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How to use the VR2
and with VUE software.
www.vemco.com
19 Sep 2013
DOC-4788-06

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Summary of Contents for Vemco VR2

  • Page 1 How to use the VR2 and with VUE software. www.vemco.com 19 Sep 2013 DOC-4788-06...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3 Communication with VUE ............7 Install VUE software ......................7 Open database in VUE ......................7 Connect to VR2 ........................8 Offload Data from VR2 Receiver ..................10 Initialize VR2 Receiver ......................11 Change Code Map ....................... 12 4 Deployment ............... 13 Deployment Facts/Tips ......................
  • Page 3 How long will my VR2 battery last? ................26 7.2.3 Does receiver orientation matter? ................26 7.2.4 At low tide my VR2 receiver will be exposed to direct sunlight, does this matter? ..26 8 Troubleshooting ..............27 VUE related troubleshooting ....................27 8.1.1 I cannot connect to my VR2 receiver ................
  • Page 4: Introduction

    The VR2 is a submersible, acoustic receiver capable of identifying VEMCO coded transmitters. The receiver operates on a factory set frequency and can decode various combinations of sensor and pingers. The VR2 receiver consists of electronics and hydrophone housed in a cylindrical corrosion resistant case. Its features include a Smart LED (light emitting diode), two megabytes of data storage, a resume study feature, and a replaceable battery (a single Lithium cell).
  • Page 5: Vr2 Case

    A crucial part of the VR2 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.
  • Page 6: Status Light (Led)

    1.2.1 The red Status Light on the side of the VR2 case flashes based on the task being performed or the status of the receiver. The flashes can be interpreted using the table below. The Status Light is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and has been referred to as such in past documentation.
  • Page 7: Getting Started

    VR2 start and end times along with the PC clock time in the VUE database. Users should be aware that the VR2 end time will most likely be different from the PC clock time. If users wish to time- correct transmitter detection times, then they must ensure that the PC clock time is accurate at Initialization and Study End.
  • Page 8: Testing

    Testing Before deploying a VR2 receiver, we advise you conduct a test with a tag to verify that the VR2 is operating properly. This test also creates a VRL file (detection data file) containing all the configuration information for this receiver – handy to keep as a record of the receiver’s configuration.
  • Page 9: In-Water Test

    Watch the LED on the VR2 receiver. The LED will flash briefly for each acoustic ping received. A long flash occurs when the receiver is writing information to the memory. Verify that the “Detections” and “Pings” numbers in the Receiver Control Window are increasing.
  • Page 10: Communication With Vue

    If you are opening a database created by an earlier version of VUE (version 1.4.4 or older), you will receive a warning that the database will be converted to the new version of VUE and will no longer be compatible with older versions of the software. VEMCO - VR2 Manual...
  • Page 11: Connect To Vr2

    Connect the VRPC Interface box to the serial port on the computer and make note of the serial port number. Insert the VR PC Interface probe into the large hole in the VR2 as shown in the photo on the right below.
  • Page 12 After ensuring the PC clock has been set correctly (including time zone), continue to the next window for a selection of VR2 Control tasks (shown at right). See sections 3.4 to 3.6 for details on each task. VEMCO - VR2 Manual...
  • Page 13: Offload Data From Vr2 Receiver

    VUE software allows you to communicate with up to seven receivers simultaneously. Since your PC can talk to as many VR2 units as are connected to the PC, it is important that you ensure you are communicating with the correct unit, particularly before initializing and erasing receiver memory files.
  • Page 14: Initialize Vr2 Receiver

    The receiver clock is to the PC clock and is used to time stamp the detections as they are stored in memory. This is why it is vital that the PC clock be correct, including time zone, before the VR2 is initialized.
  • Page 15: Change Code Map

    Change Code Map A Code Map is programmed into every VR2 receiver. The Code map instructs the VR2 to decode a particular pattern of The VR2 Map Configuration window is used to change the Code Map used by the VR2 to tag transmissions.
  • Page 16: Deployment

    Deployment How a VR2 is deployed is driven by the environment it is being deployed in and the type of study being performed. Some important points to keep in mind when designing a deployment plan for your VR2 receivers are explained here. The common method for attaching a VR2 to a mooring line is also given.
  • Page 17: Mooring Line Attachment

    Mooring Line Attachment The common method used to attach a VR2 receiver to a mooring line is to use five cable ties (zip tie or tie- wrap) with the following characteristics: Non-reusable lashing cable ties Suggested minimum: • 388 mm (15.25") long •...
  • Page 18 Through Rope Around Rope Around Rope Through Rope IMPORTANT: Cut the cable ties when removing a VR2 from the mooring line. DO NOT re-use cable ties. Use only new cable ties when deploying a VR2 receiver. VEMCO - VR2 Manual...
  • Page 19: Maintenance

