Download Print this page
Humminbird RF30 SmartCast Operation Manual

Humminbird RF30 SmartCast Operation Manual

Humminbird rf30: operations manual

Advertisement

Quick Links

Thank You!
Attaching the RSS
Thank you for purchasing an RF30 SmartCast wireless
The line coming from your reel can be tied off to the front
fishfinder from Humminbird, America's #1 Manufacturer of
hole in the green Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS). If you wish to
quality consumer marine electronics.
also use the RSS as a conventional float, use the second
hole to attach your hook using a lighter weight line. A snag
The RF30 SmartCast Wrist Sonar product comes in two
will break the lighter line if you have to break free. Slip line
models, the RF30 Wrist Mount, which has one RSS, and the
techniques are not recommended because of the higher
RF30 SmartPack, which has two RSS units.
risk factor for loss of the RSS. If you do use the slip line
For the RF30 Wrist Mount model, you should have:
method use a lighter weight line after the lower stop,
• One Remote Sonar Sensor - RSS(TM) - Channel A
enabling retrieval of the RSS if the lower line with hook
• One SmartCast Wrist Sonar with installed 2450CR
breaks away.
battery
CAUTION: You will increase the possibility of breaking your
• One extra 2450CR battery
line if you use light test pound line on your reel. The RSS is
• SmartCast Wrist Sonar Operations Manual.
positively buoyant (is buoyant under its own weight plus .2
ounces of bait and lead weight.) The maximum amount of
For the RF30 SmartPack model, you should have:
weight for any attachment to the RSS is approximately
• Two Remote Sonar Sensors - RSS(TM) - Both Channel
to
A
hook, line, weight, swivel/snap swivel and bait that is
• One SmartCast Wrist Sonar with installed 2450CR
attached to the RSS. The RSS itself weighs 1 ounce, and
battery
therefore light test line might break.
• One extra 2450CR battery
Store the RSS in a dry, non-metallic container, such as a
• RF30 SmartCast Wrist Sonar Operations Manual.
tackle box, in a separate compartment, and isolated from any
If any of these components are missing or are not included,
metallic devices.
please contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-334-
RSS Power
687-0503.
The Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS) has a separate, non-
Using the SmartCast
replaceable lithium battery that has a shelf life of three
The SmartCast is a first-of-its-kind wireless fishfinder that
years and will last for approximately 400 hours of in-water
is incredibly easy to use. Simply attach the Remote Sonar
use. Discard the used RSS in compliance with local laws as
Sensor (RSS) to the end of your fishing line and cast it into
you would any electronic component or battery.
the water as you would a normal float or lure. Then power
The RSS has contacts that perceive when the device is
on the SmartCast Wrist
To scan an area, cast and then reel in at
immersed in the water. These contacts turn on the Sonar
Sonar and you are
a slow, steady rate with your rod tip up.
Transmitter/Receiver and begin transmitting the sonar
ready
to
fish. The
information via RF to the display. The RSS automatically
SmartCast system uses
stops using power a few seconds after being pulled out of
sonar technology to
the water.
send sound waves from
NOTE: Store the RSS in a dry area when not in use to
the RSS into the water.
conserve power. Never place the RSS in a wet area of a boat
The returned "echoes"
or on a metal surface that could accidentally power it on.
are transmitted with
Also, if the RSS was used in salt water, rinse it with fresh
wireless technology to
water before final storage.
the Wrist Sonar and
plotted on the LCD.
New information appears on the right. As this information
moves to the left a very accurate picture of the underwater
world is created, including the display of underwater objects
such as the bottom, fish, and structures, as well as the
depth of the bottom.
NOTE: The RF30 LCD is designed to be used with polarized
sun-glasses only when the user is looking straight at the
screen. You may not be able to read the LCD from other
CAUTION! The Wrist Sonar display DOES NOT have an
angles when wearing polarized sunglasses.
automatic shut off function. It will continue to draw current
unless it is manually shut down by pressing and holding the
Operational Modes
POWER-MENU button.
The RSS can be used in two distinct ways:
Sonar Graph: The RSS can be used to create a sonar graph
of the bottom. Cast the RSS into the water beyond an area
of interest. Retrieving the RSS slowly and steadily will
produce a screen detailing structure, fish and bottom detail.
Rhythmic wave action and rocking may cause the display of
a rippled bottom.
