MarCum TECHNOLOGIES VX-1i 3-Cooler Ice-Sonar Flasher System User Manual

TECHNOLOGIES VX-1i 3-Cooler Ice-Sonar Flasher System
User Manual www.marcumtech.com

Versa Electronics

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the MarCum VX-1i multicolor sonar unit. The VX- 1i incorporates all of the sonar technology from the VX-1p, but now with the added view-ability that the flat face design provides. Still featuring 1000 watts of peak-to-peak power, patented signal interference rejection, auto- zoom, and target separation down to 2.15 inches. Our goal is to set the industry standard for performance while maintaining the highest level of reliability. Please read this manual carefully before using your VX-1i system. Only by reading this manual can you realize the maximum benefit from your purchase — enjoy your new VX-1i sonar system!

General Description

The VX-1i multi-color sonar unit utilizes three different colors within its display to differentiate between densities of objects: RED, ORANGE, and GREEN. The use of different colors in defining return signals is meant to be informative in indicating the size of fish, type of bottom or location of weeds. The interpretation of these signals improves with experience and use in the field.
The VX-1i offers multi-level Interference Rejection (IR) from nearby competing units. This is most prevalent in ice-fishing applications where anglers utilizing sonar are often grouped together within small areas.
The VX-1i can utilize any one of three different twenty-degree (cone angle) transducers. The puck-style transducer is often used for mounting on the bottom of trolling motors or for in-hull applications. The high-speed transducer is intended for outside the hull mounting on the transom of a boat and is designed for picking up depth or return signals at higher speeds. The ice transducer is a weighted, self-aligning transducer used for ice-fishing applications.
Your Marcum is water and weather resistant and is designed to be used the outdoors, but in extreme weather conditions, care should be taken to shield the monitor from driving rain and boat spray. At no time should the monitor be in direct contact with large amounts of water. Should your VX1-i become wet, it is unlikely that any harm will come to it, but make sure to get the entire system completely dried out as soon as possible.

BATTERY CHARGING

Your Marcum system comes with a 3-stage battery charger. This style of the charger has proven to be the most effective and easiest to use of all charging systems available. Because this is a 3-stage charger, there is no danger of overcharging your battery. When properly cared for, a sealed lead acid battery will last for at least a couple of years. Batteries are made to be used, and they need to be used to make the most of them. The most important thing you can do is to promptly recharge your battery after each use. Not charging your battery immediately after use is the number one thing that leads to battery failure.
For safety reasons, it is recommended that you place your system on a flat, hard surface like cement or tile when charging it, away from any flammable materials. Be sure to disconnect the charger from the wall when not in use, and avoid leaving your battery hooked up to the charger for extended periods of time.

When you get home from a trip, put your battery on charge right away and leave it there overnight, or for around 8-12 hours. Likewise, on the night before an ice fishing trip, put it on the charger again, just to make sure. Again, there is no danger of overcharging your battery. We often talk to people who hesitate to charge their battery after each use for fear that the battery will develop a “memory” and this will lead to a shortened run time–THIS IS FALSE!!! ALWAYS CHARGE YOUR BATTERY AFTER EVERY USE!!! Be sure to use the charger that came with your system, or a similar one that is between .5 amp and 1 amp. Using a larger charger, as you would use on a car, truck, RV, or boat is likely to cause damage to the battery. There is really no danger of overcharging your battery with a low amp charger, and most chargers automatically go into “maintenance mode” once a full charge has been achieved.
TO CHARGE YOUR BATTERY:
Your battery has a wiring harness attached to it that has “piggyback” terminals on it, enabling you to keep the power cord from the unit attached to the battery at all times, as well as having the wiring harness with a receptacle for your charger attached at all times. To charge, simply couple the end of the charger with the end of the wiring harness. It is normal for a green light to appear on the charger at this time if the charger is plugged into the battery only. It is also normal for the light on the charger to be green if it is just plugged into the wall. When it is plugged into the wall and battery, you will see a red LED light to appear on the charger. If the light is red, the battery is being charged. When your battery is fully charged, this red light should change to green. If it is time to go fishing and the light has not turned green, go fish and try to allow a longer charging period next time.
Batteries are expendable items and must be replaced periodically. The batteries that we use are the “Sealed Lead Acid” variety, they are 12 volts, and range from 7 to 9 amps. The more amps the battery has, the longer it will run on a full charge. Your Marcum can be powered off of any battery that is 12 volts, even a large automotive or deep cycle battery.
If you are having difficulty with the charging process, please see the Charger Troubleshooting section at end of the manual.
If you need to remove the battery, slide the power cord leads from the battery. Remove the strap that is holding the battery in place and lift the battery out. To replace the battery, place a new battery of similar specifications into the battery compartment and secure it with the Velcro strap, and re-connect the positive and negative terminals.

