GPS pioneer company Garmin has once again raised the bar with regards to new technology and field use for hunters with the Garmin Alpha. The Garmin Alpha carries on the tradition set by the Garmin Astro 320, one of the most comprehensive dog tracking GPS systems in use. The Garmin Alpha builds on the Astro’s success by increasing the number of trackable dogs to 20 over the prior 10 as well as a full menu of new and standard functions.

Training

One of the highlights and standout features of the new Alpha system is the ability to use the device to train the sporting dogs as well as track them. Up until now, there has never been a device like this on the market, and with it, the training field has been changed for the better.

While using the Alpha, it is possible to use a remote device to give a mild shock to the dog when in training. Imagine the benefits of being able to deliver a small (and harmless) shock to the dog to direct it to soft-mouth, turn right or left, go on point, flush, or retrieve during training sessions. This is a direct “stick and carrot” training tool that only builds your relationship with the sporting dog into a stronger and better bond. The dog receives the stimulus via the Alpha control and knows exactly what is expected when coupled with the voice and hand signal commands. Now, instead of taking weeks and months to begin the sporting dog’s training, the time can be shortened through the ease of use provided by the Garmin Alpha.

This training feature is the result of Garmin partnering with Tri-Tronics, a sporting dog-training specialist. Tri-Tronics and Garmin made the Alpha so a touch screen display can be used up to nine-miles away during hunts and training. Up to 20 dogs can be tracked during a hunt with the display, and up to 20 can benefit from the training tools, provided all of the dogs have the Alpha GPS device installed onto their collar. Send the dogs off on scent and don’t worry about trying to keep up, the touch screen monitor keeps you in monitoring zones by showing the dog’s location on the screen relevant to your position. If the dog begins to go off in an undesired direction, the training shock can be delivered, keeping the pup at bay.

The Display and Handheld

The touch screen display is three-inches by three-inches and is made to function even while wearing gloves. This is great for cold autumn hunts or times when the snow and temperatures are falling. Using GPS technology the Alpha monitors simultaneous feeds from any device on the dogs as well as the home Alpha unit’s position with the hunter. The Alpha updates positions up to 2.5 times a second over nine-miles and with up to 20 dogs! This is really groundbreaking tech for sporting dog use. The handheld devices use replaceable lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that are packed into the waterproof handheld screen. The handheld uses a charger mount that allows the unit to get juiced up quickly. Expect the handheld to handle recharge cycles upwards of several thousand times. This unit is made for tough use and it shows right down to the battery itself. The screen has a brightness adjustment and an anti-glare covering that makes use in bright sunlight possible. Set the screen lighting levels to your preferred detail using the touch screen sliders. Again, even a gloved finger yields results when making adjustments on the fly.

Corrections and training simulations can be set via the quickest pre-programmed settings or customized via touch-screen menus and drop downs. The Alpha default settings are based on 18-levels of linear stimulation, of which they can be set and altered to low, medium and high adjustments.

Maps can be up- and downloaded using wireless tech. Garmin’s own maps may be used along with other map sources like BirdsEye Satellite Imagery. Switch your default map off the touch screen menu and drop downs after uploading new datum. Garmin ships the Alpha pre-loaded with 100k topographical USGS maps for United States use, and Canadian maps for those using the product north of the border.

“Buddy Tracker”

The Garmin Alpha is the first system of its kind to feature the “Buddy Tracker” function. Providing that all members of the hunting party as well as their dogs are equally equipped with an Alpha all members of the hunting party can be monitored along with 20 dogs. There is no guesswork anymore. With the Alpha everyone knows where everyone else is along with the dogs. No more danger of firing in an unsafe direction, no more trying to backtrack and find party members and no more lengthy dog recovery periods. You have all the data in your hand via the touch screen display.

Not only does the Buddy Tracker keep tabs on everyone it can be used to send pre-set text messages to members of the party. There are buttons for “Help,” “Come Here,” “Go On Without Me” and “Okay.” Custom messages can be established prior to the trip by programming the Alpha with your specific text-commands or desired messages.