Stationary Float: The RSS can be used as a float in a
screen will either display sonar information or the RF30
stationary location to monitor the area below, giving you a
SmartCast screen will appear, indicating that no sonar
live update as fish approach your bait.
information is currently available (See Troubleshooting for
Activating the Wrist Sonar Battery
more information about the RF30 SmartCast screen).
When you first use the RF30 SmartCast
Wrist Sonar you will need to activate the
display battery. Use a coin to remove the
battery door on the back of the Wrist Sonar,
then remove the plastic strip located in the
battery compartment. Make sure that the O-
ring in the battery compartment is present,
positioned correctly in the grooves, and free
of debris before re-installing the battery door
to assure water resistance.
NOTE: Replace the Wrist Sonar battery only with a 2450 CR-
type battery. These batteries can be purchased from most
electronics retailers.
NOTE: Under normal use you should expect the life of the
display battery to last from 25 to 30 hours of operation.
Simulate, and after two seconds, the screen will start to
Operation in cold weather will significantly reduce the life of
display simulated data. To exit Simulator mode, you must
the battery.
power down the Wrist Sonar.
Understanding the
Handle the RSS by the antenna tower
when it has been in water.
On-Screen Images
The SmartCast displays received underwater sonar
Use a heavier test line for the RSS and your
information in an easy to understand format. The top of the
standard knots and tackle such as a swivel.
display corresponds to the water surface, and the bottom of
the display corresponds to the selected Depth Range (see
The second leader hole is for using the RSS as a
Depth Range). The display varies as the area under the RSS
float. Connect a lighter weight hook line to this hole.
Do not over-weight the hook line as this will
changes. Reeling in the RSS at a slow and steady rate will
submerge the RSS, causing signal loss.
allow you to graph the bottom for structure, detail and fish.
Digital readouts provide precise information for bottom
contour, depth and fish locations below the RSS.
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. The electronic parts in the Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS)
are made to withstand use when casting into water. Because shock from abrupt contact with rocks can damage your RSS we recommend using this sensor in water 1 foot and deeper. Do not place the RSS in a wet area when not in use as this
will turn on the RSS and shorten its usable life. The bottom of the RSS should not be handled during sonar operation. This product is approved for use only in the United States, Canada and Australia. Use in any other country may violate local
communications regulations.
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. Contact with active sonar transmitters may cause discomfort and/or mild tissue distress.
WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm.
benefits of the SmartCast – use the picture above as a
guide to the most common conditions and practice using
the SmartCast over known bottom types.
Menu Features
A simple menu system accesses the adjustable features of
the SmartCast Wrist Sonar display. To activate the menu
system, press the POWER-MENU button; the first time you
ounces, and includes the combined weight of any
do this after power up, the Sensitivity menu will appear.
Once the Wrist Sonar has been powered on, pressing the
POWER-MENU button will display the last menu viewed.
Press POWER-MENU repeatedly to access other SmartCast
menu choices, one at a time. When a menu choice is on the
display, use the RIGHT and LEFT Cursor buttons to adjust
the menu settings. Menus are automatically removed from
the screen after several seconds.
NOTE: Menu settings are not saved in memory. All settings
return to factory defaults when the SmartCast is turned off.
Sensitivity
Press POWER-MENU until the
Sensitivity menu appears. Select a higher number to show
smaller sonar returns on-screen, or a lower number to
remove clutter from the screen. Adjusting Sensitivity also
affects how sonar returns not attached to the bottom are
identified as Fish ID Symbols. Larger returns will be shown
as fish at a lower setting. Increasing Sensitivity selects
smaller returns to be identified as fish. Sensitivity settings
range from 1 to 5. Default = 3.
Depth Range
Press POWER-MENU until the
Depth Range menu appears. Select AUTO to have the
Powering the Wrist Sonar
SmartCast automatically set the Depth Range. Select
10,15, 20, 30, 60 or 100ft. to set a manual depth range.
Display ON and OFF
This locks the depth range to a specific setting. Default =
To turn on the display, press and
AUTO.
hold POWER-MENU until you
hear the beep, then release.
NOTE: In manual operation, if the water depth is greater than
the depth range setting, the bottom will not be visible on-
Press and hold POWER-MENU
screen. Select AUTO to return to automatic operation.
until the display unit shuts down
to power off.
