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…

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20195
WARNING
DO NOT impact the threads on the end-cap or they will dent
and prevent the VR2Tx case from closing. See section 8.2.1
for tips on thread care.
Remove the steel rods from the VR2Tx case and set them aside. Be
careful not to let the one in the Comm Key slide through the hole and
cause damage below.
Continue by hand twisting the end-cap in a counter-clockwise
direction until the end-cap and outer cylinder separate.
STEP 5
Place a hand on the back of the receiver to
hold it in place. The back of the receiver
often “jumps” during Step 4 so be prepared.
Insert the other steel rod into the hole in the Comm Key Hole
on the end-cap of the receiver and hold on to the rod –it will
slide right through the hole and potentially damage
something below. Make sure the rod is fully inserted into the
hole or damage may occur to the Comm Key Hole.
Apply pressure to the rod in the COMM Key hole to turn it in
a counter-clockwise direction when you are facing the
hydrophone. The rod at the back of the receiver acts as a
brace while you apply pressure, but be careful of it “jumping”
off the flat surface.
Continue to rotate the rod, and therefore the end-cap, until
turning become easier.
STEP 4
Continued…
Insert one steel rod into the hole that runs through the diameter of the
case near the flat end of the VR2Tx. Position it so most of the rod is on
the left side of the receiver as shown.
STEP 3

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20196
WARNING
The internal casing surrounding the electronics is not
waterproof. Water, even condensation from a humid
environment, will enter the case and damage the electronics.
Slide the end-cap and cylinder apart until the battery compartment has cleared the cylinder. Be very
careful not to damage the threads on the end-cap or the VR2Tx won’t close and seal properly.
STEP 6
Plastic Internal Casing
Battery
Compartment
Outer Cylinder
Threads
End-cap

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20197
2.2 Install Battery
With the case open, you can install the new battery. If there is a used battery in the receiver, use the
instructions found in Section 5.1.1 to remove the battery before inserting the new one. Some VR2Tx receivers
are shipped with the battery inside the receiver but not connected. If this is the case for your receiver, then
move to Step 7 in the instructions below to power your VR2Tx.
Insert the battery pin into one of the
holes in the edge around the battery
cavity and slide the pin across the end
of the battery until the ends of the pin
are both in the receiver case.
STEP 3
Downward force
(see red arrow) may
be required on
battery end to get
the pin started.
Slide the Lithium
D-cell battery into the
battery section at the
end of the receiver so
the battery’s wires are
outside the case.
STEP 2
Check that both
ends of the pin are
flush with the
case.
STEP 4
Place the battery wires
into the gap in the end
of the receiver case
closest to the battery
connector on the case.
There are two gaps in
the end of the case.
STEP 5
Verify that the O-ring
inside the battery
cavity is still at the
back of the cavity.
STEP 1
Continued…

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20198
Gather any excess battery wire into the area at the end of
the battery cavity (circled in yellow) and not along the side
of the receiver casing. This reduces the chance of damage
to the battery wires.
STEP 8
Place the O-ring in the O-ring groove around the end of the case so the
battery wires are inside the O-ring. This also holds the battery pin in
place.
STEP 6
Position the receiver so you can see the LED light.
Connect the two battery connector halves together until a
“click” is heard and the VR2Tx receiver’s light begins
flashing.
NOTE: If the VR2Tx was in Recording mode (i.e. as Study
had been initialized) when the battery was disconnected,
then it will immediately return to recording detections after
the battery has been replaced. Settings are not lost when
the power is disconnected.
STEP 7

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 20199
2.3 Close the VR2Tx Case
Before deploying or storing a VR2Tx receiver, the case must be properly closed and sealed to prevent damage
to the electronics. Even humidity in the air can, over time, cause damage to the electronics so it’s very
important to keep the case sealed, with a functioning desiccant pack inside, as much as possible. Important
information about storing a VR2Tx is found in section 5.3.
Place a new desiccant pack (if the existing one has been deployed) in the
bottom of the Outer Cylinder so both ends of the pack are touching opposite
sides of the cylinder’s wall.
STEP 3
A desiccant pack has been included in the bottom of the
VR2Tx to reduce the occurrence of condensation in the
VR2Tx. One of these packs should remain in the receiver
case during storage and deployment.
We recommend that you replace the desiccant pack with
each deployment and with each battery replacement cycle.
More information on the availability and usage of these packs
is located on our website,
www.vemco.com.
Make sure the serial number around the outer cylinder
matches the serial number on the internal casing. This is
particularly important when more than one VR2Tx receiver
is open at the same time.
STEP 1
If this is the first time closing the VR2Tx case, then make a visual
inspection of the O-rings and the O-ring surface inside the outer
cylinder to be sure they are clean, properly greased, undamaged,
and debris free. Details are found in section
5.2.
If the VR2Tx has been deployed previously, then follow the O-ring
inspection/replacement instructions in section
5.2 to improve the
seal in the case.
STEP 2
Continued…

