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VR4-UWM Receiver
Quick Reference Guide
This VR4-UWM Quick Guide provides basic information on key VR4-UWM procedures. Full details for all VR4-UWM procedures are
found in the VR4-UWM User manual. We strongly recommend you study the full user manual before using this quick guide.
Bluetooth Communication
1. Place the VR4-UWM within 2 meters of the PC with the Bluetooth USB adapter attached.
2. Place the Comm Key (magnet) against the circular indent in the VR4-UWM’s lid. The Status Light
should ash red once per second.
3. Open VUE software. If the VR4-UWM doesn’t appear in Bluetooth Devices section, then click the
Device Scan icon and wait.
4. Double-click on the receiver icon and wait for receiver information to be displayed.
Acoustic Communication
1. Reduce other noise sources in water (depth sounder, propeller
noise, etc.).
2. Connect the surface modem to the Deck box and the Deck box
to the PC.
3. Turn on the Deck box.
4. Launch the VUE software and click on the Serial Device COM
number that connects to the Deck box.
5. Select “VR4-UWM” receiver.
6. Enter the VR4-UWM serial number, or click Scan.
7. Enter the VR4-UWM modem address, or click Scan.
8. Wait for receiver and modem information to be displayed.
VUE Tasks
Start Recording: Initializes the receiver to the desired
settings, erasing memory; also removes VR4-UWM
from Suspend mode (Bluetooth only).
Ooad data: Copy data from the VR4-UWM memory
to the PC. Select “Ooad New” to copy only data that
has never been ooaded.
Mooring Design
Mooring design should not
interfere with receiver’s line of
sight
Keep receiver as vertically
upright as possible
Communicate with modem
during deployment
Do not allow mooring cables
or chains to rub against the
receiver
Lock/Unlock VR4-UWM: Only applies if a
password has been enabled
Close VUE: Disconnects communication
between VUE and receiver.
Set advanced device options: Contains more
advanced options, such as updating rmware.
Click the green Device Scan icon in the top right corner to refresh the receiver information shown on the
screen.
Low Power Sleep: Put the VR4-UWM
in Suspend mode – only available with
Bluetooth communication.
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VR4-UWM Receiver
Quick Reference Guide
Advanced Acoustic Communication Points
Errors encountered in transmitting data from the VR4-UWM receiver to the surface require data
to be retransmitted. If this occurs try:
z Moving the slider closer to “Reliable” .
z Check the Advanced box and make adjustments (see next point).
If you are unfamiliar with the settings necessary at a particular location, begin with the settings
shown in the sample shown at right, and make further adjustments as needed. These settings
are a good starting point.
You may need to increase both the Power up and Power down settings as the boat drifts away
from the VR4-UWM. Do not increase the power too quickly or too strongly, as echoes may be
created that will increase communication errors/time required.
Reduce power levels for both up and down communication if the boat is close to the receiver and communication quality is
poor. Too much power may cause additional noise in the water and lower the quality of communication.
If you are working in an acoustically reective environment (hard bottom), avoid using high power settings as this can cause
intense reected signals that could interfere with the direct communication signals.
Use a VR100 receiver set to 20 kHz and an omni-directional hydrophone (place hydrophone in water, below draft of boat) to
listen to the signals being transmitted between VR4-UWM and the Benthos transducer.
If you are outside acoustic range from the VR4-UWM, the commands sent from the VUE software will not be received by the
receiver. Move closer and try to send the command again.
When you change a communication setting, it takes time (two consecutive transmissions) for the VR4-UWM to receive the
command and make the change. Be patient!
If the surface transponder is close to the VR4-UWM and communication quality is poor, reduce the baud rate to 300-600 baud.
This should reduce the communication errors caused by fewer transmission repetitions.
Status and Range communications are short messages that are more likely to “get through” during challenging acoustic
conditions than the larger ooad communication. Use these smaller communications to help identify the settings
needed to establish “good” or “very good” communication levels.
If a VR4-UWM is stationed in an area where you expect there will be lots of tagged animals, ooad the data on a more frequent
schedule to reduce the amount of time required to ooad data at each visit to the site.
Record the environmental conditions, power and bit rate settings for each VR4-UWM location. This will reduce the
communication setup time for your next visit to this location. For example, if the area has a hard at bottom that is very
reective to acoustic signals and requires a lower power setting, then start with the same power setting at your next visit.
Power scale: 0 dB is the highest power (signal strength) and -21 dB is the lowest power level. Using a high power level when
it is not necessary can increase communication errors by saturating the area with acoustic energy.
Basic instructions for communicating acoustically with
a VR4-UWM while deployed are found in the Field
Communication Quick Guide.
DOC-5461-02 (QG)
Operating temperature: -5 °C to 40 °C; Water in which
the VR4-UWM is deployed must not freeze.
Static depth rating: 500 meters (730 psi)
+1 902-450-1700
www.vemco.com
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