Ice System Set-Up

Your VX-1i comes virtually ready to fish. All you need to do is hook up the positive lead from the VX-1i power cord to the battery. Your VX-1i is delivered with a charged battery, so you can take it fishing right away. Inside the VX-1i deluxe soft case is an electronics shuttle that has recessed compartments for the battery and the dual-beam transducer. Take the transducer out of the recessed holder and rotate the adjustable ice arm out from inside the shuttle. The adjustable ice arm allows for maximum flexibility in positioning the VX-1i around the ice hole.
SETTING THE TRANSDUCER FOR ICE FISHING:
When used in conjunction with the retractable pivoting transducer arm and rubber stopper, the VX-1i ‘s transducer will automatically level itself in your ice hole. To begin operation, take the transducer out of the recessed holder, and rotate the adjustable ice arm out from inside the shuttle. Extend the transducer arm, (the cable should already be threaded through it with a stopper in place) and deploy the transducer into the water. We recommend setting your stopper to have the transducer down the least amount possible. The Marcum VX-1i puts out enough power that in most cases it is not necessary to have your transducer down more than a few inches below the water line to get a good reading. When the ice thickness is over two feet, it may be necessary to have your transducer set somewhat farther down. Remember–the less transducer cable you have out, the easier it is to pull it out of the water when bringing in a fish or moving to a new location. Under no circumstances should you ever have the ducer below the ice–this can lead to the ducer becoming damaged. It is also important that you keep the cable near the center of the ice hole. We frequently hear from anglers who allowed their cable to freeze into the side of the ice hole. If this should happen to you, make sure the unit is turned off before attempting to chisel it out. If you accidentally cut the ducer cable, do not try to use that ducer again.
MOVING THE DUCER TO A NEW LOCATION
Being mobile is one of the keys to being successful on the ice. Whenever you move from one spot to another, it is tempting to leave your transducer hanging on the transducer arm. This is likely to lead to failure of the transducer arm and can cause damage to the transducer itself. Always stow the transducer inside the pack when you are moving. Keeping the amount of transducer cord you have out at a minimum will make transporting your VX-1i easier. Similarly, you may need to quickly remove your transducer from the hole when about to land a fish. We have actually seen anglers in a panic actually grab the shuttle itself and toss the entire unit to the side. This is no way to treat any piece of electronics; a much better approach is to simply lift the transducer out of your way by the cord, and the shuttle itself can be gently pushed aside. Whenever you are moving via sled or vehicle, always fold up your transducer arm, stow the transducer inside, and close the protective soft pack.
READING THROUGH ICE ­
The VX-1i will provide accurate information reading through ice providing the ice is reasonably clear. Wet the ice with at least a cup of water to improve the coupling of the transducer to the ice. Place the face of the transducer firmly on the wetted ice, and you will now be able to see the depth displayed digitally, and a signal showing the bottom (and fish) on whichever sonar windows you have open. Drilling into the ice 1-2″ before taking a reading may be necessary if the surface of the ice is very rough, or if the ice is filled with air bubbles.

