Humminbird Smartcast RF20 - User Manual

Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird
®
, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird
®
has built its reputation by design-
ing and manufacturing top-quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird
®
is designed for trouble-free
use in even the harshest marine environment. In the unlikely event that your Humminbird
®
does require repairs, we offer
an exclusive Service Policy-free of charge during the first six months after purchase, and available at a reasonable rate
after the six month period. For complete details, see the warranty information at the end of this manual. We encourage you
to read this operations manual carefully in order to get the full benefit from all the features and applications of your
Humminbird
®
product.
The RF20 SmartCast product should have:
• One Remote Sonar Sensor - RSS
TM
- Channel A
• One Rod Mounted Display with installed 2450 CR battery
• One extra 2450 CR battery
• Three different Mounting Sleeves: A, B and C
• This RF20 SmartCast Operations Manual.
If any of these components are missing, please contact our Customer Resource Center at either 1-334-687-0503 or visit
our website at www.humminbird.com.
NOTE: The RF20 also comes in an International version that is CE-compliant.
WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by authorized service personnel. Any modification of
the serial number or attempt to repair the original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty. Handling and/or
opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.
WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm.
WARNING! The bottom of the RSS should not be handled during sonar operation, as this may cause physical discomfort and may result in
personal injury in the form of tissue damage. Handle the RSS only by the antenna tower when it has been in the water.
WARNING! The RSS (Remote Sonar Sensor) is not intended for use by children younger than 6 years old without adult supervision as the
RSS may represent a choking hazard to small children.
Using the SmartCast
The SmartCast is a first-of-its-kind wireless fishfinder that is incredibly easy to use.
Simply attach the Rod Mounted Display to your rod, then attach the Remote Sonar
Sensor (RSS) to the end of your fishing line and cast it into the water as you would a nor-
mal float or lure. Then power on the SmartCast RF20 and you are ready to fish. The
SmartCast system uses sonar technology to send sound waves from the RSS into the
water. The returned “echoes” are transmitted with wireless technology to the RF20 and
plotted on the display. New information appears on the right. As this information moves
to the left a very accurate picture of the underwater world is created, including objects
such as the bottom, fish, and structures, as well as the depth of the bottom.
NOTE: The RF20 display is designed to be used with polarized sunglasses only when the user is looking straight at the screen. You may
not be able to read the display from other angles when wearing polarized sunglasses.
To scan an area, cast and
then reel in at a slow, steady
rate with your rod tip up.

Summary

Introduction and Basic Operation

Using the SmartCast

Explains how to use the wireless fishfinder by attaching components and casting into water.

Setup and Modes

Operational Modes

Describes two distinct ways the RSS can be used: Sonar Graph and Stationary Float.

Activating the Rod Mounted Display Battery

Guides users on how to activate the battery in the Rod Mounted Display before first use.

Attaching the Rod Mount Display

Details how to select and attach the correct sleeve to fit the display onto a fishing rod.

RSS Power and Display Interpretation

Attaching the RSS

Explains how to tie the line to the Remote Sonar Sensor for fishing or float use.

RSS Power

Details the RSS battery life, power activation, and proper storage to conserve power.

Whats On the Display

Interprets the underwater information shown on the SmartCast display, including depth and fish icons.

Display Controls and Configuration

Powering the Display ON and OFF

Instructions on how to turn the Rod Mounted Display on and off, noting it lacks auto shut-off.

Start-Up in Fishing Mode

Describes the initial display sequence and how sonar information appears in fishing mode.

Startup in Simulator Mode

Explains how to enter and exit the simulator mode for practice without using the RSS.

Menu Features and Settings

Sensitivity

How to adjust sensitivity to control sonar return visibility and Fish ID Symbol detection.

Depth Range

Guides on setting the automatic or manual depth range for optimal bottom display.

Fish Alarm

Instructions on enabling or disabling the fish alarm feature, requiring Fish ID to be on.

Fish ID

How to enable or disable the display of fish symbols, which uses advanced signal processing.

Channel Settings and Maintenance

Channel

How to select the correct channel (A or B) to match the RSS unit for optimal performance.

Maintenance

General advice for maintaining the Rod Mounted Display and RSS, including cleaning and storage.

Troubleshooting Signal Issues

The SmartCast loses signal.

Explains causes for signal loss, such as line of sight, depth, speed, and weight.

Display not powering on.

Steps to resolve issues where the display does not power on, focusing on battery and door closure.

Troubleshooting Display and Interference

Shallow water reading issues.

Addresses issues with gaps in bottom readings in water less than 2 feet deep.

Faded display or image quality.

Troubleshooting steps for a faded display, checking battery and re-installing.

Noise and Interference.

Explains noise as interference from other devices or multiple RSS units.

Display jumps and depth changes.

Explains display jumps due to automatic depth changes or signal loss/regain.

Warranty and Service Information

6 Month Limited Warranty

Outlines the terms and conditions of the 6-month limited warranty for the product.

Service Policy and Returning Unit

Details the service policy, repair process, and instructions for returning the unit for service.

Service Procedures

IN-WARRANTY Service Steps

Lists the required steps for obtaining in-warranty service, including authorization and documentation.

OUT-OF-WARRANTY Service Steps

Details the necessary steps for out-of-warranty service, including payment and documentation.

Contact and Specifications

Contact Humminbird

Provides contact information for the Humminbird Customer Resource Center via telephone and email.

Specifications

Lists the technical specifications for the Rod Mounted Display and the RSS unit.

Humminbird Smartcast RF20 Specifications

General

Brand	Humminbird
Model	Smartcast RF20
Category	Fish Finder
Language	English