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- Digi-Troll 5 and Digi-Troll 5 TS Anatomy (DT5)
- Serial Number Location
- Features
- Attaching the Rod Holder
- DT5 Display
- DT5 Keypad
- DT5 Programming
- Digi-Troll Menu System
- DT5 Operation
- Blowback
- Rigging
- Video - Cannon Digi-Troll 5 Electric Downrigger
- Resources
Digi-Troll 5 and Digi-Troll 5 TS Anatomy (DT5) (Obsolete)
- Reel This is used to spool the cable, available in lengths ranging from 150 to 400 feet. DT5 TS model will have a stainless-steel reel & DT5 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. DT5 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. DT5 are pre-spooled with 400’ of 150 lb Test Stainless Steel
- 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. DT5 models include both 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. DT5 includes Dual Rod Holder, DT5 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 pictured) Not included with downrigger. This is used to maintain the depth at which you want to fish. DT5 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.
Features
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
DT5 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.
DT5 Keypad
The Digi-Troll 5’s keypad has six keys located below the display:
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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.
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MENU
The Menu moves the display through up to four 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. -
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 when used.
DT5 Programming
The Digi-Troll 5 contains four 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).
Digi-Troll Menu System
The chart below summarizes the Digi-Troll 5’s menu system in the order of occurrence. While programming, the UP key is used to increase the value and the DOWN key is used to decrease the value. During programming, if there is no activity on the keypad for 7 seconds, the menu reverts back to the main screen.
POSITIVE ION CONTROL MENU
This menu lets you control the PIC level from 0.2 vdc to 1.2 vdc. Press the Menu one (1) time from the depth screen or once from the up/down screen.
LINE ON REEL MENU
- Press the Menu (2) two times from the depth screen or once from the PIC screen.
- 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.
UNITS MENU
- Press the Menu (3) three times from the depth screen or once from the Line On Reel Screen
- This menu lets you switch between English and Metric units.
UN/COATED MENU
- Press the Menu (4) four times from the depth screen or once form the Units screen.
- This menu lets you switch between Cannon coated and uncoated cable. This setting is important as well in determining accurate line out.
DIGI-TROLL FACTORY SETTINGS
The Digi-Troll 5 was shipped with the following factory settings so that the downrigger can be used immediately without further programming.
- Line on Reel: 400 feet
- PIC: 0.6 vdc
- Cable Setting: Uncoated
- Units: English
DT5 Operation
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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.
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Short Stop System
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.
- 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.
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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.
Rigging
Video - Cannon Digi-Troll 5 Electric Downrigger
The Digi-Troll 5 model is a durable and innovative downrigger designed to simplify control depth fishing. It features dual access rod holders for perfect positioning, a 360-degree swivel base for better trolling spread, and a removable side plate for easy spool access. The extendable boom helps get lines farther from the boat. The integrated LCD screen provides precise depth measurements, and the soft stop feature prevents cable damage. The auto up function retrieves the cable quickly to avoid tangles, making it an essential tool for successful fishing. For more details, visit Cannondownriggers.com or check out our YouTube channel.
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