Marcum VS 560

[segrat1]

I purchased a Marcum VS 560 camera system last winter for fishing Whitefish here on Lake Superior. The system was only available with 60 foot camera/cable length at the time so I contacted their customer support and was told I would be able to upgrade my camera cable length for a small fee as soon as they came out/ corrected a problem with them. No problem a bought one and fished up shallow (45 foot) last winter. The best depth for Whitefish is 90 foot in my area. I have been sending e-mail messages (probably about a half dozen) to customer support on a regular basis asking about upgrading to the 120 foot but it does not appear that they like answering the e-mails. I see variuos sites are still advertising 120 foot options for this model. I do not want to sound entirely negative, I love this camera and functions. My friends all prefer using and viewing my 560 over some of their own models/brands.

[Maker Of Shoe]

If anyone knows when these cameras are coming in this year please post. I am in the Sioux Falls area and havnt seen anything yet!

[waskawood]

They are out now. I have seen them in 3 different places.

[Maker Of Shoe]

I have seen the 350's out but havnt had a visual of the 560 yet. I am hoping tomorow morning I will recieve a phone call. Thanks for the update.

[waskawood]

My local baitshop has them, a big tackle outlet in Minnesota has them and a large fleet outlet has had them so hopefully your local guys will get them in soon. I sure like mine. It was a looong wait but well worth it.

[berke99]

I bought my 560 last year. The first time I used it the camera housing leaked and filled with water. The place I bought the camera from just had their display model left and so they swapped me camera housings(and cord of course). Now last Wed. I used my camera and again now I have moisture in the camera housing. I just dread contacting Marcum, but I guess I will have to.

[Maker Of Shoe]

Where is the area that you are from. At this point I would be tempted to make a decent drive right now to get one of them. I really hope that the camera I get doesnt leak. To wait a long time and then have problems... Also how long has your area had them?

[waskawood]

I know fleet Farm had them so did Reed's in Walker. They are on the web.

[Maker Of Shoe]

I called Reeds, Gander Mountain and couldnt find the number for fleet farm. If anyone KNOWS where I can buy a 560 please let me know. I sometimes wonder why I want a Marcum!

[flyfish]

I got a 560 at Nancy's out near Gray Eagle. I know that Rex had several due in. I had $ down. (320) 573-2404

[Maker Of Shoe]

Thanks for the info. I called him today and he put me on the waiting list. I am now on 3 different lists. I hope one of them come through. How do you like you camera so far. That goes for anyone else reading this. How do you all like your 560's. Worth the price tag???

[f1sh1nfool]

mine looks real good on the shelf, havn't had a chance to use it yet, if this ice situation doesn't fix itself i may never be able to use it oh well.

[flyfish]

Used it 2 days ago. It really worked well. Make sure your connection between the cable and the monitor is well connected. The direction indicator is super. Accurate.

Make sure you turn the machine on before you put the camera in thew water. if you don't the depth is not accurate.

Seemed to take a while to fully charge the battery.

Had it on for about 2 hours and used only 10 %.

You will enjoy

[David 777]

I got my 560 last November and this year the first time I used it, the camera housing is now leaking, filled with condensation and water beads - the directional control stopped working, the lights stay on and will not shut off....are these some of the same problems you experienced? I used it last year daily with great success and I hope I can get this resolved with Marcum quickly.

Anyone have any suggestions, I did buy it online so taking it back to the store is not an option.

Anyway to buy the camera unit? cost?

thanks

[flyfish]

I did not have any of these problems. Camera worked good and no water inside the camera. Direction always worked.

Suggest that you call Marcum. 763-493-3748. Everyone on the forum has talked about their customer service.

[rod bender]

David, I also had the problem with the condensation on the lens of the camera. I used it a few times and then went to 43' of water with it and the added presure must have had something to do with it. I contacted Marcum and they took care of it promptly. They've been very good to work with. Just call the number listed above and I'm sure they'll help you out.

[Maker Of Shoe]

I finially bought my Marcum 560 and there were a couple of things that I had some questions on. First of all, Do the remotes that are included kinda suck. Cause the one I have is so bad that I can only be about 1 foot away from the sensor for it to work. Maybe a bad battery? Second of all how to you maintain the depth of the camera without holding the cable. Should a person buy a ice arm? I know there is that clip on the left hand side of it but I couldnt get it to work that great. If anyone can give me some insight that would be great.

[tightlines]

My remote is not that great either. About 3 feet max and you have to be in an absolute direct line in front of the unit. Didn't your unit come with an ice arm? I bought mine last year and it came with an ice arm..

[bmc2b]

Does the 560 have a video out jack?

[waskawood]

Quote:

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Does the 560 have a video out jack?

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Yes.

[viking_fan]

The clip should be just fine to hold it.

Just remember when Ice Fishing you don't need the weight on it.

[Dave]

Even with the weight on, the clip holds the camera cable just fine for me.

[Maker Of Shoe]

The only problem I have with the clip on the left hand side, is when I want to place my camera in a hold to the right hand of the camera. Then I have to drap the cord around the camera. How do use the clip? If you can explain it that would great. They said in the book that you could move the camera up and down with out much hasle. Havnt found that correct in my experience. Also i have only used it twice. Any advise would be great.

[Dave]

Maker, I usually have my camera down on the right and monitor on my left so, I think I know what you mean. I usually drape the cord over the monitor, from right to left, and slide the cord between the clip and case. My camera's not with me at the moment, otherwise I'd take a picture for ya. I hope that helps.

[David 777]

Just thought to post an update - I did contact Marcum Customer Service - I sent it back in last Thursday and I got it back today one week to the day, with a new camera housing unit, no charge - so they are really quick. In the meantime, I went to Fleet Farm in Owatonna and bought a AquaVu Scout XL to use, the first one did not work at all, the picture was just shadows and lines....I exchanged that for a different one and I used that but it does not work 1/10th what the Marcum 560 does. You cannot see anything clearly and it is basically useless to me it ....I am going to take it back and exchange it for another 560. I went to Cabela's and they were sold out of almost every camera, and fleet farm had all the models at a cheaper price....had 4 560's and 3 460's sitting on the shelf plus all the AquaVu models.

I am extremly pleased with the Marcum support - even though it was 2 months out of warrenty they fixed it with no charge and fast response.

I ususally fish Clear Lake in Waseca as it is a few minutes for me and I have fished on that lake for 35+ years since I was 4. I usually manage to get out every day - so if anyone needs a fishing partner let me know.

[S.D. Ice Angular]

Just Curious…

Why do you need two camera’s