Cannon downrigger with depth input

[DeepBlue2010]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a Cannon downrigger with depth input which enables the Bottom tracking feature. According to the manual & the technical support folks at Cannon (I am not sure the guy I was talking to was very knowledgeable) the downrigger can accept depth info ONLY from a depth transducer sold by Cannon or through a Cannon Link box connected to Humming Bird unit. I have a Garmin unit on my boat and have no intention to switch to Humming Bird. I also have no intention of installing a transom mount transducer - which is the one that Cannon sells - for two reasons

1. The possible problems in the transom from water intrusion although this can be controlled by good installation
2. Possible interference with my existing CHIRP transducer

Now the question, does anyone know any trick or workaround to feed this downrigger with depth info through a NMEA 2000 network. I know the input on the downrigger is not a NMEA 2000 so I am not trying to establish a direct connection but rather something like converting the depth statement on the NMEA 2000 bus to the format that the downrigger will accept maybe through an adapter of some sort.

Any ideas?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Cannon downrigger with depth input

Unless the transducer has an A/D built into it which is doubtful, the transducer is sending analog data to the downrigger electronics and the depth is being calculated there. You have no option other than connecting a suitable transducer to the unit.

Reason #1 isn't a valid concern if the installation is done correctly. I can leave the screws out of my transducer mounting plate with a 100% guarantee of no moisture problems.

Reason #2 while a valid concern is easily dealt with. What transducer are you using and where is it mounted in relation to the drive? How deep are the waters you fish?

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Cannon downrigger with depth input

Thanks for your reply. I am using a through hull CHIRP transducer on the high band. It covers the 130-210kHz band. It is mounted in the starboard side in the bilge area. I found a product called Stern Saver; while it solves the problem of mounting the transducer, I would still need to drill to secure the wire and to get it inside the boat.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Cannon downrigger with depth input

Thanks for your reply. I am using a through hull CHIRP transducer on the high band. It covers the 130-210kHz band. It is mounted in the starboard side in the bilge area. I found a product called Stern Saver; while it solves the problem of mounting the transducer, I would still need to drill to secure the wire and to get it inside the boat.

Mounted CHIRP transducer to starboard in a shoot thru? Do your realize the implications that has on performance?

Take the time and blind core the holes there is no possibility of getting moisture in the transom. I have 3 sensors mounted on the transom. I could remove all three, leaving the holes open and have nothing to worry about.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Cannon downrigger with depth input

Mounted CHIRP transducer to starboard in a shoot thru? Do your realize the implications that has on performance?

Take the time and blind core the holes there is no possibility of getting moisture in the transom. I have 3 sensors mounted on the transom. I could remove all three, leaving the holes open and have nothing to worry about.

It is not shoot through. It is Through-Hull, this means a hole was drilled out and the transducer was inserted from the out side of the hull then sealed and mechanically fastened. If I have to install a transom mounted transducer for the Cannon downrigger, then so be it and I am sure the installation can be water tight. I was interested to know if anyone has an alternative.

BTW, what do you mean by "blind core the holes"?