Q: Why should I choose iTroll over other products on the market?

Q: Where is iTroll made?

Q: Does the factory throttle still work after I install iTroll?

Q: If I install an iTroll, can use my motor without turning it on?

Q: Is iTroll expensive? How does it compare to other products?

Q: Why is iTroll not wireless?

Q: My trolling motor's throttle is wireless, why shouldn't my outboard's throttle controller be the same?

Q: Is iTroll really Weather Proof?

Q: Can I remove the iTroll control head from my boat?

Q: How do I assemble / disassemble iTroll's weatherproof data cable union?

Q: Does iTroll use the same servo as "the other guys"?

Q: Is it necessary to have a waterproof servo?

Q: Will iTroll drain my battery?

Q: How many iTroll Models are there?

Q: How is iTroll mounted?

Q: Custom Mount: What size RAM components do I need?

Q: Is iTroll difficult to install? Can I do it myself?

Q: How long is iTroll's warranty?

Q: What is HUNT Mode?

Q: Can I customize HUNT Mode for my type of fishing?

Q: Is HUNT Mode difficult to operate?

Q: Do I have to buy HUNT Mode?

Q: How do I know that HUNT Mode works?

Q: What is the "Hunt Test Drive"?

Q: How do you unlock iTroll's Hunt Mode?

Q: Software upgrades can be done anywhere? Even when I am fishing?

Q: Do the software upgrades for HUNT Mode and / or Dual Motor ever expire?

Q: What is "Secondary Cruising Speed"?

Q: What is "DRAG Mode"?

Q: What do the "Remote Idle / Run switches" do?

Q: How do you hook up the Remote Idle / Run switches?

Q: What does the "Neutral Safety Feature" of iTroll do?

Q: Why does iTroll have throttle safety limits?

Q: Why is iTroll the only unit that can be safely used on a main motor?

Q: What are the Left and Right Buttons on iTroll for?

Q: What if I never intend to use a steering unit, what happens to iTroll's steering buttons?

Q: Why does iTroll have programmable servo rotation and travel?

Q: What is iTroll's "Dual Motor" capability?

Q: Does iTroll set boat speed via GPS?

Q: I have a Trollmaster or ControllKing unit. I want upgrade to iTroll! Can I use iTroll with my existing servo and hardware?
     
Q: I have a Trollmaster with a steering unit. If I change to iTroll, will it control my existing steering unit?



Q: Why should I choose iTroll over other products on the market? page top

UNSURPASSED THROTTLE CONTROL .... Nothing else comes close to the boat control provided by iTroll. Purchasing a product other than iTroll is compromising the top reason why you are buying a throttle controller. View this video to see the precision of iTroll.

YOUR SAFETY .... The top priority in iTroll's design. It is amazing how other products have little or no safety features engineered into them. View this video to see the safety features of iTroll.

UNMATCHED INNOVATION .... iTroll has features that cannot be found on other products. A summary of iTroll's features can be found on this chart:


Download image as .pdf file

PROVEN RELIABILITY: iTroll is by far and away the most dependable unit on the market. Do your research - Google is your friend.

BEST WARRANTY: iTroll's warranty is TWO years AND it covers the servo motor. Another considereration is that RELIABLE units minimize the need for warranty service and the resulting down time!

PROTECTION: iTroll is manufactured by a company that has been in business for decades. We are a full time business with our own factory. Most importantly, to protect our customers, we carry PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE that costs a LOT of money. It is highly unlikely that someone making a throttle controller as a hobby has insurance due to the cost of it.



Q: Where is iTroll made? page top

A: iTroll is made in USA with 100% DOCUMENTED AMERICAN LABOR. When we purchase components, we make every attempt to feed American companies. Even "commodity" parts like our enclosures and circuit boards are made in USA (even though we could save a lot of money by making them overseas). However, there are many electronic parts* that are manufactured in other countries with no domestic alternatives. Unfortunately, we have to use these parts.

In this day and age, it is impossible to make an electronic device of any scope with 100% domestic content.

*Resistors, capacitors, chips, etc.