Operation

The VX-1i utilizes a combination of control knobs (Gain & Range) and keypad (IR) and (ZM) to change or activate various system functions. The keypad has an audible beep when the key is depressed to indicate that a system function has been activated. The following is an explanation of the various system functions.
Range Select – The Range select knob is used for turning the VX-1i on or off, as well as choosing the correct depth range. The VX-1i offers four depth ranges to choose from that can be selected by rotating the knob clockwise. The depth ranges are 20, 40, 80, or 160 feet. The depth-range setting is determined by turning the unit on and turning the Gain knob looking for a solid return (band of light) indicating the bottom of the display. If no return is present, then select the 40-, 80-, or 160-foot range until a bottom reading is displayed on the screen.
Interpreting the different rings of numbers around the dial
When in the 20′ range, simply go by the white numbers. When on the 40′ range, use the outer white numbers, but multiply x 2 to determine your depth [13 on the dial = 26 feet]. When in the 80′ range, use the blue numbers. When in the 160′ range, use the blue numbers x 2. The innermost numbers are for the split- screen zoom, and they are used in a similar manner.
Gain Knob – The Gain knob controls the amount of sensitivity required by the unit to pick up objects like bottom, weeds, fish, smaller baitfish, or small lures and jigs. The lower the number, the less sensitivity, conversely higher numbers mean more sensitivity. However, too much Gain (sensitivity) will result in too much information being displayed, and it becomes difficult to interpret the return signals. The best Gain setting is achieved by turning up your Gain from 0 until you receive a clear and steady bottom reading. If you’re looking for your lure or bait, turn up the gain until you just begin to display your bait without it fading or flickering on the screen. The lower the sensitivity, the narrower the display segments, and the easier it is to distinguish targets. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough. Too much Gain will only clutter the display with unnecessary information, making it more difficult to interpret the return signals. Keeping the Gain at minimum levels will actually provide you with the most accurate and precise information.
Interference Rejection – The Interference Rejection system is designed to knock out competing return signals from other sonar units being used within close proximity. When other sonar units are causing interference to the display of the VX-1i, activate the IR feature by depressing the IR key located on the face of the VX-1i When you press the key, a beep will be heard. There are multiple levels of interference rejection, and each press of the key will change the level of Interference Rejection. The correct level of IR will be achieved when the display is clear of display clutter. In some extreme cases, clutter will be greatly reduced but not totally eliminated. It is recommended that only one person in a group adjust the interference rejection at a time.
Zoom – The VX-1i is equipped with a “bottom zoom” feature. When the ZM key is depressed the circular display is divided in half. The right half of the display (12 to 6 o’clock on the dial) will become the entire depth range (20, 40, 80, or 160 feet) you chose when turning the depth range knob to your desired depth setting. This will be indicated by a red light at the zero mark (12 o’clock) and another red light at 6 o’clock. These will be stationary and will not move while in Zoom mode. The backside of the display (6 to 12 o’clock) is the other half of your split-screen display. This is the Zoom window portion. The VX-1i comes with a bottom zoom that displays the bottom 5 feet in an expanded view. This expanded view of the bottom 5 feet is what is displayed on the left side of the split-screen display (6 to 12 o’clock). For the Zoom to be activated, you must have a strong bottom return signal (Red) that equals or exceeds one foot on the display dial. If a strong return signal is not achieved (this can happen if fishing over a very soft bottom or when trying to activate the zoom out of the water) the unit will not go into the Zoom mode. If the unit will not go into zoom mode, turn the GAIN up to 10, this will make the bottom signal very strong. Once the ZOOM has been activated, turn the GAIN back down to a normal operating level.

Signal Interpretation

Hard-bottom readings (rock or gravel) will be displayed by a wide band of a RED light indicating a strong return signal. Conversely, a soft bottom (mud or silt) will return a weaker signal and will result in a narrower RED band or possibly even a combined RED and ORANGE band. A soft bottom with weed growth will often appear as a narrow RED or ORANGE band combined with both solid and broken GREEN segments indicating weeds. Any fish in the weeds may show as RED or ORANGE depending on fish size and relationship within the transmit beam (in the middle or on the outside of the transmit signal).
Reading Bottom – In interpreting depth, always read the leading edge (shallowest side) of the signal return. If you have a strong signal return (wide band of RED light) and it starts at 13 feet and ends at 16 feet, the correct depth is 13 feet or the shallowest leading edge of the return signal. Anything beyond the shallowest leading edge indicates the strength of the return signal.
Reading Fish – Fish will generally appear as separate targets from the bottom. A fish target can be displayed as RED, ORANGE, or GREEN, depending on the size of the fish and the location within the transmit beam. Larger fish located in the center of the beam (cone) can appear RED and will be displayed as a wider band on the display. Smaller fish or fish on the outside of the cone may appear ORANGE or even GREEN. Fish moving through the transmit beam may change color as the return signal strengthens or weakens reflecting their location. Fish that are right on the bottom can appear as part of the bottom. The best indication of a fish sitting right on the bottom is that the leading edge of the bottom return signal is either ORANGE or possibly dithering or flickering RED segment. It is important that the GAIN or sensitivity be kept to a minimum when displaying a strong bottom return. Too much GAIN will flood out the ability to differentiate targets and clutter the display.
Reading Lures or Bait – The VX-1i will pick up and display small objects like lures or bait. When tuning the unit to display your lure or bait, lower the object to the desired depth and turn up the GAIN until you see the lure or bait on the display. It is important that the GAIN be set so it displays the lure or bait as you raise or lower it.
NOTE: Too much GAIN will cause clutter and may make it difficult to distinguish other targets like fish near the bottom. When tuning the unit to display lures or bait, make sure that the objects are in the center of the hole and therefore in the center of the transmit beam. If there’s water current (some lakes have underwater current or movement) and the lure doesn’t weigh much, it may move to the outer edge of the signal or out of the transmit beam altogether. This will make it difficult or impossible to pick it up on the display.
Dead Zone – All sonar units will have a dead zone in certain circumstances. This occurs on sharp drop-offs where the transmit beam (cone) hits the shallower edge of the drop-off and returns before the deeper edge returns. This in effect creates an undisplayed area between the shallower and deeper water within the transmit beam.

