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Troubleshooting
Related Manuals for Vemco VR4-UWM
Summary of Contents for Vemco VR4-UWM
- Page 1 How to use the VR4-UWM receiver www.vemco.com 28 May 2018 DOC-5141-10...
- Page 2 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.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
3.2.5 Disconnect communication with receiver ..............30 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 Unique to Acoustic Modem communication ............... - Page 4 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...
- Page 5 8 Trouble Shooting ..............58 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 VR4-UWM case related troubleshooting ................60 8.2.1 Stuck Lid ........................
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Page 6: Important Notice
(click Support button) WARNING If the VR4-UWM is not used in the manner specified in this manual, then the manufacturer's warranty protection may be voided. © (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. -
Page 7: Introduction
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. - Page 8 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.
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Page 9: Vr4-Uwm Case
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. -
Page 10: Hydrophones
1.2.2 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. -
Page 11: Pressure Relief Valves
Make sure they are all flush with the surrounding surface (closed) and are not blocked or damaged. Never deploy a VR4-UWM if any relief valve is open – the unit will flood with water and be permanently damaged. -
Page 12: Acoustic Modem
Benthos UDB-9000 Band C Deck Box and transducer (shown below). The modem on the VR4-UWM receiver stays in a low power sleep mode most of the time, and must be woken up remotely by a command from the surface. This command is initiated using VUE and takes less than 30 seconds. -
Page 13: Effect Of Local Conditions On Modem Performance
1.3.2 Each VR4-UWM is assigned a modem address, which is a number from 1 to 249 that is used to distinguish different VR4-UWM receivers if more than one is located within range of the Deck Box. You must know the modem address of a VR4-UWM in order to communicate with it using the acoustic modem. -
Page 14: Getting Started
(section 2.6) Setup the study (section 3.2.1). This also erases the test data. Deploy the VR4-UWM (section 4), or place it in Suspend mode (section 3.3.1.1) if it is being stored (section 5.5). Communicate with the receiver, using the acoustic modem, at any point after deployment to offload stored data (section 3.2.3) and make changes as needed. -
Page 15: Install Vue Software
Install VUE software VUE software is used to communicate with the VR4-UWM 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 VR4-UWM receivers because they use Bluetooth communication. -
Page 16: 2.3 Connecting With Bluetooth
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 VR4-UWM or VR2W. If VUE is not able to perform Bluetooth communication, you will see a red “X”... -
Page 17: Bluetooth Wireless Communication
Activate Bluetooth 2.4.1 The Bluetooth feature in a VR4-UWM receiver must be activated before the VUE software will be able to find and connect to the VR4-UWM. Activation requires a specially designed Communications Key (also referred to as “Comm Key”). -
Page 18: Establish Bluetooth Communication
VUE can communicate via Bluetooth with up to TIP: It’s helpful to place the VR4-UWM within 10 meters (32 feet) of the seven wireless operating Bluetooth® USB adapter before activating the VR4-UWM. receivers simultaneously. -
Page 19: Exit Suspend Mode
Exit Suspend Mode 2.4.3 For a VR4-UWM that was just shipped, or one that was in storage, the first task after communication is to remove it from Suspend mode. Suspend mode is used to reduce power consumption and prolong the life of the battery. -
Page 20: In-Air Testing With Bluetooth
3. Watch the status light on the VR4-UWM receiver. The light will flash red briefly for each acoustic ping received. A long flash occurs when the receiver is writing information to its memory. Obtain a few detections of the tag to verify it is being picked up consistently. - Page 21 6. Activate the Bluetooth® interface with the Communication Key and connect to the VR4-UWM using the VUE software (see section 0 for details). 7. View the number of detections and pings received as listed in the Receiver tab (see sample below).
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Page 22: Acoustic Modem Communication
Acoustic Modem Communication Offloading data from the VR4-UWM receiver is like reading a book – each word is read one by one until the entire page is complete. For the VR4-UWM, each piece of data must be offloaded to the VUE software one at a time until the entire block of data (or page) has been offloaded. - Page 23 STEP 4 Remove the protective caps from the connectors on the Benthos Deck Box marked XDCR and PWR (if charging) by turning them in a counter- clockwise direction and then lifting them free. Continued… VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual...
- Page 24 – see section 6.9). place. STEP 8 Turn on the Benthos Deck Box. TIP: Adjust the speaker volume on the Benthos Deck Box (see the Benthos manual for detail) to listen to the 2-way acoustic communication. VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual...