Dog Tracker Page

By navigating the Alpha to the Dog Tracker screen all the hunters in the party can follow the dog’s and other hunter’s movements on the full color screen along with a real-time digital compass. Name each dog by entering the name into the GPS collar device and that name appears next to the dog icon on the display. This removes any doubt for what animal is where. The compass is color-coded and uses a three-axis antenna to deliver accurate directions to track and follow whatever the user wants from the display.

TT Dog Collar

The TT 10 Alpha dog collar is the GPS device that syncs into the GPS satellites. The collar’s internal antenna is made of durable and hardy aircraft cable, meaning the collar will withstand the worst the dog can throw at it and still remain accurate and precise. Internal and integrated LED beacons along the collar can be activated via the handheld home screen Alpha device from up to 100 yards away. This helps give a visual location when searching for the dogs. Should the battery levels go below 25 percent at any time on the TT collar a dog rescue mode automatically switches the TT 10 to the two-minute update to preserve precious power. An alert will be made to the Alpha handheld device, letting the hunter or trainer know the situation with the TT collar battery levels. If the dogs are used for swimming and waterfowl retrieval, the TT’s waterproof qualities are good up to 10 meters, much deeper than any dog is going to go. The rechargeable interface is nearly impermeable to mud and grime, making field recharges nearly effortless. The TT collar battery charge is good up to 44 hours of continued use and will accept charge-cycles up to several thousand times. One alpha TT collar is included with the Alpha kit package and additional Garmin Alpha collars are available for $299 at Double U Hunting Supply. New TT collars can be sync very quickly to any Alpha display handheld device.

Package Contents

Garmin prices the Alpha system kit at $799.99 This includes the chargers, cords, one TT 10 collar, Alpha handheld device and a water-resistant field bag for storage and transport of the gear. Like all Garmin products the Alpha comes with a factory backed warranty against maker defects or faults. The Garmin Alpha TT Collar can sync with all other Alpha products and makes field training and sporting dog hunts effortless on the chase, maximizing the precious field time for the hunt itself.

Garmin’s partnering with Tri-Tronics has upped the game for sporting dog hunts and made the training process easier. With both companies standing tall and confident in the final product, you can buy the Alpha knowing full well it is the result of years of development and quality in the research and development of Garmin and Tri-Tronics.

Good For You and Your Canine Pals

The Alpha represents the highest safety and navigation quality available. This means you and your four-legged assistants are protected from getting lost, accidental firings based on guess-work or not being able to get a voice-call in to retrieve the pup. Your dogs are working dogs for sure, but they are also valued friends and assistants for your hard-earned field time and hunts. Using the Garmin Alpha is a sure way to keep your furry investments safe from harm. You invest all the time to train them (and that has just been made easier by the Alpha) so keep that investment wagging its tail for years to come. Get out in the field and begin using this cutting edge and exciting GPS technology that will make your hunt better. Your dogs will appreciate the quick training times and act happier once they know exactly what you expect of them. Bring along other party members with Alpha units and keep tabs on them too. There is nothing like being outside and on the hunt, and with today’s GPS tech like the Alpha, that time has become safer and more efficient.

Where To Buy:

This can happen to All the DC20, DC30 and DC40 collars.

Generally this means it’s in Data Transfer Mode or the Software has not been installed correctly. One of the Biggest Benefit’s that I see with the new Garmin 320 Astro is the ability to fix this Solid Red Light issues.

When Updating with a 220 you Plug in the Garmin to your computer and go to your collar that you want to update and Select Update collar. It normally goes into a state that says it’s ready to update. Then on your computer You would run the Garmin Web Updater to update the collar.

When the Solid Red light is on you can not communicate to the collar to “re-install’ the software.

However with the Garmin Astro 320 you will be able to “Re-Install” the software on a collar.

If you don’t have the Dog programed into the 320 before you had the Red Light issue, you can try a different way of forcing an Update.

Here is how. Delete all the dogs from your dog list.
Add a dog to your 320 astro manually. (doesn’t really matter which Id number you select)
Now Make sure there are no other Collars on, and Update the software for the dog you just added, and the 320 should update the first dog Collar it connects to.

Special Pricing for Garmin 320 Combo’s  from www.dusupply.com  $599  Garmin Astro 320 units Click Here!

