Vemco VR4-UWM User manual

How to use the
VR4-UWM receiver
www.vemco.com
28 May 2018 DOC-5141-10

Summary of Manual
This manual is intended to provide VEMCO users with the information they require to use the VR4-
UWM 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 VR4-UWM receiver
Section 2: Getting started
Getting the VR4-UWM ready, initiating communication, and performing tests
Section 3: Communication
VUE software with a VR4-UWM, using Bluetooth wireless or the acoustic modem
Section 4: Deployment
Important points to consider in a deployment plan
Section 5: Maintenance
Caring for the equipment, including replacing the battery, and preparing the receiver for storage
Section 6: Additional Information
Additional information about the VR4-UWM that is good to know but not mandatory for basic operations
Section 7: Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions related to using the VR4-UWM receiver
Section 8: Trouble Shooting
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 VR4-UWM Case .................................................................................................................3
1.2.1 Hydrophones..............................................................................................................4
1.2.2 Status Light ................................................................................................................4
1.2.3 Pressure Relief Valves ...............................................................................................5
1.2.1 Optional External Connector.......................................................................................5
1.3 Acoustic Modem .................................................................................................................6
1.3.1 Effect of Local Conditions on Modem Performance....................................................7
1.3.2 Modem Address .........................................................................................................7
2Getting Started.................................................................... 8
2.1 Task Overview....................................................................................................................8
2.2 Install VUE software............................................................................................................9
2.3 Connecting with Bluetooth ................................................................................................10
2.3.1 Using INTERNAL Bluetooth......................................................................................10
2.3.2 Using the EXTERNAL Bluetooth Adapter .................................................................10
2.4 Bluetooth Wireless Communication...................................................................................11
2.4.1 Activate Bluetooth.....................................................................................................11
2.4.2Establish Bluetooth Communication .........................................................................12
2.4.3 Exit Suspend Mode ..................................................................................................13
2.4.4 In-air testing with Bluetooth®....................................................................................14
2.5 Acoustic Modem Communication......................................................................................16
2.5.1 Surface Modem Setup..............................................................................................16
2.5.2 In-air testing with acoustic modem............................................................................19
2.5.3 Establish Acoustic Communication...........................................................................20
2.5.4 Inspect Case ............................................................................................................21
2.6 Water Test........................................................................................................................22
3Communication...................................................................23
3.1 The Receiver tab...............................................................................................................23
3.2 Common Communication features:...................................................................................26
3.2.1 Start a Study (Record Mode)....................................................................................26
3.2.2 Unlock a VR4-UWM..................................................................................................28
3.2.3 Offload Data.............................................................................................................29
3.2.4 Update VR4-UWM firmware .....................................................................................30
3.2.5 Disconnect communication with receiver..................................................................30
3.3 Unique to Bluetooth communication..................................................................................30
3.3.1 Suspend the VR4-UWM activity for storage..............................................................30
3.3.1.1 Put a VR4-UWM into Suspend Mode:...................................................................30
3.3.1.2 Remove a VR4-UWM from Suspend Mode........................................................... 30
3.4 Unique to Acoustic Modem communication.......................................................................31
3.4.1 Automatic tuning.......................................................................................................31
3.4.2 Advanced tuning.......................................................................................................31

