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Bottom Tracking on Optimum, Optimum TS, Digi-Troll 10 or Digi-Troll 10 TS Downriggers

Updated

The Bottom Track mode is designed to help you fish consistently near the bottom. This mode of operation requires an optional Cannon Transducer (item number 1491072) attached to your Optimum, Optimum TS, Digi-Troll 10 or Digi-Troll 10 TS downrigger and mounted according to the instructions in the manual. For Optimum and Optimum TS downriggers, you may also network to a compatible Humminbird fish finder to use the connected Humminbird transducer as the source for depth data and to enable Bottom Tracking. In this case, you would NOT need the separate Cannon Transducer accessory.

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Bottom Tracking

In the Bottom Track mode, the downrigger maintains the weight at a fixed offset 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 sensitivity of the weight. You can also define the maximum depth that you wish the weight to go to, regardless of the bottom depth.

For additional information on using Bottom Tracking click on "How to use Bottom Tracking" below. You can also watch the video below.

Connecting the Cannon Transducer to an Optimum or Optimum TS Downrigger

The Cannon Transducer (Item #1491072) is an optional accessory available for your Optimum, Optimum TS, Digi-Troll 10, and Digi-Troll 10 TS downriggers. It operates on 120kHz. When installed on your Digi-Troll, the Digi-Troll will be able to Bottom Track to keep your trolling weight a select offset distance from the bottom.

When installed on the Master Optimum, you will be able to see a full-color 2D sonar view on the Master downrigger. You can also view the surface depth and Bottom Track by networking up to four downriggers to troll at set distances from the bottom with a single transducer. Each Optimum will be able to see surface depth and Bottom Track. The Client Optimums will not receive the 2D sonar data as the network is a Bluetooth network and displaying a 2D sonar images it requires more information than a Bluetooth connection will allow.

Proper transducer installation is critical to the performance of the Bottom Tracking feature. For best results, follow all mounting instructions included with the Cannon Transducer carefully, before beginning the directions below, to connect the Transducer to the Optimum downrigger. Once the Transducer is installed according to the provided instructions, route the 28' Transducer Cable to our downrigger. When routing the Transducer Cable give consideration to the following:
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  • Route the Transducer Cable in a way that will not cause damage to the cable jacket.
  • Keep the Transducer Cable away from ignition, tachometer, alternator and other electrical wiring to prevent interference.
  • Do not cut, splice or shorten the Transducer Cable. Coil the excess cable into a loop like a figure 8 and loosely secure it in place where it will not be a tripping hazard or be damaged from external forces. Do not kink the cables.

Connecting the Cannon Transducer to a Bluetooth enabled downrigger that is networked to one or more downriggers will make it the Master downrigger. If a Master downrigger already exists in the downrigger network, connecting the transducer to any other downrigger in the network, except for an existing Master downrigger will disrupt the network. See the "Connecting the Downrigger" section of these instructions for more information on downrigger connectivity and Master downriggers
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  1. Before connecting the Cannon Transducer to the Optimum, make sure that the Optimum downrigger is turned "off".
  2. Review the Transducer Cable routing considerations above and route the Transducer Cable in the boat so that is reaches the downrigger following the guidelines provided.
  3. Locate the Transducer Input on the bottom side of the downrigger body. The Transducer Input is located just to the left of where the Power Cable exits the downrigger body. The Transducer Input is covered by a tethered Cap to keep the downrigger body water tight. Remove the Cap so that the Transducer Cable from the Cannon Transducer can be plugged in.
  4. Examine the Transducer Input and the end of the Transducer Cable coming from the Cannon Transducer. Notice how the connection is keyed. Align the keys and press the connection firmly together.

