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Troubleshooting
Do not attempt to repair the RF20 Rod Mounted Display 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 returned
“no problem found.” If you have a problem with your SmartCast, use the following troubleshooting guide before calling
the Customer Resource Center or sending your unit in for repair.
1. The SmartCast loses signal.
If the SmartCast is not able to get an RF signal from the RSS, the display will stop updating
(the screen will freeze) and the RF20 SmartCast screen will be displayed after several seconds.
Whenever reception is lost or the RSS emerges from the water for more than a few seconds,
the RF20 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 Rod Mounted Display, the reception may be lost.
• The RF20 depth range is 2 to 100 feet (0.6 to 30 meters). Erratic readings may occur in water that is shallower than
2 feet (0.6 m). 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 0.2 ounce (5.7 grams) will submerge the RSS,
causing signal loss.
• The RF20 may not obtain its maximum RF distance of 100 feet (30 meters) unless the water is smooth. Waves or
chop may reduce the RF range significantly.
NOTE: Retrieving the RSS too rapidly, or the repetitive rocking motion of rough water, can result in loss or distortion of the bottom detail on
the 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 100
feet (30 meters). If the unit is cast or drifts more than 100 feet (30 meters) away from the receiver, the signal may be inconsistent or lost.
2. Nothing happens when I turn the Rod Mounted Display 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 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.
3. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom reading and inconsistent digital depth indication.
The SmartCast will work reliably in water 2 feet (0.6 meter) or deeper. The depth is measured from the RSS.