case related troubleshooting........................................................................................27
8.2.1 The threads have been damaged ...............................................................................27
8.2.2 I think the case might be pressurized..........................................................................27
9Appendix ..........................................................................29
9.1 Cleaning Instructions...........................................................................................................29
9.2 Contact Information .............................................................................................................29
9.3 VR2 Specifications...............................................................................................................30
9.4 Warranty and Disclaimer .....................................................................................................31
9.5 Index....................................................................................................................................32
© (2013) 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.

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 1
1Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The VR2 is a submersible, acoustic receiver capable of identifying VEMCO coded transmitters. The receiver
operates on a factory set frequency and can decode various combinations of sensor and pingers. The VR2
receiver consists of electronics and hydrophone housed in a cylindrical corrosion resistant case.Its features
include a Smart LED (light emitting diode), two megabytes of data storage, a resume study feature, and a
replaceable battery (a single Lithium cell).
The VR2 records the pinger identification code number, date and time of each detection. This information is
stored in the receiver’s memory for later retrieval using a VR PC interface and a PC computer running VUE
software.
NOTE: As of January 2007, the VR2PC software has been replaced with the VEMCO User
Environment (VUE) software. VUE software is available at www.vemco.com/downloads/.
WARNING
The black VR2 pressure case and seal have a maximum
static depth
rating of 500 meters (730 psi).
Physical shocks to the receiver, 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 VR2 case. If the O
-rings or
their
mating surfaces are dirty or damaged, then water may also enter the
receiver case. If you are suspicious that water has entered the receiver, then
follow the suggestions in
section 8.2.2 for troubleshooting a pressurized case.
WARNING
If the VR2 is not used in the manner specified by the
manufacturer protection may be impaired.

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 2
1.2 VR2 Case
The VR2 receiver is housed in the black plastic high pressure case. The case consists of an outer cylinder that
is removed to install the D-cell Lithium battery, and the endcap which houses the hydrophone and connects to
the plastic internal casing. When the outer cylinder is removed, the internal casing protecting the electronics
can be seen.
A crucial part of the VR2 is the hydrophone, located at the top of the receiver. The hydrophone is similar to a
microphone – it “listens” for sounds and transfers them to the electronics inside the receiver. Be very careful
not to bump the hydrophone or damage may occur that may prevent the receiver from detecting tags.
The VR2 case only needs to be opened when the battery must be installed or replaced.
Cable Tie Groove:This is the second of the two grooves.
Hydrophone: the
receiver’s “microphone”
and most delicate part.
Attachment Hole: This hole, which is almost 10 mm in diameter, is used with the
Cable Tie Grooves to secure the VR2 while it is deployed. Section 4.2 has more
attachment details.
Cable Tie Groove: These grooves (there are two) are used to attach the VR2 to a
line – see section 4.2.
Probe Hole:Communication probe is inserted here. Hole is stepped so the
Communication Probe can only be inserted from only one direction. Section 1.2.2
has more information on the Communication Probe.
Status Light (LED):The light flashes red to indicate the receiver’s status. Section
1.2.1 has the full description.
Do not bump the hydrophone or
the receiver may be damaged and
unable to detect transmitters.
Status Light (LED) Meanings:
No flashes = not initialized or no power
2 quick flashes every 5 sec = Recording Mode
2 quick flashes every 10 sec = Memory Full
1 quick flash = acoustic ping received
1 bright, long flash = detection written to memory

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 3
1.2.1 Status Light (LED)
The red Status Light on the side of the VR2 case flashes based on the task being performed or the status of the
receiver. The flashes can be interpreted using the table below. The Status Light is an LED (Light Emitting
Diode) and has been referred to as such in past documentation.
Status Light Flash (LED) meanings
VR2 LED Flashes Interpretation of Flashes
No flash
Receiver is not initialized or the battery is
disconnected/depleted
Two quick flashes every 5 seconds VR2 is in record mode (records any received
pings)
Two quick flashes every 10
seconds
The VR2 memory full
One short flash An acoustic ping was received
One long flash A complete detection was written to memory
When the VR2 is powered (see the Battery section), the Smart LED will emit three
quick flashes. After ten seconds, two long flashes will indicate that necessary
information was read from memory and the receiver is ready for initialization. The LED
will not flash again until the receiver has been initialized. When the receiver has been
initialized (record mode), the LED emits two quick flashes every five seconds. A
received acoustic ping will be indicated with a short dim flash from the LED. A long
bright flash following a sequence (6-7) of short flashes indicates that a transmitter ID
code has been received and stored to memory. Two flashes every ten seconds from an initialized receiver
indicates that the memory is full.
1.2.2 Communication Probe Receptacle
The VR2 receiver has a receptacle for the communication probe from the VR
PC computer interface. The receptacle, called the probe hole, is located on
the end-cap and is identified in the first photo on the previous page. The
probe hole is stepped to ensure that the communication probe is inserted
from only one direction. Remove any marine growth from the receptacle
before inserting the probe. Ensure that the probe is inserted until the O-ring
on the probe is fully seated.

