531568-1_B
CannonLink™
Downrigger Controller
CannonLink™
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® accessory is designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment. In the unlikely event that your Humminbird® accessory does require repairs, we offer an exclusive Service Policy - free of charge during the first year after purchase, and available at a reasonable rate after the one-year period. For complete details, see the warranty included in this manual. We encourage you to read this operations manual carefully in order to get full benefit from all the features and applications of your Humminbird® product.
Contact our Customer Resource Center at either 1-800-633-1468 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com.
WARNING! This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent collision, grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. When the boat is moving, water depth may change too quickly to allow time for you to react. Always operate the boat at very slow speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects.
WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt to repair the original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty. Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.
WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
NOTE: If you have a chartplotter, the Downrigger View will not show sonar or depth. Caution should be exercised when the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller is used in conjunction with a chartplotter. It is the user's responsibility to be aware of the operational depth as the chartplotter does not report back depth as a traditional fishfinder will.
NOTE: Fishfinder may require a software upgrade to be compatible with Cannonlink™ accessory. See www.humminbird.comfor more information.
How Downriggers Work 1 Positive Ion Control (PIC) ... 2 Downrigging Tips ... 2 CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Installation Overview 4
CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Connection Kit 5
Connecting Your CannonLink™ to the Control Head and to the Downrigger(s) 5 Setting Up Your Boat's Electrical Condition for Positive Ion Control 11
Downrigger View 12
The Menu System 22
Start-Up Options Menu 24
Normal Operation 24
Simulator 25
System Status 26
Self Test 26
Accessory Test 27
GPS Diagnostic View 27
PC Connect (with PC Connect Cable only) 28
Setting Up Your Downriggers 29
Table of Contents
Downrigger X-Press™ Menu (Downrigger View only) 38
Downrigger Setup... 39
Activate All ... 39
Park All... 40
Activate Single ... 40
Park Single... 41
Upper Range (Chartplotters only)... 41
Lower Range (Chartplotters only)... 42
Troubleshooting 43 Fishing System Doesn’t Power Up... 43
Fishing System Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached ... 43
Fuse Blows, Affecting Downriggers ... 44
Control Head Doesn't Recognize Downriggers When a Downrigger is Attached... 44
Temp-n-Speed Sensor Troubleshooting Tips ... 44
Display Problems... 45
Finding the Cause of Noise ... 46
Humminbird® Accessories 47 Maintenance 49 Humminbird® 1-Year Limited Warranty 49 Humminbird® Service Policy 50 Returning Your Unit For Service 51 In-Warranty Service ... 51
Out-Of-Warranty Service ... 52
Notes 53
Contact Humminbird® 54
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (with PC Connect Cable only) require the purchase of a separate accessory. You can visit our website at
How Downriggers Work
Downriggers allow you to catch fish you otherwise couldn’t even touch. By viewing sonar, temperature at depth and clarity information on screen while piloting the boat, you can monitor and position downriggers in real-time to the optimal depth to vastly increase the catch. Your Humminbird® CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller makes operation of up to six Cannon™ Mag 20 DT or Mag 20 DT/HS downriggers and one optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor incredibly easy.
• Automatically deploy or retrieve downriggers directly from any Fishing System.
• Set the downrigger operation mode to Manual for complete control, Bottom Track to maintain distance off the bottom or Cycle to continuously move the downriggers between two depths.
• Monitor the downrigger depth and operation graphically on-screen combined with the sonar graph.
• View temperature at depth, speed-through-water and water clarity on the Fishing System screen when using the optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor.
• Simultaneously or individually control up to 6 Cannon™ Mag20 DT and the Mag20 DT/HS downriggers.
NOTE: Your Humminbird® CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller only works with Cannon™ Mag 20 DT or Mag 20 DT/HS downriggers or the optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor. Although this manual discusses all three products, only the
Positive Ion Control (PIC)
Positive Ion Control (PIC) is a feature of the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller that allows you to use electricity to control this charge on your downriggers, so that it remains constant at a specified set positive voltage. It is important to prepare your boat's electrical condition before installing the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller and downriggers to make sure that the Positive Ion Control feature will work most efficiently. The Positive Ion Control system applies a variable .2 to 1.2 Volts to the trolling cable at all times.
NOTE: All metal parts, including the hull (if metal), motor shaft outdrives, and thru-hull fittings, must be connected together using a bonding wire. The zinc anodes placed on your hull, propeller and other parts of your boat protect functioning metal parts from the natural corrosion that occurs when metals of different types that are physically or electrically connected are immersed in seawater. If your boat and zincs are set up correctly, the voltage on the stainless steel downrigger wire of your downrigger(s) should be positive when submerged.
Downrigging Tips
Try the cycle mode on the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller to create a unique "action" in your lure. Many times this will trigger a strike.
When you have your downrigger set at the depth you want it, don't forget to set your clutch correctly. It is designed to "slip" in case your weight hangs up in rocks. This will avoid breaking the line and losing expensive lures or weights. It's always a good idea to carry extra releases, weights, terminator kits and replacement cable in the boat. That way if you break or lose something while fishing, you can simply re-rig and not spend time out of the water.
