Hey there O H,
The Cannon Bottom Tracking feature does indeed work in salt water and on sandy bottoms.
If you're not seeing the digital depth on the DT10's display, then for some reason the transducer is not connecting to the downrigger.
If there is no depth info coming into the Cannon DT10 then the downrigger will not go into bottom track mode.
I've had some issues with tempermental Transducer/Downrigger connectors and the 'rigger to rigger connectors as well. I keep some Corrosion Block on my boat and use it liberally on those connectors!
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In addition, the Transducer to Downrigger connection can be "positional" in that too much stress on the connection will cause it to become intermittent and glitchy. I use wire cable ties to remove the stress on these connections.
I'm not aware of an upgrade transducer for the Cannon DT10 but I will change the angle and position of the transducer until I achieve a consistent picture.
Cannon's Bottom Track feature is a wonderful asset but, like everything else on your boat, it requires some maintenance.
Here's a blog I put together awhile back with a couple tricks to help you out in your bottom-tracking efforts! Good luck!
http://www.theoutdoorline.com/blog/2013/05/21/de-mystifying-cannon-downriggers-bottom-track-feature/