Marcum Technologies VS485C User manual

VS485C
UnderwaterViewingSystem
User Manual
www.marcumtech.com

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................3
Features........................................................................................................3
Getting Started..............................................................................................5
Adjusting the Monitor Settings.......................................................................6
Lighting..........................................................................................................7
Ice Fishing Application...................................................................................7
Open Water Application.................................................................................8
Battery Charging............................................................................................ 8
Product Performance Specifications..............................................................9
One Year Warranty........................................................................................ 9
How to Obtain Service...................................................................................9
- 2 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the VS485C, and welcome to the world of
underwater viewing in full color! Your new VS485C can be used to hunt for
underwater treasures, locate the “spot on the spot”, observe fish in their
natural habitat, learn how to interpret signals on your sonar, and learn how fish
react to your lure or bait presentation. Utilizing a color viewing system enables
the user to see how fish, bait, lures and weeds really look. The applications
are endless.
MarCum’s primary objective is to enhance the experience of the outdoor
enthusiast and we’ve created a viewing system that is not only user friendly
on the ice, but is easy to use in open water as well. You will now be able to
stop guessing at what is below the surface and take all the mystery out of
what is underwater. Have fun and good viewing!
Features
• 800v x 480h super-high resolution LCD monitor.
• SONY SUPER HAD II CCD color camera.
• Manta camera design utilizing Darkwater Technology lighting system.
• 50 feet of high strength camera cable.
• Removabledown-viewandtrollingfin.
• Removable sun shroud.
• Frontkeypadcontrolpanel.
• On screen monitor adjustments.
• Video Output jack.
• 90°cableconnectionstopreventcablewear.
• Paddedsoftpackencompassesinternalmoldedcase thatstoresbattery
andMantacamera.Thisprovidesmaximumportabilityandprotection.
• 7.2 amp 12v rechargeable battery with charger.
• Full 1 Year Warranty.
The800vx480hhighresolutionLCDmonitorontheVS485Cviewingsystem
providesforanextraordinarilysharpandclearpictureundermostviewing
conditions.It’s recommendedwhen viewing outdoors, thatthe backlight
(brightness)beincreasedtoenhanceyourviewingexperience.Although
classified as daylightviewable,itisrecommendedthatyouturnthe monitor
away
from directsunlight.Whenfacedwithvery brightsunand/ordingy
water,
shroudingthemonitorwillimprovetheviewingexperience.As
indicated,the
screen brightnesscan be adjustedto improveoutsideviewing
butwithdirect lightandmonitorglare itcan detractfromthe picture quality.
- 3 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
TheVS485CseriesLCDsystemsareconsideredtobewaterresistantbut
notwaterproof.They’redesignedto be usedintheoutsideelements under
mostconditionsbutundernocircumstances should the monitor comein
directcontactwithstanding waterorbesubmerged.Also,be sure tofold
downandcoverthemonitorshouldyouexperienceheavyrainwhileoutina
boatorontheice. ShouldyourVS485Cviewingsystembecomewetfrom
rainorsnow,besure to get ittoa warm dryplacetodry outassoon as
possible. YoumayexperiencesomeblurrinessorslowdowninLCD
performancewhenyoufirstpowerupthescreenincoldtemperatures.Itcan
takeuptoseveralminutesbeforethescreentemperaturereachesthe
appropriateoperatingrange.
In order to create an ultra-clear, high resolution picture, there needs to be a
matching high quality camera. The VS485C uses the best camera module
available; the Sony Super HAD II ultra-low lux CCD. This camera offers a 90°
angle of view, giving the user a wide coverage area for maximum visibility.
TheMantacameradesignmatchesthehighqualitySonySuperHADCCD
camerawithadjustablehighintensitywhiteLEDlights.Thislightingoption
incorporatesMarCum’sexclusiveDarkwaterLightingTechnology.Darkwater
technologygreatlyreducesparticulatereflectionandincreasesviewing
distancebypositioning thelightsaboveandbehindthe actualcameralens.
Thedigitalkeypadactivatesanonscreendisplayformakingadjustmentsto
themonitorbrightness,contrast,colorand sharpness.In addition toadjusting
themonitorscreensettings,thedigitalkeypadalsocontrolsunderwater
lightingandpowerON/OFF.
To clean the monitor screen, use a cleaner recommended for plastic and a
soft cloth towel.