Always keep your boat in gear when setting your downriggers. Allow the weight to descend slowly to avoid tangles. To be sure your lure is working properly, check its action at trolling speed.
Your Humminbird® CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller allows you to control up to six Cannon™ Mag 20 DT or Mag 20 DT/HS downriggers easily, as well as one optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor, using your Humminbird® control head. The following functionality is supported by your Humminbird® control head when it is connected to the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller:
• Vary the strength and type of electrical charge of the boat using Positive Ion Control (PIC);
• Setup each downrigger attached to your control head, and then change the settings during use;
• View settings for all downriggers connected to your control head at one time;
• Activate each downrigger separately, or all downriggers at once; • Pull all downriggers up at the same time, or individually.
CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Installation Overview
Before installing your CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller, you should set up your boat for Positive Ion Control. You will then connect your CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller to your Humminbird® fishing system control head and up to 6 CannonLink™ downriggers (plus one optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp). You may also connect the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller as part of a daisy chain of other Humminbird® accessories, by using the included daisy chain cable.
NOTE: The CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller will only support up to 6 CannonLink™ downriggers plus one optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor. Do NOT connect more than one optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor, as more than one may result in system instability.
NOTE: Only attach two downriggers to one battery. Humminbird® recommends that the downriggers have their own separate battery, and NOT be powered off the battery used to start the main gasoline engine of the boat. Confirm that all batteries are fully charged prior to each use.
NOTE: Installation of the terminator plug and proper grounding are both essential for proper operation. Confirm that each downrigger's NEG terminal is connected to the NEG terminal(s) of the boat's main/engine battery(ies).
NOTE: In the event that the downriggers lose power during operation, you must manually park the downriggers. You must also re-start the Humminbird(r) control head before you can resume normal operation.
NOTE:Confirm that all power connectors are securely fastened to the batteries and that all communications cables are securely fastened prior to each use.
CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Connection Kit
The Humminbird® CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Connection Kit includes the following items:
• CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller
• One cable for multiple accessory attachment • One control head connector cable
• One downrigger connector cable • Terminator plug
• Hardware kit for stand-alone or stack mounting
• CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Accessory Manual
NOTE: 10 foot extension cables are available as optional-purchase items. These can be used to extend the total cable length up to 50 feet.
Connecting Your CannonLink™ to the
Control Head and to the Downrigger(s)
Perform the following procedure to connect your CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller to your Humminbird® fishing system control head and up to 6 CannonLink™ downriggers (plus one optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp). You may also connect the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller
2. Interconnect the "To Control Head" connector either directly to the COM port on the control head or to the "Daisy Chain" connector of an accessory which is already attached to the control head. See the
Accessory System Interconnectsdiagram for more information.
NOTE:10’ extension cables may be purchased from Humminbird® if your planned cable route exceeds 20’ (6 m). Maximum cable length, including extension cables, should not exceed 50’ (16 m). Visit our website at www.humminbird.com, or call our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468to purchase extension cables.
3. Interconnect the "To Daisy Chain" connector to any other accessories which are in line after the Cannonlink™ accessory. See the Accessory System Interconnects diagram for more information.
4. Interconnect the "To Downriggers" connector to the first downrigger in the series. See the Accessory System Interconnectsdiagram for more information.
CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller Ports
To Downriggers
To Daisy Chain
Accessory System Interconnects
WHITE NMEA-C OM A C CY-C OM CO M A C CY-C OM WeatherSense Smartcast WSL AS-YC ("Y") CableGPS Receiver
TM
CannonLinkTM
Fishing System
Cannon DownriggerTM
= = = CO M Accessory Terminator Plug
Preparing the CannonLink™ for Stand-Alone Mounting
5b. If you will be stacking the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller with another compatible Humminbird® accessory, use two of the included M3x12 thread-forming screws to connect the two accessories, stacked one on top of the other. Proceed to Step 7.
Install the Plastic Feet
Plastic Foot
M3x12 Screws
Preparing the CannonLink™ for Stack Mounting
6. Use the installed plastic feet to mark and then drill the two 1/8” holes to a depth of 5/8" in the mounting surface, one for each foot, needed to attach the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller to the boat. Fill the holes in the mounting surface with marine-grade silicone sealant, then attach the CannonLink™ to the mounting surface using the two included #8 x 5/8" wood screws.
NOTE: On fiberglass hulls, it is best to use progressively larger drill bits to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating.
NOTE: Apply marine-grade silicone caulk or sealant to both screw and drilled holes as needed to protect your boat from water damage.
NOTE: If the mounting surface is thin or made of a light-weight material, you may need M3x12
Screw
M3x12 Screw
NOTE: Downrigger daisy chain cables are not included with the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller, but may be purchased from Cannon™. Visit the website at www.cannondownriggers.com, or call our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-227-6433 to purchase daisy chain cables.
NOTE: Electric downriggers require a significant amount of power. It is recommended that you connect a maximum of 2 downriggers per battery.
8. When the control head detects the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller, the Downrigger View will be added automatically to the VIEW key function, and the Downrigger X-Press™ menu will also be added automatically to the Menu system.