Q: Does the factory throttle still work after I install iTroll? page top

A: YES! Your factory throttle will work EXACTLY like it did before the installation of iTroll. Another factor to consider is that we engineer our motor "fit kits" to be fail safe. We see our competitors taking shortcuts. For example, in one of their installations, two pieces of metal are joined together with heat shrink tubing. If the heat shrink tubing fails, the stock throttle loses the ability to control the motor.



Q: If I install an iTroll, can use my motor without turning it on? page top

A: YES! Because your factory throttle works EXACTLY like it did before the installation of iTroll, you can use your motor without using iTroll.



Q: Is iTroll expensive? How does it compare to other products? page top

A: An iTroll without options and upgrades is priced comparably to the competition (Other products do NOT have options / upgrades). However, when you consider "other" factors like reliability, features, warranty and quality of the supplied servo, iTroll is without question the best VALUE on the market.

If you choose to add options and upgrades to your iTroll, there is NO question that it will cost more than other units. However, these options and upgrades take iTroll to yet another level above the competition.



Q: Why is iTroll not wireless? page top

A: Wireless has TOO MANY compromises . These compromises are:

1. Remotes can be misplaced, lost, or damaged and having them constantly dangling from your neck is a pain.

2. Battery Issues:
ALL batteries go dead. At that point, you will NOT have control over your throttle and steering (if you have a steering unit). This is an unacceptable situation! One competitor's wireless unit EATS batteries, and when it does, puts you in situations without motor control.

Batteries leak and if they do, they can destroy the remote.

When you change the batteries in a remote, you are directly exposing it's internal circuits to humidity or moisture. Failure and expensive replacement is inevitable.

3. RELIABILITY and INTERFERENCE issues: Wireless devices are subject to interference that can cause operational issues . ALL electronic throttles on boat motors, vehicles and airplanes are "DRIVE (or FLY) by WIRE". Just like iTroll, these systems send their throttle positional signals through WIRES. Why do ALL marine engine manufacturers, ALL vehicle manufacturers and ALL aircraft manufacturers avoid wireless throttle systems? Wireless is NOT dependable enough!

Our competitor's wireless unit is the "poster child" for wireless issues. Poor throttle control, unintended FULL THROTTLE application (when on), units that wake themselves up (when off) and then go to full throttle are just a few of the issues that can be found. Forum posts regarding this subject:
Walleye Central
Ohio Game Fishing
Michigan - Sportfishing
Walleye Central




Q: My trolling motor's throttle is wireless, why shouldn't my outboard's throttle controller be the same? page top

A: Electric trolling motors have a fraction of the power of an outboard motor. Approximate HP outputs of electric trolling motors are: 55 lbs of thrust: 0.75 HP, 80 lbs of thrust: 1.05 HP, 112 lbs of thrust: 1.5 HP. These motors cannot propel a boat very fast. Additionally, the power output of these motors drops continually over time due to battery draw. The manufacturers of trolling motors must feel that possible operational issues are acceptable because boats speeds are low and rapid boat acceleration is not possible with these electric motors.



Q: Is iTroll really Weather Proof? page top

A: iTroll's design is not only weather proof, but can endure complete submersion. This is overkill - you will never use a submerged iTroll. It floats if dropped in water, so if your iTroll is submerged, your boat has sunk. However, it's nice to know that iTroll can survive anything Mother Nature dishes out!



Q: Can I remove the iTroll control head from my boat? page top

A: Yes, the control head can be removed from the boat by disconnecting it's data cable from the waterproof union.



Q: How do I assemble / disassemble iTroll's weatherproof data cable union? page top

A: This video shows you how to assemble the union. REVERSE the steps to take it apart.



Q: Does iTroll use the same servo as "the other guys"? page top

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! We HAVE to use a high quality servo that can match the incredible precision of iTroll. The budget "Tower Pro" brand servos used by our competitors are incapable of processing the resolution of iTroll and have reliability issues.

Interesting fact: On the internet (open market pricing), our waterproof servo costs somewhere around EIGHT TIMES more than the bargain Tower Pros. You DO get what you pay for!