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 201910
Turn the end-cap in
a clockwise direction
(when looking at the
hydrophone) until it
becomes too hard to
turn by hand.
STEP 5
Slide the plastic internal casing into the Outer
Cylinder, battery end first, until the first threads
are inside the outer cylinder. Ensure that the
O-rings remain
properly seated in
their grooves as
the end-cap is
moved into the
outer cylinder.
STEP 4
Insert the other steel rod into the Comm Key Hole on the end-cap and hold on to the rod –it will slide
through the case and potentially damage something below. Make sure the rod is fully inserted or
damage may occur to the Comm Key Hole.
STEP 7
Place a hand on the back of the receiver to hold it in
place.
Apply pressure to the rod in the endcap so it turns in a
clockwise direction when you are facing the hydrophone.
Continue moving the rod until the end cap touches the
edge of the outer cylinder. Do not over-tighten the case
pieces together or they may be damaged.
Remove the steel rods from the VR2Tx case.
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 closing it.
Insert one steel rod into the hole that runs through the diameter of
the case near the flat end of the VR2Tx. Position the rod so the
majority of the rod is on the right side of the case. This helps
brace the receiver while the case is being closed.
STEP 6

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 201911
2.4 Testing
Before deploying a VR2Tx, it is wise to test it with a tag 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.
2.4.1 In-Air Test
The VR2Tx can detect coded pingers in air, but at a much reduced range compared to their range capabilities
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 VR2Tx (section 3.3).
b. Establish communication between the VR2Tx and VUE software (section 3.4).
c. Select the VR2Tx’s transmit mode (section 3.5).
d. Begin a Study. Section 3.8.1 has the details of how to begin a study, also known as
initializing the receiver.
e. Disconnect the wireless communication with the VR2Tx (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 VR2Tx 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 pattern is 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 VR2Tx.
c. Turn on the VR100-200.
d. Select “Transpond” in the main screen.
e. Select “Scan” and wait for the VR2Tx’s serial number
to appear on the screen. You must wait until the
count-down is finished before you can proceed.
f. Select the VR2Tx.
Perform air tests away from
electrical noise sources such
as motors, PC screens, or
fluorescent lights.

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 201912
g. Select “Status…” from the menu (or press “1” on keypad).
h. Select “Get Range” (or press “1” on keypad). This establishes
communication between the VR2Tx 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.
5. Communicate with the VR2Tx 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 3.9), 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. Begin another study (see section 3.8.1) to erase the data in the VR2Tx.
2.4.2 In-Water Test
Tests performed in water are almost identical to the in-air test explained above. The only difference is that
the tag should be positioned farther from the receiver –5 meters is suggested. In-water tests are often
performed to establish an ideal range for the VR2Tx 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.
1 Get Range
2 Get Health
3 Detections…

Select

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 201913
3Communication
The VR2Tx uses Bluetooth communication between the receiver and the VUE
software. This feature dramatically increases data offload speed compared to
the cabled communication of the retired VR2 receiver. For example, to offload
2 MB of data requires 3.3 minutes for the VR2Tx to accomplish but it would
have taken the VR2 more than 75 minutes. A comparison table is located in
section 6.1.2 for more information.
3.1 Installing the VUE software
VUE software is used to communicate with the VR2Tx 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 VR2Tx receivers because they use
Bluetooth communication. See section 3.2 for details.
NOTE:
Due to Bluetooth characteristics
in water, the VR2Tx 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
Click “Next” when the
Install Shield Wizard
begins.
STEP 2
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

VEMCO - VR2Tx Manual 15 March 201914
3.2 Connecting 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.