The video output jack located on the rear of the monitor allows for adding an
external monitor such as a bigger screen TV or a video recording device. Be
advised that the video signal coming out of the RCA jack is “analog”, and that
most recording devices are digital, so having a device that will convert the
analog signal to digital may be necessary to successfully record what you see
on your monitor.
Thecameraandpowercableshavebeendesignedwith90°terminal
connectionstopreventcablewear.Along withthe90°connections,each
cable
connectoriskeyeddifferentlytopreventplugging the cable intothe
wrong
port.Therearcableaccesspanelprovidescablestrainreliefandis
screwed
to thebackofthe monitor.Thepanel securelyholdsthecablesin
placeand
prevents unnecessary wear.
The 50 feet of reinforced camera cable is flexible for ease of handling yet offers
high tensile strength.
- 4 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
TheMantacameraincorporatesinternalballastweightswithinthecamera
housing.Theamountofweightisidealforusewhilestationary,butwhenusing
from aboat,mounting thesupplied tail fin will keep the camera facing straight
ahead.Thefinmayalsobeusedfordown viewing,simplymountthefinonthe
backofthecamerahousingandclipthe cableintothespecial slotin thefin.
TheVS485Cisprotectedwithastylishreinforcedpaddedsoftpackcase.
Underthesoftpackisa moldedABShard casewitha builtinbatterytray and
ahook and loop straptosecurely hold the batteryinplace.Next tothe battery
isastorage compartmentforthecameraandcameracable.Themonitorfolds
downflatand thepadded caseencompassestheentire systemprotecting it
duringtransportation.Ontheleftsideofthecaseisacarryinghandleforease
of transport.
Getting Started
Remove the VS485C from the packaging and place it on a level surface with
the MarCum Technologies logo facing towards you and right side up. Open
the top cover of the soft pack by lifting up on the hook and loop closers on
each side and front of the soft pack. Once opened, loosen the knobs on
theeitherside ofthe gimbalbracket(atthe baseofthemonitor)byturning
eachonecounter-clockwise.Makesuretoloosentheknobsaconsiderable
distance.Then depressbothknobsbypushinginwardsandholdinplace.
Thisreleasesthelockonthemonitorangle.Whiledepressingtheknobswith
thebaseofyourpalms,use theindexfingers ofeachhandandgentlyliftthe
monitorup tothedesiredviewing positionandreleasetensionon thegimbal
knobs.Onceyouhavesetthemonitortothedesiredviewingangle,gently
tightentheknobsuntiltheyaresnug.Thebattery,cameraandcablearenow
accessiblebehindthemonitor.It’seasiesttoremove the hookandloopstraps
andunzipthesoftpack case.
The depth of field (distance the camera can see underwater) depends on the
clarity of the water and available light at the depth the camera is used. In clear
water, the depth of field can be many feet but in cloudy or muddy water the
depth of view can be reduced to only a few inches due to particles suspended
in the water. Dirty or muddy water and/or low light penetration can detract
f
rom the quality of the picture. Optimum picture quality will result from clear
water and adequate light penetration.
If your camera provides a great picture above the water, but the image on the
screen disappears once the camera has been deployed, it is safe to say that
the conditions on that particular body of water are not conducive to
underwater viewing.
- 5 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
Adjusting the Monitor Settings
The VS485C monitor has four different adjustments that can be made to
enhance the image on the monitor to the user’s preference. (Note: The
VS485C has been pre-set with factory defaults for normal viewing.) To access
the settings menu, press the menu key on the digital keypad. The settings
menu will be displayed on the screen (note: if you wait too long before
selecting an adjustment, the menu screen will time out and disappear). To
change between on-screen adjustment choices (brightness, contrast, color,
and sharpness), continue to press the menu key. The selected on-screen
adjustment will be highlighted on the LCD screen. To change the settings
within a
selected menu, use the UP and DOWN arrows located on the far right
of the digital keypad. You will see the numbers of theselected adjustment
increase
or decrease depending on the arrow direction you are depressing. To
accept
the changes, release the UP / DOWN arrow and settings will be saved.
Once the settings are adjusted properly, the on-screen menu will shut off
automatically. Occasionally, you may find that one of your settings will not
adjust. By simply scrolling through the menu options and coming back to the
setting that
wouldn’t adjust a second time, you will automatically reset the
internal timer, enabling that setting to be adjusted.