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Using Bottom Tracking with Optimum or Optimum TS Downriggers

Turning Bottom Tracking On

  1. With the downrigger "on", press the Menu button once to bring up the Quick Menu. The downrigger can scroll through several Views when operating. The title on the Quick Menu will correspond to the View that the downrigger was currently displaying when the Menu button was selected. The items in the Quick Menu will vary depending on the features that the downrigger is running and what view the Color LCD is set to.
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  2. From the Quick Menu, use the Down button to scroll to the item listed Bottom Tracking. There is a toggle switch located on the Bottom Tracking Menu option. Press the Right button to toggle Bottom Tracking "on".
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  3. When Bottom Tracking is toggled "on" the Bottom Tracking Menu will open. Bottom Tracking settings of Offset Distance and Sensitivity will appear in the Bottom Tracking Menu. Use the Up button and the Down button to scroll to the options in the list and use the Right button and the Left button to adjust the settings. Adjust the Bottom Tracking settings as desired and then use the Up button or the Down button to scroll to the Start option. Use the Right button to select it.
    1C.png
  4. When Bottom Tracking is started, the downrigger Color LCD will return to the View it was previously displaying and will display Bottom Tracking info based on the settings selected.
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Turning Bottom Tracking Off

  1. With the downrigger "on", press the Menu button once to bring up the Quick Menu. The downrigger can scroll through several Views. The title on the Quick Menu will correspond to the view that the downrigger was currently displaying when the Menu button was selected.
  2. From the Quick Menu, use the Down button to scroll to the item listed Bottom Tracking. There is a toggle switch located on the Bottom Tracking Menu option. Press the Right button to toggle Bottom Tracking "off."
  3. Use the Exit button to close the Quick Menu and return to the View that was previously displayed.

Adjusting Offset Distance for Bottom Tracking

The Offset Distance can be adjusted immediately from the Bottom Tracking Menu when the Bottom Tracking feature is turned "on". When the Bottom Track feature is already "on", follow this process to adjust the Offset Distance.

  1. With Bottom Tracking "on", press the Menu button once to bring up the Quick Menu. The title on the Quick Menu will correspond to the view that the downrigger was currently displaying when the Menu button was selected.
  2. From the Quick Menu, use the Down button to scroll to the item listed Adjust Tracking. Press the Right button to select it.
  3. This opens the Bottom Tracking Menu, use the Up button and the Down button to scroll to the Offset Distance option. Use the Right button and the Left button to adjust the setting.
  4. When satisfied with the selection, use the Exit button to close the menu.

Adjusting Sensitivity for Bottom Tracking

The Sensitivity can be adjusted immediately from the Bottom Tracking Menu when the Bottom Tracking feature is turned "on". The default sensitivity is 6ft. When the Bottom Track feature is already "on", follow this process to adjust the Sensitivity.

  1. With Bottom Tracking "on", press the Menu button once to bring up the Quick Menu. The title on the Quick Menu will correspond to the view that the downrigger was currently displaying when the Menu button was selected.
  2. From the Quick Menu, use the Down button to scroll to the item listed Adjust Tracking. Press the Right button to select it.
  3. This opens the Bottom Tracking Menu, use the Up button and the Down button to scroll to the Sensitivity option. Use the Right button and the Left button to adjust the setting.
  4. When satisfied with the selection, use the Exit button to close the menu.

Connecting the Cannon Transducer to a Digi-Troll 10 or Digi-Troll 10 TS Downrigger

After mounting the transducer, route the transducer cable to your Digi-Troll. Connect the transducer cable to the transducer plug at the back of the downrigger. Keep in mind the following when routing the cable:

  • Do not damage the cable jacket.
  • Keep the cable away from ignition, tachometer, alternator and other electrical wiring to prevent interference.
  • Do not cut, splice or shorten the cable. Coil the excess and secure it in place.
  • NOTE: The transducer cable MUST be connected before turning the unit on.
  • WARNING: Connector removal or cable splicing voids the product warranty.

Once the transducer is mounted and connected to your Digi-Troll 10, the display will show the bottom depth under SONAR DEPTH on the display.
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Using Bottom Tracking with Digi-Troll 10 or Digi-Troll 10 TS Downriggers

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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