Terminator Plug
Downrigger Daisy Chain Cable To Downrigger
To Additional Accessories
To Control Head
Setting Up Your Boat's Electrical Condition
for Positive Ion Control
Commercial fishermen know that fish, especially certain species, are attracted to positive charges and repelled by negative charges. The practice of setting up and maintaining a slight positive charge on fishing gear has been used by commercial fishermen for many years.
Your boat has an electrical charge around the hull where it is submerged, due to the interaction of weak electrical currents from various submerged pieces of equipment. These weak electrical currents must be controlled to extend the life of the boat's metal components and to provide a good fishing environment. If your boat is properly bonded and zinced, the charge should be slightly positive when measured from ground to the downrigger cable.
Positive Ion Controlis a feature of the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller that allows you to use electricity to control this charge on your downriggers, so that it remains constant at a specified set positive voltage. It is important to prepare your boat's electrical condition before installing the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller and downriggers to make sure that the Positive Ion Control feature will work most efficiently. The Positive Ion Control system applies a variable .2 to 1.2 Volts to the trolling cable at all times.
NOTE: All metal parts, including the hull (if metal), motor shaft outdrives, and through-hull fittings, must be connected together using a bonding wire. If your boat and zincs are set up correctly, the voltage on the stainless steel downrigger wire of your downrigger(s) should be positive when submerged.
Downrigger View
The Downrigger View will be added to the View Rotation when a CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller is connected to the Fishing System:
The Downrigger View shows sonar information, plus information about any downrigger(s) that may be connected to your Fishing System. It displays the same Depth reading that all Humminbird® views display at the top left. It will also display speed/temp information if you have an optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed/Temp accessory attached to one of the downrigger cables. The bottom information box displays information about any downriggers you are controlling, as well as what mode (Manual, Cycle, or Bottom Track) they are in.
Apply the following suggestions to help maintain a positive electrical charge:
• Use vinyl-coated lead weights, as uncoated lead, if not pure, can produce negative charges.
• Use the trolling weight insulators supplied with your downrigger(s) to insulate your weight from the positive charge on the cable. This also helps ensure that the trolling weight will stop at water level when retrieved.
• Replace the cable on your downrigger(s) every two years, since etching of the cable can weaken it physically and electrically.
• In salt water, replace the sacrificial zincs when they are half dissolved, to make sure that the boat will run with a neutral or slightly positive charge. Clean zincs on a regular basis with a non-abrasive brush.
• Make sure the boat is properly grounded to the water. This will help maintain proper Positive Ion Control voltage on the cable, and will make sure that the Short Stop feature will function properly.
NOTE:You must unplug the downrigger(s) before you can measure the natural voltage on the stainless steel cable accurately.
NOTE: If you have a chartplotter, the Downrigger View will not show sonar or depth. Caution should be exercised when the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller is used in conjunction with a chartplotter. It is the user's responsibility to be aware of the operational depth as the chartplotter does not report back depth as a traditional fishfinder will.
The icons on the right side of the screen represent the downriggers that you are controlling, where each icon represents a specific downrigger. You should have the same number of Downrigger Icons on the screen as you have downriggers. You will highlight a specific downrigger icon in order to see information about it displayed on the Downrigger View, and also to control that downrigger remotely.
NOTE: If the number of icons does not match the number of downriggers attached, check that the terminator plug is installed in the daisy chain port on the last downrigger in the daisy chain and that all of the cable connections in the daisy chain are firmly in place. Also check the connections on the power cables.
A gray bar highlights one or more of the downrigger icons. You can move this highlight by pressing the LEFT or RIGHT 4-Way Cursor keys. As you move the highlight bar, the numbers will change in the downrigger information box, indicating information about the downrigger you have currently highlighted. You will access the Downrigger X-Press™ menu from the Downrigger View. You will be able to set up and link the downriggers, lower (activate) the downriggers, make changes to the downrigger settings, and raise (park) the downriggers using the X-Press™ menu. See Downrigger X-Press™ Menu for more information.
Downrigger View, Bottom Track Mode, with
Depth
Speed and Temp Information Box (only with optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp) Temp for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Water Speed for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Downrigger Information Box, showing Bottom Track Mode for Highlighted Downrigger 2 Offset: Distance of downrigger
from bottom. Position of downrigger is changed to maintain a constant offset as the bottom terrain changes.
Optional-Purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor
Non-highlighted Downrigger Icons for Downriggers 4 and 5
Depth for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Voltage for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Battery Amount of Light in the Water Surrounding the Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor
Highlighted Icon for Downrigger 2 Actual Depth Icon: Position of downrigger.