Open Water Set-Up

The VX-1i is an excellent sonar unit for open-water use. To convert the VX-1i from an ice system to an open water unit, remove the VX-1i powerhead from the electronics shuttle. A new gimbal bracket is supplied with the open water transducer kit and can be mounted on any flat surface. The unit should be mounted in a location that is free from other electrical apparatus to eliminate interference. If interference is observed, reposition the unit until optimum performance is obtained. Your boat’s 12-volt DC electrical system can be used to power the unit.
The VX-1i is protected from accidental polarity reversals. No damage will result from an incorrect battery hook-up. The ice-fishing transducer supplied with the Ice System is not designed for open-water use. There are two transducer choices for use in open water. The high-speed transducer is designed for transom mounting (outside the hull) and reads depth while the boat is on the plane. The puck-style transducer is most often mounted on the bottom of a trolling motor or epoxied into the hull of a fiberglass boat.
High-Speed Transducer Installation
High-Speed transducers are designed to be mounted on the transom of a boat. If properly installed, you will be able to read depth, weeds, and fish while the boat is on the plane. Transducer mounting location is critical for optimum performance of the VX-1i sonar unit. The mounting location should be free of any white water or turbulence resulting from rivets, ribs, or hull strakes. It is preferable to mount the transducer at least 18 inches from the centerline of the boat to avoid turbulent water resulting from the outboard motor. The transducer is wedge-shaped and should be mounted with the leading edge mounted against the transom. The leading edge of the transducer should be mounted flush with the bottom of the boat. This can be best achieved by using a flat object like a ruler and holding it flat along the bottom of the boat and matching the bottom of the transducer to the bottom of the boat. Attach the mounting hardware to the high-speed transducer as shown in the instructions included with the transducer. Hold the transducer, with attached mounting hardware, to the transom of the boat (flush to the bottom) and mark the center of the holes on the transom. Drill the appropriate-size holes and attach the transducer to the transom. Tilt the rear of the transducer between 2 and 5 degrees below the transom to ensure solid contact with the water when the boat is on the plane.
More detailed installation instructions are included with the high-speed transducer and mounting hardware.
Puck Transducer Installation
Puck-style transducers can be mounted on the bottom of a trolling motor, epoxied in the hull of a fiberglass boat, or mounted to a suction cup for portable use. Mounting to a trolling motor is achieved with the use of a large, adjustable stainless steel hose clamp available at most hardware or automotive stores. Slots are included in the puck transducer for passing the clamp through and then around the motor. Align the transducer so that it is perfectly centered from right to left on the bottom of the motor. If the transducer is tilted or angled, you won’t receive a signal on your sonar display. Do not mount the transducer next to the propeller. Turbulence from the propeller may cause disruption in the sonar display. In-hull mounting is designed for achieving high-speed sonar readings in fiberglass boats. For the best readings, the transducer must be mounted in the layer of fiberglass that is in direct contact with the water. This is best achieved by mounting the transducer in the area surrounding the bilge pump in the transom area of the boat. Some boats have false bottoms or floors. Mounting the transducer in a location, not in direct contact with the water will result in dead air space and no sonar reading. Once the correct area is located, the transducer is installed using a good grade of marine epoxy. For more detailed installation information, refer to the directions included with the puck transducer.

BATTERY CHARGER TROUBLESHOOTING

A majority of inquiries that come to our office are battery or battery charger-related. Battery failure can be caused by a fault in the charging system, and many times the issue is with the fuse on the wiring harness. If you suspect your battery is not being charged, follow these troubleshooting tips:

1. When the charger is plugged into the WALL ONLY it should show a green light. If there is no light showing, confirm that the outlet is good. If the outlet is good, it is very likely that the charger itself is faulty.
2. If the charger is plugged into the BATTERY ONLY it should show a green light. If it does not show a green light, it is likely that the charger is not making contact with the battery. The most likely reason for this is a faulty fuse on the wiring harness. This fuse is a 2-amp automotive fuse, and it should be replaced with a 2 or 3-amp fuse available anywhere that sells auto parts. The fuse can blow out if there is a short in the charging system, or if the plug end of the wiring harness comes in contact with a battery terminal.
3. When the charger is plugged into both the wall and the battery, there should be a red light showing on the charger. A red light showing indicates that the charger is in contact with the battery and is actively charging the battery. Once the battery has reached a voltage level that is considered “fully charged” the red light should change to green. If after 24 hours the light has not changed to green there is no cause for alarm! Remember that when the light is red, the battery is being charged, and you will be able to use your system.
4. If the charger is plugged into the wall and battery, and you get a blinking light on the charger, it is very likely that the battery is faulty and should be replaced.

