Setting Up Vivax-Metrotech Locators with TerraFlow Mobile

Learn how to configure your Vivax-Metrotech locator and pair it with TerraFlow Mobile for accurate data collection with depth measurements.

Time needed: 5 minutes

Before you start:

  • Ensure your Vivax-Metrotech locator is fully charged
  • Have your mobile device ready with TerraFlow Mobile installed
  • Know your locator model (vLoc2 Pro, vLoc3 Pro, or vLoc3 RTK Pro)
  • Verify Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device

Step 1: Configure Your Vivax-Metrotech Locator for Pairing

Prepare your Vivax-Metrotech locator to connect with your mobile device.

  1. Enter Menu Mode on the locator
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth
  3. Select Pair

Your Vivax-Metrotech locator is now in pairing mode and ready to connect. The Bluetooth indicator should be visible on the locator display.

Step 2: Pair the Locator with Your Mobile Device

Complete the Bluetooth pairing process on your phone or tablet.

  1. Open Settings on your mobile device
  2. Tap Bluetooth
  3. Tap Scan or wait for available devices to appear
  4. Locate your Vivax-Metrotech Locator in the list of available devices
  5. Tap the locator name to begin pairing
  6. Enter the pairing code if prompted

Once paired successfully, you should see "Connected" or a similar status next to your Vivax-Metrotech locator in the Bluetooth settings.

Step 3: Configure TerraFlow Mobile

The configuration steps vary by model. Find your locator model below and follow the specific instructions.

Option A: vLoc2 Pro and vLoc3 Pro

These standard models provide locator data and use your mobile device's GPS for positioning.

  1. Open TerraFlow Mobile
  2. Tap Settings on the bottom bar
  3. Scroll down to Sensor Settings
  4. Select your Vivax-Metrotech locator from the Locator dropdown

Your locator is now connected and ready for data collection.

Option B: vLoc3 RTK Pro

This model provides high-accuracy RTK GPS positioning and requires additional configuration.

  1. Open TerraFlow Mobile
  2. Tap Settings on the bottom bar
  3. Scroll down to Sensor Settings
  4. Select your Vivax-Metrotech locator from the Locator dropdown
  5. Enable Use locator GPS
  6. Scroll down to Location Settings
  7. Select NMEA from the Location Provider dropdown
  8. Select the locator connection as the Location Device

Important: Contact support@terraflow.ca for the correct Translation to WebMercator setting before using your vLoc3 RTK Pro in the field.

The vLoc3 RTK Pro will now provide both locator measurements and high-accuracy positioning data to TerraFlow.

Step 4: Test Your Connection

Before heading to the field, confirm everything is working properly.

  1. Start a new collection by tapping the Plus button
  2. Select a workflow and tap the Sensor tab
  3. Select an asset type
  4. Press i then + on your Vivax-Metrotech locator
  5. Tilt the locator if required (RTK Pro if enabled)
  6. Verify that measurement data appears in TerraFlow

If the measurement appears with depth and signal strength data, your setup is complete and ready for fieldwork.

Troubleshooting

Vivax-Metrotech locator not appearing in Bluetooth scan?

  • Verify the locator is in pairing mode (check the display for Bluetooth indicator)
  • Ensure the locator is within 10 feet of your mobile device
  • Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your mobile device
  • Restart the pairing process on the locator
  • Check that the locator battery has sufficient charge

Pairing code not working or not sure what code to use?

  • Check your Vivax-Metrotech locator documentation for the default pairing code
  • Try common default codes: 0000, 1234, or 1111
  • Contact your locator supplier if the code has been changed
  • Some Vivax-Metrotech models may not require a pairing code

Locator paired but not appearing in TerraFlow dropdown?

  • Close and reopen TerraFlow Mobile
  • Verify the Bluetooth connection is active in your device settings
  • Unpair and re-pair the device, then restart TerraFlow
  • Ensure you have the latest version of TerraFlow Mobile installed

Measurement button pressed but no data appears in TerraFlow?

  • Confirm you're on the Sensor tab (not manual collection)
  • Check that the locator is properly selected in Sensor Settings
  • Verify the Bluetooth connection is still active
  • Make sure you pressed both i then + on the locator
  • Try tilting the locator if using an RTK Pro
  • Ensure the locator has a valid signal

vLoc3 RTK Pro showing poor GPS accuracy?

  • Verify "Use locator GPS" is enabled in Sensor Settings
  • Check that NMEA is selected as Location Provider
  • Confirm the locator connection is selected as Location Device
  • Verify the Translation to WebMercator setting is correctly configured
  • Ensure you have a clear view of the sky for GPS reception
  • Check that your RTK correction service is active (if applicable)

Connection keeps dropping during data collection?

  • Keep your mobile device within 10 feet of the locator
  • Check for Bluetooth interference from other devices
  • Ensure both devices have adequate battery charge
  • Close other apps that may be using Bluetooth
  • Restart both devices if the problem persists

Tips for Success

  • Battery management: Bluetooth reduces locator battery life—charge devices fully before field sessions
  • Connection distance: Keep your mobile device within 10 feet of the locator for stable connection
  • First-time setup: Initial pairing may take a moment—be patient and wait for confirmation
  • Tilt technique: Practice the tilt motion with your locator to get consistent depth readings
  • RTK accuracy: The vLoc3 RTK Pro provides survey-grade positioning but requires clear sky view
  • Pre-field testing: Always test the measurement button sequence (i then +) before leaving for the field
  • Multiple locators: If you use multiple Vivax-Metrotech devices, consider labeling them to avoid confusion when selecting in TerraFlow

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Need more help? Contact TerraFlow Support at support@terraflow.ca