Bottom Track Icon Gray Highlight Bar
Downrigger View:
Depth
Speed and Temp Information Box (only with optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp) Temp for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Water Speed for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Downrigger Information Box, showing Manual Mode for Highlighted Downriggers 4 and 5
Manual Mode
Manual Mode Icon
Highlighted Downrigger Icons showing that Downriggers 4 and 5 are linked
Depth for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Voltage for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Battery Amount of Light in the Water Surrounding the Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor
Downrigger View:
Depth
Speed and Temp Information Box (only with optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp) Temp for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Water Speed for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Downrigger Information Box, showing Cycle Mode for Highlighted Downriggers 1 and 3 Shaded area indicates cycle range
Depth Lines Cycle Mode Indicator
Cycle Mode
Upper Limit Setting
Depth for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor
Highlighted Downrigger Icons showing that Downriggers 1 and 3 are linked
Amount of Light in the Water Surrounding the Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Lower Limit Setting
Downrigger View
Speed and Temp Information Box (only with optional-purchase Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp) Temp for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Water Speed for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Downrigger Information Box, showing Cycle Mode for Highlighted Downriggers 1 and 3
Depth Lines
for Chartplotters
Non-highlighted Downrigger Icons
Depth for Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor Voltage for Cannon™
Speed-N-Temp Sensor Battery Amount of Light in the Water Surrounding the Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp Sensor
Highlighted Downrigger Icons for Cycling Downriggers 1 and 3, showing that Downriggers 1 and 3 are linked
The Menu System
The menu system is divided into easy-to-use menu modules. The main components of the menu system are:
Start-Up Options Menu -Press the MENU key during the power up sequence to view the Start-Up Options menu.
X-Press™ Menu - The X-Press™ menu allows you to access the settings that are changed frequently without having to navigate through the whole menu system. Press the MENU key once to display the X-Press™ Menu. When you select a menu item from the X-Press™ menu, the menu will collapse, leaving only the menu choice on the screen. Use the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to reactivate the X-Press™ menu.
NOTE:The X-Press™ Menu choices will vary depending on which view is active when you press the MENU key, as well as whether you are in Normal or Advanced User Mode. .
Main Menu Tabs - Less frequently-adjusted menus are grouped into the Main Menu System. The Main Menu system is organized under tab headings to help you find a specific menu item quickly.
Press the MENU key twice for the Main Menu, then use the 4-WAY Cursor LEFT or RIGHT key to select a tab, and use the DOWN or UP key to select a specific menu item under that tab, then use the LEFT or RIGHT keys again to change a menu setting. Press the EXIT key to move quickly to the top of the tab. A down arrow at the bottom of a menu means that you can scroll to additional menu
Main Menu System Normal User Mode
NOTE: The Main Menu choices will vary depending on whether you are in Normal or Advanced User Mode.
User Mode (Normal or Advanced) - An Advanced Mode is provided for users who desire the highest level of control over the Fishing System and Normal Mode for users who desire greater simplicity and fewer menu choices. Additional Advanced menu choices will be displayed throughout the menu system when you navigate to specific menus while in Advanced Mode. Any changes made while in Advanced Mode will remain in effect after you switch back to Normal Mode. For example, if you set specific views to be visible while in Advanced User Mode, and then return to Normal User Mode, those views will still be visible. See
Setup Menu Tab: User Modefor specific instructions on changing to Advanced User Mode.
Sonar Tab, Normal Mode
Sonar Tab, Advanced Mode
Start-Up Options Menu
Press the MENU key when the Title screen is displayed to access the Start-Up Options menu. Use the UP or DOWN 4-WAY Cursor keys to position the cursor, then the RIGHT Cursor key to select one of the following choices. If you wait too long, the system will default to whichever menu mode happens to be highlighted:
• Normal • Simulator • System Status
• PC Connect (use with PC Connect Cable). See the following paragraphs for more information about each of these choices.
Normal Operation
Use Normal operation for on the water operation with a transducer connected. In addition, your Fishing System uses advanced transducer detection methods to determine if a transducer is connected. If a functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be selected automatically at power up and your Fishing System can be used on the water.
Exit Normal operation by powering your Fishing System off.
Simulator
Use the Simulator to learn how to use your Fishing System before taking your boat on the water. The Simulator is a very powerful tool that simulates on the water operation, providing a randomly-updated display. We recommend going through this manual while using the Simulator, since all of the menus function and affect the display the way they actually do when in Normal operation.
NOTE: To get the full benefit of the Simulator, it is important to select Simulator manually from the Start-Up Options menu as opposed to letting the Fishing System enter Simulator automatically (as it will if a transducer is not connected and you do nothing during power up). Manually selecting Simulator from the Start-Up Options menu allows you to pre-configure your Fishing System for on the water operation. Any menu changes you make will be saved for later use.
A message will appear on the display periodically to remind you that you are using the Simulator.
Exit the Simulator by powering your Fishing System off.
Simulator, Shown with Optional Cannon™ Speed/Temp Accessory
System Status
Use System Status to view system connections and to conduct a unit self-test. The following screens are displayed in turn when you press the VIEW button when using System Status:
• Self Test
• Accessory Test
• GPS Diagnostic View.
Exit System Status by powering your Fishing System off.
Self Test
Self Test displays results from the internal diagnostic self test, including unit serial number, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serial number, software revision, total hours of operation and the input voltage.
Accessory Test
Accessory Test lists the accessories connected to the system.
NOTE: The speed accessory will be detected only if the paddlewheel has moved since your Fishing System was powered up.
NOTE: GPS will be shown as Connected when your Fishing System detects a GPS Receiver. NOTE:CannonLink™ will be shown as Connected when your Fishing System detects a CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller.
GPS Diagnostic View
GPS Diagnostic View shows a sky chart and numerical data from the GPS receiver. The sky chart shows the location of each visible GPS satellite with its satellite number and a signal strength bar. A dark gray bar indicates that the satellite is being used to determine your current position. A light gray bar indicates that the satellite is being monitored, but is not yet being used.