The first step is to “Start a new Hunt” This should clear all your Dog tracks on the Astro. However one thing I have noticed is customers that have pressed “Goto” are not able to clear the tracks while the Unit is in Navagation (goto) mode. You can tell if you are in Navagation mode because there will be a Purple Line directing you which way to go. Most of the time This happens when the user Presses the Goto button on the botom of the Dog screen.

To clear the tracks first you will need to “Stop Navigation”
You can stop navigation easily with these steps:
1. Press the Map button so you are looking at the map screen,
2. Press the enter button
3. Highlight the “stop Navigation” and press enter
4. You should notice the Purple Line is now Gone on the Astro Handheld.

To Clear the tracks, “Start a new Hunt” should clear all the dog tracks and clear your screen from clutter.

If you want to Clear the Dog tracks manually. Or if the above instructions don’t work. Follow these steps.

1. Goto the main menu. (Pressing the Back button twice should do this)
2. Select Advanced and press enter
3. Select GPS Applications (press enter)
4. Select Tracks (Press enter)
5. In the bottom box you should see Saved Tracks, and they should be named the same as your dogs.
Select the Dog you want to delete the track, Press enter and Then Delete.
6. Repeat Step 5 for each dog you wish to delete the track.

Note on this screen you can also Change the Dog track colors to what ever you prefer, However you first need to have a Saved track before you can change the color. I recomend Changing the colors before you clear the tracks. Otherwise just turn the Collar on and once it starts to save a Track you’ll be able to change the color.

Hopefully this helps someone If I’ve forgoten something or these instruction are not clear Please let me know and I can try to clean them up some. I’m not the best at explaining.

As always if you appreciate this information or have any other questions please let us know and share our website with others.

For your garmin Astro 220 Needs Please visit www.dugraphics.com/shop

Somethings you should check with your maps.

1. Make sure your getting the latest maps.  Older maps are not as updated.
2. There are 100K maps and for allot of the western states there are 24K maps
3. Lastly you’ll want to make sure the map detail settings on your Garmin 220 are set to Most Detail (which I’ll explain how to do this below)

24K maps verses 100K maps.. What’s the difference?

The 24K will have TOPO lines every 40 feet in elevation change while the 100K has them every 160 feet. So naturally the 24K maps have much more detail.  the Down side of 24K is you can not fit as much maps onto the Micro SD cards.  For a 2GB card with 24K you can get a little more than two full states.  With a 100K maps you can have all of the Western, or Eastern States.

I have 24K maps but it isn’t showing as much detail as my friends system,  Why are my Maps not good?

I get this question quite often,   Normally there are a couple things you’ll want to check.   First,  make sure you are not zoomed in too far.  If you are Zoomed all the way in, you will naturally only see a small area, so You won’t see much detail.

Secondly if you are zoomed out to about 500 Ft per section on the Bottom left corner.  and You are still not seeing Good topo detail you’ll need to change your map detail described below.

1. Turn on the GPS..(duh!)
2. Hit the Map button
3. When you see the map, hit the Menu button
4. scroll down and select the ”Setup Map” and hit the enter button
5. Hit the Left button until the top reads  “Map Setup – General”   It’s the Left Button on top
6. In the 4th option down, you should see “Detail”  
7. The options for detail are “least,Less,normal, more, most”  they come from the factory set to Normal.
8. Highlight the Normal, and press the “enter” button,  Select Most and Press enter again.
9. Hit the map button and you should see as much detail availible.

At times you may experience Problems with a Garmin Astro DC30 Collar.  I’ve heard And experienced reports of the following problems with Garmin DC 30 Collars

• Will not Charge
• Will Not sync with the Garmin Astro 220 (While Other DC30 Collars sync Just fine)

Before trying to do a Hard Reset for the Garmin Astro 220 DC30 Collar you should try and identify if it is the collar or the 220 Reciever.   the easiest way you can do this is to check your Tracking System with another collar.  If the second collar works fine then you can assume that you DC30 is not working as it should.

Charging Problems with the Garmin DC30.

The charging Ports of the Garmin DC30 can be filled with debris and Junk from running them out in the woods.   You should make sure that their is not debris blocking the port so the Charger can make good contact with the metal pins. 

