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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MarCum VX-1 multicolor
sonar unit. The VX-1 incorporates the latest in sonar
technology, 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-1 system. Only by
reading this manual can you realize the maximum
benefit from your purchase — enjoy your new VX-1
sonar system!
General Description
The VX-1 multi color sonar unit utilizes three different
colors within its display to differentiate between densities
of objects. The Red light displays the strongest of return
signals, often signifying a hard bottom or a larger fish
that is often in the center of the transmit signal (cone).
The Orange light displays the next in the line of weaker-
signal returns, often signifying a softer bottom or smaller
fish in the middle of the transmit signal or a larger fish on
the outside of the transmit signal. The weakest return is
displayed by a Green light and often signifies weeds,
small bait-fish, medium-sized fish on the outside of the
transmit signal, or a very soft bottom. 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-1 offers 12 levels of signal 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-1 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. The VX-1
runs off of any 12-volt power source and includes a
power cord for wiring directly to the battery or into an
electrical panel. The unit is mounted onto a factory-
supplied gimbal bracket that can be in turn attached to a
rotating swivel base (not supplied) or mounted directly to
a boat deck, drivers console, portable electronics shuttle,
or located in an electronics locker. The VX-1 is designed
to withstand moisture from rain, sleet or snow.
Ice System Set-Up
Your VX-1 ice system requires some assembly prior to
being ice ready. You will need to attach the sonar
bracket to the ice shuttle, place the battery in the
recessed tray, hook-up the positive and negative lead
from the VX-1 power cord to the battery terminals, and
route the transducer cable through the ice arm and
connect to the back of the sonar unit. You will also need
to place the unit in the enclosed softcase.
The transducer is weighted and will self-align when
suspended from the adjustable ice arm. When ice
conditions dictate (thick ice) you may suspend the ice
ducer near the bottom of the hole to minimize sonar
reflections. This generally occurs later in the season and
when ice thickens to 24 inches or greater.
Open Water Set-Up
The VX-1 is an excellent sonar unit for open-water use.
To convert the VX-1 from an ice system to an open
water unit, remove the VX-1 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. A power buss can be used,
but interference may result. Interference is recognized
as random flashes around the dial. Lowest noise will be
obtained by direct connection to the battery.
The VX-1 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
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
plane. Transducer mounting location is critical for
optimum performance of the VX-1 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