Vemco VR2AR User manual

Requires the use of the
latest VUE software
www.vemco.com
15 March 2019 DOC-5563-11

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
VR2AR / VR2AR-X receiver. 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 VR2AR receiver
Section 2: Getting started
Testing the VR2AR before deployment
Section 3: Communication
How to use VUE with a VR2AR
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 VR2AR, including replacing the battery, and how to prepare it for storage
Section 6: Additional Information
Additional information about the VR2AR that is good to know but not mandatory for basic operations
Section 7: Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions related to using the VR2AR receivers
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
Introduction........................................................................ 1
1.1 System Overview................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 VR2AR / VR2AR-X Case....................................................................................................2
Getting Started .................................................................... 5
2.1 Connect Battery.................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Testing................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2.1 In-Air Test...................................................................................................................6
2.2.2 In-Water Test.............................................................................................................. 7
VUE Communication.............................................................. 8
3.1 Installing the VUE software................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth ..................................................................................................9
3.2.1 Using INTERNAL Bluetooth........................................................................................ 9
3.2.2 Using the EXTERNAL Bluetooth Adapter ...................................................................9
3.3 Activate Wireless feature .................................................................................................. 10
3.4 Establish Bluetooth communication................................................................................... 11
3.5 Select Transmitter Options................................................................................................ 13
3.6 Select Logging Options..................................................................................................... 15
3.7 Create Watch Table.......................................................................................................... 17
3.8 Acoustic Release in VUE.................................................................................................. 18
3.9 Record mode.................................................................................................................... 19
3.9.1 Start a Study............................................................................................................. 19
3.10 Offload Data................................................................................................................. 21
3.11 Disconnect communication with receiver...................................................................... 22
Deployment .......................................................................23
4.1 Deployment Facts/Tips ..................................................................................................... 23
4.1.1 Mooring .................................................................................................................... 23
4.1.2 Spacing .................................................................................................................... 24
4.1.3 Biofouling.................................................................................................................. 24
4.2 Mooring Line Attachment.................................................................................................. 24
4.3 Acoustic Release............................................................................................................. 25
4.4 Re-arming Acoustic Release............................................................................................ 26
Maintenance ......................................................................29
5.1 Main Battery Replacement................................................................................................ 29
5.1.1 Open the VR2AR Case............................................................................................. 29
5.1.2 Disconnecting and Removing Battery....................................................................... 31
5.1.3 Install Battery............................................................................................................ 32
5.1.4 Close the VR2AR Case............................................................................................ 33
5.1.5 Resetting the Battery Usage Indicator ...................................................................... 35
5.2 O-ring Care....................................................................................................................... 36

5.2.1 Remove O-rings ....................................................................................................... 36
5.2.2 Clean O-ring Surfaces.............................................................................................. 37
5.2.3 Install O-ring............................................................................................................. 38
5.3 Storage............................................................................................................................. 38
Additional Information..........................................................39
6.1 Flash Memory................................................................................................................... 39
6.1.1 Time required to fill memory ..................................................................................... 39
6.1.2 Time required to offload............................................................................................ 39
6.2 Status Light Flashes ......................................................................................................... 40
6.3 Set Local options .............................................................................................................. 41
6.4 Batteries ........................................................................................................................... 42
6.4.1 Battery Life............................................................................................................... 43
6.5 Case External Dimensions................................................................................................ 44
6.5.1 VR2AR ..................................................................................................................... 44
6.5.2 VR2AR-X.................................................................................................................. 45
6.6 Update Firmware .............................................................................................................. 46
6.7 Map Updating .................................................................................................................. 48
Common Questions ..............................................................50
7.1 VUE related questions ...................................................................................................... 50
7.1.1 How/when do I change my receiver code map?........................................................ 50
7.1.2 What is initialization?................................................................................................ 50
7.1.3 Why does VUE create two .vrl file types? ................................................................. 50
7.1.4 What Date/Time format is my data stored in the receiver and displayed in VUE?..... 51
7.1.5 What does the “Hide this alert in future” mean?........................................................ 52
7.1.6 How do I open the Options window?......................................................................... 52
7.1.7 I don’t want VUE to disconnect from the VR2AR after 30 inactive minutes. How do I
change that? ........................................................................................................................... 53
7.1.8 What is the Release Test?........................................................................................ 53
7.2 VR2AR related questions.................................................................................................. 54
7.2.1 How much detection range can I expect?................................................................. 54
7.2.2 How long will my VR2AR battery last?...................................................................... 54
7.2.3 Does receiver orientation matter?............................................................................. 54
Troubleshooting..................................................................55
8.1 VUE related troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 55
8.1.1 I cannot connect to my VR2AR receiver ................................................................... 55
8.1.2 These detected ID’s don’t belong to me.................................................................... 55
8.1.3 I see a Battery Usage Indicator reset warning in VUE............................................... 55
8.2 VR2AR case related troubleshooting ................................................................................ 57
8.2.1 The threads have been damaged............................................................................. 57
8.2.2 I think the case might be pressurized........................................................................ 57
Appendices........................................................................58
9.1 Cleaning Instructions ........................................................................................................ 58
9.2 Contact Information........................................................................................................... 58
9.3 VR2AR Specifications....................................................................................................... 59
9.4 VR2AR-X Specifications ................................................................................................... 60

