Cannon DIGI-TROLL 10 User Manual - Wiring Your Downrigger
WIRING yOUR DOWNRIGGER
In order for the Positive Ion Control (PIC) on your downrigger to work correctly, it is important to make sure your boat
is properly set up before installing your downrigger. Whenever a boat is in water, various submerged parts interact to
create weak electrical currents. These weak electrical currents should be controlled to extend the life of the boat’s metal
parts and ensure a good fish catching environment. For full details on how the Positive Ion Control system works, see
the “Positive Ion Control System” section of this manual under the Operation section.
CHECKING yOUR bOAT’S ELECTRICAL CONDITION
1. If the zinc sacrificial anodes on your boat and on the outboard/outdrive are more than half dissolved, it is recommended
that they be replaced. This ensures that the boat will run with a neutral or slightly positive charge. Clean zincs on a
regular basis with a non-corrosive brush.
2. Any coating of slime or growth should be cleaned off.
3. All metal parts including the hull (if metal) should be interconnected by a grounding wire. This includes motor shafts,
outdrives, and through hull fittings.
4. If your boat and zinc anodes are set up correctly, the voltage on the downrigger wire should be positive when in contact
with the water.
5. With your boat in the water and the downrigger cable deployed in the water, measure the DC voltage from the cable to a
grounded metal surface of the boat touching the water. If properly wired, the reading should be 0.6-0.8VDC (fix PIC) or
match your Digi-Troll setting.
6. The cable on your downrigger should be replaced every 2 years. Etching of the cable can weaken it physically and
electrically.
7. Always make sure the boat is properly grounded to the water. This will help ensure proper PIC voltage on the cable and
that the Short Stop will function properly.
8. The use of Cannon vinyl coated lead weights is recommended.
9. Use the trolling weight insulators supplied with your downrigger. This insulates your weight from the positive charge on
the cable. This will also ensure that the trolling weight will stop at water level when retrieved.
NOTE: To ensure proper operation of your downrigger, ground the battery to your boat’s electrical system’s ground.
Malfunctions with the PIC, communication between units, or loss of operation result from faulty grounding. Always
check to see if your boat is properly grounded first.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS & WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
The downrigger is rated at 30 amps (full load), 12 volts DC and is protected by a 25 amp manual reset circuit breaker
(located under motor housing). Be sure to measure the battery voltage of your boat.
WARNING: DO NOT RUN THIS DOWNRIGGER ON A 24 VOLT BATTERY SYSTEM. THIS WILL DAMAGE THE UNIT AND
VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
CONNECTING TO THE bATTERy:
It is strongly recommended that a fuse or manual reset circuit breaker be installed at the battery on the positive lead
of the power cable or that you connect the downrigger to a battery selector switch. (See Fuse and Wire Specifications)
Connect the positive lead (RED) to the (+) post on your battery and the negative lead (BLACK) to the (-) post on your
battery or the downrigger will not operate. Use the quick disconnect plug to remove the downrigger without touching
the battery.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended to power your downrigger with a Deep-Cycle marine battery. Only run a Digi-Troll
from a Starter battery if it is recharged by an alternator while trolling.
NOTE: Control degradation of the power cables and limit corrosion by using anti-oxidant gel on all connections.
RIGGING AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES:
For safety and compliance reasons, we recommend that you follow American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards
when rigging your boat. Altering boat wiring should be completed by a qualifi ed technician. The following specifi cations
are for general guidelines only:
CAUTION: These guidelines apply to general rigging to support your Cannon Downrigger. Powering multiple
Downriggers or additional electrical devices from the same power circuit may impact the recommended wire gauge. If
you are using wire longer than that provided with your unit, follow the chart below. If you are running more than 30 feet
from the battery, we recommend that you contact a qualifi ed marine technician.
WIRE SPECIFICATIONS:
0-15 ft.
(0-5 meters)
10 gauge
15-25 ft.
(5-8 meters) 8 gauge
25-30 ft.
(8-9 meters) 6 gauge
POWERING MULTIPLE DOWNRIGGERS
When operating multiple downriggers, run a maximum of 2 downriggers per dedicated battery. The advanced features
of the downriggers can keep the unit working virtually all the time. (See below for the recommended wiring setup.)
TyPICAL OPERATING TIME*:
1 Digi-Troll per battery – 24 hours.
2 Digi-Trolls per battery –10 hours.
*Time based on lab results using a 15lb weight and Deep-Cycle batteries. Actual run time will vary.
FUSE/bREAKER SPECIFICATIONS:
30 Amp, 32 Volt, waterproof, fast blow
Red (+)
black (-)