Smith-Root LR-20 Series User manual

LR-20 SERIES
BACKPACK ELECTROFISHERS
09441.09 LR-20 Series Manual
USER'S GUIDE

Items manufactured by companies other than Smith-Root carry the original manufacturer’s warranty. Please contact product
manufacturer for return instructions.
All Smith-Root, Inc. manufactured products are covered by a one-year warranty.
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must accompany returns. Valid equipment returns include, but are not limited to, ordering incorrect equipment, funding decits, and defective equipment returned for
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$20.00. Customers receiving equipment in damaged condition will be referred to the shipping company for insurance reimbursement.
09441.09 LR-20 Series Manual, © 2018 Smith-Root, Inc. Vancouver, WA - USA •
CONTENTS
Introduction.................................................................................1
Overview .....................................................................................2
Controls & Connectors.......................................................... 4
Battery Installation ..................................................................6
Packframe ...................................................................................7
Cable Strain Relief Clips ........................................................7
Operation ....................................................................................8
Safety Features.......................................................................10
Batteries & Charging............................................................. 12
Charging .................................................................................... 13
Battery Maintenance & Diagnostic equipment........... 17
Electrofishing Safety............................................................. 18
Quick Release System......................................................... 22
APPENDIX
A. Model 12/15-D Settings Chart ..................................... 23
B. Specifications .................................................................... 24
C. Glossary............................................................................... 25
Operation and maintenance
USER'S MANUAL
LR-20 SERIES
For Models LR-20 (200W) and LR-20B (400W)
BACKPACK ELECTROFISHERS
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
Iwww.smith-root.com

SAFETY FEATURES:
• Emergency shut-down switch disables the unit
• Flashing red output warning light
• Audible output warning system
• Tilt sensor
• Water immersion turns output off
• Electrode out of water output off
• Pole mounted operator switch
• Non-conductive case
• Quick release shoulder harness and waist belt
The LR-20 Series Backpack Electrofisher offers
the safety and ruggedness of the LR-24 with the reliability of our classic
Model 12, while using the accessories of our standard LR-24. The LR-
20B is an ideal transitional unit from our classic Model 12; it shares many
conventions as well as the safety and reliability and accessories of the LR-
24.
Use them for light-duty electrofishing or in conjunction with LR-24 units for
wider field applications. The LR-20B is a good addition to your collection of
Electrofishers in order to cover all field conditions.
INTRODUCTION
USER’S GUIDE
1 2018

FEATURES
Left:
A. Pack Frame
B. Cover Latch (2)
C. Front Cover
D. Cover Latch Sensor
E. Cable Strain Relief Clip
F. Battery
G. Battery Connector
Upper Right:
H. Shutdown Switch
I. Output Frequency Adjustment
J. Duty Cycle Adjustment
K. Timer Reset/Menu Select Button
L. LCD Display
M. Voltage Range Switch
N. Warning Light
O. Audio Alarm
Bottom Right
P. Cathode Connector
Q. Battery Cable Strain Relief
R. Control Connector
S. Anode Connector
OVERVIEW
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the LR-20's features before electrofishing.
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L
M
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A
B
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B
D
C
OVERVIEW
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
2www.smith-root.com

