Humminbird RF15 User's Manual
Contents
1. change the channel follow this section You will find it easier to perform these steps once you have grasped the way the programming mode works The programming mode allows you to e turn on the blinking light e switch the Advanced RSS Channel from A to B The RF15 Control Head temperature readout provides user feedback to help you make the correct selections The temperature readout will change on the Control Head to 40 F 4 C 45 F 7 C 50 F 9 C or 55 F 12 C to signify the following settings NOTE If the temperature readout is set for degrees Celsius then the temperature readout will change on the Control Head to 4 7 9 or 12 to signify the following settings Light setting Temp changes to Means that 40 F 4 C Blinking light is OFF factory default 45 F 7 C Blinking light is ON but only blinks when the Advanced RSS is in the water Channel setting Temp changes to Means that 50 F 9 C RSS is set to CHANNEL A factory default 59 F 12 C RSS is set to CHANNEL B IMPORTANT The RF15 Control Head must be tumed on and the CHANNEL SELECT SetUjo menu on the Control Head must be set to Channel A even if the RSS is set to Channel B before you can see the feedback on the Control Head temperature readout NOTE The Advanced RSS programming mode will time out after 20 seconds of no user activity display the Start Up screen and return the RSS to normal operation NOTE If the temperature display re2. hook line to this hole Do not over weight the hook line as this will submerge the RSS causing signal loss CAUTION You will increase the possibilty of breaking your line if you use light test pound line on your reel The RSS is positively buoyant is buoyant under its own weight plus 0 2 ounces of bait and lead weight The maximum amount of weight for any attachment to the RSS is approximately 0 2 ounces 5 67 grams and includes the combined weight of any hook line weight swivelsnap swivel and bait that is attached to the RSS The RSS itself weighs 1 ounce and therefore light test line might break Store the RSS in a dry non metallic container such as a tackle box in a separate compartment and isolated from any metallic devices 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 WARNING Handling and or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead in the form of solder RSS Power The Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor RSS has a non replaceable Lithium battery with a shelf life of three years that will last for approximately 500 hours of in w
3. inconsistent digital depth indication The RSS will work reliably in water 2 feet 0 6 meters or deeper The depth is measured from the RSS A transmitter RSS to receiver RF15 distance of greater than 100 may cause intermittent screen display Excessively rough water may cause the RSS to submerge again losing contact 3 The display shows fluctuating depth readings and excessive clutter including vertical bars that may be drawn on top of fish icons The RF15 system comes with the capability to receive separate signals from a Channel A RSS or a Channel B RSS Two A or B type RSS units used simultaneously as well as one A and one B type RSS unit used simultaneously can cause RF interference between each other 4 The screen jumps and the bottom has an abrupt change sometimes a vertical line is missing or a black line from top to bottom is displayed This screen image jump is due to an automatic change in depth New returns graphed at a different scale will not match up with the historic data already graphed at a higher or lower scale Vertical lines can also occur as the radio signal from the RSS is lost and then regained in rough water conditions International Purchases A separate warranty is provided by international distributors for units purchased outside the United States This warranty is included by your local distributor and this distributor maintains local service for your unit Warranties are only valid in the area of
4. RF15 Operations Manual 531393 1 A Thank You Thank you for choosing Humminbird America s 1 name in fishfinders Humminbird has built its reputation by designing 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 year after purchase and available at a reasonable rate after the one year period For complete details see the separate warranty card included with your unit We encourage you to read this operations manual carefully in order to get full benefit from all the features and applications of your Humminbird product With this purchase you should have e RF15 Control Head e One Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor RSS e Portable Carry Case e This RF15 Operations Manual If any of these components are missing or are not included please contact our Customer Resource Center at 1 334 687 0503 or visit our website at www humminbird com WARNING This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent collision grounding boat damage or personal injury When the boat is moving water depth may change too quickly to allow time for you to react Always operate the boat at very slow speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects WARNING Disassembly and repair of this elec