Startup in Fishing Mode
After pushing the POWER-MENU button
to an automatic change in depth. New returns graphed at a
to turn on the Wrist Sonar, you will see
different scale will not match up with the historic data
the Start-up screen. The Start-up screen
already graphed at a higher or lower scale. Vertical lines can
will disappear automatically after two
also occur as the radio signal from the RSS is lost and then
seconds have passed, without further
regained in rough water conditions.
action from you. In Fishing mode, the
Fish Alarm
Press POWER-MENU until the
FISH ALARM menu appears. Select OFF for no fish alarm, or
ON for fish alarm. Fish ID must be set to ON for Fish Alarm
to work. Default = OFF
When you have powered on the Wrist
Sonar and have cast the RSS into the
Fish ID
water, returned sonar data will start to
Press POWER-MENU until the
be displayed on the LCD. A vertical line
FISH ID menu appears. Select
will appear first, followed by a bottom
either OFF to view "raw" sonar
depiction and possible fish locations if
returns, or ON to take advantage
fish are sensed.
of SmartCast's ability to identify
sonar returns that are determined to be fish. The sensitivity
Startup in Simulator Mode
setting also affects the definition of sonar returns as fish
After pushing the POWER-MENU button
(see Sensitivity). Fish Alarm does not sound if Fish ID is
to turn on the Wrist Sonar, and the
turned off. Default = ON
Start-up screen is displayed, quickly
press the Right Cursor Button to enter
Channel
Simulator mode. Once you are in
Press POWER-MENU until the
Simulator mode, the screen will show
CHANNEL menu appears. Select either A or B to match your
RSS. See Channel A and B RSS Units. Default = Channel A
Channel A and B RSS Units
There are two versions of the RSS that are available at your
local tackle dealer, major outdoor retailers, or at
www.humminbird.com: Channel A and Channel B.
The Channel A RSS unit comes standard with the RF30
Wrist Mount and SmartPack SmartCast products. You also
have the option to purchase additional Channel A or
Channel B RSS. When using the A or B version of the RSS,
make sure to select the appropriate channel in the Channel
menu of your Wrist Sonar display.
The A & B Channel Option is intended to give you the
flexibility to change to a different channel if another angler
If you are using SmartCast to
is using a SmartCast product within 100 feet of your display.
graph an area, terrain and
Two Channel A or two Channel B RSS units in the water
bottom composition variations
within 100 feet of the display will cause RF interference that
are displayed on-screen. Fish
prevents the product from functioning properly, resulting in
and bait fish are displayed
fluctuating depth readings and excessive clutter on the
when detected. Underwater
screen. If you use a Channel B RSS while another angler is
conditions vary greatly, so some
using an Channel A RSS or vice versa, the interference will
experience and interpretation is
be reduced but not completely eliminated.
needed to realize all the
NOTE: RSS units, regardless of Channel, either in close
proximity to each other or to other sonar devices (closer than
40 feet) can also experience or cause sonar interference,
which may result in erratic depth readings.
Maintenance
Your SmartCast is designed to provide years of trouble-free
operation with virtually no maintenance. Follow these simple
procedures to ensure your SmartCast continues to deliver
top performance.
After using the RSS in salt water, wipe the affected surfaces
with a cloth dampened with fresh water. The RSS Wet
Switch
TM
pins must be rinsed with fresh water after
exposure to salt water to prevent corrosion.
If the Wrist Sonar comes into contact with salt spray, wipe
the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened with fresh
water. When cleaning the LCD protective lens, use a
chamois and non-abrasive, mild cleaner. Do not wipe while
dirt or grease is on the lens. Be careful to avoid scratching
the lens. Do not use a chemical glass cleaner on the lens,
as this may cause it to crack.
If your RSS remains out of the water for a long period of
time, it may take some time to wet it when returned to the
water. Small air bubbles can cling to the surface of the RSS
and interfere with proper operation. These bubbles dissipate
with time, or you can wipe the face of the RSS with a wet
cloth.
Never leave the RF30 SmartCast product in a closed car or
trunk - the extremely high temperatures generated in hot
weather can damage the electronics.
Troubleshooting
Do not attempt to repair the RF30 Wrist Sonar or RSS
yourself. There are no user serviceable parts inside, and
special tools and techniques are required for assembly to
ensure the waterproof integrity of the housings. Repairs
should be performed only by authorized Humminbird
technicians.
