Vemco VR2W User manual

How to use the VR2W
family of receivers.
www.vemco.com
7 Apr 2014 DOC-4400-18

Summary of Manual
This manual is intended to provide VEMCO users with the information they require to use the
VR2W receivers. 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 VR2W receivers
Section 2: Getting started
Getting the VR2W ready, including powering the VR2W, opening and closing the case, and initial tests
Section 3: Communication
Talking to the VUE software, and how to use VUE with a VR2W
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 VR2W that is good to know but not mandatory for basic operations
Section 7: Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions related to using the VR2W receivers
Section 8: Troubleshooting
Solutions to common issues that may arise
Section 9: Appendix
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 VR2W Case...........................................................................................................................2
1.3 Case parts .............................................................................................................................3
2Getting Started.................................................................... 4
2.1 Open the VR2W Case...........................................................................................................4
2.2 Install Battery.........................................................................................................................7
2.3 Close the VR2W Case...........................................................................................................9
2.4 Testing.................................................................................................................................11
2.4.1 In-Air Test....................................................................................................................11
2.4.2 In-Water Test ..............................................................................................................11
3Communication...................................................................12
3.1 Install VUE software ............................................................................................................12
3.2 Activate Wireless feature.....................................................................................................14
3.3 Establish communication.....................................................................................................15
3.4 Record mode.......................................................................................................................17
3.4.1 Start a Study ...............................................................................................................17
3.5 Offload Data.........................................................................................................................19
3.5.1 Disconnect communication with receiver....................................................................20
3.5.2 Update Firmware.........................................................................................................20
4Deployment .......................................................................23
4.1 Deployment Facts/Tips........................................................................................................23
4.1.1 Mooring.......................................................................................................................23
4.1.2 Spacing.......................................................................................................................23
4.1.3 Biofouling ....................................................................................................................23
4.2 Mooring Line Attachment.....................................................................................................24
5Maintenance ......................................................................26
5.1 Battery Replacement...........................................................................................................26
5.1.1 Disconnecting and Removing Battery.........................................................................26
5.2 O-ring Care..........................................................................................................................27
5.2.1 Remove O-rings..........................................................................................................27
5.2.2 Clean O-ring Surfaces.................................................................................................28
5.2.3 Install O-ring................................................................................................................30
5.3 Storage................................................................................................................................30
6Additional Information..........................................................31
6.1 Flash Memory......................................................................................................................31
6.1.1 Time required to fill memory........................................................................................31

6.1.2 Time required to offload memory ................................................................................32
6.2 LED Flashes........................................................................................................................32
6.3 Set Local options.................................................................................................................33
6.4 Battery .................................................................................................................................34
6.4.1 Battery Life..................................................................................................................35
6.5 Case External Dimensions ..................................................................................................36
6.6 Map Updating ......................................................................................................................37
7Common Questions ..............................................................39
7.1 VUE related questions.........................................................................................................39
7.1.1 How/when do I change my receiver code map? .........................................................39
7.1.2 What is initialization?...................................................................................................39
7.1.3 Why does VUE create two .vrl file types? ...................................................................39
7.1.4 What Date/Time format is my data stored in the receiver and displayed in VUE?......40
7.1.5 What does the “Hide this (window) in future” mean? ..................................................40
7.1.6 How do I open the Options window?...........................................................................40
7.2 VR2W related questions......................................................................................................41
7.2.1 How much detection range can I expect from my tags and receivers?.......................41
7.2.2 How long will my VR2W battery last?..........................................................................41
7.2.3 Does receiver orientation matter?...............................................................................41
7.2.4 At low tide my VR2W receiver will be exposed to direct sunlight, does this matter? ..41
8Troubleshooting..................................................................42
8.1 VUE related troubleshooting................................................................................................42
8.1.1 Bluetooth Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................42
8.1.2 I cannot connect to my VR2W receiver.......................................................................43
8.1.3 These detected ID’s don’t belong to me......................................................................43
8.2 VR2W case related troubleshooting....................................................................................44
8.2.1 The threads have been damaged ...............................................................................44
8.2.2 I think the case might be pressurized..........................................................................44
9Appendix ..........................................................................45
9.1 VR2W Metal/PVC Casing....................................................................................................45
9.2Cleaning Instructions...........................................................................................................47
9.3 Contact Information .............................................................................................................47
9.4 VR2W Specifications...........................................................................................................48
9.5 Warranty and Disclaimer .....................................................................................................49
9.6 Glossary...............................................................................................................................50
9.7 Index....................................................................................................................................51

Regulatory Compliance Information
The VR2W-xxxx-110/111 complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
The VR2W-xxxx-110/111 has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Warning: Changes or modification not expressly approved by AMIRIX Systems Inc. could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
© (2014) 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 VR2W is not used in the manner
specified by
the manufacturer protection may be impaired.