NOTE:The GPS Diagnostic View only appears if the GPS Receiver is connected.
PC Connect
(With PC Connect Cable only)Use PC Connectto update the software of the Fishing System control head. This feature requires the use of the PC Connect Cable. Complete instructions are included with the PC Connect Cable accessory.
NOTE: The PC Connect Cable requires a separate purchase. For more information visit our website at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.
Exit PC Connect mode by powering the Fishing System off.
GPS Diagnostic View
Satellite Being Monitored
Satellite Being Used
Current Latitude and Longitude Sky Chart
Setting Up Your Downriggers
You will need to perform an initial software setup of your downriggers, using the Downrigger Setup individual menu from the Downrigger X-Press™ menu. This section provides an overview of the setup procedure. For specific instructions on using all the individual Downrigger X-Press™ menu items, please see
Downrigger X-Press™ Menu.
NOTE: Make sure all the downriggers are parked (raised to the water level) before starting set up procedures.
Setting up your downriggers is a three-step process:
1. From the Downrigger View, you will press the MENU key to display the Downrigger X-Press™ menu, and you will then select Downrigger Setup from the Downrigger X-Press™ menu to display the Edit Downrigger submenu.
2. From the Edit Downrigger submenu, you will set up each downrigger, then save your changes for that downrigger. If you forget to save your settings and attempt to change to another downrigger or exit the screen, a dialog box will ask if you want to save your changes. You will set up all the downriggers in turn by selecting their numbers, then changing the settings as needed and selecting Save. To view settings on all the downriggers at once, select the All tab. The settings you see after selecting All are read only – you cannot change these settings from this part of the menu.
Settings that you can change for each downrigger are: Mode (Manual, Cycle, or Bottom Track) mode-specific settings, Positive Ion Control (PIC), Speed Up, Speed Down, Park, and Reel.
NOTE: Not all settings are displayed for each mode. PIC, Speed Up, Speed Down, Park and Reel are common to all modes. Upper Limit, Lower Limit, and Cycle Time are only displayed for Cycle mode. Depth is only displayed for Manual mode. Offset and Wave are only displayed for Bottom Track mode.
NOTE: The Park feature allows users with high rails to raise the downrigger above the waterline for easy weight retrieval. Any value entered in the Park field will bring the line higher out of the water.
Edit Downrigger Submenu Manual Mode
Edit Downrigger Submenu Cycle Mode
Edit Downrigger Submenu Bottom Track Mode
Linking the Downriggers
Use the Link tab to link or merge your downrigger’s settings with another downrigger so that both downriggers act the same. This is very useful when you are creating a V-pattern or trying to match jigging routines with your downriggers. Once linked, downriggers move as one when activated (lowered), parked, or when making setting changes from the Edit Downrigger submenu. When downriggers are intially linked, both downriggers will take on the settings of the lowest numbered downrigger. For example, linking 3 and 1 would cause 3 to have all of the same settings as 1.
Edit Downrigger Submenu, Showing Linking
NOTE:The link set will have the settings of the lowest numbered downrigger included in the set. On the screen shown, Link A will have all the settings of Downrigger Number 1. Once a downrigger is linked into one set, it cannot be linked in any other set, so those boxes will no longer be selectable.
When all of the downriggers are linked that you want in one row, you will go back to the Link selection column, then set up the next Link row, or simply save your link changes. If, after making changes, you forget to save them, exiting the Link selection column will display a Confirm dialog box asking if you want to save your changes.
Once all of the menu tabs are set the way you want and you have confirmed and saved the changes, you will press Exit to return to the Downrigger X-Press™ menu where you can send the downriggers to their set depths and modes.
Downrigger View, with Link Tab
Edit Downrigger Submenu, showing Link Confirmation Dialog Box
Linked Downriggers
Downriggers 4 and 5 are Linked
Downriggers 2 and 6 are Linked Downriggers 1
and 3 are Linked and Highlighted, Showing Their Shared Settings
Lowering (Activating) the Downriggers
Once downriggers are set up, they must be activated (lowered) before they can be used. In this way, the downriggers are prevented from going to their depths before you are ready. Downriggers can be activated all at the same time, or individually from the Downrigger X-Press™ menu. To activate all of the units at once, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to select Activate All. Behind the menu, you will see the icons moving on the screen and all of the downriggers will start moving on the boat.
CAUTION: It is recommended that you activate the downriggers individually if you are sending them to a significant depth.
To activate the downriggers individually, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to select Activate Single to see a second, smaller submenu displayed with the number of all of the downriggers on it. Select the individual downrigger you want to send to depth from this submenu. The selected unit, as well as any linked units, will begin moving. Once all of the downriggers that you want are lowered, you may return to the Downrigger View.
Making Changes
Once the downriggers are set up and activated, there are two ways to make changes: the Edit Downrigger submenu and the Downrigger View. While the downriggers are active (lowered, or sent to depth), any changes made in the Edit Downrigger submenu and saved will take effect immediately. No downriggers will adjust until the changes on the tab are saved.
On the Downrigger View itself, with the downriggers active, highlighting each downrigger number shows a new set of icons to the left of the water column.