Battery Draw
The VX-1i has a current draw between 250 and 300mA per hour. With a standard 7.2-amp hour battery, the VX-1i should last between 18 and 22 hours if fully charged. To extend the battery life, recharge the battery after every use.
Cone Angle Coverage
The cone angle of all VX-1i transducers is 20 degrees. The approximate area of coverage with a 20-degree transducer is determined by dividing the depth by 3 (in 30 feet of water your area of coverage is approximately 10′).
Product Performance Specifications

TWO YEAR WARRANTY

Marcum warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years 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 If you are unable to use the internet, please fill out and submit the enclosed warranty registration card to be eligible for the two-year warranty. 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 battery is not covered by the warranty. 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.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE

If your unit is malfunctioning, check the FAQ 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, clicking on the service tab, and then filling out the Service Request Form. If your unit is under warranty, be sure to attach a picture/scan of your receipt showing the date of purchase. If your system is out of warranty, we have several flat-rate fees that will cover the cost of repairs, including parts and labor. Once you have completed the Warranty or Flat-Rate repair, package the unit as described on the website and ship it to us.
There is no need for authorization or reference number, just make sure that you have included your contact info and a brief description of the issue on a note in the box.
If you do not have the ability to use the Internet, you may also fill out the service request form included in the box with your unit. If you enclose this form in the box with your unit there is no need to contact our office, just include the filled-out form in the shipping box.
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 online form or email rather than calling. In your email, please provide your name, complete address, and cell phone #. Please indicate what model Marcum you have, the approximate date of purchase, and what has gone wrong with it.
Please send your email inquiries toservice@versae.com
If you are unable to use email or the internet, you may also call us at 763-512-3987. Our office hours are Monday ­ Friday, 8 ­ 4 Central Time. International callers may use 888-778-1208.
OUR ADDRESS:
MARCUM TECHNOLOGIES
ATTN: SERVICE DEPT.
3943 QUEBEC AVE NORTH MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55427
The customer is responsible for shipping costs associated with returning the unit to Marcum Technologies. Marcum will pay for shipping the repaired unit 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 en 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.

ACCESSORIES

Soft pack– This is the red pack that protects your flasher from the elements.
Shuttle –This is the plastic base that your flasher is mounted to.
Transducer Arm -This holds your ducer cable. Having an extra one on hand is not a bad idea, clumsy friends have been known to break these.
Ice Transducer –If you have lost or damaged your ducer you can buy one from us or premium retailers. If you think your ducer quit working, you should contact customer service before buying a new one.
Stopper–This suspends your ice ducer in the hole along with the ducer arm.
12 volt Battery –Batteries don’t last forever, buying an extra one is cheap insurance that you will always be able to use your flasher
Power Cord This connects your flasher to the battery
Universal Charging System This includes a charger and a fused wiring harness
These items can be ordered off our website, marcumtech.com, or by calling 763-512-3987

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The Showdown Troller Digital Fish Finder is a palm-sized sonar device with full-size performance. For use in either ice-fishing or open water situations…quickly “troll” from hole to hole while ice fishing or shoot through your canoe or kayak in order to find fish and the correct depth. As a scouting tool, it has no equal; the ultimate in portability is matched to ShowDown’s proven Crystal-Quick® vertical display. The sonar instantly locks on to the bottom, and clearly displays the location of fish and your lure, anywhere in the water column.
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Using an 8″ LCD display, the 825sd will deliver the sharpest, most vivid display possible; on-screen displays of camera direction, depth, temp, and battery voltage take all of the guesswork out of your camera position so your new VS825sd can be used to hunt for underwater treasures, locate the “spot on the spot”, observe fish in their natural habitat or learn how fish react to your lure or bait presentation. The applications are endless, and it’s never been easier or more fun to view.

www.marcumtech.com
Marcum Technologies 3943 Quebec Ave. N
Minneapolis, MN 55427

MarCum User Manuals are available for download from
www.marcumtech.com.

References

• MarCum® Ice Fishing Sonar & Underwater Cameras
• MarCum® Ice Fishing Sonar & Underwater Cameras
• Support - Marcum Tech

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