MARCUM M1LR User manual

M1LR
3-Color Ice-Sonar
User Manual
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MarCum M1LR True Color sonar unit. The M1LR incorporates
all the sonar technology from the flagship VX series, but now features the new Max
Brightness and Clarity patented MBC lighting. 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 M1LR system. Only by reading this manual
can you realize the maximum benefit from your purchase — enjoy your new M1LR sonar system!
General Description
The M1LR True 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 M1LR 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.
Your MarCum is water and weather resistant and is designed to be used in 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
M1LR 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 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
LiFePO4 battery will last for many 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.
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 a charge right away.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. Using a larger charger, like you
would use on a car, truck, RV, or boat is likely to cause damage to the battery.
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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 always, as well as having the
wiring harness with receptacle for your charger attached always. 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 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 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 an expendable item and must be replaced periodically. The batteries that we use
are the “LiFePO4” variety.They are 12 volts 10 amps and have a life span of approximately
2000 charge cycles. 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 Knowledge Base/ FAQ
section on our website, www.marcumtech.com/support .
If you need to remove the battery, slide the power cord leads from the battery. Open the back
storage zippers and lift the battery out. To replace the battery, place a new battery of similar
specifications into the battery compartment and secure back in the holde and re-connect the
positive and negative terminals.
Ice System Set-Up
Your M1LR comes virtually ready to fish. All you need to do is hook up the positive lead from the
M1LR power cord to the battery. Your M1LR is delivered with a 3/4 charged battery so you
can take it fishing right away. Inside the M1LR Roamer case is an electronics shuttle that
has recessed compartments on either side and the single beam transducer and charger.
Take the transducer out of the recessed holder and rotate the adjustable ice arm out from
inside the front of the shuttle. The adjustable ice arm allows for maximum flexibility in
positioning the M1LR around the ice hole.
DEPLOYING THE TRANSDUCER FOR ICE FISHING:
When used in conjunction with the retractable pivoting transducer arm and rubber stopper,
the M1LR’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
the 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 M1LR 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 transducer
below the ice—this can lead to the transducer 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 transducer cable,
do not try to use that transducer again.
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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 M1LR easier. Similarly, you may
need to quickly remove your transducer from the hole when about to land a fish. We have seen
anglers in a panic 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 M1LR will provide accurate information reading through ice as long as 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 wet ice and you will now
be able to see the depth and fish displayed on your dial. 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 M1LR 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 a
key is depressed to indicate that a system function has been activated. The following is an
information of the various system functions.
Range Select - The Range select knob is used to turn the M1LR on or off as well as to
select the correct depth range. The M1LR 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 bottom on 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 on 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 on the
80’range, use the red numbers. When on the 160’ range, use the red 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, 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 provide you with the most
accurate and precise information.
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Interference Rejection - The Interference Rejection system is designed to knock out
competing return signals from other sonar units being used within proximity. When other
sonar units are causing interference to the display of the M1LR, activate the IR feature by
depressing the IR key located on the face of the M1LR. 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 eliminated. It is recommended that only one person in a group adjust the interference
rejection at a time.
Zoom - The M1LR 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 foot) 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 M1LR 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 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 GREEN band. A soft
bottom with weed growth will often appear as a narrow RED or GREEN band combined with
both solid and broken ORANGE segments indicating weeds. Any fish in the weeds may show
as RED or GREEN depending on fish size and relationship within the transmit beam (in the
middle or on the outside of the transmit 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 a
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. Fish - Fish will generally appear as separate
targets from the bottom. A fish target can be displayed as RED, ORANGE or GREEN,
depending on where the fish is located within the cone.
Reading Your Jig - The M1LR will pick up and display small objects like jigs, spilt shots,
or swivels. 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 jig on the display. It is important that the GAIN be
set so it displays the jig as you raise or lower it. Sound waves emitted by the M1LR bounce
off targets and return with the strength of the targets’ density.
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Denser targets return with a stronger signal, displayed as RED. Less-dense objects (small
fish) return a medium-strength signal, displayed as GREEN. The least dense objects (weeds,
baitfish, lure) return a weak signal, displayed as ORANGE. Objects on the edge of the sound
cone may appear as ORANGE. A fish moving through the cone may appear first as ORANGE
then GREEN, then RED, depending on where the fish is located within the cone.
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 un-displayed area between the
shallower and deeper water within the transmit beam.
Product Performance Specifications
Output Power 1000 watts peak to peak
Depth Ranges 20, 40, 80, & 160 feet
Transmit Frequency 200 KHz
Current Draw 250 mA
Operating Voltage 10.5 to 15 volts (12-volt DC)
Display Colors Red, Orange, Green
Transducer Cone Angle 20 degrees (all transducers)
Target Separation 2.15 inches (20-foot depth scale)
WARRANTY - SONAR
MarCum warranties 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 .
MarCum Technologies will repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Failures
due to abuse, misuse, unauthorized alteration, modification, or self-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 proof of purchase. Please see our website,
www.MarCumTech.com/support for full details on warranty coverage.
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HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE
If your system is malfunctioning, check the Knowledge Base/FAQ under the "Support" tab on
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, www.MarCumTech.com clicking the support tab and then
filling out the MarCum Warranty Claim.
If your system is under warranty, be sure to attach a picture/scan of your proof of purchase with
date included. If your system is out of warranty, we have a flat rate fee that will cover the cost of
repairs, including parts and labor. You will find the non-warranty claim on our support site.
Once you have completed and submitted the warranty claim, package the unit as described
on the website and ship it to 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 S[email protected]
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 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 in route to us. Unless specified otherwise, do not include batteries
or other accesso-ries 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.
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MarCum Technologies
3943 Quebec Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55427
MarCum User Manuals are available for downloads from
www.MarCumTech.com
0501-2023