• When a downrigger (or linked set of downriggers) is highlighted, pressing the UP or DOWN 4-WAY Cursor Control key will change the set depth of the downrigger(s). In Manual mode, this changes the Depth setting. In Cycle mode, this changes both the Upper and Lower Limit settings so that they are still the same distance apart, but they are now at a shallower or lower depth. In Bottom Track mode, this changes the Offset value. The new settings can be seen beside the Mode Indicator Icons.
To change the mode, cycle bracket size, and other settings, you must make changes in the Edit Downrigger submenu. All of these changes can be made while the downriggers are active, and they will take effect once the change is made and saved.
Raising (Parking) the Downriggers
Once the downriggers are down, they can be parked (raised) all at the same time, or individually from the Downrigger X-Press™ menu. When the downrigger is parked, it ascends to the set Park Depth and stops.
To raise all of the downriggers at once from the Downrigger X-Press™ menu, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to select Park All and see the Downrigger submenu. Behind the menu, you will see the downrigger icons moving on the screen and all of the downriggers will start moving on the boat.
CAUTION: Park All draws a large amount of power. It is recommended that you bring up the downriggers individually to allow control of the lines and reduce the power draw.
Parking The Downrigger
Park Single
Downrigger Submenu
To raise the downriggers individually, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to select Park Single. A second, smaller submenu will display the number of all of the downriggers on it. Select the downrigger you want to park from this submenu. The selected downrigger, as well as any downriggers linked to it, will begin moving. Once all of the downriggers that you want are up, you may return to the Downrigger View.
CAUTION: Moving all of the downriggers at once can cause tangled lines. It is recommended that you have one person tend each line/downrigger when you make significant depth changes.
CAUTION: Electric downriggers require a significant amount of power. It is recommended that you have no more than 2 downriggers per battery. If more than two downriggers are connected to a battery and power goes out, the downriggers must be lifted manually using the toggle switches on the downriggers themselves. You must then re-start the control head before normal operations can resume.
Downrigger X-Press™ Menu
(Downrigger View only)
The Downrigger X-Press™ menu provides access to the settings most frequently used. Press the MENU key once while in the Downrigger View to access the Downrigger X-Press™ menu.
NOTE: None of the menu choices on the Downrigger X-Press™ Menu will work until the downriggers are set up for the first time. Once you have completed intial set up, your settings will be saved on power down. See Downrigger Viewfor more information.
NOTE: Upper Range and Lower Range are only available if you have a chartplotter connected to the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller.
Downrigger X-PressTM
Downrigger Setup
Downrigger Setup allows you to set up and link the downriggers. You must perform this procedure once for each downrigger before you can activate the downriggers. For more information, see Downrigger
View.
To set up the downrigger(s):
1. Highlight Downrigger Setup on the Downrigger X-Press™ menu.
2. Use the RIGHT 4-Way Cursor Control key to display the Edit Downrigger submenu, then use the 4-Way Cursor Control keys to set up, link and save your changes for each downrigger. (See Downrigger View for more information.)
Activate All
Activate All allows you to activate (lower, send down) all the downriggers simultaneously. Once you perform this procedure, all the downriggers will begin moving. For more information, see Downrigger View.
CAUTION: Moving all of the downriggers at once can cause tangled lines. It is recommended that you have one person tend each line/downrigger when you make significant depth changes.
To activate all downriggers:
Park All
Park All allows you to park (raise) all the downriggers simultaneously. Once you perform this procedure, all the downriggers will begin moving. For more information, see Downrigger View.
CAUTION: Moving all of the downriggers at once can cause tangled lines. It is recommended that you have one person tend each line/downrigger when you make significant depth changes.
To park all downriggers:
1. Highlight Park All on the Downrigger X-Press™ menu. 2. Use the RIGHT 4-Way Cursor Control key to select Park All.
Activate Single
Activate Single allows you to activate (lower, send down) a single downrigger, or, if the downrigger is linked to other downriggers, to lower the linked set of downriggers. Once you perform this procedure, the selected downrigger, as well as any downriggers linked to it, will begin moving. For more information, see Downrigger View.
CAUTION: Moving all of the downriggers at once can cause tangled lines. It is recommended that you have one person tend each line/downrigger when you make significant depth changes.
To activate a single downrigger:
1. Highlight Activate Single on the Downrigger X-Press™ menu.
2. Use the RIGHT 4-Way Cursor Control key to display the Downrigger submenu, then use the UP and DOWN 4-Way Cursor Control keys to highlight the number of the downrigger you want to activate, and the
Park Single
Park Single allows you to park (raise) a single downrigger, or, if the downrigger is linked to other downriggers, to raise the linked set of downriggers. Once you perform this procedure, the selected downrigger, as well as any downriggers linked to it, will begin moving. For more information, see Downrigger View.
CAUTION: Moving all of the downriggers at once can cause tangled lines. It is recommended that you have one person tend each line/downrigger when you make significant depth changes.
To park a single downrigger:
1. Highlight Park Single on the Downrigger X-Press™ menu.
2. Use the RIGHT 4-Way Cursor Control key to display the Downrigger submenu, then use the UP and DOWN 4-Way Cursor Control keys to highlight the number of the downrigger you want to park, and the RIGHT 4-Way Cursor Control key to select the downrigger.
