MarCum M1 Ice Fishing Flasher

The MarCum M1 is one of the ice fish finders released in 2017. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Vexilar FL-18. However, it has a slightly larger display and its carrying case features an extensible arm to support the transducer cable. For reference, this is the MarCum fish finder part number 857224002712.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: TrueColor patented MBC
• Sonar: Single beam
• Transducer: Ice transducer 857224002170
• Frequency & Coverage: 200 kHz / 20°
• Max. Depth: 160 ft. (48 m)
• Power Output: 1000 Watts (PTP)
• GPS: No
• Charts: No

Sonar and transducer

The MarCum M1 is a single beam ice fish finder. It only offers a single beam standard sonar system. It operates at 200 kHz and offers a 2″ (5 cm) target separation. It does not have CHIRP technology, like the newer Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3, for example. However, for lake fishing, this should suffice.

The unit includes a standard ice transducer. It features a conical body with a thermoplastic outer shell. It has 8 ft. (2.4 m) of cable and an 8-pin connector. It does not have an internal temperature sensor, tough, and the unit does not show the water temperature.

The transducer is a single-beam type. It casts a conical beam with a coverage of 20° @ 200 kHz. The maximum depth range of the transducer beam is 160 ft. (~48 m). It does not come with a foam or cork floater like most other transducers included with ice flashers. However, it has a rubber stopper which is meant to stabilize it when passed through the extensible arm of the carrying case.

The unit offers several useful sonar features. To begin with, it has Bottom Zoom and Gain functions. Bottom Zoom divides the circular display of the unit in half. The right half shows the entire depth of the water column, while the left half indicates the zoom depth. This feature can help you determine whether there are fish close to the bottom, or get a better view of the jig when fishing close to the bottom. Needless to say, the Gain function adjusts the sensitivity of the sonar which may be needed by the unit to pick up objects like fish, baitfish, small lures, vegetation, etc.

The unit also offers four pre-set depth ranges. These are 20, 40, 80, and 160 ft. (6, 12, 24, 48 m). 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.

Control unit features

The MarCum M1 fish finder features a patented MBC display (MBC stands for Maximum Brightness and Clarity). It offers a pretty decent power output of 1,000 watts (PTP) which is not bad for a small unit. It has a 20-foot depth scale with an LED display surrounding it.

The head unit features two main knobs and two main buttons, placed on the right of the display. The Gain knob is at the top corner of the unit. It offers the possibility to easily adjust the sonar sensitivity (from 0 to 10) to match your conditions. The Range knob is at the bottom corner. As we’ve mentioned above, it allows a quick range swap at 20 ft., 40 ft., 80 ft., and 160 ft. The Interference Rejection (IR) and Bottom Lock Zoom (ZM) buttons are in-between the two knobs. The IR button allows a quick interference suppression from all nearby sonar sources while the ZM button splits the display in a setup of 5/20 ft., 5/40 ft., 10/80 ft., and 20/160 ft.

Portable kit

The MarCum M1 ice flasher comes already installed on its plastic carrying case and inside the red bag. The bag is made from a synthetic material, padded on the inside. The transducer is placed under the unit at the front of the case. The extensible arm that supports the transducer cable is also at the front.

At the back of the casing, there is a 12-volt / 7-amp SLA battery, and a charger for it. The battery is already installed and connected to the unit. On a full charge, it should last for at least 30 hours. The unit does not have a battery indicator, though.

The Pros

• MBC LED display with a 20-foot depth scale;
• Ice transducer included;
• 20-degree beam angle;
• 160 depth capability;
• 20 ft., 40 ft., 80 ft., 160 ft. ranges;
• Gain and Range knobs for easy adjustment;
• Interference Rejection;
• Bottom Zoom function for 5/20 ft., 5/40 ft., 10/80 ft., and 20/160 ft.;
• 2.15 target separation;
• 1,000 power output (PTP);
• Carrying case with extensible arm for the transducer;
• Red soft padded carrying bag included;
• 12 V battery included and pre-installed;
• Up to 30 hours of battery life;
• Charger for the battery is included.

The Cons

• No navigation features;
• Single-beam sonar only;
• No CHIRP technology;
• No battery indicator.

Summary

The MarCum M1 is a standard single beam ice flasher. It includes an ice transducer (20° @ 200 kHz), and features an MBC patented display, with four pre-set depth ranges, gain, and zoom functions. It comes with a 12 V battery, charger, carrying case, and bag. It’s a fairly decent fish finder for the price, highly portable, and easy to use.