OUTPUT FREQUENCY: controls
the output frequency or pulses
per second of the electrofisher.
DUTY CYCLE: Controls the
percentage of time the output
pulse is on out of the time from
the start of one output pulse to
the start of the next output pulse.
It also selects Burst of Pulses.
TIMER RESET: Resets the
seconds counter display to zero.
LCD DISPLAY: Shows the number
of seconds the output of the unit
has been active since the last
timer reset, the peak output
voltage and current, the average
battery voltage and current, a fuel
gauge type display of the battery
voltage, heat-sink temperature
and waveform settings.
AUDIO ALARM: Provides loud
audio warning whenever 30 volts
or more are present between
the anode and cathode and also
when the unit is first switched
on and beeping increases in
frequency as loading increases.
WARNING LIGHT: Flashes once
per second whenever 30 volts
or more are present between
the anode and cathode and also
when the unit is first switched
on, and flashes faster as loading
increases.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN
SWITCH: Turns unit on when the
red button is rotated clockwise
and in the up position. Pushing
down on the button shuts the
unit off in emergency shut-down
situation.
OVERVIEW (CONT.)
CLOCKWISE: LCD display; Power/
Emergency Shutdown Button;
Output Frequency and Duty Cycle
switches; Cover Latch.
TIMER
FREQUENCY DUTY CYCLE
PUSH
TO RESET
OUTPUT CONTROL
50
45
10
60
40
20
70
35
25
15
80
90
120
110
100
30
VOLTAGE RANGE
LR-20 Electrosher
Backpack
1
5
0
1
0
0
5
0
9
9
0
7
0
0
5
0
0
2
0
0
2
5
0
3
0
0
3
5
0
4
0
0
ANODECONTROLCATHODE
50
990
100 700
150 500
200 400
250 350
300
ATTENTION: FRONT COVER MUST BE CLOSED FOR UNIT TO OPERATE
50 990
100 700
150 500
200 400
250 350
300
50
45
10
60
40
20 70
35
25
15 80
DC
30
5
2PULSES
3PULSES
GATED BURST
LR-20 Electrofisher
v.0.22
Smith-Root,Inc.
www.smith-root.com
PERIOD
DUTY
CYCLE
V
O
L
T
S
FREQUENCY
DUTY
CYCLE
V
O
L
T
S
LEFT TO RIGHT: A: Cathode
connector; B: power cord; C:
control connector; D: anode
connector; E: immersion sensor.
Duty Cycle and Output Frequency
A B C D
E
VOLTAGE RANGE SWITCH:
Controls the output voltage
of the electrofisher. Voltages
between 50 and 990 volts may
be selected.
IMMERSION SENSOR:
Automatically turns the output
off when water bridges the
sensing contacts.
ANODE CONNECTOR: Provides
the high voltage connection for
the anode electrode.
CONTROL CONNECTOR:
Provides the low voltage control
connection to the pole switch.
CATHODE CONNECTOR:
Provides the high voltage
connection to the cathode
electrode.
BATTERY CONNECTOR:
Provides power to the unit from
the battery.
COVER LATCH AND SENSOR:
Two over-center toggle latches
secure the front cover. Cover
must be closed and latched
before the output of the unit can
be activated.
USER’S GUIDE
3 2018