Upper Range
(Chartplotters only)Upper Range sets the top of the depth range that will be displayed on the screen, so that you can see the relevant portion of the depth range. The Upper Range menu choice is only available with chartplotters. Upper Range is often used with Lower Range.
Lower Range
(Chartplotters only)Lower Range sets the bottom of the depth range that is displayed on the screen.
To adjust the Lower Range:
1. Highlight Lower Range on the Downrigger X-Press™ Menu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to increase or decrease the Lower Range setting. (0 to 400 feet, 0 to 120 meters
[International Models only], Default = 120)
For example, if you are fishing in 60 feet of water but are only interested in the first 30 feet (surface to a depth of 30 feet) you should set the Lower Depth Range limit to 30. The display will show the 0 to 30 foot range, allowing you to see a more detailed view than you would see if the display went all the way to the bottom.
Troubleshooting
Before contacting the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center, please read the following section. Taking the time to review these troubleshooting guidelines may allow you to solve a performance problem yourself, and therefore avoid sending your unit back for repair.
Fishing System Doesn’t Power Up
If your Fishing System doesn’t power up, use the Installation Guide that also comes with it for specific confirmation details, making sure that:
• the power cable is properly connected to the Fishing System control head,
• the power cable is wired correctly, with red to positive battery terminal and black to negative terminal or ground
• the fuse is operational
• the battery voltage of the power connector is at least 10 Volts.
Correct any known problems, including removing corrosion from the battery terminals or wiring, or actually replacing the battery if necessary.
Fishing System Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached
A connected and functioning transducer will cause the newly-started Fishing System to go into Normal operating mode automatically. If, when you power up the Fishing System, it goes into Simulator mode automatically, even though a transducer is already connected, this means that the control head is not
• Replace the non-functioning transducer with a known good transducer if available and power up the control head again.
• Check the transducer cable. Replace the transducer if the cable is damaged or corroded.
Fuse Blows, Affecting Downriggers
If a fuse blows on your Fishing System, you must raise the downriggers manually using the toggle switches on the downriggers. After the downriggers are all the way up, replace the blown fuse, then power the control head down and back up again.
Control Head Doesn't Recognize the Downriggers when a
Downrigger is Attached
• If downriggers are connected, but your control head doesn't recognize the downriggers, even though the Downrigger View is displayed, check the connections of the daisy chain cables, the downrigger power cables, and the terminator plug in the last downrigger in the daisy chain.
• If the downrigger is connected, but no Downrigger View is displayed, or the downriggers are properly connected but they aren't being recognized, check the Accessory Test View to make sure the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller is listed. If the CannonLink™ Downrigger Controller is not listed in the Accessory Test View, or if it is listed, but no downriggers are shown as Active, make sure that the terminator plug is installed in the last downrigger in the daisy chain (or in the sole downrigger if there is only one) and that all of the interconnecting cables are installed correctly.
Temp-n-Speed Sensor Troubleshooting Tips
• Make sure you have fresh spare batteries, and also install fresh batteries in the Temp-n-Speed Sensor just before attaching it to the downrigger(s). • Make sure you only have one Temp-n-Speed Sensor attached to your
Display Problems
There are several main conditions or sources of possible interference that may cause problems with the quality of the information displayed on the control head. Look in the following table for some symptoms of display problems and possible solutions:
Problem Possible Cause
The control head loses power at high speeds.
When the boat moves at higher speeds, the bottom disappears or suddenly weakens, or the display contains gaps.
There are no fish detected, even when you know they are in the water under the boat, or sonar
If the power output of your boat’s engine is unregulated, the control head may be protecting itself using its over-voltage protection feature. Make sure the input voltage does not exceed 20 Volts.
The transducer position may need to be adjusted. A mix of air and water flowing around the transducer (cavitation) may be interfering with the inter-pretation of sonar data. See your Installation Guide for suggestions on adjusting the transducer position.
Electrical noise from the boat’s engine may be interfering with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for more information.
Sonar readings may be affected if the transducer is not positioned correctly (i.e. mounted at an angle, not straight down), or there is some kind of mechanical interference, either because it is mounted inside a hull that is too thick for proper sonar transmission, the bond between the transducer and the
Finding the Cause of Noise
Electrical noise usually affects the display with many black dots at high speeds, and high sensitivity readings. One or more of the following sources can cause noise or interference:
Possible Source of Noise Isolation
Other electronic devices
The boat’s engine
Cavitation from the boat’s propeller
Turn off any nearby electronic devices to see if the problem goes away, then turn them on one at a time to see if the noise re-appears.
To determine whether the boat’s engine is the source of the noise, increase the RPMs while the boat is in neutral and stationary to see if the noise increases pro-portionately; if noise appears when you rev the engine, the problem could be the spark plugs, alternator, or tachometer wiring. Replace the spark plugs with resistor plugs, install an alternator filter, or route the control head power and transducer cables away from the engine wiring.
Turbulence created by the propeller can cause noise; make sure the transducer is mounted at least 15” (38 cm) from the propeller, and that the water flows smoothly over the face of the transducer at all times.
