Shimano Calais 201DC Instruction Manual - Page 10
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HISTORY OF CAST CONTROL SYSTEMS
AND DIGITAL CONTROL
About Cast Control Systems
Traditionally, centrifugal and magnetic braking systems have been employed
on baitcasting reels to control the speed of the spool's rotation and the energy
from casting for better accuracy and to minimize backlashes.
Magnetic cast control systems are typically easy to adjust externally. However,
most magnetic systems can not allow for a "true" freespool setting as magnets
cannot be "shut off." Also, because magnets are always on, they slow the
spool speed exponentially because the same braking force is applied during
fast spool speeds at the beginning of the cast and during the slow speeds at
the end of the cast.
Centrifugal brake weight systems are more advanced than magnets. This is
because the weights apply different forces throughout the cast. What this
means is that the angler will experience a more consistent spool speed and
that results in a more manageable cast. Brake weights also allow for longer
casts in most instances because the brake weights reduce the amount of force
they apply as the spool begins to slow. This allows the spool to spin longer.
Shimano took the next step in cast control technology in 2003, by introducing
the Calcutta TE DC (Total Efficiency, Digital Control). The CTE-DC was the first
self-energizing, Digital Braking "smart" baitcasting reel. It featured 8 different
pre-programmed braking patterns based on lure and casting type.
How it Works
During the initial moments of the cast, the energy generated by the rotation of
the spool is stored in the Digital Control circuit board and used to power the
Digital Braking system for subsequent casts. The Waterproof Digital Control
system is a self-energizing system, recharging with each cast. There is no
battery or other power source needed.
Digital technology allows the electromagnetic brake to be applied in intervals
of up to 1/1000 of a second. Typically it takes approximately 0.07 seconds to
reach maximum spool rotation from the point of release. Reels which employ
conventional (Centrifugal or Magnetic) braking systems to prevent backlash,
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operate efficiently between 15,000 and 20,000 RPM. With the Digital Braking
technology employed by the Calcutta TE DC, it became possible to allow spool
rotation to exceed 30,000 RPM (a 50-70% increase over traditional systems)
and still maintain excellent line control for longer, more accurate casts.
This is because the pre-programmed braking patterns allow the spool to
achieve maximum RPMs before engaging the brake, whereas traditional
systems begin braking immediately and do not allow the spool to continue
accelerating throughout the casting motion. As the brakes are activated, the
Digital Braking System emits electronic beep sounds reinforcing the sense of
Digital Control.
With this technology, each of the eight pre-programmed braking patterns
provide awesome control of the feeding of line by applying the ideal amount
of braking force at critical intervals. As a result, it is possible to achieve long,
accurate casts with consistent backlash control. The application of the "smart"
braking by the Digital Control Braking System quickly stabilizes the spool
rotation. Digital Control varies the amount of braking force applied,
minimizing the dreaded backlash.
What this Means on the Water
The increased RPMs provided by Digital Control allow for longer casts. At the
same time, the pre-programmed braking patterns allow for not only easy
external adjustment for almost any situation, but also an extremely
manageable cast with less backlashes. Overall, the Digital Control Braking
System means longer casts, less effort, less backlashes and easy, quick
adjustment.