Digi-Troll 10 and Digi-Troll 10 TS Features, Specifications and Manuals (Obsolete)

Updated September 13, 2024 14:11

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Digi-Troll 10 and Digi-Troll 10 TS Anatomy (DT10) (Obsolete)

Optimum Anatomy

Reel This is used to spool the cable, available in lengths ranging from 150 to 400 feet. DT10 TS model will have a stainless-steel reel & DT10 model will have a composite reel, it can be upgraded to the stainless-steel reel.
Boom This is used to extend the weight out from the body of the downrigger and has a pulley fixed to its end. Boom lengths range from 24 to 53 inches. DT10 models have a telescopic boom that extends from 24-53”.
Swivel Head This relays the cable at the end of the boom to lower the weight.
Cable This connects to the weight. DT10 models are pre-spooled with 400’ of 150 lb Test Stainless Steel Cable.
Keypad/LCD Keypad is used to control the functions of the downrigger. The LCD display provides feedback of the downrigger functions.
Mounting Bases These attach to the boat, enabling you to place the downrigger where you choose. DT10 models both include a Universal Mounting base & a 360° Swivel Base.
Rod Holder This holds your fishing rods while trolling and may also be used for storing rods. DT10 includes Dual Rod Holder, DT10 TS is a single rod holder.
Boom Clamps These lock the boom sections together after the boom has been extended or retracted.
Clutch Knob This loosens and tightens the tension on the spool and holds the side plate in place.
Weight (not shown) Not included with downrigger. This is used to maintain the depth at which you want to fish. DT10 models have a 20-lb weight capacity

Serial Number Location

The serial number on your Cannon Digi-Troll downrigger is located on the bottom of the downrigger frame.
digi-troll serial number

Features

Depth Cycle Automatically cycles tackle up & down between two depth levels at preset time intervals.
Bottom Tracking Automatically keeps tackle a set distance from the bottom. Needs transducer to do this!!! #1491072
Preset Depths Store up to Five frequently used depths to quickly get the bait back to the depth.
Adjustable Speeds Five adjustable retrieve and deploy speeds.
Adjustable Positive Ion Control Dial the exact amount of voltage to emit. Attracts fish by releasing positive ions that combat the negative ions from your boat. PIC system always applies a variable 0.2 to 1.2 volts on the trolling cable.
Auto Up (Short Stop) Automatically retrieve the weight at the flip of the switch. Once Snap & Insulator breaks the waterline, it will turn into a negative current and stop the weight from swinging into the boat or the end of the boom.
LCD Control Screen Raise & Lower the weight, program line amounts or adjust Positive Ion Control.
Waterline Zero Keep the weight at a set distance below the surface.
Soft Stop Eliminates sudden stops at ascent and decent end points.
Retrieval Speed 250’ per minute (this is not adjustable coming up)
Rod Holders Includes 2 Dual Axis Adjustable Rod Holder on the DT10 and 1 on the DT10 TS
Mounting Base Includes only the Universal Mounting Base & 360° Swivel Base

Attaching the Rod Holder

The locking rod holder(s) incorporate a locking tooth design which can be easily adjusted every 15° with the soft grip knob. The symmetrical design will allow mounting of the rod holder on either side of the downrigger or two rod holders at the same time. The unique two-piece design allows independent adjustment of the rod holder and the rod holder arm in two axes.
digi rod 1.png

CAUTION: This rod holder is intended for use of up to 30 lb. test line only and is not recommended for use with any tackle IGFA (International Game Fish Association) rated higher than 30 lb. A safety strap (not included) is recommended for all applications.
NOTE: The rod holder assembly is not covered under warranty when used with tackle above 30 lbs. Equipment placed in the rod holders and the loss thereof is the responsibility of the user and is in no way warranted by Johnson Outdoors, Inc. Mounting must be in accordance with the above instructions to comply with the product warranty.

To install the rod holder:

The rod holder can be adjusted by loosening either knob until the locking teeth are free from each other. Rotate the rod holder or arm to the desired position and re-tighten knob.

