MarCum RECON 5 Compact Underwater Viewing System User Manual
- June 1, 2024
- MarCum
Table of Contents
MarCum RECON 5 Compact Underwater Viewing System User
Specifications
- Operating Temperature: -10C to +40C
- Lighting Options: LED and Infrared
- LED Light Intensity Levels: 3 levels + Off
- Infrared Light Intensity Levels: 3 levels + Off
Getting Started
Charging: The RECON5 displays battery status on the upper left side of
the video image. Three full green bars indicate a full charge.
Operation
- Power Button: Press to turn the system on/off. Hold for 5 seconds to shut down.
- LED/Up Arrow Button: Controls LED lights. Press once to turn on, press multiple times to adjust intensity.
- IR/Down Arrow Button: Controls Infrared lights. Press once to turn on, press multiple times to adjust intensity.
- Menu/Enter Button: Press once to access the menu system. Use arrow buttons to navigate and adjust settings.
RECON 5 Menu Options
The menu system times out after 5 seconds of inactivity. Use arrow buttons to
navigate and Enter button to select.
Monitor Setting
Adjust settings for brightness, sharpness, contrast, color, and color kill.
Save changes for them to take effect.
System Setting
Restore factory settings or check current software version.
Exit
Use this option to exit the menu system.
RECON Features
Camera Lights: LED and Infrared lighting options with multiple
intensity levels. Follow instructions to adjust and use the lights as needed.
FAQ
Q: How do I know when the battery is fully charged?
A: Three full green bars on the battery status indicator indicate a full
charge.
COMPACT UNDERWATER VIEWING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL
RECON 5
The RECON 5 viewing system comes complete with everything needed to enjoy the
world of underwater viewing. It features a 5” Screen with a multi-purpose sun
shield/screen protector. The camera features both visible LED lights as well
as a stealthy infrared option for viewing in low light situations. A removable
weight and camera-positioning clip come standard with the system. The system
is powered by an internal rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that provides up to
6 hours of continuous run-time. Included with your system are a charger and
cable, protective soft-pack, and camera storage sack. The RECON 5 features a
¼”- 20 insert as well as additional inserts that allow for limitless mounting
options (Mounts not included). These are located behind the cable storage reel
(see “Removing the camera cable storage reel” section; p. 5). The charging
port and video out jack are located on the rear of the monitor, and can be
accessed by lifting the protective rubber cap.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display:
- 5” Widescreen LCD Monitor
- 16:9 Aspect Ratio, Sunlight Readable
- 800 x 480 Pixel Hi-Res Color
Power
- Rechargeable Internal Lithium Battery
- (Up-to 6 Hours of Continuous Run-Time)
- USB Charger & Cable
Display Adjustments
- Brightness
- Sharpness
- Contrast
- Color
- Color Kill
Camera
-
1/3” CMOS Sensor Offers
Optimal Low-Light Performance -
110° Field of View
-
Darkwater Adjustable LED or IR
Lighting
- Color Kill, Color or B/W Image
Options
- 50 ft. Camera Cable
- Removable weight
Additional Features
- Built-In Sunshield & Screen
Protector
- RCA Video Out
- Soft Pack & Camera Sack
- Removable Camera & Cable
Storage
- 1-Year Warranty
GETTING STARTED
Charging
The RECON5 has an on-screen display of the battery status found in the upper
left side of the video image. Once the video image starts the battery status
indicator will detail a series of green bars. Three full green bars will
indicate a full charge.
To charge the RECON5, power the system off (5 second hold of power button) and locate the rubber cap on the back of the monitor just to the right of the cable storage reel. Lift the rubber cap to expose the USB Charging port. Insert the supplied USB cable and connect it with the supplied charger, or any USB port. Once the charger is connected to either the wall outlet or USB port, the charge indicator light (on rear of unit next to A/V Port) will illuminate – red indicates that the system is charging, green indicates the system is fully charged. When using the wall outlet there is a light on the charger that will always be green when plugged in. This light will indicate there is power being supplied. To verify if the system is charged, please check the charge indicator light on the rear of the unit. Once charging is complete, unplug the charger, remove the USB charging cable from the system, and properly seal the rubber cap. Best practice is to charge after every use regardless of how far down the battery was discharged. This will ensure the longest run-time each time the system hits the water.