5. SS This Advanced RSS may be programmed to either Channel A or Channel B This A B Channel option gives you the flexibility to switch to a different channel if another angler is using a SmartCast unit within 150 feet of your RSS to reduce possible interference See Changing the Channel on the Advanced RSS for details on selecting either Channel A or Channel B NOTE RSS units regardless of channel may generate erratic depth readings as a result of sonar interference when used in close proximity closer than 40 feet to each other or to other sonar devices Understanding the Advanced RSS The Advanced RSS provides the following functionality e Water Surface Temperature Grayscale Sonar Data e Blinking Light for nighttime use e A B Channel Select When you are using the RF15 grayscale sonar data and water temperature will be displayed automatically on the screen You must manually program the Advanced RSS in order to turn the light on or off or to change the RSS channel setting to A or B Default settings on new products are Light OFF and Channel A RSS Programming Mode You may change the light setting or the channel type on the Advanced RSS using a programming mode that is accessed by touching the wet switch contacts on the bottom of the RSS NOTE Please read this and the next section BEFORE you try to program the Advanced RSS using the wet switch contacts Specific step by step procedures to turn on the light and to
6. Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu S J Language SetUp Menu Intl Only Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected then press the POWER MENU key until LANGUAGE appears International Units Only LANGUAGE selects the display language for menus Settings vary Default English Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu Units SetUp Menu TE q _wereesc__ p Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected then press the POWER MENU key until UNITS appears UNITS selects the units of measure Feet F Meters C Fathoms C Default Feet F for domestic units and Meters C for international units where F stands for Fahrenheit and C stands for Celsius Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu Channel Select SetUp Menu C a Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected then press the POWER MENU key until CHANNEL SELECT appears CHANNEL SELECT selects the type of RSS you are using A B Default A Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu NOTE The Channel Select setting must match the actual hardware configuration of your RSS in order for the ASS to function See Using the Advanced RSS for information about changing the channel of your Advanced RSS manually using the wet switch on the Advanced RSS Channel A and B RSS Units Your RF15 unit comes with an Advanced R
7. U key until LIGHT appears Use the backlight for night fishing Select either 0 Off or 1 through 5 to activate the backlight at the desired level 0 to 5 Default 0 NOTE Continuous backlight operation will significantly decrease the battery life for RF15 Portables Sensitivity Setting Saved in Memory Press the POWER MENU key until SENSITIVITY appears Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display Increasing the sensitivity shows more sonar returns from small baitfish and suspended debris in the water however the display may become too cluttered When operating in very clear water or greater depths increased sensitivity shows weaker returns that may be of interest Decreasing the sensitivity eliminates the clutter from the display that is sometimes present in murky or muddy water If Sensitivity is adjusted too low the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish 0 10 Default 5 Depth Range DEPTH RANGE Setting Not Saved in Memory fy M Press the POWER MENU key until DEPTH RANGE appears Automatic is the default setting When in automatic the lower range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom Auto 10 to 120 Feet Default Auto NOTE In manual operation if the depth is greater than the depth range setting the bottom will not be visible on the display Select AUTO to return to automatic operation ao Y Setting Not Saved in Memory Press the POWER MEN
8. U key until ZOOM appears Select Auto to magnify the area around the bottom in order to reveal fish and structure close to the bottom that may not be visible during normal operation When ZOOM is set to Auto the upper and lower Depth Ranges are automatically adjusted to keep the area above and below the bottom on the display Select Off to return to normal operation Off Auto Manual Ranges Default Off Ft i 5 m Upper Zoom 2 a Range Magnified Bottom with More Detail Structure _ Lower Zoom Range There is also a series of manual ranges which can be selected The manual depth ranges are determined by the present depth conditions Fish Alarm FISH ALAR Setting Saved in Memory Press the POWER MENU key until FISH ALARM appears Select Off for no fish alarm or one of the following symbols to set the alarm An alarm will sound when the RF15 detects fish that correspond to the alarm setting Fish Alarm will only sound if Fish ID is also set to On Off Large Large Medium All Default Off Large fish ony E A Large Medium fish only E Ta ain CEIS Filter Setting Saved in Memory Press the POWER MENU key until FILTER appears Select either Off or On Filter adjusts the sonar filter to limit interference on the display from sources such as your boat engine turbulence or other sonar devices On Off Default Off SetUp Menu SETUP C or Press the POWER MENU key until SetUp a