Attach the rod holder elbow to the downrigger on either side using the supplied spring and knob.
Fasten rod holder to rod holder elbow using supplied spring and knob.
Repeat the above steps for the other side if (2) rod holders are to be mounted.

Digi-Troll 10 Display

When the power cord is plugged in, press the power button on the keypad to turn on the downrigger. In normal usage, the display will indicate the depth of the weight in feet.

Note: A negative depth indicates distance above the water surface. During programming of special features, the display is used to indicate various settings. The icons for the Digi-Troll 10 display are illustrated below. Icons will illuminate as they become applicable to function settings.

Digi 10 Display.png

Digi-Troll 10 Keypad

The Digi-Troll 10’s keypad has eight keys located below the display

POWER
The ON/OFF key functions:
- Turn the Digi-Troll ON - Simply press and release.
- Turn the Digi-Troll OFF - Press and hold power button for three seconds.
MENU
The MENU moves the display through up to eight screens for programming (see section on programming for details). After 7 seconds of inactivity on the key pad, the screen reverts back to the weight line out display.
UP
During manual operation, this key raises the weight when pressed. In programming mode, the UP key increases numeric values.
DOWN
During manual operation, this key lowers the weight when pressed. In programming mode, the DOWN key decreases numeric values.
WATER ZERO
The WATER ZERO key provides a reset option for depth. When pressed and held, the line out count will reset to zero.
RUN
This key is typically used to execute a function after selected using the menu system.
SELECT
Use the SELECT key to set or display the pre-programmed weight depths when in the Depth screen. To move the weight to any of the depths indicated, press the RUN key. Another function of the Select is to step through sub-menus when you are setting certain programmable parameters.
AUTO UP
Press AUTO UP to raise the weight to the water zero set point at any time. AUTO UP uses the speed 5 regardless of your setting and cancels any other mode of operation (bottom following, cycling, etc.) when used.
BACKLIGHT FEATURE
Both the keypad and LCD use electroluminescence technology for backlighting the LCD icons and the keypad buttons. This feature makes it easier to fish in low light conditions with your Digi-Troll 10. The backlighting will automatically illuminate upon power up of the downrigger. It will time-out after 3 hours of continuous use. To restart another 3 hour lighting cycle, press the power button briefly without turning off the downrigger.

Digi-Troll 10 Programming

The Digi-troll 10 contains up to eight menus that enable you to program and customize its operation. Any changes made using the menu system are automatically saved in permanent memory when the downrigger is turned off.

NOTE: The downrigger must be turned off with the power button for the settings to be saved.

The MENU key is used to enter each of the menus starting from the default screen (referred to as the depth screen). Sub-levels, if any, are entered using the Select key. Additionally, pressing the Select key when in the depth screen allows you to display, change and activate up to five programmable weight depths. While programming, the UP key is used to increase the value and the DOWN key is used to decrease the value. Remember during programming, if there is no activity on the keypad for 7 seconds, the menu reverts back to the default depth screen. The chart below summarizes the Digi-troll 10’s menu system in the order of occurrence