OPERATION
The Control panel located on the front right side of system features four
buttons, with one on the left side.
Power Button
The bottom button powers the system on and off. Press the power button to turn
the system on. A start up screen with the MarCum logo will briefly show,
followed by the video image. To turn the system off press and hold the power
button for 5 seconds until the system shuts down.
LED/Up Arrow Button
The LED/Up arrow button serves a dual purpose. When selected it will turn on
and increase the intensity of the LED lights. An on-screen display will be
shown momentarily to indicate the light intensity level selected. There are
three intensity levels and an off selection.
When in the menu section of the system, this button serves as an up selection.
IR/Down Arrow Button
The IR/Down arrow button serves a dual purpose. When selected it will turn on
and increase the intensity of the Infrared lights. An on-screen display will
be shown momentarily to indicate the light intensity level selected. There are
three intensity levels and an off selection.
When in the menu section of the system, this button serves as a down
selection.
Menu/Enter Button
The Menu/Enter button serves a dual purpose. Pressing once accesses the Menu
system. Once inside the menu system it functions as the enter button.
RECON 5 MENU OPTIONS
For ease of use, the menu system on the RECON 5 times out after a 5 second
period of inactivity and defaults back to the camera image without any
additional keystrokes required.
Enter the Menu system with a single press of the top Menu/Enter button. Use
the up or down arrow buttons to navigate to the desired selection, followed by
the Enter button to enter and change that setting. Repeat this process within
the other menu sub-sections to make adjustments.
Monitor Setting
- Brightness – Controls the monitor backlight.
- Sharpness – Controls sharpness.
- Contrast – Controls Contrast.
- Color – Controls Color adjustments.
- Color Kill – Gathers a Black & White image.
NOTE: Once the desired setting has been adjusted, press enter and toggle down to the save button and press enter. You must save for changes to take effect.
System Setting
Default – Selecting “Yes” will restore the factory settings.
Version – Shows the current software version the system is operating with.
Exit
Exit – This selection will exit user out of Menu main page
RECON FEATURES
Camera Lights
The RECON 5 is equipped with both LED and infrared lighting options. Each
lighting option has multiple intensity levels.
To turn on the LED lights, use the LED/UP button on the control panel.
Pressing this button once will turn the lights on. The on screen display will
show momentarily on the bottom of the monitor. To increase the intensity of
the lights, pressthe button until you reach the desired intensity level. There
are three settings available and the fourth press will turn the lights off.
The infrared lights offer a stealthy approach because infrared lights are not
visible to the naked eye. To turn on the infrared lights, use the IR/Down
button on the control panel. Pressing this button once will turn the lights
on. An on screen display will show momentarily on the bottom of the monitor.
To increase the intensity of the lights, press the button until you reach the
desired intensity level. There are three settings available and the fourth
press will turn the lights off. Use the camera image along with the monitor
on-screen display to gauge the desired intensity level.
A/V Port
On the back of the monitor there is a rectangular rubber cap that protects the
charging port and the RCA video out jack. Please make sure this cap is closed
when not using the RCA jack to avoid potential water damage.
Utilizing the RCA Jack
There are many anglers with large ice fishing houses that are equipped with a
TV inside. Video is easily sent from the RECON 5 to your TV by simply running
an RCA cable from the RECON 5 and selecting the correct input source on the
external monitor.
USING YOUR CAMERA
Once you have a working knowledge of the system you can successfully deploy
the Camera in the water. The Camera is equipped with a removable weight system
that clips on the bottom of the camera. The weight can be removed by lifting
the tab facing the rear of the camera. Be sure the weight clicks into place
when replacing it on the camera. Atop the RECON 5 camera is a positioning
system (three tabs and a clip). Set the clip to the correct tab to select your
viewing angle (see camera positions below).