All iTroll's manufactured after 11/29/2020 have WATERPROOF servos as standard equipment (previously an option). We are an OEM approved vendor for Hitec, one of the most highly regarded servo manufacturers in the world.



Q: Is it necessary to have a waterproof servo? page top

A: We feel that because iTroll is used in a marine environment, a waterproof servo is a "no brainer".



Q: Will iTroll drain my battery? page top

A: Not if you have a healthy battery.

If iTroll is being used, it draws LESS than 1 amp, even when the servo is moving.

If iTroll is OFF and the control head is connected to the rest of the system, the current draw is only a few thousands of an ampere (like a digital clock in a car). It would take MONTHS to drain your battery.

If the iTroll control head is removed from the boat, the remaining components of iTroll draw NO current.

When installing iTroll, we recommend that you get power and ground for the unit from the battery that your motor(s) are hooked to. By doing this, the motor's alternator is replenishing the small amount of power the iTroll uses to make a self renewing system!



Q: How many iTroll Models are there? page top

A: There is only one iTroll model that can be customized with software upgrades (like HUNT Mode) and options.



Q: How is iTroll mounted? page top

A: If you DON'T elect to buy one of the optional custom mounts, iTroll can be mounted to any hard, flat surface with the velco supplied with every unit.



Q: Custom Mount: What size RAM components do I need? page top

A: One inch "B Size" components.



Q: Is iTroll difficult to install? Can I do it myself? page top

A: We feel that if you can comfortably change your vehicle's oil, you can install an iTroll.



Q: How long is iTroll's warranty? page top

A: iTroll's warranty is an industry best 2 years . . . AND it covers the waterproof servo!



Q: What is HUNT Mode? page top

A: It is the most revolutionary feature of iTroll! HUNT Mode is the ability to set automated speed sequences with iTroll. This makes your presentations look more realistic and IMPROVES YOUR CATCH RATE. Visit this page for a complete description of HUNT Mode!



Q: Can I customize HUNT Mode for my type of fishing? page top

A: YES! The parameters of the 8 HUNT programs in iTroll's memory are completely adjustable to suit your baits and fishing style.



Q: Is HUNT Mode difficult to operate? page top

A: If you master two skills, HUNT is easy to operate. The first skill is how to choose each of the 8 HUNT programs in iTroll's memory. The second skill is how to reprogram the parameters to customize the programs. The owner's manual completely covers these skills. We also have tutorials in our video library.



Q: Do I have to buy HUNT Mode? page top

A: NO. It's your choice if you want to enable it. HUNT Mode is built into every iTroll and is unlocked with a code.



Q: How do I know that HUNT Mode works? page top

A: HUNT Mode is the #1 reason why iTroll is the choice of top tournament fishermen and guides. If HUNT modes gives top caliber anglers an advantage, imagine what it can do for you!



Q: What is the "Hunt Test Drive"? page top

A: Basically, it is a free trial. It allows you to try HUNT Mode for a limited time so it can PROVE that it improves your catch rate.



Q: How do you unlock iTroll's Hunt Mode? page top

A: Every iTroll has a unique code that you enter into the unit to unlock HUNT Mode.



Q: Software upgrades can be done anywhere? Even when I am fishing? page top

A: YES! Unlock codes are entered into the unit independent of location. People DO call us to buy HUNT Mode when fishing!



Q: Do the software upgrades for HUNT Mode and / or Dual Motor ever expire? page top

A: NO - Once a correct combination is entered, iTroll re-writes it's software so the upgrade is enabled for the life of the unit.



Q: What is "Secondary Cruising Speed"? page top

A: "SCS" allows you to raise your throttle setting, hold it there, and then release it WITHOUT touching the dial. For a complete description, visit this page. FYI: Secondary Cruising Speed (AKA "SCS") is a EXCLUSIVE STANDARD FEATURE of iTroll.



Q: What is "DRAG Mode"? page top

A: DRAG Mode makes the idle / run button have THREE modes vs two. For a complete description, visit this page. FYI: DRAG Mode is a EXCLUSIVE STANDARD FEATURE of iTroll.