9. ar data access Simulator by pressing the Right Arrow Key once e Use SetUp to display additional set up menu choices access SetUp by pressing the RIGHT Arrow Key twice See SetUp Menu for more information The Menu System A simple menu system allows you to access your RF15 s adjustable settings To activate the menu system press the POWER MENU key Press the POWER MENU key repeatedly to display the RF15 menu settings one at a time When a menu setting is on the display use the RIGHT and LEFT Arrow keys to adjust the menu setting Menu settings are removed from the screen automatically after several seconds In Normal operating mode most menu settings saved to memory will not return to their default values when the unit is turned off See individual menu choices for more information NOTE Each time the POWER MENU key is pressed the backlight momentarily illuminates for easy viewing at night Adjust the LIGHT menu setting to keep the backlight on NOTE If Simulator Mode is selected from the Start Up Menu and a transducer is plugged in some menu setting changes will be saved in memory even after the unit is powered down Menu setting changes will not be saved from Simulator mode when a transducer is not connected NOTE Turning on the SetUo menu choice from the Main Menu System allows you to access additional set up menu choices See SetUo Menu for more information Light Setting Not Saved in Memory Press the POWER MEN
10. as a maximum transmit range of 100 feet 30 meters If the unit is cast or drifts more than 100 feet away from the receiver the signal may be inconsistent or lost Raising the RF15 control head slightly above ground level will also increase signal capture 1 The RF15 loses signal If the RF15 is not able to get an RF signal from the RSS the display will stop updating the screen will freeze and the 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 SmartCast screen will be displayed until the RSS is placed back in the water and reception is regained e The RSS uses line of sight wireless technology If objects are placed between the RSS and the RF15 reception may be lost e The RSS depth range is 2 to 120 feet 0 6 to 35 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 e Reeling the RSS too fast can cause loss of signal and the screen will freeze e Check the buoyant balance between the RSS and your tackle over 0 2 ounce will submerge the RSS causing signal loss e The RSS may not obtain its maximum RF distance of 100 feet unless the water is smooth Waves or chop may reduce the RF range significantly 2 When in very shallow water get gaps in the bottom reading and
11. ater use when the nighttime LED is turned off Discard the used RSS in compliance with local laws as you would any electronic component or battery The RSS has contacts that perceive when the device is immersed in the water These contacts turn on the Sonar Transmitter Receiver and begin transmitting the sonar information via RF to the display The RSS automatically stops using power a few seconds after being pulled out of the water WARNING 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 Store the RSS in a ary area when not in use to conserve power Never place the RSS in a wet area of a boat or on a metal surface that could accidentally power it on NOTE If the RSS was used in salt water rinse it with fresh water before storing it Powering ON and OFF Press and release the POWER MENU key to power the RF15 on Press and hold the POWER MENU key until the unit shuts down to power off Display LEFT Arrow Key POWER MENU Key RIGHT Arrow Key When the RF15 powers on the Start Up menu temporarily appears From this menu use the arrow keys to select either Start Up Simulator or SetUp If you do nothing the unit will default to normal on the water use START UP START UP b TRANSDUCER CONNECTED e Use Start Up for on the water use e Use Simulator for learning how to use the system with simulated son
12. d then press the POWER MENU key until BOTTOM VIEW appears Bottom View selects the method used to represent the bottom and structure on the display Structure ID Black WhiteLine Inverse Default Inverse n O Structure ID represents weak returns as light pixels and strong returns as 62 4 dark pixels This has the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be clearly visible on the display o Black Bottom Black displays all pixels below the bottom contour as black regardless of signal strength This has the benefit of providing a high contrast between the bottom and other sonar returns on the display WhiteLine highlights the strongest sonar returns in white resulting in a distinctive outline This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display Inverse is a method where weak returns are shown with dark pixels and strong returns with lighter pixels This has the benefit of ensuring that weak signals will be clearly visible on the display Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu BATTERY ALARM 95 G a Battery Alarm SetUp Menu Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected then press the POWER MENU key until BATTERY ALARM appears Select Off or 8 5 to 13 5 Volts Battery Alarm sounds when the input battery voltage is equal to or less than the menu setting Off 8 5 to 13 5 Volts Default Off