Digi 10 menu.png

BOTTOM TRACK MENU
The Bottom Track mode is designed to help you fish consistently near the bottom. This mode of operation requires an optional sonar transducer attached to your downrigger and mounted according to the instructions in this manual. In the bottom track mode, the Digi-troll 10 maintains the weight at a fixed distance above the bottom. In order to avoid continuous weight adjustments due to minor changes in bottom depth and boat motion caused by wave action, you have the ability to adjust the responsiveness of the weight. You can also define the maximum depth that you wish the weight to go to, regardless of the bottom depth.
CAUTION: In order to keep the weight from touching the bottom, make sure that the bottom is well below the band that you have selected.
- From the depth screen, press the menu key once. The screen shows the user-set depth limit that the weight will travel to regardless of the bottom depth.
- Press the UP key to increase and DOWN key to decrease.
  CAUTION: This limit must not exceed the bottom depth and/or the length of the cable. Running out the cable completely will result in back spooling or loss of cable.
- Now press the RUN key to activate the Bottom Following feature or press Select key to adjust the distance that the weight is to remain off the bottom. The range is from +50 to -50 feet.
- Use the negative range to compensate for the Blowback of the weight at high trolling speeds.
- Press the UP or DOWN key to increase or decrease the value and press RUN key to activate the Bottom Track or press Select key once more to adjust the sensitivity of the weight depth adjustment to minor variations in depth and/or motion of the boat due to wave action.
- Use UP or DOWN key to adjust. The range is 1 to 16 feet. For relatively calm water, start with a setting of 4 feet. The weight will now adjust its depth only when the bottom depth increases by 4 feet or more. However, it will always adjust for any decrease in bottom depth regardless of this setting.
CYCLING MENU
From the depth screen, press the MENU key once (or once from the Bottom Track screen if the transducer is connected) to enter this menu.
- The first screen allows you to adjust the pause time of the weight between cycling movements.
- Press UP or DOWN to adjust. You can adjust the cycle time in steps of 1 second increments from 5 to 60 seconds.
- Press the “RUN” button to activate.
- Press Select to adjust the cycle depth. Down (dn) will be displayed for the down boundary.
- Press the UP or DOWN key to increase or decrease the down boundary.
- Press Select again to adjust the UP boundary. Press the UP or DOWN key to increase or decrease the up boundary.
UP SPEED MENU
This menu lets you adjust the speed of the weight in the UP direction from 1 to 5 (1 slowest, 5 fastest) at all times except during the AUTO UP operation. AUTO UP is always at speed 5.
- Press the MENU key three times from the depth screen or once from the cycle menu. Use UP or DOWN key to select one of the five speeds.
DOWN SPEED MENU
This menu lets you adjust the speed of the weight in the DOWN direction at all times.
- Press the Select menu to toggle between up and down speed selection. Use UP or DOWN key to select one of five speeds.
POSITIVE ION CONTROL MENU
This menu lets you control the PIC level from 0.2 vdc to 1.2 vdc.
- Press the Menu four times from the depth screen or once from the up/down screen.
LINE ON REEL MENU
This menu lets you set the amount of line on the reel. Increments are in 50 ft. This setting is important in determining true line out.
- Press the Menu five times from the depth screen or once from the PIC screen.
UNITS MENU
This menu lets you switch between English and Metric units.
- Press the Menu six times from the depth screen or once from the Line On Reel Screen.
CABLE COATING MENU
This menu lets you switch between Cannon coated and uncoated cable. This setting is important as well in determining accurate line out.
- Press the Menu seven times from the depth screen or once form the Units screen.
SONAR OFFSET MENU
This menu lets you set an offset for your sonar value. In comparison with your Humminbird or other transducer, if your Digi-Troll transducer is mounted a foot or two of difference in height you can account for that difference.
- Press the Menu eight times from the depth screen or once from the Un/Coated screen.
BOTTOM DEPTH DISPLAY
(Optional Transducer Required)
This feature allows your downrigger to be used as a depth finder by continuously displaying the bottom depth. The unit needs to be hooked up to the optional Digi-Troll transducer. The transducer will need to be installed prior to power up of the downrigger.
USING PROGRAMMABLE DEPTHS
The Digi-troll 10 allows you to program and store up to five depths for quick movement of the weight without having to manually hold the DOWN key until the desired depth is reached.
- When in the (default) depth screen, simply press the Select key until the required depth memory is displayed. For example, pressing the Select key three times will result in a display similar to that shown on the opposite page. Use UP or DOWN keys to change the depth if desired and press the RUN key to move the weight to that depth.