Many requests for repair received by Humminbird involve
units that do not actually need repair. These units are
Depth Scale changes or signal loss will
returned "no problem found." If you have a problem with
cause lines with missing detail and/or
your SmartCast, use the following troubleshooting guide
abrupt changes in the graphed bottom.
before calling the Customer Resource Center or sending
When the Depth range is set to AUTO,
your unit in for repair.
the depth is set to keep the bottom in
NOTE: Retrieving the RSS too rapidly, or the repetitive rocking
the lower third of the screen. The
motion of rough water, can result in loss or distortion of the
screen image jump shown here is due
bottom picture. This will cause intermittent screen display. For
best bottom detail, perform a smooth and slow reel-in with
constant speed and the rod tip up (holding the rod tip low or
using a heavy line may cause the RSS to submerge and
momentarily lose radio contact). The RSS has a maximum
transmit range of 75 feet. If the unit is cast or drifts more than
75 feet away from the receiver, the signal may be inconsistent
or lost.
1. The SmartCast loses signal.
If you are not able to get an RF signal
from the RSS, the display will stop
updating (the screen will freeze) and the
RF30 SmartCast screen will be
displayed. Whenever reception is lost or
the RSS emerges from the water for
Fish ID
Raw Sonar
more than a few seconds, the RF30
SmartCast screen will be displayed until the RSS is placed
back in the water and reception is regained.
• The Smartcast system is a line-of-sight wireless
product. If objects are placed between the RSS and
the Wrist Sonar, including your own wrist, the
reception may be lost.
• The RF30 depth range is 2 to 100 feet (.6 to 30
meters). Erratic readings may occur in water that is
shallower than 2 feet. In addition, because of the
nature of sonar, this product is not intended for use in
swimming pools or small enclosed bodies of water.
• Reeling the RSS too fast can cause loss of signal and
the screen will freeze
• Check the buoyant balance between the RSS and your
tackle; over .2 ounce will submerge the RSS, causing
signal loss.
2. Nothing happens when I turn the Wrist Sonar on.
Check the battery position and make sure that the battery
door is properly closed. Also, make sure that you have
removed the plastic strip that is located in the battery
compartment when it is new.
If this doesn't help, replace the battery. After replacing the
battery, if the unit still doesn't power up, remove the battery
door again and re-install.
HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO six months FROM THE
DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO EVENT WILL
3. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom
Techsonic Industries BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR
reading and inconsistent digital depth indication.
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY
The SmartCast will work reliably in water 2' (.6 m) or
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY RELATING TO THE
deeper. The depth is measured from the RSS. A transmitter
PRODUCTS.
(RSS) to receiver (Wrist Sonar) distance of greater than 75'
Some states do not allow limitations on an implied warranty,
may cause intermittent screen display. Overly rough water
or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so
may cause the RSS to submerge, again losing contact.
the above exclusions may not apply to you. You may also
Be sure to include the RSS if returning the unit for
have other rights which vary from state to state.
repair.
You must contact our Customer Resource Center to receive
4. The screen begins to fade out. Images are not as sharp as
a repair authorization number before sending your
normal.
SmartCast RSS or Wrist Sonar to our factory for service.
Check the battery position and make sure that the battery
This authorization number should be included on the
door is properly closed. Also, make sure that you have
shipping label when returned to our factory. In addition, a
removed the plastic strip that is located in the battery
letter describing the problem you are experiencing, along
compartment when it is new.
with your name, address and daytime telephone number
If this doesn't help, replace the battery. After replacing the
must be included, so that we can contact you about your
battery, if the unit still doesn't power up, remove the battery
repair if necessary.
door again and re-install.
International Purchases
5. The display shows many black dots at high sensitivity
A separate warranty is provided by international distributors
settings.
for units purchased outside the United States. This warranty
You are seeing noise or interference caused by one of
is included by your local distributor and this distributor
several sources. Noise can be caused by other electronic
maintains local service for your unit. Warranties are only
devices. Turn off any nearby electronics and see if the
valid in the area of intended distribution. Units purchased in
problem goes away. Other sonar devices or any electronic
the United States or Canada must be returned to our factory
device operating in the 900 mHz range could cause
in the United States for service. This product is approved for
interference with your SmartCast.
use only in the United States, Canada and Australia . Use in
any other country may violate local communi-cations
6. The display shows fluctuating depth readings and
excessive clutter, including vertical bars that may be drawn
regulations.
on top of fish icons.