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 4
2Getting Started
The list below is designed for users who are familiar with VEMCO equipment. Please read the manual
completely before using the VR2 receiver.
1. Install VUE software on a computer (see section 3.1).
2. Setup sensor transmitter information in VUE software (see VUE software manual). This does not
have to be performed before deployment.
3. Open VR2 case (see section 5.1.1).
4. Install battery in VR2 receiver (see section 5.1.3).
5. Inspect and clean O-rings (section 5.2).
6. Close the VR2 case (section 5.1.4).
7. Perform an air test (see section 2.1.1).
8. *Initialize VR2 to begin recording study (see section 3.5). This will also erase the data recorded
during the air test.
9. Remove communication probe from VR2 receiver.
10. Deploy VR2 receiver (see section 4).
11. Retrieve VR2 receiver.
12. Establish communication between VR2 and VUE (see section 3.3).
13. *Offload data from VR2 receiver (see section 3.4).
14. Remove communication probe from VR2 receiver.
15. If study is continuing, re-deploy VR2. If study is not continuing, remove battery to stop recording
(see section 5.1.2).
*CAUTION: Ensure that your PC clock time is accurate! The VR2 has an internal clock that will be
synchronized with the PC clock. At the time of Initialization or Study Start, the VR2 records the PC
clock time in its memory. When the study is finished and data is downloaded, the VUE software
records the VR2 start and end times along with the PC clock time in the VUE database. Users should
be aware that the VR2 end time will most likely be different from the PC clock time. If users wish to
time- correct transmitter detection times, then they must ensure that the PC clock time is accurate at
Initialization and Study End. If more than one computer is used to initialize the receivers and load
data, then make sure the PC clock time is accurate on all computers.

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 5
2.1 Testing
Before deploying a VR2 receiver, we advise you conduct a test with a tag to verify that the VR2 is operating
properly. This test also creates a VRL file (detection data file) containing all the configuration information
for this receiver – handy to keep as a record of the receiver’s configuration.
Tests should be performed in both air and water.
2.1.1 In-Air Test
The VR2 can detect coded pingers in air, but at a much reduced range (up to three
meters) compared to testing in water. Perform air tests away from electrical noise
sources such as motors, PC screens, or fluorescent lights. Before beginning the test,
ensure the clock of the PC to be used is set to the correct time. Follow the steps
listed:
For VR2 receivers with firmware versions 1.01 or lower:
1. Open VUE software on your computer.
2. Insert the VR PC interface probe into the VR2.
3. Initialize a study and remove the probe.
4. Activate a coded pinger transmitting on the same frequency that the VR2 is set to receive (typically 69
kHz; refer to Transmitter Specifications manual for the pinger information). A VR100 receiver may be
used to audibly confirm when the pinger is transmitting.
5. Lay the VR2 receiver on its side with the transducer (pointed end) past the edge of a table.
6. Position the pinger up to 1 meter from the transducer.
7. Watch the LED on the VR2 receiver. The LED will flash briefly for each acoustic ping received. A long
bright flash occurs when the receiver has successfully recorded the ID.
8. After a few transmissions have been recorded, connect the VR2 to the VR PC interface and download the
data.
For VR2 receivers with firmware versions 1.02 or higher:
1. Open VUE software on your PC.
2. Insert the VR PC probe into the Probe Hole in the VR2.
3. When the receiver appears in the selection tree on the left
side of the window, double-click the receiver name to open
the Receiver Control Window.
4. Activate a coded pinger transmitting on the same frequency
that the VR2 is set to receive (typically 69 kHz; refer to
Transmitter Specifications manual for the pinger
information). A VR100 receiver may be used to audibly
confirm when the pinger is transmitting.
5. Lay the VR2 receiver on its side with the transducer
(pointed end) past the edge of a table.
6. Position the pinger up to 1 meter from the transducer. Watch the LED on the VR2 receiver. The LED
will flash briefly for each acoustic pulse received. A long bright flash occurs when the receiver has
successfully recorded the ID memory.
Perform air tests
away from electrical
noise sources such
as motors, PC
screens, or
fluorescent lights.
Receiver Control Window

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 6
7. Watch the LED on the VR2 receiver. The LED will flash briefly for each acoustic ping received. A long
flash occurs when the receiver is writing information to the memory.
8. Verify that the “Detections” and “Pings” numbers in the Receiver Control Window are increasing.
Stop recording and retrieve the stored data (see the VUE manual for details).
2.1.2 In-Water Test
Tests performed in water are almost identical to the in-air test explained above. The only difference is that
the tags should be positioned farther from the receivers – 5 meters is suggested. In-water tests are often
performed to establish an ideal range for the VR2 receivers in the environment in which they are moored.
1. Initialize a study with your watch synchronized to the PC time.
2. Perform a Range Test. Details pertaining to Range Testing are found at www.vemco.com/customer-
service/?cs-tutorials.

VEMCO - VR2 Manual 7
3Communication with VUE
3.1 Install VUE software
The VUE software requires Windows XP SP2, Windows VISTA, Windows 7, or Windows 8.
STEP 1
Run the latest “Install_VUE”
application file. The latest file
is always available from our
website, www.vemco.com.
STEP 2
Click “Next” when the
Install Shield Wizard
begins.
STEP 3
Read the license
agreement and select
“I accept” and “Next” if
you agree to the terms.
STEP 4
Click “Next” to install
VUE in the folder
shown, or click
“Change” to select a
difference folder.
STEP 5
Wait while the VUE
software is installed.
Click “Next” when it
becomes enabled.
STEP 6
Click “Finished” to exit
the setup wizard.
3.2 Open database in VUE
To create a new database in VUE or to open an existing database, select the VUE menu
button in the top left corner of the VUE software (see arrow below). Choose either
“New Database” or “Open Database” from the menu that appears (circled at right).
If you are opening a database created by an earlier version of VUE
(version 1.4.4 or older), you will receive a warning that the
database will be converted to the new version of VUE and will no
longer be compatible with older versions of the software.