Contrast– Contrastisthedifferenceinbrightnessbetweenlightestand
darkesttones ina picture.A picturewith too muchcontrasthashighlights
(lightertones)thataretoobrightandnodetailandshadowareasthataretoo
black.A picture with toolittle contrastlooksdull,withnotrueblacks andmore
grayishhighlights.Differentwater claritiescoupledwiththeamountoflight
available will affect the contrast.Adjustthe contrast to thedesiredsetting for
thebestoverallpicture.
Brightness– Usethe brightnessadjustmenttochangetheoverallbrightness
of a picture. You can lighten a picture that’s too dark, or darken one that’s too
light. Different lighting conditions and water clarity will affect the brightness of
thepicture.Increasing thebrightnesswillmakeviewingthe VS485Coutdoors
duringdaylighthoursmucheasier.
Sharpness – Sharpness is the amount of high-frequency detail in the image.
Adjust the sharpness according to personal preference. (Note: Increasing
the contrast can give an impression of increased sharpness, so try this first).
Color – Increasing the color saturation will increase the vividness but can
make the picture look darker overall. Decreasing the color saturation will make
the colors look washed out and gray.
Color-Kill– Thisfeatureallowsyoutoswitchbetweencolorandblackand
white with the pushofa button.For viewing inlow-light,dirty water,orafter
dark,BlackandWhiteviewingisrecommended foroptimalviewing.Good
waterclarityanddaylightviewingisoptimalforviewingincolor.NOTE:The
Color-kill featurewillturnon automaticallywhen the camera’slightsensor
doesn’tdetectenough light foroptimalcolor viewing. Thiscanhappen in low
light conditions,indeepwater,orwhen the ice isvery thickand/orcovered
withsnow.
Reset - This feature will reset your menu system to factory defaults.
Exit - This feature will exit you from the menu system.
- 6 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
Lighting
The VS485C utilizes super high intensity white LED lights. The VS485C
incorporates Darkwater technology which greatly reduces particulate
reflection and increases viewing distance by positioning the lights above and
behind the actual camera lens.
To turn the lighting system ON, press the key titled LIGHTS, located on the
digital keypad on the front of the monitor. By pressing the key, a small green
LED light to the right of the button will be illuminated. This indicates that the
high intensity white LED lights are ON. To turn the lighting system OFF, press
the light button a second time. To increase the lighting intensity, press the
UP arrow key on the right side of the digital keypad. There are 100 intensity
level settings from low to high. To decrease the intensity of the lights while
the lights are ON, press the down key on the right side of the digital keypad.
The amount of LED light required will depend on the clarity and amount of
particulates in the water. Darker, stained water will require more light while
clear water will have sufficient light penetration therefore decreasing the
need for LED intensity.
IceFishingApplication
Watchingfishreact toyourbaitwillkeepyouandyour kidsentertainedfor
hours.TheVS485Ccanbeusedtosearchforthatperfectweedlineorlocate
thecrib orrockpilewherefishwillgenerallyschool.Touseasasearchtool,
drillaseriesofholesthroughtheiceinthelocationyou’reinterested in fishing.
TheVS485Cissmallenoughtoholdinyourarmswhilewalkingfromholeto
hole.Drop the cameradowneachhole insearch forthebestspotoruntilyou
locate fish. Onceyou’velocated the spot,drillahole3or4feet away fromthe
holeyou’re actuallygoing tofishin.SettheVS485Contheiceandlowerthe
cameradownthesecondhole.Toassistinkeepingthecameraatthedesired
depthanddirection,itisrecommendedthataCameraPanner(purchased
separately)beused.Onceyousendalureorbaitdownandlocateitwiththe
VS485C,you’rereadytofish.ThedepthanddirectionoftheVS485Ccanbe
changedatany timebyloweringorraisingthecameraandrotatingthecam-
eracablebetweenyourfingers[orbyusingaMarcumCameraPanner].The
VS485Calsoincludesadownviewingfinthatsnapsintothe backoftheMan-
tacamera.Oncethefinisattached,thecameracablecanbeinsertedthrough
the cutoutatthe rearofthe finandlockedinto place. Itisrecommendedthat
youleaveaboutsixinchesofexcesscable,forminga loop,before locking the
cableintoplace.The camera can nowbeloweredintotheholetoviewwhatis
directlybelowyou.Thiscanbeveryhelpful whilefishinginshallowwater.