The depth of field (distance the camera can see underwater) depends on the
clarity of the water and the available light at the depth the camera is used.
In clear water, the depth can be many feet but in cloudy or murky water the
depth of field can be reduced to only a few inches due to particles suspended
in the water. Dirty or murky water and/or low light penetration can detract
from the quality of the color picture. Optimum color quality will result from
clear water and adequate light penetration.
NOTE: The Color kill feature will turn on automatically when the camera’s
light sensor doesn’t detect enough light for optimal color viewing. This can
happen in low light conditions, in deep water, or when the ice is very thick
and/or covered with snow.
CAMERA POSITIONS
Horizontal
Horizontal viewing is available by setting the camera clip in the back slot
(3rd tab; furthest from camera lens). This view will show a horizontal view of
the water column as a traditional underwater viewing system does.
Down View
The RECON 5 has the ability to be positioned in a down view by removing the
camera clip from the positioning system atop the camera (three tabs). The
camera will then hang vertically from the cable and send images of the water
column below the camera.
Up View
An upward view of the water column is possible with a couple of adjustments.
First, remove the weight system at the bottom of the camera. The weight can be
removed by lifting the tab facing the rear of the camera and sliding
backwards. Attach the clip to the 1st tab (closest to the camera lens), and
carefully pull the cable though the clip to achieve the desired upward angle.
The slightly upward view allows the RECON 5 to gather more light to better
view the water column in low light situations such as deeper depths, murky
water, or low light periods such as dawn/dusk.
OPERATING POSITIONS
Handheld
The RECON 5 is a palm-sized system with full sized performance. For handheld
operation simply remove the RECON from the included soft-pack. Set the camera
clip at the desired viewing position, and deploy. Carefully watch the monitor
image to avoid damaging the camera in rocks, submerged vegetation, brush piles
or other harmful environments that could snag, wedge or damage the camera or
cable; doing so will void the warranty.
Body Worn
The Soft-pack supplied with the RECON 5 is designed to allow for hands free
use of the monitor allowing the angler to focus on camera depth and
positioning. Adjustable straps allow for comfort and viewing distance. The
camera can be deployed and accessed from the rear of the soft-pack, while the
monitor rests securely within a comfortable viewing distance, with full access
to the control panel.
You can also use the Velcro strap on the Cable storage spool as an arm or
wrist mount for increased portability.
Mounted
The RECON 5 features a ¼”-20 insert as well as additional inserts that allow
for limitless mounting options (Mounts not included). These are located behind
the cable storage reel. The ¼”-20 insert is the most common mounting option
for photo/video equipment. The insert port is located in the center of the
cable storage reel and is accessible by removing the Velcro strap. With the
Velcro strap removed the ¼”-20 insert will be exposed, as will the 4
surrounding inserts that provide limitless mounting solutions from aftermarket
suppliers. You may want to remove the camera storage reel when used in a
mounted solution.
Removing the camera cable storage reel
Start by removing all of the camera cable from the cable storage reel. Once
the Cable has been removed, the cable reel can slide out by gentle lifting on
the reel (on the opposite side of the charging/AV port), while simultaneously
sliding in that direction. Once the Cable storage reel is removed, re-wind the
excess cable back onto the reel. To replace the reel onto the RECON 5, align
the tabs furthest from the USB port with the indented area on the underside of
the reel and slide toward the USB Port.
One Year Warranty
MarCum warranties this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty applies to
customers who properly complete the online product registration form found on
the MarCum Technologies Website:
www.marcumtech.com/support
MarCum Technologies will repair or replace any components that fail in normal
use. Failures due to abuse, misuse, unauthorized alteration, modification, or
repair are not covered. The warranty is valid only for the original owner who
purchases the unit from an authorized dealer. An original sales receipt dated
within the warranty period is required for all warranty claims.