ON/OFF SWITCH: Located on top
of the electrofisher enclosure. To
turn the power on, the user must
rotate the switch 90 degrees
in the direction of the arrows
(clockwise). To turn the unit off,
press down on the button.
ANODE CONNECTOR: Located
on the bottom right corner of
the electrofisher the large black
2 socket connector provides the
high voltage connection for the
anode electrode. This connector
has a locating lug that assures
the anode pole can only be
connected one way. The proper
connection for the anode pole
is with the cable pointing away
from the backpack.
BATTERY POWER CONNECTOR:
Located on the bottom left center
of the electrofisher this red and
black color coded connector
provides power to the unit from
the battery*. To connect a
battery to the electrofisher,
match the colors on the battery
connector to the colors on the
battery's connector, red to red
and black to black**.
CATHODE CONNECTOR:
Located on the bottom left
corner of the electrofisher the
large black 2-socket connector
provides the high voltage
connection to the cathode
electrode. This connector has
a locating lug that assures
the cathode can only be
connected one way. The proper
connection for the cathode is
with the cable pointing away
from the backpack.
CONTROL CONNECTOR:
Located on the bottom right
center of the electrofisher the
small black 4-socket connector
provides the low voltage
control connection to the pole
switch. This connector has
a locating lug that assures
that the control connector
*CAUTION: Before con-
necting or disconnecting
a battery to the unit, make
sure the power switch is in the off
position, failure to do so may cause
damage to the battery and the elec-
trofisher.
EXTERNAL CONTROLS,
CONNECTORS AND SENSORS
can only be connected one
way. The proper connection
for the control connector
is with the cable pointing
away from the backpack.
IMMERSION SENSOR: Located
on the bottom left corner
of the enclosure behind the
cathode connector. The
output of the electrofisher
is automatically deactivated
when these contacts come
in contact with water.
NOTE: Although the
immersion sensor is located
above the battery tray of
the LR-20, do not submerge
the battery; doing so will
cause damage to the battery
and the electrofisher.
NOTE: The front cover must
be closed and latched before
the output of the unit can be
activated.
**WARNING: Reversing the
connectors will damage the
electrofisher and may cause
serious injury or death.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
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TIMER RESET: Located on the upper
right corner of the front panel. This
switch allows the user to reset the 6
digit seconds timer back to 0.
DUTY CYCLE: Located on the
upper left center of the front panel.
This switch controls the percentage
of time the output pulse is on out of
the time from the start of one output
pulse to the start of the next output
pulse. When the duty cycle is set
to DC, the electrofisher puts out a
constant DC voltage determined by
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (CONT.)
the voltage range switch.
FREQUENCY: Located on the upper
left of the front panel. This switch
controls the output frequency
or pulses per second of the
electrofisher. When the duty cycle
switch is set to DC, Gated Burst 2
pulse or Gated Burst 3 pulse, this
switch has no effect on the output
of the electrofisher.
DISPLAY: Located in the top center
of the front panel. The display
shows the number of seconds the
LR-20/LR-20B FRONT PANEL - Top to bottom, left to right: Frequency, Duty
Cycle knobs; Timer Reset Button; Display Window; Voltage Range Switch; Audio
Alarm; Warning Light.
output of the LR-20 has been active
since the last timer reset, the output
voltage and current and a fuel
gauge type display of the battery
voltage. The backlight of the LCD
display is always on when the
electrofisher is on; this allows easy
viewing of the display even in deep
shadows without the need to open
the front cover and turn on another
switch.
VOLTAGE RANGE SWITCH:
Located on the left side of the
front panel. This 11-position switch
controls the output voltage of the
electrofisher. Voltages between 50
and 990 volts may be selected.
WARNING LIGHT: Located in the
bottom center of the front panel.
Wide viewing angle, high brightness
red LED's flash once per second
whenever 30 volts or more are
present between the anode and
cathode and also when the unit is
first switched on.
AUDIO ALARM: Located on the
right side of the front panel. A
high volume audio alarm with
volume shutters provides additional
warning whenever 30 volts or more
are present between the anode
and cathode. In addition, the beep
rate gives an indication of the
power being drawn by the unit. It
also sounds when the unit is first
switched on.
USER’S GUIDE
5 2018

BATTERY INSTALLATION AND SAFETY
BATTERY INSTALLATION
BATTERY INSTALLATION
To ensure operator and unit safety, as well as the life of the battery, care must be taken to make sure
that the battery is installed correctly.
The easiest way to install the battery is to place the electrofisher on the ground (or similar safe, dry
surface), rather than on the operator's back.
A. Start by placing the LR-20B on the ground, orienting the battery inside with its bottom on the
wall towards the packframe and centering it towards the bottom.
B. Lay the battery inside the battery tray handle up, so that the power connectors are closest to the
control box.
C. The handle should fit inside the corresponding notch in the front of the tray.
Pass the battery strap through the oval handle cutout and secure the clasp while taking up any slack
in the strap. It should be snug and not allow the battery to move.
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
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Left Cable
Relief Clip
Pack Frame
Shoulder Strap
Adjustment
Shoulder Strap
Chest Strap
Quick Release
Waist Belt
Quick Release
Right Cable
Relief Clip Padded Waist Belt
*WARNING: Always unfasten the chest strap of the pack before crossing or entering the water. Should
you fall into deep water, the chest strap may prevent you from removing the electrofisher quickly.
CABLE STRAIN RELIEF CLIPS
These clips are designed to prevent the anode and cathode
cables from traveling beyond their recommended range of
motion and to relieve undue strain on the connector plugs.
Make sure that the ring-mounted swivel clip on either side of
the packframe is attached to the electrode cables as shown
in Fig. 1. Using the rings and clips in the manner indicated will
transfer the weight of the electrode cables to the packframe
and offset the possibility of damaging either cable or their
respective connectors.
WARNING: Without Cable Strain Relief Clips, the anode and cathode connectors
or their cords could become damaged.
Fig. 1
PACKFRAME
The packframe allows for various positions of the shoulder straps and waist belt to fit most people.
The straps and belt all have quick release latches that allow the Electrofisher to be removed quickly
if the operator falls into deep water or becomes injured*. For more information regarding emergency
quick release procedure, see Quick Release System on page 22.
USER’S GUIDE
7 2018