3.4.3 Range Updates.........................................................................................................32
3.4.4 Modem communication tips......................................................................................33
4Deployment .......................................................................34
4.1 Mooring Line Attachment..................................................................................................34
4.2 During Deployment...........................................................................................................35
4.3 Deployment Facts/Tips .....................................................................................................36
4.3.1 Mooring ....................................................................................................................36
4.3.2 Spacing ....................................................................................................................36
4.3.3 Biofouling..................................................................................................................36
5Maintenance ......................................................................37
5.1 Battery Replacement ........................................................................................................37
5.1.1 Opening VR4-UWM case .........................................................................................37
5.1.2 Removing the battery pack.......................................................................................39
5.1.3 Inserting the battery pack .........................................................................................40
5.1.4 Replace O-Rings......................................................................................................42
5.1.5 Closing the VR4-UWM case.....................................................................................44
5.2 O-Ring Care......................................................................................................................46
5.3 Cleaning Instructions ........................................................................................................46
5.4 Mechanical Hardware .......................................................................................................46
5.5 Storage.............................................................................................................................47
5.5.1 Suspend Mode .........................................................................................................47
6Additional Information..........................................................48
6.1 Advanced Study Options...................................................................................................48
6.2 Update Receivers .............................................................................................................48
6.2.1 Update VR4-UWM firmware .....................................................................................48
6.2.2 Update map..............................................................................................................48
6.3 Set Local options ..............................................................................................................50
6.4 Flash Memory...................................................................................................................51
6.5 Power On Self-Test...........................................................................................................51
6.6 Diagnostic Sensors...........................................................................................................52
6.7 Optional External Connector.............................................................................................52
6.8 Battery..............................................................................................................................53
6.9 USB to RS232 Converter Installation................................................................................54
7Common Questions ..............................................................55
7.1 VUE related questions ......................................................................................................55
7.1.1 How/when do I change my receiver code map?........................................................55
7.1.2 What is initialization?................................................................................................55
7.1.3 What Date/Time format is my data stored in the receiver and displayed in VUE?..... 55
7.1.4 What does the “Hide this (window) in future” mean?.................................................56
7.1.5 How do I open the Options window?.........................................................................56
7.2 VR4-UWM related questions.............................................................................................57
7.2.1 How much detection range can I expect from my tags and receivers?......................57
7.2.2 How long will my VR4-UWM battery last?.................................................................57
7.2.3 How do I determine the Modem Address?................................................................57
7.2.4 Does receiver orientation matter?.............................................................................57

8Trouble Shooting.................................................................58
8.1 VUE related troubleshooting .............................................................................................58
8.1.1 Bluetooth Troubleshooting........................................................................................58
8.1.2 I cannot connect to my VR4-UWM receiver..............................................................59
8.1.3 These detected ID’s don’t belong to me....................................................................59
8.2 VR4-UWM case related troubleshooting ...........................................................................60
8.2.1 Stuck Lid...................................................................................................................60
8.2.2 Pressurized Case.....................................................................................................61
8.2.2.1 Pressurized Main Housing ....................................................................................62
8.2.2.2 Pressurized Hydrophone Housing.........................................................................62
8.2.3 Popped Pressure Relief Valve..................................................................................63
8.2.3.1 Post Deployment...................................................................................................63
8.2.3.2 Newly Delivered From VEMCO.............................................................................63
9Appendix ..........................................................................64
9.1 Contact Information...........................................................................................................64
9.2 Hazardous Materials.........................................................................................................64
9.2.1Shipping Restrictions On Lithium Batteries...............................................................64
9.2.2 Contaminated VR4-UWM .........................................................................................64
9.2.3 Disposal of Old Batteries..........................................................................................64
9.3 VR4-UWM Specifications..................................................................................................65
9.3.1 General Specifications..............................................................................................65
9.3.2 Replacement Parts...................................................................................................66
9.3.3 Optional External Serial Port.....................................................................................66
9.4 Glossary ...........................................................................................................................67
9.5 Warranty and Disclaimer...................................................................................................68
9.6 Index.................................................................................................................................69

© (2013-2018) 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.
WARNING
If the VR
4-UWM is not used in the manner specified in this manual,
then the manufacturer's warranty protection may be voided.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
INITIALIZE VR4-UWM BEFORE DEPLOYING
To initialize the receiver, use the magnet and the PC software. Detailed instructions
are located in this user’s manual.
DO NOT OPEN THE CASE
This receiver was sealed and pressure tested prior to shipping; DO NOT OPEN THE
CASE until the battery must be replaced.
Contact VEMCO Customer Support for assistance
www.vemco.com (click Support button)

VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual 1
1Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The VR4-UWM is a submersible, dual-channel acoustic monitoring
receiver that operates at 69 kHz, 180 kHz, or both. The VR4-UWM has an
acoustic modem allowing communication with the surface modem without
the need to retrieve the receiver. Commands are sent down to the receiver
and logged data is offloaded while the receiver remains submerged. If the
lithium battery option is used, the VR4-UWM can remain deployed for
many years while data is collected and retrieved from the receiver.
When the VR4-UWM receiver is not deployed, it can also communicate
with the PC using Bluetooth® wireless communication. Bluetooth
characteristics in water require the VR4-UWM communicate to the
Bluetooth USB adapter through air, with a typical range of 10 meters.
The receiver electronics are housed in a corrosion resistant, high pressure
case with two hydrophones and an acoustic transducer located on the top
surrounded by a protective titanium cage. The VR4-UWM is powered by
an internal battery that can last many years, depending on system settings
and battery type (alkaline or lithium).
The VR4-UWM receiver is powered by a custom battery pack with an
integrated fuse and EEPROM device for tracking the remaining capacity.
The VR4-UWM is shipped with the battery installed and connected, so
there is no need to disassemble the receiver to connect the battery. To avoid
consuming the battery during shipping and storage, the VR4-UWM can be
placed in Suspend mode.
There are two battery types offered for the VR4-UMW, lithium batteries and alkaline batteries. Lithium
batteries have a much longer life (see the table below) but transportation is governed by dangerous good
regulations, which can be a problem in some areas. Alkaline battery packs do not have transportation
restrictions but have a shorter life.
VR4-UWM Estimated Battery Life
Estimated Life with… Tadiran Lithium Battery Alkaline Battery
both channels on 71 months 19 months
only 69kHz channel on
117 months
31 months
only 180kHz channel on
84 months
22 months
Battery life estimates are based on typical usage of downloading 100 Kbytes of data per month over the acoustic modem. More
frequent offloads and larger data records will decrease the life expectancy of the battery.

VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual 2
VR4-UWM features include:
Acoustic modem with omni-directional transducer and fast wakeup eases station-keeping and supports
speeds up to 1200 bps
Detects all current VEMCO 69 kHz and 180 kHz coded tags
Bluetooth® wireless technology for high speed in-air communication
A two-color status light indicates system status and ping detection on each acoustic data channel
16 megabytes of flash memory stores (approximately 800000 detections) as well as diagnostic raw data
logs
Two battery options: lithium for extended life, or alkaline for easier and less expensive shipping to
international locations.
Automatic battery management displays the remaining capacity of the battery, making it easier to
schedule replacement.
A Suspend mode to conserve the battery during shipping or extended storage. No need to disassemble the
unit to disconnect the battery.
Tilt, temperature, and battery voltage sensors monitor the operating condition of the receiver
Optional password protection to prevent unauthorized access using the acoustic modem
Supported by VEMCO VUE software (version 2.0 and greater)
The VR4-UWM records the tag code ID number, the date/time of valid detections, and sensor data if the
acoustic tag received is equipped with a sensor. This information is stored in the receiver’s memory until
offloaded from the receiver to a PC running VUE software using either the acoustic modem or Bluetooth
wireless communication.
VR4-UWM Quick Facts
Dimensions Height: 50.3 cm (19.81”)
Max Diameter: 22.2 cm (8.75”)
Weight
With lithium battery, no external connector
In sea water: 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) sinking
With alkaline battery, no external connector
In sea water: 2.99 kg (6.6 lbs) sinking
Receive
Frequency
69.0 kHz and 180.0 kHz
Operating
temperature -5°C to +40 °C (Water must not freeze)
Maximum
Depth 500 meters (730 psi)
WARNING
The VR4-UWM 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
pres
sure and water may enter the VR4-UWM
case. If the O
-rings or their mating surfaces
are dirty or damag
ed, 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 – VR4-UWM Manual 3
1.2 VR4-UWM Case
The VR4-UWM receiver is housed in a black plastic high pressure case. Like any precision instrument, the
VR4-UWM must be handled carefully to avoid damage. The hydrophones are particularly sensitive. The
cage protects the hydrophones from most minor impacts except the very top of each hydrophone where the
transducers are located. These must be exposed to avoid blocking the acoustic signal from tags. It is essential
that the hydrophones be protected from damage at all times, during shipping, handling, and deployment.
The VR4-UWM is shipped closed, as shown below. The battery is installed in the case and connected but the
receiver is usually in Suspend Mode to conserve battery life. The case only needs to be opened when the
battery must be replaced. Removing the receiver from Suspend Mode is explained in section 2.4.3.
Replacing the battery is explained in section 5.1.
69 kHz Hydrophone: one of the receiver’s “microphones” – this one listens to 69 kHz.
Mounting hole: Six holes are equally
spaced around the bottom and top of
the case (section 4.1).
Status Light / Pressure release
valve:The light flashes to indicate
the receiver’s status. Section 1.2.2
has the full description.
The Release Valve will open if the
internal pressure is greater than the
external pressure (see section
1.2.3). Never cover this valve.
Lid: Houses the hydrophones, modem, and cage; bolts to the collar.
Acoustic Modem: Communicates with the Surface Modem.
Collar: Contains O-rings designed to prevent water from entering
the case.
180 kHz Hydrophone: one of the receiver’s “microphones” – this
one listens to 180 kHz.
Cage:Protects hydrophones
and modem from minor
impacts.
Communication Key Location:Place
the narrow end of the Comm Key in
here to prepare for Bluetooth
communication. Section 0 has more
information on the Comm Key.
Do not open the VR4-UWM case unnecessarily. The case is inspected and pressure tested at the
factory to ensure there are no leaks. Any time the case is opened, there is a risk of causing a leak if
the seals are damaged or it is not reassembled properly. If the battery must be replaced, refer to
section 5.1 for instructions.

VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual 4
1.2.1 Hydrophones
Each hydrophone contains a secondary seal to prevent the main case
from being flooded in the event the hydrophone is broken. Provided
the rest of the VR4-UWM is not damaged, stored data can be
retrieved and the unit can be returned to the factory for repair.
1.2.2 Status Light
The VR4-UWM has a status light visible through the clear plastic window on the top of the receiver (shown
below). This light will flash either red or yellow, depending on the status of the receiver. The meaning of the
different flash patterns and colours are listed in the table below.
Status Light Flash Patterns
Blink Pattern
Red Flash
Yellow Flash
2 rapid flashes every
5 seconds
*
Channel 1 Heartbeat – VR4-UWM is in
operating mode at 69 kHz (channel 1 is on) Channel 2 Heartbeat – VR4-UWM is in operating mode at 180 kHz (channel 2 is on)
1 short flash
Ping detected on channel 1 (69kHz)
Ping detected on channel 2 (180kHz)
1 long flash
Tag detection stored on channel 1 (69kHz)
Tag detection stored on channel 2 (180kHz)
Long flash once per
second
Bluetooth® ready to accept connection
from PC
N/A
On continuously
Bluetooth® is connected to the PC
N/A
None
Either: VR4-UWM is in Suspend mode; or
More than 1 hour has elapsed since Bluetooth® communication (firmware
version 2.0.9 or earlier)
Low Frequency
Transducer
(69 kHz)
High Frequency
Transducer
(180 kHz)
Red flash
Yellow flash
Do not bump the hydrophonesor damage
may occur and the receiver will not detect
transmitters. Do not allow the VR4
-UWM to
be dropped or struck against other objects.
*
A flash pattern alternating
between red and yellow
(two quick red flashes; wait
five seconds; two quick
yellow flashes; wait five
seconds; repeat) indicates
that both channels are on
(69 kHz and 180 kHz).