Another point I’ve noticed, is that if my collar is almost fully charged,  some times it will not charge even though I’ve used the collar for a few hours.  In this situation I will leave the collar on to use more battery and then it will charge normal.

Lastly, If these do not fix your problem you should try to “reset” the DC30 by removing the Back Plate (silver piece)  and remove the Four Small philips screws to access the battery.   Very Carefully Disconnect the battery connector from the board.    Leave the battery Disconnected for about 15 minutes,  reconnect, and Carefully re assemble the collar to try again.   Sometimes this will fix you issue.

Garmin DC30 not communicating with the Garmin 220. 

First i would Check all the basics,  make sure the collar is charged.

I aslo would Delete and Re establish the Dog Collar in you system by going to the Dog List on the menu of the Astro 200,  I would probabably recomend Reseting  the 220 reciever since it is much easier to reset that than the Collar.

Lastly, If these do not fix your problem you should try to “reset” the DC30 by

1. Removing the Back Plate (silver piece) 
2.  While Your looking at the connections for the two antennas, I would check to make sure there is nothing wrong with both the GPS antenna connection, and the VHF Antenna on the collar.   Personally I carefully disconnect each and make sure they are both clean and free of Debris and Junk.  (good Solid connection here will only help the performance of the collar)   You can carefully use a brush or electronics contact cleaner for the VHF antenna (Screw mount)  (See images below).  I would not put anything into the SMP (square Antenna wire connector)

Removing the VHF Antenna on a DC30

Clean this before re-intalling. Very Important to have a good Electrical connection3. Remove the Four Small philips screws on the outside of the case to acess the battery and electronics compartment. Very Carefully Disconnect the white battery connector from the board (see images below). Leave the battery Disconnected for about 15-20 minutes for a full reset, Reconnect it to the board.. (CAREFULLY) Here you Can see the battery Connector for the DC 30 Garmin

Different Angle of the connector for Dc30

 That is A Garmin DC30 Reset Instructions,  and Many times when you are having Problems with Garmin DC30 collars this is the First step Garmin will ask you to do before sending them back.

Many sites including mine,  ( www.BigGameHoundsmen.com ) have folks with execellent and Knowledge, and information about these. There is plenty of Information about this on the web.  I’ll try to post some usefull Links for you below. 

Hopefully you know VHF radios can damage these system and create the Problem that I discribe above.   However To my knowledge My garmin Astro has never been around a VHF radio to date.   We personally just don’t use them.   If you are using VHF,  Please be cautious with your Garmin Astro System while you are transmitting or Talking on a VHF radio.  It is More important with the Higher Wattage settings on the VHF radio.. (More Power = More likely damage)  Some things to consider

1. Keep your Garmin Astro Away from your VHF antenna.
2. Lower your Power (wattage on VHF Radio)
3. Don’t have your VHF Radio antenna, and your garmin Antenna close
4. Use a VHF channel that is away from the 154-156 mHz since this is the Frequency that Garmin is using.

However Should you notice that your not getting the range you used to It may be time to contact garmin.   First you should check all your antenna connections, (Including the Antenna on the collar) you can try to Do a Reset on your Garmin 220 Alhtough I doubt this will help much.   

I have seen where someone over tightens..(“no Comment”) and the Connector on the antenna mount on board of 220 was damaged. 

Repair cost for Garmin Astro (Out of waranty) last I check was about $125.

I have a feeling this will be something that will be something that many people will experience, and Have to deal with.

http://www.biggamehoundsmen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=8524

http://www.biggamehoundsmen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=8387

***NOTE**** This will delete all tracks and waypoints, and dogs that are programed into the device.   A master reset will put the unit back into a factory mode as if you just took it out of the box.

Please take out your MAP Card before trying this to be on the safe side!  I don’t know if you need to do this or not.

With the Hand held Off,  You will need to hold down three buttons at the same time to reset the Garmin Astro 220.

Press the Enter,  Map, and Power buttons down at the same time to Reset the Garmin.

If that doesn’t fix your problems it’s time to call Garmin support.   I’ve included the Garmin Support numbers here for you reference.

North America – Consumer Products

Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 6 PM, Friday 8 AM - 5 PM Central Time (closed holidays)

US: 913-397-8200
US Toll Free: 1-800-800-1020
Canada: 1-866-429-9296