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Page 25: In-Air Testing With Acoustic Modem
5. Activate a 69 kHz VEMCO coded tag and a 180 kHz coded tag. Hold the tags close to their respective hydrophones for a period of time and watch the status light to make sure the light flashes red for 69 kHz pings and yellow for 180 kHz pings. -
Page 26: Establish Acoustic Communication
Establish Acoustic Communication 2.5.3 After the acoustic modem is setup and in position to communicate with a VR4-UWM, follow the steps listed below to communicate with the receiver using the acoustic modem and VUE software. STEP 1 Launch the VUE 2.0 software. -
Page 27: Inspect Case
Inspect Case 2.5.4 Before the VR4-UWM enters water, it’s crucial that the case be inspected for anything that could allow water to enter the case. The VR4-UWM case was tested and verified sealed before it left VEMCO. There are events that can cause the case to be compromised, such as a change in internal pressure that causes one or more of the pressure relief values to open, damage to the case that causes an entrance to the electronics, or an improper seal between the collar and lid if the case has been opened. -
Page 28: Water Test
Water Test It is a good practice to test the VR4-UWM’s detection and modem performance in the water at your particular site before undertaking a permanent deployment. Local conditions can have a significant impact on acoustic signal propagation and detection, as can mooring fixtures and other co-located equipment that might interfere. -
Page 29: Communication
Communication The basics of establishing communication with the VR4-UWM have been covered in the “Quick Start” section of this manual (section 2), but the meat of communication with a VR4-UWM receiver is explained in this section. As discussed in the introduction to the VR4-UWM (section 1.1), the VR4-UWM has two methods of communication available, Bluetooth®... - Page 30 Verify the receiver you are communicating with is the intended unit, particularly before initializing and erasing receiver memory files, or data could be lost. Communication can occur with any VR4-UWM or VR2W with Bluetooth® wireless technology activated within a 10 meter range (typical range in air).
- Page 31 The Receiver information Click Update Range to Modem Communication specific to this VR4-UWM is manually request a range Tuning Options can be contained in the top half of the distance between the set as either Automatic or Receiver Tab window.
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Page 32: Common Communication Features
This information is stored in the VR4-UWM and offloaded with the data. It can be very useful when data is being organized in the VUE software. - Page 33 STEP 3 Select one of the three options displayed. • ERASE: when data stored in the VR4-UWM has already been offloaded and you wish to erase the data and begin a new study. • OFFLOAD: when the data has not been offloaded from the VR4-UWM or if there is any uncertainty about the data being offloaded.
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Page 34: Unlock A Vr4-Uwm
If a faded out Lock button is visible, it indicates that the receiver is not password protected. Also, the receiver view will read “Disabled” for the password status. WARNING!!! If you forget the password, you will not be able to offload data or change settings in the receiver. VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual... -
Page 35: Offload Data
Offload Data 3.2.3 After data has been collected by a VR4-UWM, that data must be offloaded to be accessed and viewed. Data can only be offloaded from a VR4-UWM receiver while it is in communication with the VUE software. That communication can be through Bluetooth®... -
Page 36: Update Vr4-Uwm Firmware
The VR4-UWM can be powered down using the VUE software and the Bluetooth® interface. This conserves battery power while avoiding the risk of damaging the case seals that might occur if the VR4-UWM were disassembled to disconnect/reconnect the battery. The VR4-UWM can be stored in Suspend mode for an extended time with negligible impact on the battery life. -
Page 37: Unique To Acoustic Modem Communication
Poor, Poor, OK, Good, or Very Good. Poor ratings are caused by repeated errors encountered when transmitting the data from the VR4-UWM to the surface. These errors also require the data to be re- transmitted. To improve the rating, move the slider closer to the “Reliable” side of the scale. If the success rate does not improve, then use Advanced Tuning (see section 3.4.3). -
Page 38: Range Updates
1. The Power Up and Power Down settings may both need to be increased as the boat drifts away from the VR4-UWM. Don’t increase the power levels too quickly or echoes may be created that will create interference and increase the communication time required. 2. If the receiver is located in an... -
Page 39: Modem Communication Tips
Be patient! 3. If a command is sent to the VR4-UWM receiver when you are out of acoustic communication range, the command will not be received by the receiver. Move closer and try sending the command again. -
Page 40: Deployment
Before deploying a VR4-UWM receiver, setup the receiver and perform tests as explained in section 2. Be sure to NEVER deploy a VR4-UWM while it is in Suspend mode. The VR4-UWM receiver will not detect tags and cannot communicate via the acoustic modem while in Suspend mode. The only way to remove the receiver from Suspend mode (see section 2.4.3) requires the receiver to be... -
Page 41: During Deployment
The tilt value is found in the VR4- UWM Receiver tab, as shown below. The VR4-UWM should be within 10 degree of vertical (vertical = 0°) when it is secured in its deployment location. -
Page 42: Deployment Facts/Tips
However, in rougher conditions, heavier weights and mooring lines are usually required. The VR4-UWM should be positioned such that it has an unobstructed “view” of tagged animals within its expected acoustic range. Ensure the VR4-UWM’s hydrophone is unblocked (e.g. do not position an air filled buoy directly above the hydrophone) and free of any biofouling. -
Page 43: Maintenance
Maintenance Battery Replacement The largest aspect of VR4-UWM hardware maintenance is replacing the battery pack. To do this, open the case, remove the battery, insert the new battery, and close the case. These steps are explained in the following sections. - Page 44 STEP 3 STEP 4 Place the clean VR4-UWM on a Place a 3/8”socket wrench on secure, flat surface in a dry the bolt at the top of the bolt. environment so it is in a vertical There are six such bolts around...