Humminbird® Accessories
Accessories customize your Fishing System to your needs and enable you to stay on the edge of new technology. When an accessory is connected to the Fishing System, additional menus and readouts are added automatically to the Main Menu System. Accessories available today that are supported by your Fishing System include:
Downriggers are the key to catching fish you otherwise couldn’t even touch. And now Humminbird’sCannonLink™ Downrigger Controllermakes operation of up to six Cannon™ Mag 20 DT or Mag 20 DT/HS downriggers incredibly easy. Using the controls on your Fishing System, deploy or retrieve downriggers, hold a specific distance off the bottom, cycle downriggers between two depths, and adjust the Positive Ion Control. Even see temperature and water clarity at depth and speed at the ball right on-screen when using the Cannon™ Speed-N-Temp. You’ll never be shorthanded again, just make adjustments from the helm, while your mate rigs the lines and brings in the fish!
With the new InterLink™ Network Connection, you can now share GPS position, waypoints, routes and your current track between two Humminbird® Fishing Systems in real time. Mark a waypoint at the console, and it’s instantly available on the second unit. No matter where you’re at on the boat, you’ll have access to your critical fishing and navigation information. Plus, daisy chain InterLink™ with other System Modules and you’ll have a network that lets you share digital data around the boat. It’s a simply, clearly, better networking solution!
Wireless Sonar Link (WSL): purchase the Wireless Sonar Link (WSL) accessory to receive remote sonar signals from a SmartCast® Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS). Radio signals from the RSS are received by the WSL and are transmitted over the Accessory Bus to the Fishing System.
PC Connect Cable: Purchase the PC Connect Cable to connect the Fishing System to a PC in order to upload product software updates and new features obtained from www.humminbird.com. This accessory requires the MSWindows-compatible HumminbirdPC™ software downloaded from our website to your PC in order to communicate with the Fishing System.
Be sure to check out our website www.humminbird.comfor additional new and exciting accessories to grow your Fishing System!
NOTE: Each accessory requires a separate purchase. You can visit our website at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 for additional details.
Maintenance
If your boat remains in the water for long periods of time, algae and other marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer. Periodically clean the face of the transducer with hot water.
If your boat remains out of the water for a long period of time, it may take some time to wet the transducer after it is returned to the water. Small air bubbles can cling to the surface of the transducer and interfere with proper operation. These bubbles will dissipate with time, or you may wipe the face of the transducer with your fingers after the transducer is in the water.
1-Year limited Warranty
We warrant the original retail purchaser that products made by Humminbird® have been manufactured free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is effective for one year from the date of original retail purchase. Humminbird® products found to be defective and covered by this warranty will be replaced or repaired free of charge at Humminbird® option and returned to the customer freight prepaid. Humminbird® sole responsibility under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of a product that has been deemed defective by Humminbird®. Humminbird® is not responsible for charges connected with the removal of such product or reinstallation of replaced or repaired parts.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF HUMMINBIRD® AND WILL BE THE CUSTOMER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, EXCEPT FOR ANY APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER STATE LAW WHICH ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO EVENT WILL HUMMINBIRD® BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS.
Some states do not allow limitations on an implied warranty, or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusions may not apply to you. You may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Humminbird® Service Policy
Even though you'll probably never need to take advantage of our incredible service policy, it's good to know that we back our products this confidently. We do it because you deserve the best. We will make every effort to repair your unit within three business days from the receipt of your unit at our factory. This does not include shipping time to and from our factory. Units received on Friday are typically shipped by the following Wednesday, units received Monday are typically shipped by Thursday, etc.
All repair work is performed by factory-trained technicians to meet exacting factory specifications. Factory-serviced units go through the same rigorous testing and quality control inspections as new production units.
After the original warranty period, a standard flat rate service charge will be assessed for each repair (physical damage and missing parts are not included). Any repairs made after the original warranty will be warranted for an additional 90 days after service has been performed by our factory technicians. You can contact our Customer Resource Center or visit our website to verify the flat rate
We reserve the right to deem any product unserviceable when replacement parts are no longer available or impossible to obtain. This Service Policy is valid in the United States only. This applies only to Humminbird® products returned to our factory in Eufaula, Alabama. This Service Policy is subject to change without notice.
Returning Your Unit for Service
Before sending your unit in for repair, please contact the factory, either by phone or by email, to obtain a Repair Authorization Number for your unit. Please have your product model name and serial number available before calling the factory. If you contact the factory by e-mail, please include your product model name and serial number in the e-mail, and use Request for Repair Authorization Number for your e-mail subject header. You should include your Repair Authorization Number in all subsequent communications about your unit.
For IN-WARRANTY service, complete the following steps:
• Obtain a Repair Authorization Number from the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center.
• Tag product with your name, street address, phone number and your assigned Repair Authorization Number.
• Include a brief written description of the problem.
For OUT-OF-WARRANTY service, complete the following steps:
• Obtain a Repair Authorization Number from the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center.
• Include payment in the form of credit card number and expiration date, money order or personal check. Please do not send cash.
• Tag product with your name, street address, phone number and your assigned Repair Authorization Number.
• Include a brief written description of the problem.
• Return product freight prepaid to Humminbird®, using an insured carrier with delivery confirmation.