voltage, frequency, and duty
cycle should be done outside
of your sample area to avoid
influencing your statistics.
1. Make sure the power button
on top of the control unit is
in the off position (Down).
2. Attach the anode and cath-
ode to their output connec-
tors.
3. Attach the smaller connec-
tor on the anode cable to
the control connector of
the unit.
4. Be sure you know the loca-
tion of the quick release
buckles for the backpack,
and unlatch the chest strap
before entering or crossing
the water.
5. Check with each crew
member to be sure they
know you are ready to turn
on the power.
6. Connect the battery. When
using a lithium battery,
Attach the multicolored
lithium adapter (part #
10791) to the battery and
attach the red and black
connector pair from the
adapter to the red and
black connector pair on
the LR-20B.
7. Turn on the power. Do not
press the anode switch.
Check the operation of
the tilt switch by bend-
Battery Connector
Anode & Cathode Connectors
Immersion Sensor
ing forward until the tilt
switch activates, (about
55 degrees), and the tilt
message appears on the
display. Straighten up and
the status display should
return. If the tilt message
does not appear, do not use
the electrofisher; send it to
Smith-Root for repair.
8. Place a dampened cloth on
the immersion sensor con-
tacts located on the lower
left-hand corner of the con-
trol unit's box, behind the
cathode connector. The
display should show the
immersion warning. When
the cloth is removed and
the power is turned off and
back on, the display should
return to the status screen.
If the immersion message
does not appear, do not use
the electrofisher; send it to
Smith-Root for repair.
9. Set the frequency, duty
cycle, and voltage switches
to the values you wish to
use. If you don't know
what values to use, set the
switches as shown below
and follow the procedure
in the next step. NOTE: The
front cover of the electro-
fisher must be closed to
activate the output.
• Frequency 15 Hz.
• Duty cycle 10 percent.
• Voltage 50 volts.
OPERATION
Make sure the Electrode ring is clean and shiny. A cloudy,
dull-gray Electrode ring will reduce your catch per unit
effort and will increase the injury rate of fish. Initial setup of
Power Button
OPERATION
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
8www.smith-root.com

10.Duty cycle and frequency
can have a huge impact
on taxis. Do not be timid
about changing these set-
tings. In general, lower
frequencies are safer for
larger fish than higher fre-
quencies. If you are not
getting any response from
fish at all, then change the
settings as follows:
a. Increase the voltage
switch one position, and
try again. Stop increas-
ing voltage when you
begin getting a forced
response (twitch) from
the fish when you press
the anode pole switch.
b. If fish are not showing
taxis, then increase the
duty cycle switch one
position, and try again.
If necessary, repeat
this step until you elicit
taxis in the fish. If you
increase the duty cycle
to maximum and still
are not getting taxis,
then reduce the duty
cycle back to 10% and
go to the next step.
c. Increase the frequency
switch one position,
and try again. If neces-
sary, go back to step
“a” before increasing
frequency again.
OFF
ON
Electrode Pole Safety Switch
Front Panel details
OPERATION
USER’S GUIDE
9 2018

EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN
SWITCH
The large red mushroom
switch located on the top
of the LR-20 is the Emer-
gency Shutdown Switch,
which is also the main on/off
switch for the unit. To turn
the power on, the user must
rotate the switch 90 degrees
in the direction of the arrows
(clockwise). Since the switch
knob must be rotated, it
helps to prevent accidentally
powering up the unit. Push-
ing the red mushroom knob
down until it latches will
immediately turn the unit off.
FLASHING RED LIGHT
Bright, long-life LED lamps
flash whenever the unit is
turned on and 30 volts or
more is present between the
anode and cathode.
AUDIO ALARM
The audio alarm is located on
the front panel and indicates
2 different operating
conditions:
1. Presence of high voltage
in the water: Whenever the
anode and cathode are in
the water and more than 30
volts is present while the unit
is on, there will be an audible
tone emitted by the alarm.
2.Average power output level:
• From 0 to 49 watts the
TOP: The Emergency Shutdown
Switch; MIDDLE: Flashing red
indicator light (1) and audio
alarm (2); BOTTOM: Audio alarm
showing volume adjustment bezel.
CAUTION!:
Always unlatch
the chest strap
of the pack
before entering or crossing
water. If left latched, this
strap may prevent the user
from quickly removing the
LR-20B in the event of an
emergency, such as falling
into deep water (See Quick
Release System, page 22).
audio tone pulses once per
second.
• From 50 to 99 watts the
audio tone pulses twice per
second.
• From 100 to 149 watts the
audio tone pulses three
times per second.
• From 150 to 200 watts
the audio tone pulses four
times per second.
The audio alarm's volume can
be adjusted by means of the
rotating bezel on the front.
PACK FRAME QUICK
RELEASE
The LR-20 and LR-20B have
an integral quick release pack
frame. Simply lift one of the
two tabs on the shoulder
straps while unlatching the
waist belt and shrug the entire
unit away. For more informa-
tion, see QUICK RELEASE
SYSTEM on page 22.
1
*FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY INFORMATION, GO TO SAFETY ON PAGE 18
SAFETY FEATURES
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
10www.smith-root.com

1. Power On-Off Button
2. Frequency Adjust Knob
3. Duty Cycle Adjust Knob
4. Timer Reset Button
5. LCD Menu Display
6. Front Cover
7. Voltage Range Selector
8. Audible Output Alert
9. Visual Output Alert Light
10. Cathode Connector
11. Anode Connector
12. Front Cover Latches
13. Control Connector
14. Battery Connector
15. Battery Handle
16. Anode/Cathode Strain Relief Clips
1
2
7 8
6
9
12
12
1716
15
13
10 11
14
34
5
For more information on front panel items, see Front Panel Controls and
Indicators on page 5.
USER’S GUIDE
11 2018

charging lead batteries.
For safety reasons,
individual battery types
should have a minimum
capacity. Recommended
battery capacity: 6V
4-12Ah, 12V 3-12Ah, 24V
1.5-12Ah. Contact the
battery manufacturer for
the specific battery. Do not
attempt to charge batteries
that are not rechargeable.
BATTERIES
The Universal Battery Char-
ger (UBC-24) is designed to
charge lead-acid and lithium
batteries for the LR-24,
LR-20 Series (and earlier
Smith-Root 24V models)
Electrofisher Systems.
The UBC-24 is a charger tai-
lored for maintenance-free
batteries as well as other
types of lead-acid batteries.
The UBC-24 has a fully auto-
matic, three stage charge
sequence with an electroni-
cally timed routine and a
desulfation mode.
Stage 1 - Constant Current
Mode. The charger starts
with maximum current until
the battery reaches a preset
voltage (red LED light).
Stage 2 - Timed Constant
Voltage Mode. The charge is
electronically controlled with
a fixed voltage ceiling which
prevents excess battery gas
emission and over-charging
(orange LED light).
Stage 3 - Final Mode. Battery
is fully charged (green LED
light).
Full electronic protection is
provided against short circuit
and reverse battery connec-
tion.
BATTERIES: BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Old, sulphated batteries usually have a reduced capacity and are difficult
to charge. The charge current will fall quickly as if the battery had received a full
charge. Even though a battery in this condition should be replaced, it will retain a
small charge.
HIGH VOLTAGES IN WATER
WHEN LIGHT FLASHES
AND ALARM SOUNDS!
CHARGING
READ THESE
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
USING THE CHARGER
The battery charger is
only designed for indoor
use and should not come
into contact with water
or dust. In order to avoid
overheating, the charger
should not be covered when
it is in use.
Chargers filled with molding
material are splash-proof,
but must not be immersed
in water.
The socket should be easily
accessible. If an operational
error occurs, the plug
should be immediately
removed from the socket.
The charger contains
dangerous voltages and
the cover should not be
removed. All service or
maintenance work should
be carried out by qualified
personnel who can get
assistance by contacting
the manufacturer’s agent. A
fuse protects the product
against short-circuiting
and overloading. The
charger is designed for
BATTERIES
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
12www.smith-root.com

BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE (CONT.)
HOW TO CHARGE BATTERIES
WARNING: Explosive gases can arise while
charging. Avoid sparks and open flames.
Verify that there is adequate ventilation
while charging. The charger should not
be used in the vicinity of flammable gases.
Avoid chargers with plastic casing coming into contact
with oils, grease, etc., as most types of plastic can be
broken down by chemicals and solvents.
UBC-24 BATT. CHARGER
Part Number.....................10167
BAT-01
UBC-24
From AC
Battery
Under
Test
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Rating: Nominal
90-264VAC/47-
63Hz
Maximum Output
Power: 60W
Input Connection: 3 pin IEC 320
(input cordset not
included)
Output
Connection: Battery clips
Dimensions/
Weight:
5.31” x 3.15” x 1.73”
(135 x 80 x 44mm)/
0.77 lbs. (350g)
1. The charger and battery should be placed in a well-
ventilated area during charging.
2. Do not connect the charger to the socket before it is
connected to the battery.
3. Verify that the polarity is correct and connect the
charger cable: Red to red; black to black (use provided
adapter for lithium batteries).
4. Connect the charger to the socket.
5. When charging is finished, do not leave battery on
charger for an extended period of time. Disconnect
the charger from the socket before you disconnect the
charger from the battery.
LEDS INDICATE FOLLOWING CHARGE STATUS:
CONSTANT CURRENT MODE
• The charger is in constant current mode. LEDs change to
red.
• Charge current is at its maximum.
TIMED CONSTANT MODE
• The charger is in constant voltage mode. LEDs change
to orange.
• Charge current is less than its maximum.
• The battery is normally 80-95% charged.
• The charger stays in this mode until the charge current
decreases to charge termination level.
FINAL MODE
• The battery is fully charged. The LED changes to green.
• Remove battery from charger.
LITHIUM BATTERY ADAPTER
The provided lithium battery adapter
must be used with the UBC Charger to
charge lithium batteries.
USER’S GUIDE
13 2018

BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE (CONT.)
BATTERIES
The electrofisher uses a 24
volt sealed deep cycle battery.
Understanding the proper
care of this battery will reduce
problems in the field.
Batteries should never
be allowed to remain in a
discharged state and should be
recharged as soon as possible
after use. Batteries should be
charged until the green lamp
on the charger comes on, then
removed from charger.
Charging Problems: Some
older batteries may not charge
within 24 hours. If a battery
has been left in a discharged
condition for a while, it may not
take a charge. If you suspect
that the battery has been
left discharged, charge it for
48 hours and then discharge
it with the electrofisher. If
the battery is not taking a
charge, it will not operate the
electrofisher for very long.
Sometimes by cycling the
battery a few times it will start
taking a charge again.
Note that all batteries should
be charged after each use even
if the battery was only slightly
discharged (these batteries
SRI BATTERIES
MODELS:
A. 24V 12Ah Lead-Acid Battery... 06682
B. 24V 7
Ah Lead-Acid Battery......06681
C. 24V 9.6Ah Lithium Battery........ 10765
D. Lithium Battery Adapter............. 10791
24V 12 Ah
24V 7 Ah
24V 9.6 Ah
Shipping: Lead-Acid batteries (A & B above) conform to the UN2800
classification as "Batteries, wet, non-spillable, electric storage". They conform
to the International Air Transport Association (I.A.T.A.) Special Provision A67,
classifying them as non-dangerous goods and are therefore exempt from the
subject regulations for dangerous goods and are acceptable for transport
on both cargo and passenger aircraft. Lithium batteries (C above) are only
acceptable on ground transport and must have adapter (D above) removed.
Reference: I.A.T.A. Dangerous Goods Regulations, 35th Edition, Jan 1, 1994 Section 4.4, Special Provisions.
A.
B.
C.
Lithium Battery Adapter
D.
BATTERIES
do not have a memory). Total
number of charge/discharge
cycles possible varies inversely
with depth of discharge on
each cycle. Over-discharging
or completely discharging the
battery will greatly reduce
the cycles possible and a
battery left in a discharged
condition may be ruined. For
this reason, batteries should
never be allowed to remain in
a discharged state. Recharge
as soon as possible after each
use, and every three months if
unused.
Service Life: Batteries
which have been properly
maintained should last
3 to 5 years depending on
ambient temperature, depth
of discharge (D.O.D.), and
number of cycles (for Smith-
Root batteries to maintain at
least 80% of original capacity,
they are rated 230 cycles for
100% D.O.D., 470 cycles for
50% D.O.D. or 1100 cycles for
30% D.O.D.). Batteries which
have reached this end of life
condition may still be useful
where shorter operating times
are appropriate.
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
14www.smith-root.com

BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE (CONT.)
BATTERY STORAGE
INSTRUCTIONS
Fully charge batteries
before placing in storage.
As these batteries will self
discharge, we recommend
that they be recharged
after 3 months of storage.
Batteries removed
from storage should be
recharged prior to placing
back in service.
When not in use, store the
charger indoors in a cool
dry place.
MAINTENANCE
AND CLEANING OF
CHARGER
Very little maintenance
is required other than
protecting the charger from
damage and weather.
1. Coil cord when not in use.
2. Clean case and cords with
a slightly damp cloth.
3. Examine cords for
damage periodically and
replace if necessary with
manufacturer approved
parts.
BATTERY TIPS & PRECAUTIONS
1. Keep the battery charged! The most frequent cause of
battery failure is not recharging after each use.
2. Extreme temperatures kill batteries. Avoid storage
in exceedingly warm, or cold areas. Recommended
operating temperatures are between 5 and 35 degrees
C (maximum - 15 to 50 degrees C). The energy
available on a given discharge cycle decreases at low
temperatures and increases at higher than normal
temperatures. Increased temperatures increase the
gradual processes of very slow corrosion which normally
occur in all lead-acid batteries.
3. Avoid heavy vibrations or shocks, which may cause
internal damage. Foam packing is cheap insurance.
4. Avoid contact with oils or solvents which may attack the
battery case (ABS plastic resin). Clean with soap and water
only.
5. Do not crush, incinerate or dismantle the battery. The
electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which can cause
serious damage to eyes and skin. Dispose of old
batteries at a battery recycler.
6. Do not leave battery on charger for extended periods of
time when battery reaches a full charge.
When using a lithium battery, Attach the multicol-
ored lithium adapter (part # 10791) to the battery
and attach the red and black connector pair from
the adapter to the red and black connector pair on
the LR-20B.
USER’S GUIDE
15 2018

BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE (CONT.)
BATTERY RATING
Batteries are rated at the current which will reduce
the voltage per cell to 1.67 volts in 20 hours. The
heavyweight battery has a 12 amp hour rating.
However its life at 100 watt continuous discharge
would be only 120 minutes. As the discharge
current is increased, the efficiency and relative
capacity decreases (Fig. 6.1).
BATTERY LIFE
Each time you cycle a battery it loses some of its
ability to take a charge. Deep cycle batteries are
capable of being charged and discharged from 100
up to 1,000 times, depending on the depth of the
discharge and the type of charger used. Service
life and shelf life are both adversely affected by
extreme temperatures.
BATTERY STORAGE
Batteries stored at room temperature will self-
discharge at 3% to 6% per month. Storage
temperature above 20°C (68°F) should be
avoided. Shelf life can be increased by storing in a
climate-controlled environment. Batteries should
be fully charged before storing and should be
recharged every four months.
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE
The temperature at which a battery is used also
affects the relative capacity of the battery. In cold
weather the shocking time will be less and the
battery will have less capacity (Figs. 6.3 & 6.4).
Life Load Capacity
20 hr 0.60A 12.0Ah
10 hr 1.05A 10.5Ah
5 hr 1.95A 9.7Ah
1 hr 7.20A 7.2Ah
30 min 12.00A 6.0Ah
15 min 20.00A 5.0Ah
Fig. 6.1: Relative capacity of 12Ah
deep cycle battery.
Fig. 6.2: Discharge curves for
12Ah and 7Ah batteries.
Fig. 6.3: Effect of temperature
on battery life.
Fig. 6.4: Effect of temperature
on capacity.
BATTERIES
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
16www.smith-root.com