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Page 45: Removing The Battery Pack
5.1.2 The battery pack can be removed after the case has been opened (section 5.1.1). Only remove the battery if the battery life has expired or the VR4-UWM is about to be re-deployed and needs a full battery. STEP 1... -
Page 46: Inserting The Battery Pack
Inserting the battery pack 5.1.3 This is performed after the VR4-UWM case has been opened (see section 5.1.1) and the battery pack has been removed (see section 5.1.2). The VR4-UWM is shipped with the battery pack installed so this procedure is not necessary before the initial deployment of the receiver. - Page 47 “click” and the connector won’t move any farther. The two connectors will only fit together in one orientation. Immediately look at the status light on the top of the receiver case. It should flash 11 times and then stop (see section 6.5). Battery Connector VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual...
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Page 48: Replace O-Rings
If you find debris (dirt, dust, hair, etc) inside a groove, then use a lint-free swab to remove it. If you find a scratch in any of the O-ring surfaces, then contact our Support department. Continued… VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual... - Page 49 (we suggest Molykote 55) over the entire surface of one of the O-rings supplied in the VEMCO VR4-UWM Battery Kit until the O-ring is slippery but doesn’t have clumps of grease on it. Too much grease can cause an O-ring to “pop” out of the groove while the case is being closed, giving little protection from water entering the VR4-UWM.
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Page 50: Closing The Vr4-Uwm Case
5.1.5 The procedure for closing the VR4-UWM case is extremely important to ensure the case is sealed and water will not be able to enter past the O-rings. Be sure to perform this procedure in a dry, clean, stable location. - Page 51 Place a 7/16” wrench the bolts are snug on the nut at the but not over bottom of the bolt to tightened. hold the nut in place. Use the socket to tighten the bolt three or four half turns. VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual...
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Page 52: O-Ring Care
Cleaning Instructions Clean the outside of the VR4-UWM with a damp cloth or scouring pad and mild detergent. Rinse it with fresh water. Clean seal surfaces with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Do not use solvents. Do not use a scraper or abrasive cleaner on the status light window or the seal surfaces. -
Page 53: Storage
Be sure to store the VR4-UWM 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 9.3.1. -
Page 54: Additional Information
Update map 6.2.2 Occasionally, VEMCO releases a new coded map. Updating the map in the VR4-UWM is as simple as starting a new study with the new map selected. Follow the basic steps on the following page to start a study with the new map. - Page 55 7. Click on the down-arrow to the right of the old Map name (MAP-113 in this case) and select the new map (MAP-114). 8. Click the “OK” button to begin the study. 9. Verify that the Status light on the VR4-UWM is flashing two quick flashes every five seconds. VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual...