Digi-troll 10 Factory Settings

Your Digi-troll 10 was shipped with the following factory settings so that you can use your downrigger immediately without further programming.
Digi 10 factory.png

Digi-Troll 10 Operation

After programming your Digi-Troll, release some line from your rod and reel so that the lure is anywhere from 5 to 100 feet behind the boat. This is called drop back. Attach the fishing line firmly into the line release. Press and hold the down key to lower the weight to the desired depth as indicated on the display or select a pre-programmed weight depth. Place the fishing rod in the rod holder and reel up the slack so that your rod has a slight bend in it. When a fish strikes the lure, the
line will separate from the release. Then you will be free to fight the fish and bring it in on your rod and reel.

MANUAL DESCENT
By turning the clutch knob gently clockwise (toward the boom), you can let your trolling weight descend as fast or as slowly as you wish. Turning the knob counterclockwise (away from the boom) stops the weight. This gives you control to let it plunge rapidly or sink slowly to a predetermined trolling depth. With multiple downriggers, you could start all your weights creeping down, one at a time, and then stop them each in turn.
- NOTE: In order to track line out, the Digi-Troll must be turned on.
- WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE CABLE REEL WHILE THE DOWNRIGGER IS IN USE! Holding or touching the spool while it is moving may result in moderate to severe injuries.
SHORT STOP
The Short Stop system is composed of three critical components: the electronic unit, the
reel conductive path, and the trolling weight insulator. While the downrigger cable is in the water, there is a minute electrical current that flows between the cable and the grounded metal boat components in the water. When the cable clears the water, this current flow will stop. The Short Stop system senses this interruption and turns off the motor. The trolling weight insulator is used to break the cable contact to the water while the weight is still in the water. The reel conductive path allows the circuit path to be made through the structure of the downrigger. NOTE: It may be necessary to use two trolling weight insulators. Stopping the weight at water level eliminates the cable strain caused by bouncing weights or weights hitting the boom end. Stopping at water level will also keep the weight from hitting the boat hull.
- NOTE: Short stop and Positive Ion Control features do not function when spooled with
  monofilament or super lines or if the boat is not properly grounded.
Positive Ion Control System
Your boat has an electrical charge around the hull in water. If a boat is properly grounded and has a proper zinc anode, that charge should be slightly positive when measured from ground to the downrigger cable.
- Positive Ion Control (PIC) is the use of electricity to control that charge and its fluctuation so that it is always maintained at a specified set voltage. The practice of setting up and maintaining a slight positive charge on fishing gear has been used by commercial fishermen for many years. This practice has enabled some fisherman to increase yield when used along with other good fishing and boating practices. Cannon’s electric downriggers offer fishermen a big advantage in being able to stabilize and control the positive charge around their boat.
- Because of the composite construction of the frame, Cannon downriggers are insulated from your boat’s hull charge. When the stainless-steel downrigger cable is lowered into the water, the natural ionization between the cable and the boat creates a positive charge of 0.7 to 0.9 volts in saltwater and 0.3 to 0.6 volts in fresh water. This natural voltage is dependent upon salinity and mineral content of the water. Your actual voltage may vary.

Blowback

Simply stated, blowback is what happens to the downrigger weight when you pull it through the water behind your boat. As your speed increases, so does the horizontal distance between the weight and your downrigger. The faster you go, the farther the weight is behind you. The farther the weight is behind you, the shallower the weight is.

The following charts provide you with blowback information for three sizes of Cannon downrigger weights pulled at three different speeds with no lures attached and with no current.

Current drag, water salinity and the use of non-Cannon products will affect your actual trolling depth. As an example, the first chart shows that if you are trolling at 4 MPH with an 8-pound weight and you have 100FT. of cable in the water with no current; the down rigger ball is actually at a depth of about 80 FT.

Video - Cannon Digi-Troll 10 Electric Downrigger

The Digi-Troll 10 is the most advanced downrigger available, designed to enhance every aspect of controlled depth fishing. It features dual access rod holders, a 360° swivel base, and a removable side plate for easy spool access. Technologically, it can store five preset depths, has an extendable boom, and includes a depth cycle feature for natural bait movement. The integrated keypad with an LCD screen provides accurate depth readings, and the auto up function retrieves the weight quickly to avoid tangles. For more information, visit Cannondownriggers.com.

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