www.MarCumtech.com
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MarCum M3 True Color sonar unit. The M3 incorporates all of the
sonar technology from the flagship VX series, but now features the new Max Brightness and
Clarity patented MBC lighting. Still featuring 2000 watts of peak-to-peak power, patented
signal interference rejection, auto zoom, and target separation down to
1.5
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 M3 system. Only by reading this manual can you
realize the maximum benefit from your purchase — enjoy your new M3 sonar system!
General Description
The M3 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 M3 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
M3 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
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, like 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.