Q: What do the "Remote Idle / Run Switch" do? page top

A: They "clone" the most used button on the iTroll (Idle / Run). The remote switches can be mounted anywhere in the boat. For a complete description, visit this page.



Q: How do you hook up the Idle / Run switches? page top

A: The remote switch has two wires coming out of it. One wire gets grounded, the other wire hooks to the iTroll power module.



Q: What does the "Neutral Safety Feature" of iTroll do? page top

A: When a neutral safety interface is installed, iTroll reads the position of the shifter (neutral or in gear). It does this so that if the shifter is moved from in gear to neutral while trolling, iTroll will put the throttle at idle. This insures that the motor will be at idle when the shifter is put into gear.



Q: Why does iTroll have throttle safety limits? page top

A: The PROGRAMMABLE safety limits allow you to electronically "CAP" the amount of horsepower available for trolling. Limits are typically used on main motor applications. Even though it is not common, some owners limit their kicker motors if children are allowed to operate the boat. For a complete description, visit this page.



Q: Why is iTroll the only unit that can be safely used on a main motor? page top

A: iTroll's neutral safety feature protects the motor's gearbox and the programmable throttle safety limits protect the boat's occupants. No other product has these features and therefore cannot safely operate main motors.



Q: What are the Left and Right Buttons on iTroll for? page top

A: They allow iTroll to control kicker steering systems from other manufacturers. A common pairing with the iTroll is the "Tailfin" from the Powrtran company.



Q: What if I never intend to use a steering unit, what happens to iTroll's steering buttons? page top

A: Without a steering unit, the left and right buttons don't do anything. However, because they are there, you have the ability to add steering at any time in the future.



Q: Why does iTroll have programmable servo rotation and travel? page top

A: It allows us to optimize our "Fit Kits" (servo mount and linkage) for every application. Our competitors can only rotate their servos in one direction for a fixed distance.

A common Honda application is good evidence on why programmable rotation is important. One competitor's kit has the servo arm hitting the cowl when the throttle is advanced to a certain level. This impedes servo accuracy AND places strain on the servo. In the same application, iTroll simply rotates the servo in the opposite direction where there is nothing to hit.

Main motor applications are where adjustable travel is necessary. Higher horsepower motors have throttle linkages with long throws to avoid being too touchy. iTroll can adapt with adjustable servo travel.



Q: What is iTroll's "Dual Motor" capability? page top

A: When dual motor enable (a software upgrade), iTroll can control two motors on the SAME boat. For example: the kicker and the main motor OR either motor on a boat with twin outboards.



Q: Does iTroll set boat speed via GPS? page top

A: No. iTroll allows you to set the throttle to where you want it. All good fishermen know that static trolling is ineffective. A unit that locks onto a GPS speed would only catch a fraction of the fish that an iTroll in HUNT Mode would.

Additionally, a unit that uses GPS can be unsafe and ineffective. If you make the speed sampling rate slow, it would minimize dangerous surging, but in changing conditions, you would never reach or lock onto your target speed. If the speed sampling was rapid, in difficult conditions, there could be dangerous surging. For example if you climbed a wave and the throttle was aggressively applied, sudden unexpected acceleration would happen upon cresting the wave.

FYI: In conditions are difficult, we recommend that you use iTroll in manual mode only.



Q: I have a Trollmaster or ControllKing unit. I want upgrade to iTroll! Can I use iTroll with my existing servo and hardware? page top

A: In all cases, you can use the existing servo mounting bracket and linkages. However, we may recommend that you change out some linkage parts of the original installation if we feel they are lacking. For instance, one of our competitor's installation uses heat shrink tubing to hold two metal pieces together. Not acceptable in our opinion!

In ALL cases we recommend that the servo motor be of sufficient quality and resolution to match iTroll's capabilities, so a new servo may be highly recommended.



Q: I have a Trollmaster with a steering unit. If I change to iTroll, will it control my existing steering unit? page top

A: Yes, it may take some parts to interface iTroll with the steering unit, but we can make it work.