    Maintenance Battery Replacement The VR2 receiver is housed in a black plastic high pressure case with an outer cylinder that is removed from the receiver, revealing the internal casing protecting the electronics and allowing access to the D-cell Lithium battery. The metal/PVC internal casing has an O-ring between the metal internal casing and the PVC battery cup.
  • Page 20: Remove Battery

    Press the back of the battery towards the body of the VR2 until the battery is not pressing against the O-ring. There is a spring at the other end of the battery cup so the battery will move.
  • Page 21: Insert Battery

    Close VR2 Case 5.1.4 Before deploying or storing a VR2 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.
  • Page 22: O-Ring Care

    O-ring Care O-rings located in the end-cap of the VR2 case are crucial to the watertight seal of the receiver. Each time an O-ring is disturbed, for any reason, it must be checked before the unit is sealed again. Something as simple as a stray hair could be the difference between a successful study and a damaged receiver.
  • Page 23: Remove O-Rings

    The O-ring surfaces must be clear of all debris and dirt. An O-ring surface is any surface the O-ring touches. The VR2 has three, the two grooves the O-rings sit in and the smooth area inside the Outer Cylinder that sits between the threads and the end of the cylinder.
  • Page 24 O-ring, we recommend it be replaced rather than risk damage to the receiver and therefore your data. O-rings can be purchased for VEMCO or locally. The replacement O-rings must be PARKER #2-143 O-RING, 70 Bn NITRILE.
  • Page 25: O-Ring Installation

    Be sure to store the VR2 in a safe location where the case will not be damaged. Also be sure the temperature of the receiver during storage does not exceed the operating temperature specified in section 9.3.
  • Page 26: Additional Information

    (battery removed) except when it’s connected to the VR PC interface. When the VR PC interface’s probe is inserted in the VR2 receiver, the study is stopped. Sixty seconds after the probe is removed from the receiver the study will resume, unless the memory is full. This feature simplifies the process of downloading data while in the field because receivers don’t need to be re-initialized before being re-deployed.
  • Page 27: Common Questions

    Why does VUE create two .vrl file types? 7.1.2 When a VR2 is offloaded, VUE creates a detection file and an RLD data file. Both files have the “.vrl” extension. VUE only imports the detection vrl file (e.g., VR2_2693_20120120_1.vrl or VR2_2693_20120120_1.vrl ).
  • Page 28: How Do I Open The Options Window

    “…\My Documents\Vemco\VUE\ReceiverLogs\” Also, the offloaded file format can be chosen from the choices listed: VRL files only, VRL files and CSV files, or VRL files and legacy VR2 files. 7.1.4.3 CSV file settings The format of the CSV files created in VUE can be changed from the default format to either the Version 1.0 format or to a custom format in the Export tab of the Options window.
  • Page 29: Vr2 Related Questions

    In most cases greater transmission power output (dB) results in greater range. For example, in good conditions a V7-VR2 range test could yield a range of 300-400 m and a V16-VR2 test could yield ranges of 800-1200 m. There are some exceptions where high power and a reflective and low noise environment may cause detection breakdowns.
  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    VR PC is connected to the correct Com port on the PC. Also, it’s possible that the probe on the VR PC is not inserted far enough into the Probe Hole on the VR2. If you are still unable to communicate with the unit, please contact VEMCO to receive RMA information and send the unit back to VEMCO for assessment/repair.
  • Page 31 Do not attempt to re-use the VR2 receiver after water has been inside the case. The internal casing protecting the electronics is not waterproof and the electronics will be destroyed by contact with water.
  • Page 32: Appendix

    Appendix Cleaning Instructions Clean the VR2 with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use solvents. Do not use a scraper or abrasive cleaner on the LED window or the seal surfaces. Contact Information Product manufactured by VEMCO Division AMIRIX Systems Inc.
  • Page 33: Vr2 Specifications

    HWE 507450). WARNING The VR2 pressure case and seal have a 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 VR2 case.
  • Page 34: Warranty And Disclaimer

    VEMCO’s liability, and the Buyer’s exclusive remedy under this warranty, as to a defect in material or workmanship, is limited to the repair of such defect in the accessory, equipment or part in which the defect appears or, at VEMCO’s option, to the replacement of such accessory, equipment or part with a similar item free from defect. As to any item repaired by VEMCO or furnished as a replacement by VEMCO, VEMCO’s liability and the Buyer’s exclusive remedy to the repair or replacement of such item for any further defect in material or workmanship,...
  • Page 35: Index

    Battery, 23 VR2, 11 What is it?, 24 Change Code Map, 12 Memory Communicating, 8 Flash, 23 Offloading Raw data, 25 Options Retrieve Data, 10 Offloaded file types, 25 Options window, 25 VRL file types, 24 VEMCO - VR2 Manual...

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