SERVICE POLICY
The SmartCast system comes with the capability to receive
This Service Policy is valid in the United States only. This
separate signals from Channel A RSS or a Channel B RSS.
applies to Humminbird units returned to our factory in
Two A- or B-type RSS units used simultaneously, as well as
Eufaula, Alabama, and is subject to change without notice.
one A- and one B-type RSS unit used simultaneously, can
All repair work is performed by factory-trained technicians
cause RF interference between each other.
to meet exacting factory specifications. Factory serviced
7. The screen jumps and the bottom has an abrupt change;
units go through the same rigorous testing and quality
sometimes a vertical line is missing or a black line from top
control inspection as new production units.
to bottom is displayed.
Even though you'll probably never need to take advantage
This screen image jump is due to an automatic change in
of our incredible service guarantee, it's good to know that
depth. New returns graphed at a different scale will not
we back our units this well. We do it because you deserve
match up with the historic data already graphed at a higher
the best. We will make every effort to repair your unit within
or lower scale. Vertical lines can also occur as the radio
three working days from the receipt of your unit. This does
signal from the RSS is lost and then regained in rough water
not include shipping time to and from our factory. Units
conditions.
received on Friday are usually shipped by Wednesday, units
Techsonic Industries 6 Month Limited Warranty
received Monday are usually shipped by Thursday, etc.
We warrant to the original retail purchaser that Techsonic
We reserve the right to deem any product unserviceable
Industries products have been manufactured free from
when replacement parts are no longer reasonably available
defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is
or impossible to obtain.
effective for six months from the date of original retail
After the original warranty period, a standard flat rate
purchase, excepting that where Techsonic Industries
products are used commercially or in any rental or other
service charge will be assessed for each repair (physical
damage and missing parts are not included). Please call our
income producing activity; then this warranty is limited to
Customer Resource Center to verify the service charge for
ninety days from the date of original purchase for
mechanical and electrical products.
your unit.
We will provide replacement product without charge for any
If charges are not prepaid, the unit will be returned C.O.D.
If you are experiencing problems related to bottom or depth
Techsonic Industries product not covered by this warranty,
readings, please send your RSS (Remote Sonar Sensor)
which is returned (freight prepaid) within the warranty
along with your Wrist Sonar when sending for repair.
period to the dealer from whom such products were
purchased, or to us at the appropriate address. In any such
Customer Resource Center
case, Techsonic Industries products found to be defective
If you have any questions or would like to order replacement
and covered by this warranty will be replaced or repaired at
RSS units, visit Product Support on the Web at:
Techsonic Industries' option, and returned to the customer.
Techsonic Industries' sole responsibility under this warranty
is limited to the repair or replacement of product which is,
in Techsonic Industries' opinion, defective. Techsonic
Industries is not responsible for charges connected with the
removal of such product or reinstallation of replacement or
repaired parts.
Throughout the U.S. and Canada, hours are Monday-Friday,
We will have no obligations under this warranty for any
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time.
product which has been:
• improperly installed;
• used in an installation other than as recommended in
our installation or operation instructions or
specifications;
• damaged or has failed due to an accident or abnormal
operation including racing, misuse or alterations
outside our factory;
• repaired or modified by entities other than Techsonic
Techsonic Industries
Industries;
• used on an engine/boat combination where the
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
engine horsepower exceeds the rating established by
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
the boat manufacturer;
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference
• used with other product(s) which, in Techsonic
Industries opinion, are incompatible with the
(2) This device must accept any interference received,
Techsonic Industries product.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER
WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly
OF Techsonic Industries AND WILL BE THE CUSTOMER'S
approved by Techsonic Industries could void the
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY EXCEPT FOR ANY APPLICABLE
users authority to operate the device.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER STATE LAW WHICH ARE
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Requirement: ........ One 2450CR Wrist Sonar Battery
Sonar Operating Frequency .................................. 120 kHz
............................One non-replaceable Lithium RSS Battery
Operational Radio Frequency ..............................916.5 mHz
Display Matrix ..............................................48 X 32 Pixels
Operational Range ......................................................75 ft
Display Type ................................................................ STN
Depth Capability ...................................................... 100 ft
Sonar Coverage ............................................ 90°@-10 dB*
*Area of bottom coverage equals twice the current depth.
www.humminbird.com
or call our Humminbird
Customer Resource Center Hotline:
1-334-687-0503
Humminbird
Service Department
108 Maple Lane
Eufaula, AL 36027
FCC ID: ICLSMC1
and;
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Advertisement

loading