- 7 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
Open Water Application
To locate fish, look for treasure,orfindthatperfectspot,simplyturnthe
camera powerONand droptheManta cameraintothewater.Ifyou’redrifting
withthewindorusinga trolling motorwiththeVS485C,attachthesupplied
trolling fintotherearoftheMantaCameraforaddedstability.Theinternal
weightisenoughtokeepthecameradownwhilethefinassistsinkeepingthe
Mantacamera trackingstraightthrough thewater.Proceedslowlyandwith
cautioninareaswitha lotofunderwaterobstructions—ifthecamerabecomes
hungup,backupfrom thedirectionyou were travelingfromandslowly try
to back the camera out of the snag. DO NOT pull directly upward with force
unless all other avenues have been pursued.
Battery Charging
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
you go ice fishing, 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!!!
ALWAYSCHARGEYOURBATTERYAFTEREVERYUSE!!!Besure
tousethe
charger that came with your system, or a similar one that is between .5 amp
and 1 amp. Using a larger charger, like you would use on a car, truck, RV, or
boat is likely to cause damage to the battery.
To charge your battery:
Tocharge,simplycouplethetwoendsofthecharging system and connect the
red and black wires to the battery. Itisnormalfora greenlighttoappearon
the charger when it is plugged into the battery only. Itisalsonormalfor
the lighton thechargertobe green ifitisjustplugged into thewall. Whenitis
pluggedintothe wall and
battery,youwill seea redLEDlightappearon the
charger. Ifthelightisred,
thebatteryisbeing charged.Whenyourbatteryis
fullycharged,thisredlight should change togreen. Ifitistime togofishing
andthe lighthas notturned
green,gofish andtrytoallowa longer charging
period nexttime.
- 8 -

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
TheVS485CviewingsystemincludestheSunShroud,whichcanbeattached
to the monitor to improveviewingwhile outdoors.TheSunShroud comeswith
threehookandloop attachmentstripsthatenabletheownertoeasilyattach
theshroudwhenconditionswarrantitsuse,orremoveitwhennotneeded.
Toinstall,firstremovethelooptapefromthehooktape.Peeltheadhesive
cover and applythe stripsoflooptapeto eachsideand the top ofthe monitor.
Thehook tape attached to theshroudcan nowbemarried tothe loop tapeon
themonitor,andyourmonitorcannowbemoreeasilyviewedinsunlight.
Ifyourviewingimageappearscloudy,fuzzyorthescreenbeginstoshrink,
checkyourbatterycharge.Oneofthemajorsymptomsofadeadornear-
deadbatteryisthedegradationofyourviewingimage.Try chargingyour
batteryorifthe batteryisunabletoholda charge,replaceitwitha newoneof
similarspecification. Ifyouneed to removethebattery, unplugthetwobattery
terminalsfromthebattery.Removethe hookandloopstrapthatisholding the
batteryinplaceandliftthebatteryout.To replace the battery,placeanew
batteryinto the batterycompartmentandsecure itwith thehookandloop
strapandre-connectthepositiveandnegativeterminals.
Product Performance Specifications
Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 volt DC, 7.2 Amp hr
Charger............................ 12 volt DC
Camera Image Sensor................ Sony SUPER HAD II CCD
LightSensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01luxwithlightson
Field of View........................ 90 degrees
Monitor ............................ 7" (800 x 480)
Current Draw
System ON (lights off). . . . . . . . . . . . . 630mA
System ON (lights on - full)........ 815mA
One Year Warranty
Marcum warrants 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
If you are unable to use the internet, please fill out and submit the
enclosed warranty registration card to be eligible for the one 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 ouroffice.
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 unitis
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

Versa Electronics
www.marcumtech.com
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 foran 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 formincluded in the box with your unit. If you enclose this
form in the box with your unit thereis 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 on-line 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, approximate date of purchase, and
what has gone wrong with it.
Please send your email inquiries to [e-mail]
Ifyouare unable to use email or internet,youmayalsocallusat 763-512-
3987
. Our officehoursareMonday–Friday,8–4CentralTime.
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
unittoMarcum Technologies.Marcumwillpayfor shippingtherepaired unit back
to the customer while it is still under warranty. All out of warranty
serviceswill
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
damagedaccessories. Turnaround time can vary, on average it is about
1 week.
- 10-