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.

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 4

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 5
Getting Started
After the VR2AR has been removed from the packaging and inspected for any damage that may have
occurred during shipping, power and test the unit to ensure you can communicate with the receiver and it is
working properly. The VR2AR was shipped with the batteries
installed but NOT connected.
2.1Connect Battery
VR2AR is shipped with the
battery installed but
NOT
connected.
Open the VR2AR case as described in
section
5.1.1
. You’ll find two batteries in
the Metal Internal Casing. The smaller
battery operates the release motor and is
already connected. The D or DD-cell
Lithium battery powers all other
operations in the VR2AR and is usually
shipped unconnected within the receiver.
STEP 1
Position the receiver so you can
see the Status Light.
Connect the two battery connector
halves together until a “click” is
heard and the VR2AR
receiver’s light begins flashing.
Watch for a long green light to indicate the self-tests
were successful. If you see the long red light followed
by more flashes, then contact VEMCO for instructions.
STEP 2
Close the receiver case by following the instructions in section 4
STEP 3
WARNING
Do not over-tighten the case
pieces together or they may
be damaged.

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 6
2.2Testing
Before deploying a VR2AR, it is wise to test it with a tag and a VR100-200 receiver to verify that it is
operating properly. This test also creates a VRL file containing all the configuration information for this
receiver –handy to keep as a record of the receiver’s configuration.
Tests can, and should, be done in both air and water.
2.2.1 In-Air Test
The VR2AR can detect coded tags and communicate with a VR100-200 in
air but does so at a much reduced range compared to the range capabilities
when the VR2AR is in water. Perform air tests away from electrical noise
sources such as motors, PC screens, or fluorescent lights.
To perform an in-air test, follow the steps below.
1. Use Bluetooth to setup receiver for test:
a. Activate the Bluetooth feature on the VR2AR (section 3.3).
b. Establish communication between the VR2AR and VUE software (section 3.4).
c. Select the VR2AR’s transmit mode (section 3.5).
d. Begin a Study. Section 3.9.1 has the details of how to begin a study, also known as
initializing a receiver.
e. Disconnect the wireless communication with the VR2AR (click the red box with the “X” in
the receiver ribbon).
2. Activate at least one 69 kHz tag and place it less than 30 cm (12”) away from
the hydrophone so the side of the tag is facing the side of the hydrophone.
3. Wait while the VR2AR records the tag(s) near it. You can watch the red
flash patterns as the tag is detected and the data is stored in memory. Each
faint red flash of the Status Light is a received ping and a long, bright red
flash is a stored detection. If the flash patterns are different, compare it to the
Status Light Meanings chart (section 6.2).
4. Communicate using the transponding hydrophone and VR100-200 (details about using the VR100-
200 are found in the VR100 related user manuals).
a. Connect the transponding hydrophone to the
hydrophone connector on the VR100-200
b. Place the caged end of the hydrophone within 15
cm (6”) of the hydrophone on the VR2AR.
c. Turn on the VR100-200.
d. Select “Transpond” in the main screen.
e. Select “Scan” and wait for the VR2AR’s serial
number to appear on the screen.
f. Select the VR2AR.
g. Select “Status…” from the menu (press “1” on
keypad).
Perform air tests away from
electrical noise sources such
as motors, PC screens, or
fluorescent lights.

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 7
h. Select “Get Range” (press “1” on keypad). This establishes communication between the
VR2AR and the VR100-200 and reduces the “talk time” necessary to communicate.
i. Press the “MENU” button twice to move back to the Transponding menu.
j. Select “Acoustic Release” (#3)
k. Select “Status” to view the VR2AR’s release status. It should report “unarmed” at this stage.
Press MENU to go back to the menu.
l. Select “Arm” from the menu and wait for the status to change to “Armed”.
m. Select “Activate” and enter the 5-digit PIN code corresponding to this VR2AR when
prompted. Select the right selection button (“Activate”)
again.
n. Wait while the mooring lug is ejected from the VR2AR;
status is reported as “Opening” during this phase.
5. Communicate with the VR2AR again through VUE (see sections 3.3 and 3.4). Before continuing,
take a quick look at the number of detections and pings received listed in the receiver status
information.
6. Offload the data that was collected during the test (section 3.10), creating a VRL file.
7. View the data to verify that the data was stored and retrieved without problems. Instructions for
viewing data are found in the VUE manual.
8. Reset the mooring lug for another acoustic release (see section 4.4). NOTE: The acoustic
communication between the VR100-200 and the VR2AR must time-out (be dormant for more than 10
minutes) in order for the receiver to be reset and able to release again.
9. Begin another study (see section 3.9.1) to erase the data in the VR2AR.
2.2.2 In-Water Test
Tests performed in water are almost identical to the in-air test explained above. The only difference is that
the equipment does not need to be as close in water as it does in air. For example, the tag could be positioned
5 meters from the receiver for testing purposes. In-water tests are often performed to establish an ideal range
for the VR2AR receivers in the environment in which they are moored. Details of conducting a Range Test
are found at www.vemco.com/customer-service/?cs-tutorials.
Find more transponding features in the
VR100 user manual addendum.
VR2AR:000001 170m
Enter the PIN code:
00000
Activate

