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Installation
Wiring Your Downrigger
Your Boat's Electrical Condition
It is important to make sure that your boat is properly set up before installing your Magnum with Positive Ion
Control (PIC). Whenever a boat is in water, various submerged parts interact to create weak electrical currents.
These weak electrical currents must be controlled to extend the life of the boat's metal parts and ensure a good fish
catching environment.
Check the zinc sacrificial anodes on your boat and on the outboard/outdrive. If they are more than 50% dis-
solved they should be replaced. Any coating of slime or growth should be cleaned off. All metal parts including the
hull (if metal) must be interconnected by a grounding wire. This includes motor shafts, outdrives, and through hull
fittings. If your boat and zinc anodes are set up correctly, the voltage on the stainless steel downrigger wire should
be positive when in contact with the water.
With your boat in the water and the downrigger cable deployed in the water, measure the dc voltage from the
cable to a grounded metal surface of the boat touching the water. It should be 0.6-0.8VDC if properly wired.
• The use of Cannon vinyl coated lead weights is recommended.
• Use the trolling weight insulators supplied with your downrigger. This insulates your weight from the positive
charge on the cable. This will also ensure that the trolling weight will stop at water level when retrieved.
• The cable on your downrigger should be replaced every 2 years. Etching of the cable can weaken it physically
and electrically.
• In saltwater, make sure the sacrificial zinc anodes are replaced when half dissolved. This ensures that the boat
will run with a neutral or slightly positive charge. Clean zincs on a regular basis with a non-corrosive brush.
• Always make sure the boat is properly grounded to the water. This will help ensure proper PIC voltage on the
cable and that the Short Stop will function properly.
NOTE: To ensure proper operation of your Magnum, ground the battery to your boat’s electrical system’s ground.
Malfunctions with the PIC, communication between units, or loss of operation result from faulty grounding. Always
check to see if your boat is properly grounded first.
Electrical Specifications & Wiring Instructions
The Magnum series is rated at 30 amps (full load), 12 volts DC and is protected by a 25 amp manual reset cir-
cuit breaker (located under motor housing). Be sure to measure the battery voltage of your boat.
WARNING! - DO NOT RUN THIS DOWNRIGGER ON A 24 VOLT BATTERY SYSTEM. THIS WILL DAMAGE
THE UNIT AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
Connecting to the Battery:
It is strongly recommended that a fuse or manual reset circuit breaker be installed at the battery on the positive
lead of the power cable or that you connect the downrigger to a battery selector switch. (See Fuse and Wire Speci-
fications) Connect the positive lead (RED) to the (+) post on your battery and the negative lead (BLACK) to the (-)
post on your battery or the downrigger will not operate. Use the quick disconnect plug to remove the downrigger
without touching the battery.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended to power your Magnum with a Deep-Cycle marine battery. Only run a Magnum
from a Starter battery if it is recharged by an alternator while trolling.
Tip: Control degradation of the power cables and limit corrosion by using anti-oxidant gel on all connections.