VR100 : Receiver and Deck Box
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Overview
The VR100 is a general purpose acoustic receiver designed for manual tracking of aquatic animals from small boats or for recording laboratory data.
The VR100 is also required as a surface communication deck box for remote communications with the VR2Tx Transceiver and VR2AR Acoustic Release and Transceiver. With the VR100 you can now communicate with these receivers while deployed to locate receivers, get health and detection statistics and provide easy, remote release of the VR2AR.
The VR100 can be used to track coded (both 69 and 180 kHz) tags as well as continuous tags simultaneously on a wide variety of animals ranging from salmon smolts to sharks. Depending on the transmitter type, the receiver can also collect telemetry data such as temperature, depth and acceleration.
The VR100 is used with the VH165 (50-85 kHz) and VH180 (180 kHz) omni-directional hydrophones, the VHTx (50-85 kHz) transponding omni-directional hydrophone, the VH110 (50-85 kHz) and VH180-D directional hydrophones. Directional hydrophones extend the receiver’s capabilities for real-time animal tracking studies. Note that all VEMCO hydrophones are sold separately.
For more details, see Downloads section.
Have you looked whether you need to update your VR100? click here
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Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my VR100 function using the internal battery?
How many detections can my VR100 record to memory?
How do I change the transmitter code MAP on my VR100?
Why is my VR100 not displaying my sensor tag information correctly?
How can I preload all of my sensor transmitter information into my VR100?
Can I detect 180 kHz transmitters with my VR100?
Can I use DC power to run my VR100?
How do I update the firmware on my VR100?
My VR100 seems to be shutting down when it is extremely hot, why?
Why am I not allowed to change the internal battery on the VR100 myself?
I know I am close to my Coded tag but I can’t detect it.
My Continuous sensor data is very noisy.
Why is my time offset incorrect on my VR100 data?
How long will my VR100 function using the internal battery?
12 hours of tracking time with backlight off (when operating between 10°C and 40°C). If the backlight is on full time, battery life will be reduced to 6 to 8 hours. Backlight settings are programmable (see VR100 hardware manual section 4.3.2.3 in the Downloads section). These estimated battery times are also dependent on the health of the battery (i.e. how the VR100 was stored, age of battery, etc.).
How many detections can my VR100 record to memory?
The VR100 is capable of storing 85,000 events. This is equivalent to detecting 1 continuous transmitter approximately every second for 23.6 hours. You can view used memory level on the VR100 by selecting the CONFIG button (right selection button) and then press “5” on the keypad.
How do I change the transmitter code MAP on my VR100?
On VR100 home screen, please select CONFIG button>Press “1” on keypad> Select Configure>Edit>select Next twice>scroll up and down with side arrows to select MAP. **Important** Before changing your MAP, please confirm that the CODED transmitters that you are using will be correctly decoded by the VR100. If unsure, please contact VEMCO Support.
Why is my VR100 not displaying my sensor tag information correctly?
The VR100 will display only the ADC (raw digital) values of your sensor tags if you have not entered the slope and intercept provided with your sensor tags. You can set up 750 sensor tags in the VR100 at one time. If the correct sensor information is entered, the VR100 will display the real physical units (depth, temperature, acceleration). Alternatively, in any spreadsheet, you can perform a post-hoc conversion of your data by applying the slope and intercept to the ADC values. For large tag orders, please contact VEMCO Support to supply you with a metadata file (.xres), which will save you the task of manually entering information.
How can I preload all of my sensor transmitter information into my VR100?
You can either manually enter the transmitter information using the VR100 keypad, or for larger transmitter studies you can request a metadata file (.xres file) from Vemco’s Customer Support Team (contact information), which can be loaded into the VR100 using the VR100HS software. Up to 750 sensor tags can be loaded into the VR100 at one time. Note: transmitters (pingers) without sensors are automatically recognized by the VR100 as long as the proper code MAP has been selected. They cannot be entered in the VR100.
Can I detect 180 kHz transmitters with my VR100?
Yes, the VR100 can decode both 180 kHz and 69 kHz coded transmitters. Please make sure to have the most recent firmware loaded onto your VR100 receiver, so you can select the correct 180 kHz code MAP. You will also require a 180 kHz hydrophone.
Can I use DC power to run my VR100?
Yes. The VR100 is sold with a DC adaptor plug. This adaptor plug can connect to any DC power supply (12 to 18 volts – (e.g., Marine or deep cycle battery).
How do I update the firmware on my VR100?
Please see the VR100 Firmware Update instructions.
My VR100 seems to be shutting down when it is extremely hot, why?
If the internal temperature exceeds approximately 40oC, certain versions of the VR100 will shut down for circuit protection.
Why am I not allowed to change the internal battery on the VR100 myself?
Opening a VR100 to change the internal battery will void any existing warranty. This procedure should only be completed by VEMCO technicians. Opening the VR100 disturbs the waterproof seal between the top faceplate and case. The internal electronics may also be damaged.
I know I am close to my Coded tag but I can’t detect it.
This is usually because the VR100 circuitry is overloaded (saturated) with signal or due to echoes. Try selecting MANUAL GAIN and lowering the Gain until the signal is detected. This may also be due to other factors (hydrophone orientation & depth, sea state, bottom type, etc).
My Continuous sensor data is very noisy.
This can happen in a number of ways but it is often due to incorrect VR100 settings for the sensor tag. The MIN and MAX period settings should be approximately no more or less than 50 milliseconds of the expected minimum and maximum values for the tag transmissions (see VR100 manual). Also, try to avoid missed pings or extra pings (echoes) by manipulating the Manual Gain settings.
Why is my time offset incorrect on my VR100 data?
Confirm that you have the correct Local Time Offset programmed into your VR100. Power On the VR100, Select>”Config” button>Select “2” (system)>Select “1” (time)).
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Specifications
Specifications Frequency range 12 to 200 kHz Dimensions (approx.) 34 cm x 32 cm (with handle extended) x 15 cm Weight with gel cell 6.5 kg Battery life Approximately 12 hours with backlight off PC communication Computer controlled via USB connection Software VR100 PC Host Software for Windows Vista/7/8 Gain control Automatic or manual Hydrophone type Omni-directional: VH165 (50-85 kHz), VH180 (180 kHz);
Omni-directional: VHTx Transponding (50-85 kHz);
Directional: VH110 (50-85 kHz)Display 4 x 20 character LCD display Signal strength meter LCD screen displays relative signal strength numerically and graphically Water resistance Splash resistance -
Downloads