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 8
VUE Communication
The VR2AR uses either Bluetooth or acoustic communication, depending on
the nature of the communication. Bluetooth communication occurs in air
between the VR2AR and VUE software. It is with VUE that a study is
initialized and data is offloaded. Acoustic communication occurs through water
while the VR2AR is deployed and requires a VR100-200 receiver with a
transponding hydrophone attached. The detailed instructions for using a
VR100-200 with a receiver are located in the VR100-200 Transponding
manual. This section details how to communicate with the VR2AR using VUE
software and a Bluetooth connection.
3.1Installing the VUE software
VUE software is used to communicate with the VR2AR receiver, allowing studies to be setup and data to be
offloaded. The software requires either Windows VISTA, Windows 7, 8, or 10.
NOTE: A Bluetooth USB adapter is required for operation with the VR2AR receivers because they use
Bluetooth communication. See section 3.2 for details.
NOTE:
Due to Bluetooth characteristics
in water, the VR2AR must
communicate with the Bluetooth
USB adapter through air
(typical range is 10 meters).
Follow the link in the VUE
email you received. VUE is
also available at
www.vemco.com/downloads.
STEP 1
Read the license
agreement and select
“I accept” and “Next”
if you agree to the
terms.
STEP 3
Click “Next” to install
VUE in the folder
shown, or click
“Change” to select a
different folder.
STEP 4
Click “Next” when the
Install Shield Wizard
begins.
STEP 2

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 9
3.2Connecting with Bluetooth
There are two ways to connect your PC or laptop through Bluetooth for communication with your receiver.
Use the method that suits the equipment you have.
3.2.1 Using INTERNAL Bluetooth
There are a number of Windows Operating Systems (OS) PCs, laptops, and tablets equipped with internal
Bluetooth capable of communicating with VEMCO receivers through the VUE software.
1. Open VUE software (latest version available from http://vemco.com/downloads).
2. Observe the Bluetooth icon at the bottom of the window. In most cases, it will look like the
Bluetooth icon shown at right, indicating that you’re ready to communicate with VEMCO
Bluetooth equipment, like a VR2Tx or VR2AR. If VUE is not able to perform Bluetooth
communication, you will see a red “X” through the icon.
NOTE: Communication difficulties may occasionally occur when the red “X” is not present. If this happens,
follow the suggestions in the Bluetooth Troubleshooting Guide available on our website.
3. Connect to the receiver. Instructions are found in the receiver’s user manual. If a Bluetooth
connection cannot be established with the receiver, try using the VEMCO-supplied Bluetooth USB
adapter as described in the next section.
3.2.2 Using the EXTERNAL Bluetooth Adapter
If your computer does NOT have internal Bluetooth capability, use the VEMCO-
supplied USB Bluetooth adapter, as described here.
Attach the Bluetooth adapter (may not be as shown) to any USB port on your computer.
Click “Finished” to exit the
setup wizard.
STEP 6
Click the “Install”
button and wait while
the VUE software is
installed.
Click “Next” when it
becomes enabled.
STEP 5
IMPORTANT: If you want to use the internal Bluetooth, DO NOT INSERT the VEMCO supplied
Bluetooth adapter into your device, and follow the steps below.
If you are using Vista, then you must install VUE 2.1.3 or greater for the proper adapter drivers.
Windows 7 and greater have the necessary drivers installed.

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 10
3.3Activate Wireless feature
The Bluetooth feature in a VR2AR receiver must be activated before the VUE software will be able to find
and connect to the VR2AR. Activation requires a specially designed Bluetooth Activator.
The Bluetooth Activator is a stepped cylinder made of black plastic material. A strong magnet is contained in
the smaller end of the Bluetooth Activator and should be kept away from any magnetically sensitive
materials. An orange float is attached to the Bluetooth Activator for easier handling and locating of the
activator. This activator functions with other VEMCO receivers and receivers that use a Bluetooth Activator,
such as the VR2W and the VR4-UWM.
The flash pattern in a VR2AR indicates the mode (state) the receiver is in at the time. A bright, long red flash
once a second indicates that the VR2AR is now ready for wireless communication but is not yet in
communication with VUE.
The Bluetooth Activator can be removed from the
VR2AR once the light is flashing.
WARNING
The Bluetooth Activator contains a
strong magnet. Do not put it near
magnet-sensitive materials, such as
CRT computer monitors or magnetic
stripes, as they could be seriously
damaged.
TIP!
It’s helpful to place the VR2AR within 10 meters (32 feet)
of the operating Bluetooth® USB adapter before activating
the VR2AR.
MAGNET
FLOAT
BLUETOOTH
ACTIVATOR
Slide the smaller end
of the Bluetooth
Activator in the
Bluetooth Activator
Hole on the VR2AR,
near the hydrophone.
STEP 1
Wait until the VR2AR’s LED
begins flashing a bright, long,
steady, red flash once a second.
The wait time is less than five
seconds.
Remove the Bluetooth Activator.
STEP 2
Bright, red flash every second