13. de to the Channel programming mode The temperature reading on the Control Head will change to show a temperature reading of 50 F 9 C channel set to A 2 To change the setting to 55 F 12 C channel set to B touch and release the wet switch contacts once more Wait two seconds and then confirm that the temperature reading on the Control Head has changed to 55 F 12 C Single touches will toggle the setting between 50 F 9 C and 55 F 12 C Temperature of 55 Means Channel is Set to B Temperature of 50 Means Channel is Set to A 3 Once you have made your selection wait 20 seconds for programming mode to time out the Start Up screen will appear on the Control Head 4 Use the SetUp Channel Select menu on the RF15 Control Head to switch the software to match the new channel designation on the Advanced RSS See Channel Select SetUp Menu for more information CAUTION Make sure that you change the Channel Selection on the Control Head to match the new Advanced RSS Channel before using the Advanced RSS Using a First Generation RSS First generation RSS units still sold with other SmartCast products come in two versions Channel A and Channel B RF40A and RF40B and are both compatible with the RF15 NOTE When using either an RF40A or RF40B RSS with the RF15 you will not get water temperature or grayscale sonar information and you will not be able to turn on the LED or change the cha
14. intended distribution Units purchased in the United States or Canada must be returned to our factory in the United States for service SPECIFICATIONS Power Requirement Control Head 4 52 seen et eee eae Eight AA 1 5 Volt Alkaline batteries not included Pome tanita sass ek advan Maude One non replaceable Lithium RSS Battery Display Type Depth Capability 2 120 feet 0 6 35 meters 90 10 dB Sonar Operating Frequency 125 kHz 916 5 mHz 433 92 mHz for European models 100 feet 30 meters European models are CE approved Sonar Coverage Operational Wireless Frequency Operational Range Approval Area of bottom coverage equals twice the current depth CONTACT HUMMINBIRD Your Humminbird accessory is designed for trouble free operation and is backed by a one year warranty If you have any questions contact our Humminbird Customer Resource Center By Telephone Monday Friday 8 00 a m to 4 30 p m Central Standard Time 334 687 0503 By e mail typically we respond to your e mail within three business days custserv johnsonoutdoors com For direct shipping our address is Humminbird Service Department 678 Humminbird Lane Eufaula AL 36027 USA VHUMMINBIRD
15. ng your RSS in water deeper than 1 foot only The Advanced RSS can be used in two distinct ways Water Surface Line Depth Measured at the Transducer 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 Temperature Fish ID Symbols Bottom Contour Lower Range Stationary Float The RSS can be used as a float in a stationary location to monitor the area below giving you a live update as fish approach your bait Attaching the RSS The line coming from your reel can be tied off to the front hole in the RSS If you wish to also use the RSS as a conventional float use the second hole to attach your hook using a lighter weight line A snag will break the lighter line if you have to break free Slip line techniques are not recommended because of the higher risk of losing the RSS If you do use the slip line method use a lighter weight line after the lower stop enabling retrieval of the RSS if the lower line with hook breaks away Handle the RSS by the antenna tower when it has been in water Use a heavy test line Standard knots and tackle such as a swivel The second leader hole is for using the RSS as a float Connect a lighter weight
16. nking light OFF 2 To change the setting to 45 F 7 C blinking light ON touch and release the wet switch contacts once more Wait two seconds and then confirm that the temperature reading on the Control Head has changed to 45 F 7 C Single touches will toggle the setting between 40 F 4 C and 45 F 7 C 1 s SMARTCAST Temperature Setting of 45 Means LED is On SMARTCAST Temperature of 40 Means LED is OFF NOTE When the LED is set to ON it will fash every four seconds when the RSS is in operation i e when the wet switch is submerged Even when the LED is set to ON the LED will not flash unless the wet switch is activated If you want to test the RSS to make sure the LED is set to ON before using the RSS wet your finger and hold it on the wet switch if the LED is set to ON the LED will begin to flash NOTE Repeat steps 1 and 2 to tum off the LED when finished with night fishing 3 Once you have made your selection you can either wait 20 seconds for programming mode to time out the Start Up screen will appear on the Control Head display or continue immediately to the next procedure to change the channel Changing the Channel on the Advanced RSS To change the channel type on the Advanced RSS 1 From the Light programming mode see Turning on the Advanced RSS Blinking Light touch and release the wet switch contacts twice more with your moist finger to change from the Light programming mo