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Page 56: Set Local Options
10. Verify that the map listed in the receiver information is the new map. 11. Close the communication connection with the VR4-UWM by clicking the red box with the white “X” (Close View) on the left side of the receiver ribbon. -
Page 57: Flash Memory
Flash Memory The VR4-UWM receiver uses a non-volatile Flash Memory to store valid detections of coded transmitters and the date/time at which the detection was recorded. Flash memory is memory that can retain stored information even when not powered. In the VR4-UWM, the flash memory is divided into two sections: 8 MB for detection data: This is used to store tag detections and system status records. -
Page 58: Diagnostic Sensors
The sensor measurements are recorded in the log at regular intervals, and can be viewed using the VUE software. If you suspect you are having problems with your VR4-UWM, you can send the log file to VEMCO Customer Support to help them diagnose the problem. -
Page 59: Battery
Battery 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 usually shipped with the battery installed and connected, so there is no need for the customer to disassemble the receiver to connect the battery. To avoid consuming the battery during shipping and storage, VR4-UWM can be placed in Suspend mode (see section 5.5.1 for details). -
Page 60: Usb To Rs232 Converter Installation
COM port and assigns a COM port number to it. This COM port number should be noted as the VUE software needs this information to communicate with the VR4-UWM. 1. Plug the USB to RS232 converter (may not appear as shown in photo at right) into a USB port on the PC. -
Page 61: Common Questions
If a VR4-UWM receiver is deployed without being initialized, the receiver will detect tags but the receiver will not necessarily have the correct clock setting or map configuration required for proper data detection. -
Page 62: What Does The "Hide This (Window) In Future" Mean
(circled in picture at right) and clicking the “Options” button at the bottom of the menu box (see arrow in picture at right). The Options window contains the following tabs: Display, Offload, Export, Devices, and Other. These are described in VUE manual. VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual... -
Page 63: Vr4-Uwm Related Questions
In most cases greater transmission power output (dB) results in greater range. For example, in good conditions a V7 to VR4-UWM range test could yield a range of 300-400 m and a V16 to VR4-UWM test could yield ranges of 600 - 800 m. There are some exceptions where high power and a reflective and low noise environment may cause detection breakdowns. -
Page 64: Trouble Shooting
Here are some things to check if VUE does not detect a Bluetooth® adapter: 1. Is the VEMCO-supplied Bluetooth® adapter installed in a functional USB 2.0 High-Speed port on your PC? If nothing happens when the adapter is plugged in, try a different USB port. VUE may work with other adapters;... -
Page 65: I Cannot Connect To My Vr4-Uwm Receiver
Open the Control Panel. If your Control Panel is set to Classic View, select Bluetooth Devices. If your Control Panel is set to Category View, select Network & Internet Connections category, then Bluetooth Devices. If a VR4-UWM is listed there, highlight it, remove it and try communicating to VUE again. -
Page 66: Vr4-Uwm Case Related Troubleshooting
VR4-UWM from cold water. Allowing the receiver to warm up often eliminates this vacuum. Alternately, locate the alignment peg hole on the bottom side of the collar. It’s the center hole in the only group of three holes in the receiver’s collar (see photo below). -
Page 67: Pressurized Case
An unexpected failure of the VR4-UWM is also an indication it might have flooded with water. If you believe the battery should still have plenty of life left, but the VR4-UWM is unresponsive - there is no status light activity and it will not communicate over the acoustic modem or Bluetooth – the main housing might have flooded and could be pressurized. -
Page 68: 8.2.2.1 Pressurized Main Housing
If you suspect pressurization of the main housing, open it slowly as follows: 1. Place the VR4-UWM upright on the floor or flat stable ground. Do not let it tip over and strike the ground. Do not place any part of your body directly over the VR4-UWM, in case the lid shoots off. -
Page 69: Popped Pressure Relief Valve
8.2.3.2 Newly Delivered From VEMCO If you have received a new VR4-UWM from VEMCO (never been deployed) with a relief valve popped open during shipping, there is not necessarily a problem with the receiver. It is possible a relief valve could open if the outside air pressure was very low, such as during a flight in an unpressurized aircraft. -
Page 70: Appendix
The VR4-UWM lithium battery is restricted for transport due to the hazardous material contained within the lithium battery. The same applies to the entire VR4-UWM if it has a lithium battery installed. Be sure to adhere to proper shipping regulations for hazardous materials if shipping a VR4-UWM with the battery included, or when shipping the battery alone. -
Page 71: Vr4-Uwm Specifications
See section 6.8 Memory 16 Megabyte Flash Memory (approximately 800,000 detections) Operating -5°C to +40 °C temperature NOTE: Water in which VR4-UWM is deployed must not freeze. Shipping & storage -18°C to +50°C temperature Static depth rating 500 meters (730 psi) -
Page 72: Replacement Parts
Mating (cable) connector Subconn MCIL6F Dummy plug Subconn MCDC6F Locking sleeve Subconn MCDLSF Recommended lubricant Dow Corning Molykote 44 Medium Signal Levels RS-232 Pinout Pin # Direction Signal SIGNAL GND SHIELD GND Baud rate 9600 bps VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual... -
Page 73: Glossary
Station Name: Name for a specific deployment location including lat and long parameters. Offloading: Retrieving data from a VEMCO receiver and storing it in a VRL file. UTC: Co-ordinated Universal Time is a worldwide standard for time, sometimes referred to as Greenwich Mean Time. -
Page 74: 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 75: Index
Offload data, 29 Receiver Tab, 25 Range Value displayed, 35 Start a Study, 26 Range updates Study Configuration, 27 Automatic, 32 Suppressed pop-up queries, 50 Manual, 32 Update firmware, 30, 48 Record mode, 26 Update map, 48 VEMCO – VR4-UWM Manual...