9.5 Warranty and Disclaimer................................................................................................... 61
9.6 Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 62
9.7 Index................................................................................................................................. 63
© (2019) 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 VR2AR / VR2AR-X is not used in the manner specified in this
manual, then the manufacturer's warranty protection may be voided.

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 1
Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The VR2AR / VR2AR-X (Receiver, Transmitter, and Acoustic Release) is a submersible,
single-channel acoustic receiver capable of transmitting its assigned ID code, identifying
other VEMCO coded transmitters in the area, acoustically communicating with a VR100-
200 receiver, and separating from its mooring after an acoustic command. The receiver
operates on a factory set frequency of 69 kHz.
The VR2AR is housed in a corrosion resistant cylindrical plastic high pressure case. The case
incorporates an integral hydrophone at one end of the case and a replaceable mooring lug at
the other end. The VR2AR has the ability to:
Detect VEMCO 69kHz coded tags
Store detections and events within internal memory
Transmit an ID code at a user chosen rate (select transmitting options to choose from)
Communicate with VUE software through a Bluetooth connection
Quickly and reliably release from its mooring lug (typically within one minute)
Easily re-arm the release mechanism
Allow easy attachment of floatation to exterior casing for buoyancy
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 receiver and
transmitter operations while deployed, such as power settings
Report release status, arm the release, and activate the release through the VR100-200 acoustic
communication
Report range and depth information as the unit is rising to the surface
The VR2AR 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 new transponding hydrophone
to attach to the VR100 to communicate with either the VR2AR or the VR2Tx. VR2AR
receiver information that can be accessed through the VR100-200 includes:
Unit health
Number of detections
Programmable watch table
Tilt, depth and temperature
Battery life and memory usage
Receiver range which will aid in locating the VR2AR
Built in Transmitter configuration allowing users to change the power setting as
well as enable and disable 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.
Some common uses for VR2AR receivers are:
•Monitoring fish movements using acoustic gates across shorelines
•VEMCO Positioning System (VPS) arrays to track animals within a specific area

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 2
1.2 VR2AR / VR2AR-X Case
The VR2AR / VR2AR-X receiver is housed in the black plastic high pressure case. The case consists of an
outer cylinder that is removed to install the D (VR2AR) or DD-cell (VR2AR-X) 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 receiver 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 6.5.
A crucial part of the VR2AR 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. The
VR2AR’s hydrophone also acts as a speaker and transmits a unique ID code at a user-set interval. This
ability to both listen and broadcast allows the VR2AR to communicate with a VR100-200 through a
transponding hydrophone. Like all hydrophones, the VR2AR 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 receiver from detecting tags or communicating with the VR100-200.
Retaining O-ring: Holds the Retaining Pin in
place.
Hydrophone: the
receiver’s
“microphone/speaker” and
most delicate part.
Mooring Lug: This hole is used to secure the
VR2AR 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
receiver’s 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.
Do not bump the hydrophone
or the receiver may be
damaged and unable to detect
transmitters or communicate.
Float Attachment Bracket: contains two
9/16” holes for attaching a floatation device.
2 red flashes every 5 sec =
Recording Mode
1 quick red flash =
acoustic ping received
1 quick green flash =
acoustic ping was transmitted
(complete list in section 6.2)

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 3
The VR2AR is shipped closed. The case only needs to be opened to power the unit. Because the VR2AR 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 receiver case. Replacing the battery is explained in Section 5.1.
*Reported depth sensor accuracy assumes constant seawater density of 1025 kg/m3
VR2AR / VR2AR-X Quick Facts
Dimensions
VR2AR: 401 mm (15.63") x 81 mm (3.2") diameter
VR2AR-X: 465 mm (18.29") x 81 mm (3.2") diameter
Weight
VR2AR: 2350 g in air; 500 g in water
VR2AR-X: 2746 g in air, 812 g in water
Receive Frequency
69.0 kHz
Battery Life
Approximately 14 months (AR w D-cell) or 26 months (AR-X w DD-cell)
Memory
16 MB (~1.6 million detections) or
32 MB (~3 million detections)
Built-in Temperature
Sensor
Accuracy: ±0.5°C
Resolution: 0.1°C
Built-in Depth Sensor
Accuracy: ±1.5°C*
Resolution: 1 m
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 VR2AR 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 VR2AR 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.