VEMCO – ASCENT–AR / AR2 Manual
28 July
2018
1
1
Introduction
1.1
System Overview
The ASCENT – Acoustic Release (ASCENT-AR / ASCENT-AR2) is a submersible, single-channel acoustic
release capable staying under water for up to five years. The ASCENT-AR acoustically communicates with a
VR100-200 receiver, and separating from its mooring after an acoustic release command is received and
verified.
The ASCENT-AR is housed in a corrosion resistant cylindrical plastic high
pressure case (AR and AR2 shown at right). The case incorporates an
integral hydrophone at one end of the case and a replaceable mooring lug at
the other end. The ASCENT-AR has the ability to:
Communicate with VUE software through a Bluetooth connection
Quickly and reliably release from its mooring lug (typically within a
few seconds)
Easily re-arm the release mechanism
Allow easy attachment of floatation to exterior casing for buoyancy
Can respond to a VR100-200 without entering a specific serial
number or location
Communicate additional status information to the VR100-200 and
make changes to select receive and transmit operations while
deployed, such as power settings
Report release status and activate the release through the VR100-200
acoustic communication
Report range and depth information as the unit is rising to the surface
The ASCENT-AR communicates to the surface through our VR100-200 active tracking receiver. It is
compatible with all VR100-200 models sold since January 2013. Customers will require a transponding
hydrophone to attach to the VR100. The ASCENT-AR release information that can be
accessed through the VR100-200 includes:
Unit health
Tilt, depth and temperature
Battery life and memory usage
Release range which will aid in locating the release
Built in Transmitter configuration allowing users to change the power setting of the
transmitter
The release mechanism is a mooring lug that is controlled by a DC motor using a
titanium shaft. The exterior of the mooring lug shaft is copper to reduce bio-
fouling.
