Hi-Low 2-Speed Button
The S-1200 can operate in two speed settings, hi and low. This is done by pushing the hi-
low button while the reel is running. Typically the reel will spend the majority of the
time in high speed. The low speed is used under heavy loads as it cuts the amperage
draw and makes for less slipping of the drag. It is also useful as the counter approaches
zero to slow the gear down.
Harness Lugs:
The top of the control panel incorporates two harness lugs that allow the angler to secure
the reel to their choice of harness.
Using the S-1200:
Once the wiring has been routed and the reel is mounted the S-1200 is ready for service.
As with any other instrument a little practice will make its use second nature. Plug the
cord into the receptacle and backlight will illuminate the display reading 0000. Begin by
releasing the drag and pulling the lever towards you, “free spooling” the line about 20
feet. Push the reset button to set the counter to zero. The counter only counts the number
of revolutions of the spool and is an approximate measurement of feet. The actual payout
varies by the amount and diameter of line on the spool and the stretch of the type of line
being used. This is why you should always “free spool” some line prior to setting the
counter to allow for a margin of safety when using the auto retrieve.
Once the counter has been reset release the drag again and notice the counter numbers
increasing as the line leaves the spool. While free spooling, adjust the drag so it pays out
at a nice even speed. This is the first stage of the 2-stage drag system incorporated into
the S-1200. It offers a very light drag for the first travel of the drag lever. When you
notice there is no more tension on the line adjust the drag allowing for the line to
continue traveling on the ocean floor. Look for short movements on the rod indicating
fish are on. Once you have decided to retrieve the rig press both red buttons marked
“man” for manual and hold them down together for at least two seconds. The reel will
begin to retrieve the line until the counter reaches 0000. Once this happens the reel shuts
off. To get your rig to the top of the pole press either of the “man” buttons which
manually retrieves the line as long as the button is pushed. Once the rig is to the top of
the pole the same procedure can be repeated over and over again.
Changing the Spools:
As already mentioned the cantilever spool design makes line changes easy. Optional
nylon and/or titanium spools can be purchased that can be used to hold back-up or
alternate line sizes and types. To remove the spool loosen and remove the 4 stainless steel
hex head screws inside the spool hub with a 5 millimeter allen key. Make sure when
replacing the Allen screws that they have a good coating of anti-seize compound such as
“Tef-Gel” to prevent corrosion and make future changes easy. Follow the procedure for
line alignment with the level winder under the “Loading the Spool” section above.