VEMCO - VR2W Manual 1
1Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The VR2W is a submersible, single-channel acoustic receiver capable of identifying VEMCO
coded transmitters. The receiver operates on a factory set frequency of either 69 kHz or 180
kHz. VR2W receivers can decode uniquely coded pingers and sensor transmitters that operate
on the same frequency as the VR2W.
The VR2W is housed in a corrosion resistant cylindrical plastic high pressure case, and
incorporates an integral hydrophone at the tapered end of the case. The VR2W features include
Bluetooth® wireless technology, a Smart LED, 16 megabytes of data storage, record mode, and
a replaceable battery (single Lithium cell).
The VR2W records the tag code number, the date/time of valid detections, and sensor data if the
tag received is equipped with a sensor. This information is stored in the VR2W memory until it
is downloaded from the receiver using Bluetooth wireless communication and a PC running
VUE software.
Some common uses for VR2W receivers are:
•Monitoring fish movements using acoustic gates across shorelines
•VEMCO Positioning System (VPS) arrays to track animals within a specific area
VR2W Quick Facts
Dimensions 308 mm (12.125") x 73 mm (2.875") diameter
Weight 1190 g in air; 50 g in water
Receive
Frequency
VR2W-69kHz: 69.0 kHz
VR2W-180kHz: 180.0 kHz
Battery Life
VR2W-69kHz: Approximately 15 months
VR2W-180kHz: Approximately 8 months
Memory 8 MB (~0.8 million detections) or
16 MB (~1.6 million detections)
Operating
temperature
-5°C to +40 °C; Water must not freeze.
Maximum
Depth 500 meters (730 psi)
Software VEMCO User Environment (VUE) software
WARNING
The VR2W 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 VR2W case. If the O
-rings or their
mating surface
s 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 - VR2W Manual 2
1.2 VR2W Case
The VR2W 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. There are two types of internal casing, the older metal/PVC casing and the current
plastic casing. This manual focuses on the current case type; instructions for the older case are found in the
appendix (section 9.1).
A crucial part of the VR2W is the hydrophone, located at the top of the receiver. The hydrophone is similar
to a microphone – it “listens” for sounds and transfers them to the electronics inside the receiver. Be very
careful not to bump the hydrophone or damage may occur that may prevent the receiver from detecting tags.
The VR2W is only capable of listening to one frequency so that frequency must be selected at the time of
ordering. The frequency chosen is based on the coded tags that will be used and can be either 69 kHz or 180
kHz. The frequency is reflected in the name of the receiver, the VR2W-69kHz or the VR2W-180kHz.
Externally there are physical differences between the VR2W-69kHz and the VR2W-180kHz which make it
easier to identify the operating frequency at a glance. The VR2W-180kHz has a smaller hydrophone than the
VR2W-69kHz, and the identification band around the middle of the VR2W-180kHz receiver has green text
while the VR2W-69kHz has blue text. The dimensions of the two cases are slightly different – diagrams are
found in section 6.5.
The cases operate in the same manor so they’ll be
described simply as a VR2W in this manual.
VR2W-69kHz
VR2W-180kHz
Visible External Differences:
1. Hydrophones are different sizes
2. Serial Number label is a different
colour.
Blue = 69 kHz
Green = 180 kHz

VEMCO - VR2W Manual 3
1.3 Case parts
The VR2W is shipped closed, as shown below. 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.
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
VR2W while it is deployed. Section 4.2
has more attachment details.
Cable Tie Groove: These grooves
(there are two) are used to attach the
VR2W to a line – see section 4.2.
Identification Label: Contains product
name and number, contact information,
serial number, and important warnings.
At a glance, the blue text indicates
receiver is a VR2W-69kHz and green text a
VR2W-180kHz.
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 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.
Status Light (LED) Meanings:
No flashes =
no power
2 quick flashes every 5 sec =
Recording Mode
2 quick flashes every 10 sec =
Memory Full
1 quick flash =
acoustic ping received
1 bright, long flash =
detection written to memory
1 long flash per sec =
Ready for Bluetooth communication
On (solid) =
communicating with VUE

VEMCO - VR2W Manual 4
2Getting Started
Before the VR2W can begin recording detections, it must be powered. VR2W 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 VR2W case must be opened to power the receiver.
2.1 Open the VR2W Case
Two steel rods are necessary to properly open and close the VR2W case. Every shipment of new VR2W
receivers includes a pair of steel rods.
The procedure for opening a VR2W case is the same
regardless of the operating frequency of the receiver.
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
VR2W 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 VR2W case.
Water, even in a small quantity, can damage the VR2W internal circuits
beyond repair. If the VR2W is attached to a wet rope,
remove the receiver fr
om 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.
Want to watch this? Go to
www.vemco.com/products/vr2w-
69khz/?tutorials-and-tools to see the video.
Place the VR2W 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 VR2W in place
while opening it.
STEP 2
Continued…

VEMCO - VR2W Manual 5
WARNING
DO NOT impact the threads on the end-cap or they will dent
and prevent the VR2W case from closing. See section 8.2.1
for tips on thread care.
Remove the steel rods from the VR2W case
and set them aside.Be
careful not to let the one in the Comm Key slide through the hole and
cause damage below.
C
ontinue by hand twisting the end-cap in a counter-clockwise
direction until the end
-cap and outer cylinder separate.
STEP 5
Insert one steel rod into the hole that runs through the diameter of the
case near the flat end of the VR2W.
Position it so most of the rod is on
the left side of the
receiver as shown.
STEP 3
Place a hand on the back of t
he 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 r
od 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 r
otate the rod, and therefore the end-cap, until
turning become easier.
STEP 4
Continued…