Vemco VR2Tx User manual

Requires the use of the
latest VUE software
15 March 2019 DOC-5397-11
www.vemco.com

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.
WARNING
If the VR2Tx is not used in the manner specified in this manual,
then the manufacturer's warranty protection may be voided.

Summary of Manual
This manual is intended to provide VEMCO users with the information they require to use the
VR2Tx 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 VR2Tx receiver
Section 2: Getting started
Getting the VR2Tx ready, including powering the VR2Tx, opening and closing the case, and initial tests
Section 3: Communication
Talking to the VUE software, and how to use VUE with a VR2Tx
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 equipment and prepare it for storage, including removing the battery
Section 6: Additional Information
Additional information about the VR2Tx that is good to know but not mandatory for basic operations
Section 7: Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions related to using the VR2Tx 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
1Introduction........................................................................ 1
1.1 System Overview................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 VR2Tx Case ....................................................................................................................... 3
2Getting Started .................................................................... 4
2.1 Open the VR2Tx Case........................................................................................................4
2.2 Install Battery...................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Close the VR2Tx Case........................................................................................................9
2.4 Testing.............................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.1 In-Air Test................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.2 In-Water Test............................................................................................................ 12
3Communication...................................................................13
3.1 Installing the VUE software............................................................................................... 13
3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth ................................................................................................ 14
3.2.1 Using INTERNAL Bluetooth...................................................................................... 14
3.2.2 Using the EXTERNAL Bluetooth Adapter ................................................................. 14
3.3 Activate Wireless feature .................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Establish Bluetooth communication................................................................................... 16
3.5 Select Transmitter Options................................................................................................ 18
3.6 Select Logging Options..................................................................................................... 20
3.7 Create Watch Table.......................................................................................................... 22
3.8 Record mode.................................................................................................................... 24
3.8.1 Start a Study............................................................................................................. 24
3.9 Offload Data...................................................................................................................... 26
3.10 Disconnect communication with receiver...................................................................... 27
4Deployment .......................................................................28
4.1 Deployment Facts/Tips ..................................................................................................... 28
4.1.1 Mooring .................................................................................................................... 28
4.1.2 Spacing .................................................................................................................... 28
4.1.3 Biofouling.................................................................................................................. 28
4.2 Mooring Line Attachment.................................................................................................. 29
5Maintenance ......................................................................31
5.1 Battery Replacement ........................................................................................................ 31
5.1.1 Disconnecting and Removing Battery....................................................................... 31
5.1.2 Resetting the Battery Usage Indicator ...................................................................... 32
5.2 O-ring Care....................................................................................................................... 33
5.2.1 Remove O-rings ....................................................................................................... 33
5.2.2 Clean O-ring Surfaces.............................................................................................. 34
5.2.3 Install O-ring............................................................................................................. 36
5.3 Storage............................................................................................................................. 36

6Additional Information..........................................................37
6.1 Flash Memory................................................................................................................... 37
6.1.1 Time required to fill memory ..................................................................................... 37
6.1.2 Time required to offload............................................................................................ 37
6.2 Status Light Flashes ......................................................................................................... 38
6.3 Set Local options .............................................................................................................. 38
6.4 Battery.............................................................................................................................. 39
6.4.1 Battery Life............................................................................................................... 40
6.5 Case External Dimensions................................................................................................ 41
6.6 Update Firmware .............................................................................................................. 42
6.7 Map Updating ................................................................................................................... 44
7Common Questions ..............................................................46
7.1 VUE related questions ...................................................................................................... 46
7.1.1 How/when do I change my receiver code map?........................................................ 46
7.1.2 What is initialization?................................................................................................ 46
7.1.3 Why does VUE create two .vrl file types? ................................................................. 46
7.1.4 What Date/Time format is my data stored in the receiver and displayed in VUE?..... 47
7.1.5 What does the “Hide this (window) in future” mean?................................................. 48
7.1.6 How do I open the Options window?......................................................................... 48
7.2 VR2Tx related questions................................................................................................... 49
7.2.1 How much detection range can I expect?................................................................. 49
7.2.2 How long will my VR2Tx battery last?....................................................................... 49
7.2.3 Does receiver orientation matter?............................................................................. 49
8Troubleshooting..................................................................50
8.1 VUE related troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 50
8.1.1 I cannot connect to my VR2Tx receiver .................................................................... 50
8.1.2 These detected ID’s don’t belong to me.................................................................... 50
8.1.3 I see a Battery Usage Indicator reset warning in VUE............................................... 50
8.2 VR2Tx case related troubleshooting ................................................................................. 52
8.2.1 The threads have been damaged............................................................................. 52
8.2.2 I think the case might be pressurized........................................................................ 52
9Appendices........................................................................53
9.1 Cleaning Instructions ........................................................................................................ 53
9.2 Contact Information........................................................................................................... 53
9.3 VR2Tx Specifications........................................................................................................ 54
9.4 Warranty and Disclaimer................................................................................................... 55
9.5 Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 56
9.6 Index................................................................................................................................. 57
© (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.