Trickle charging optimizes battery shelf life by reducing cell
deterioration. Keeping batteries fully charged can greatly
increase battery life. The MC-24 eliminates the hassle of
shuffling batteries from shelf to charger and keeps batteries
properly charged and ready for service. With the built-in
battery evaluation load test function and maximum charge
indicators, you can see the state of charge and condition of
each battery and identify low charged and worn-out batteries.
Charging batteries using the MC-24 takes between two and
four days. It is also an excellent cost effective alternative to
purchasing multiple battery chargers because it can recharge
four batteries at once.
BAT-01 BATTERY ANALYSIS TOOL
The Battery Analysis Tool (sold separately) operates in
conjunction with the UBC-24 Battery Charger (Fig. 6.5). It tests
all models (lead-acid and lithium) of 24V backpack batteries
and in a clear and concise manner gives the usable battery life
remaining.
This tool is not to be used during each charge/discharge
cycle, but rather is intended to be used a few times a year,
just prior to actually using the batteries. It may also be used
to accurately test any Smith-Root 24 Volt battery where the
battery condition is either unknown or is questionable.
In practice, the Battery Analysis Tool is plugged into a standard
Smith-Root UBC-24 and also the battery under test (use
provided adapter for lithium batteries). The battery will begin
to charge as soon as the charger is plugged in (Do not use an
MC-24 Maintenance Charger for this test).
BATTERY MAINTENANCE & DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT
MC-24 Maintenance Charger
BAT-01 Battery Analysis Tool
Fig. 6.5 BAT-01 Battery Analysis
Tool
MC-24 MAINTENANCE CHARGER
T he Smith-Root MC-24 Maintenance Charger (sold separately)
is specifically designed for lead-acid battery maintenance and
storage (not intended for use with lithium batteries).
MC-24 Maintenance Charger .................... 06811
BAT-01 Battery Analysis Tool.....................08041
UBC Charger
AC
BAT-01
Battery
USER’S GUIDE
17 2018

Electrofishing equipment uses voltages and currents that can be lethal to humans. The
operators must always keep in mind that the chance of receiving an electrical shock is multiplied
in or near water. If used properly and with good judgment, an electrofisher is perfectly safe; lose
respect for it and you can lose your life!
Electrical equipment used in a moist field environment is always subject to deterioration that
could lead to dangerous electrical shock. Field equipment is also subjected to vibration and
impact during transporting and while in operation. Often equipment shared by different crews
does not receive proper maintenance or a complete checkout.
Follow the safety guidelines and use good common sense to handle unforeseen circumstances.
PROPER EQUIPMENT
To prevent electrical shock, all electrical equipment should be carefully inspected before each
field operation. With all electrical equipment in good operating condition and all insulation
junction boxes, bonding, and connections intact, there is much less danger of receiving an
electrical shock.
MAKE SURE THAT:
• Electrofisher gives audible sound when voltage is present at anode.
• Quick release system is functioning properly.
• Tilt switch is functioning properly (turns power off).
• Dipnets with non-conductive handles are used in conjunction with properly rated (≥1,000V)
lineman gloves.
• Electrodes are free from corrosion (clean if necessary), Anode does not have netting attached
to ring, Make sure cathode is free of wear and burrs and its cable insulation is undamaged.
• Poles are free of cracks in fiberglass handle.
• Power Supply- check all batteries for damage / leakage (disconnect power supply before
transporting and when not in use).
• Always purchase electrofishing equipment from an authorized dealer.
ELECTROFISHING SAFETY
SAFETY
LR-20 SERIES BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
18www.smith-root.com