To best serve our customers, MarCum Technologies has set a standardized
battery warranty policy. Battery warranty coverage requires a proof of
purchase. Please see our website,
www.marcumtech.com/support for full
details on warranty coverage.
Battery Warnings
Do not immerse the battery in water or sea water. Keep the battery in a cool
dry place when not in use. Do not use or leave the battery near a heat source
(i.e. heater, furnace, fire). Use the battery charger only as directed when
recharging. Do not reverse the positive and negative terminals on the battery
connections. Do not discard the battery in a fire, furnace, or other
combustible space. Do not connect the battery directly to an electrical
outlet. Do not short–circuit the battery by directly connecting the positive
and negative terminals with metal objects. Do not directly solder the battery
or pierce the battery with a nail or other sharp objects. If the battery gives
off an odor, generates heat, becomes discolored or in any way appears abnormal
during use, or while recharging or discharging, immediately stop using it. If
the battery leaks and the battery contents (electrolyte) gets into an eye, do
not rub the eye. Instead, flush the eye(s) with clean water and immediately
seek medical attention or it may result in injury to the eye(s). Do not use
the battery in a location where static electricity or magnetic fields are
great or it may result in damage to the battery safety devices. Do not leave
the battery in high temperatures (i.e. in direct sunlight or in a vehicle in
extremely hot weather) or it may overheat and its performance will be degraded
and service life decreased. Tape the battery terminals prior to disposal to
insulate them as discarded batteries may cause fire or explosion.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE
If your system is malfunctioning, check the support section of our website.
You may find that the solution to your problem is something you can resolve
yourself. If you need to send it in, there is no need to contact our office.
Getting repairs made is as simple as going to our website,
Marcumtech.com clicking the support tab and then
filling out the MarCum Warranty Claim.
Once you have completed and submitted a warranty claim, package the system as
described on the website and ship it to us.
If your system is out of warranty, it is a simple as going to our website and
filling out a MarCum non-warranty claim. Once you have completed the non-
warranty claim, package the system as described on the website and ship it to
us. All non-warranty repair pricing is determined after the system is received
by us.
Some people are more comfortable calling for shipping instructions. During
peak ice season, we sometimes receive a high volume of calls, making it
impossible to get to all customers who phone in. For this reason, strongly
consider using the on-line forms at
www.marcumtech.com/support or using the
“Live Chat” option.
OUR ADDRESS:
MARCUM TECHNOLOGIES
ATTN: SERVICE DEPT.
3943 QUEBEC AVE NORTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55427
Please send your email inquiries to
service@marcumtech.com
If you are unable to use email or internet, you may call us at
763-512-3987. Our office hours are
Monday – Friday, 8 – 4 Central Time.
International callers may use
888-778-1208.
The customer is responsible for shipping costs associated with returning the system to MarCum Technologies. MarCum will pay for shipping the repaired system back to the customer while it is still under warranty. All out of warranty services will be charged a fee for service and shipping which must be paid in advance. The unit should be securely packed and shipped “pre-paid freight” and insured to MarCum Technologies. It is the customer’s full responsibility to track their products sent out in the mail or other forms of delivery service. MarCum Technologies will not be liable for packages lost in route to us. Unless specified otherwise, do not include batteries or other accessories when returning the product for repair.
MarCum Technologies will not be responsible for lost or damaged accessories.
Turnaround time can vary, on average it is about 1 week.
Manufactured for: Versa Electronics 3943 Quebec Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55427
By: Videotek Company Limited Bldg 12, Section B, BaoSheng Industrial Area,
baiNikeng, PingHu Town, ShenZhen, China
MarCum User Manuals are available for downloads from
www.MarCumtech.com
2019-0401
References
- MarCum® Ice Fishing Sonar & Underwater Cameras
- MarCum® Ice Fishing Sonar & Underwater Cameras
- Support - Marcum Tech