How to Troubleshoot the SmartCast RF25

The Humminbird Smartcast RF25 is a fishing rod-mounted LCD display that communicates wirelessly with a remote sonar sensor, or RSS. Cast into the water with a fishing lure, the RSS remains on the surface like a float, sensing the presence of fish and producing a graphical display on the LCD that depicts their location and depth, as well as a representation of bottom contours, underwater obstructions and other information. The Smartcast RF25 operates off a single 2450 CR battery. The remote sonar sensor is a sealed unit powered by a non-replaceable lithium battery.

Instructions

  1. RSS Signal Lost

    • 1

      Make sure no objects are coming between the Smartcast and the RSS. The wireless communication link is line-of-sight, and obstructions may block the signal.

    • 2

      Check the depth of the water. Erratic signals may result when the RSS is in water less than two feet deep.

    • 3

      Reel the RSS in more slowly. Fast reeling may result in loss of signal and cause the screen to freeze.

    • 4

      Make sure the fishing tackle you are using is not too heavy. A lure weighing more than .2 ounces may submerge the RSS, causing loss of signal.

    • 5

      Wait until the water is smoother. Choppy water may degrade the range of the RSS significantly.

    No Display on LCD, or Display Fades Out

    • 6

      Make sure the battery is correctly installed and the battery door closed properly.

    • 7

      Remove the battery door and remove the battery. Reinstall the battery and battery door and try to start again.

    • 8

      Replace the battery.

    Miscellaneous

    • 9

      Investigate sources of electrical or RF interference if you notice black dots on the screen in the high-resolution mode. Any wireless device that utilizes the 900 MHz frequency range can cause interference.

    • 10

      Look for other RSS units operating in close proximity if you notice fluctuating depth readings, excessive screen clutter and misplaced screen icons.

    • 11

      Check the channel assignments of nearby RSS units. Channel A RSS units and Channel B RSS units may interfere with each other. Deactivate one of the units to determine which channel is causing interference. Try operating only units on the same channel when in close proximity.