17. nnel on the RSS You will still be able to read digital depth and bottom contour information NOTE When using an RF40A or RF40B RSS make sure to select the matching channel from the CHANNEL SELECT menu on the RF15 Control Head Maintenance Your RF15 is designed to provide years of trouble free operation with virtually no maintenance Follow these simple procedures to ensure your RF15 continues to deliver top performance If the unit comes into contact with salt spray wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water Do not use a chemical glass cleaner on the lens this may cause cracking in the lens 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 Never leave the unit in a closed car or trunk the extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics RSS Maintenance After using the RSS in salt water wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened with fresh water The RSS Wet Switch pins must be rinsed with fresh water after exposure to salt water to prevent corrosion 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 Wipe the face of the RSS with a wet cloth to remove them Never leave
18. ppears Select either Off or On Off On Default Off When you choose SetUp additional menu choices will become available that are not a part of the Main Menu system After selecting SetUp press the POWER MENU key to display the SetUp menu choices one at a time SetUp Menu choices include e Contrast e Fish ID e Bottom View i e Battery Alarm e Languages International Units Only e Units e Channel Select Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu Contrast SetUp Menu gt Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected then press the POWER MENU key until CONTRAST appears Select a setting from 1 through 5 1 to 5 Default 3 Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu Fish ID SetUp Menu Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected then press the POWER MENU key until FISH ID appears Select either Off to view raw sonar returns or On to view Fish symbols Fish ID uses advanced signal processing to interpret sonar returns and will display a Fish Symbol when very selective requirements are met A select number of possible fish returns will be displayed with their associated depth On Off Default On Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu Fish ID j Raw Sonar 1 oj i Bottom View SetUp Menu Setting Saved in Memory Make sure that the SetUp menu is selecte
19. the RSS in a closed car or trunk the extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics If sonar performance becomes weak i e there are bottom gaps or 0 depth readings the bottom of the RSS needs to be cleaned with a drop or two of a5 to 10 percent solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water Use approximately one tablespoon detergent to 8 ounces of water to remove oils from the face of the RSS then wipe with a damp cloth Troubleshooting Do not attempt to repair the RF15 yourself There are no user serviceable parts inside and special tools and techniques are required for assembly to ensure the waterproof integrity of the housing 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 RF15 use the following troubleshooting guide before calling the Customer Resource Center or sending your unit in for repair NOTE Retrieving the RSS too rapidly or the repetitive rocking motion of rough water can result in loss or distortion of the 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 tio up holding the rod tip low or using a heavy line may cause the RSS to submerge and momentarily lose radio contact The RSS h
20. tronic 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 Using the RF15 Simply attach the RSS to the end of your fishing line and cast it into the water as you would a normal float or lure then power on the RF15 and you are ready to fish Your RF15 uses sonar technology to send sound waves from the RSS into the water To scan an area cast and then reel in at a steady rate with your rod tip up Jerks may break water contact causing gapped signal input A low rod tip or heavy line may cause signal loss if the RSS submerges The returned echoes are transmitted with wireless technology to the display unit 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 depth of underwater objects such as the bottom fish and structures WARNING 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 usi
21. turns to a normal reading or the Start Up screen appears on the display you are no longer in programming mode How the Wet Switch Works In the following sections you will use the wet switch contacts on the bottom of the Advanced RSS to enter programming mode and to change the Light and Channel settings Before you try these procedures for the first time please read through this section to familiarize yourself with the way the Wet Switch works Your finger should be moist but not dripping before you touch the Wet Switch You can achieve the correct dampness by dipping your finger in water then dabbing your finger twice on a towel A touch means touching both wet switch contacts at the same time with your moistened finger using medium pressure The time between touches needs to be one second or less NOTE Your finger must make contact with both of the wet switch pins simultaneously in order to tap them successfully See the procedures that follow for specific instructions on turning the light on or off or changing the channel from A to B Turning on the Advanced RSS Blinking Light To turn on the blinking nighttime fishing light 1 Wet your finger and tap the wet switch on the Advanced RSS three times the time between touches needs to be one second or less to enter the Light programming mode The RF15 temperature reading on the Control Head will change to show a temperature reading of 40 F 4 C bli
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