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 11
3.4Establish Bluetooth communication
After the VR2AR has been activated (section 3.3), it is ready for wireless communication with the VUE
software. The VR2AR must be within communication range of the Bluetooth USB adapter, which is typically
10 meters (32 feet) but can vary based on physical and
wireless obstructions/interference. Due to Bluetooth®
wireless technology characteristics in water, the VR2AR must
communicate to the Bluetooth® USB adapter through air.
VR2AR communication range:
10 meters (32 feet) through air from
Bluetooth® USB adapter.
Open the VUE software. The software will scan for any active devices within
communication range.
Wait while the software searches for receivers.
STEP 1
All Bluetooth® activated VEMCO receivers within
communication range will be displayed when a Device Scan is
performed.
When the software finds the receiver, a VR2AR icon will be
displayed in the “Bluetooth Devices” section of the Home tab with
the receiver’s serial number for identification. It will display all
Bluetooth® activated receivers (LED is flashing bright, long,
steady, red flashes) within communication range, which is
approximately 10 meters.
If wireless communication has not been activated on the VR2AR
then activate communication (section
3.3) and click “Device
Scan” on the software’s Home tab.
Wait while the software searches for receivers.
TIP: If VUE can’t find your receiver(s), try again. It’s not
uncommon for a Bluetooth scan to miss devices, especially if
other wireless devices are in the area.
Double-click on the receiver icon of the desired VR2AR (serial number is listed under the icon)
and wait while communication is established. You’ll know communication was successfully
established when information pertaining to this receiver is displayed and the receiver’s LED is
on continuously. The “Link Status” in the VUE window also changes to “Connected”.
STEP 2
TIP: VUE can communicate with up to seven wireless receivers simultaneously.

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Each receiver currently in communication with VUE has a tab at the top of the VUE window. This tab
identifies the type and serial number of the receiver. Click on a tab to bring it to the front of all the tabs,
making this receiver’s information visible.
The Receiver Tab
Receiver information
specific to this VR2AR
is contained in the
center of the window.
Receiver type (AR)
and serial number
The ribbon section contains tasks and
advanced options, including offloading
data, firmware upgrades, recording
(initializing) and ending communication.
A checkmark at “Save to file” will
begin a file to save all detections
received from that point forward.
The file name appears in the
Detection Monitor and the file is
saved to the selected directory
(see VUE user manual).
The received detections visible in
the Detection Monitor are not
automatically saved.
The Detection Monitor
section displays detections
that are received by the
VR2AR while it is connected
to VUE. These detections
are saved in the VR2AR
memory. They can
immediately be saved to the
PC once “Save to File” is
selected (see box at right).
Selecting “Disable Timeout”
will keep the VR2AR “awake”
(Bluetooth communication is
active) until VUE is closed.
This is helpful when doing in-
air testing. Leaving the
Timeout in place (no
checkmark) allows the
Bluetooth communication to
eventually timeout and close.
CAUTION: Verify the receiver you are communicating with is the intended unit,
particularly before initializing and erasing receiver memory files, or data could
be lost. Communication can occur with any VR2AR with Bluetooth® wireless
technology activated within a 10 meter range (typical range in air).

VEMCO - VR2AR / VR2AR-X Manual 15 March 2019 13
3.5Select Transmitter Options
The transmitting option, which by default is enabled, can be setup to transmit depending on the usage you
have planned for the receiver. For example, if you are performing a range test, then select one of the Range
Test options. The ID transmitted was set at the time of manufacture and cannot be changed, but how often
the receiver transmits its code can be selected. Perform the steps listed below to setup the transmitter (and
enable, if currently not enabled).
Transmitter configuration defaults
ID
Set at manufacturing time, this unique identifier is not customizable.
Timing Profile
Default is “Sync Tag”
Power
Default is “Very High”
Enabled (checked)
Default is “Enabled”
NOTE: If you have requested different default settings for your receiver(s), consult your order Spec Sheet.
Also, when you initialize your receiver (when starting a new study), the settings remain as you have selected
them here. The settings do not “reset” to the factory defaults.
Verify that the “enabled”
box contains a check
mark. If not, then select
it to enable the
transmitter. The
transmitting ID is shown
near the top of the
window.
STEP 2
Select the desired
Transmit Profile
from the drop-down
list based on the
descriptions at right.
This profile
determines how
often the VR2AR
will transmit its ID.
STEP 3
Range Test (random): transmits
randomly between 60 to 120
seconds; nominal is 90 seconds
Range Test (90s): transmits at a fixed
rate of 90 seconds
Sync Tag: transmits randomly between
540 to 660 seconds; nominal is 600
seconds (10 minutes)
Click the gear shaped
icon in the VUE ribbon
and select Transmitter
Options to open the
Transmitter
Configuration dialogue
box.
STEP 1
Continued…