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20191
1Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The VR2Tx (Receiver and Transmitter) is a submersible, single-channel acoustic receiver
capable of transmitting its assigned ID code, identifying other VEMCO coded transmitters in
the area, and acoustically communicating with a VR100-200 receiver. The receiver operates
on a factory set frequency of 69 kHz.
The VR2Tx is housed in a corrosion resistant cylindrical plastic high pressure case. The case
incorporates an integral hydrophone at one end of the case. The VR2Tx 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
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
The VR2Tx 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 VR2Tx or the VR2AR. VR2Tx receiver information that can be accessed through the
VR100-200 includes:
Unit health
Number of detections
Tilt and temperature
Battery life and memory usage
Receiver range which will aid in locating the VR2Tx
Built in Transmitter configuration allowing users to change the power setting as well
as enable and disable the transmitter
Some common uses for VR2Tx receivers are:
Monitoring fish movements using acoustic gates across shorelines
VEMCO Positioning System (VPS) arrays to track animals within a specific area
WARNING
The VR2Tx 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
VR2Tx 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 - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20192
VR2Tx Quick Facts
Dimensions
308 mm (12.125") x 73 mm (2.875") diameter
Weight
1190 g in air; 50 g in water
Receive Frequency
69.0 kHz
Battery Life
Approximately 14 months
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
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

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20193
1.2 VR2Tx Case
The VR2Tx 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. The case dimensions are found in section 6.5.
A crucial part of the VR2Tx 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
VR2Tx’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 VR2Tx to communicate with a VR100-200 through a transponding
hydrophone. Like all hydrophones, the VR2Tx 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.
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 VR2Tx while it is
deployed. Section 4.1.3 has more
attachment details.
Cable Tie Groove: These grooves (there
are two) are used to attach the VR2Tx to a
line –see section 4.1.3.
Identification Label: Contains product
name and number, contact information,
serial number, and important warnings.
Comm Key Hole: Place the narrow end of the Comm Key in here to prepare for
communication. Section 2 has more information on the Comm Key.
Status Light (LED)/Release Valve: The light flashes red or green to indicate the
receiver’s status. Section 6.2 has the full description (see also box below).
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.
No flashes =
no power
2 quick red flashes every 5 sec =
Recording Mode
1 quick red flash =
acoustic ping received
Red light on (solid) =
communicating with software
One short green flash* =
acoustic ping was transmitted
(complete list in section 6.2)
* Green flashes only occur if the transmit
feature is enabled (section 3.5).
The VR2Tx is shipped closed, as shown above. The battery may be installed in the case but
not connected. The case only needs to be opened when the battery must be connected or
replaced. 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.

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20194
2Getting Started
Before the VR2Tx can begin recording detections or transmit its ID code, it must be powered. VR2Tx
receivers are either shipped with the D-cell Lithium battery inside the case but not connected to the receiver,
or with no battery inside the case. In either case, the VR2Tx case must be opened to power the receiver.
2.1 Open the VR2Tx Case
Two steel rods are necessary to properly open and close the VR2Tx case. Every shipment of new VR2Tx
receivers includes a pair of steel rods.
WARNING
It is vitally important that the electronics inside the receiver case do not come in contact
with any water or the receiver will be damaged. For this reason, VEMCO recommends the
VR2Tx be opened in a controlled environment and not in the field or on the deck of a boat.
Make sure there is absolutely no water on or near the VR2Tx case.
Water, even in a small quantity, can damage the VR2Tx internal circuits
beyond repair. If the VR2Tx is attached to a wet rope,
remove the receiver from the rope before opening the case.
STEP 1
This also means the electronics cannot be exposed to a sudden change
in temperature and humidity that will cause condensation to develop on
the electronics and destroy the receiver.
Place the VR2Tx on a clean, flat surface so the hydrophone (tapered end) is
hanging over the edge enough that the large hole is past the edge of the
surface. DO NOT let the receiver fall off the surface.
TIP: A non-slip surface, such as a rubber mat, helps keep the VR2Tx in place
while opening it.
STEP 2
Continued…