Alpha and a Laptop

[vetman1]

I am considering purchasing an Alpha system to replace a Astro 320. One of the biggest attractions on the Alpha is the ability to display the Alpha screen on a laptop. I have a couple of questions.

I upgraded the Basecamp on my laptop and the software on my Astro 320. When I tried to display the Astro 320 screen on my laptop it did not show any of my saved POIs.

When you connect an Alpha system to a laptop do you see an exact mirror image of what is on
the Alpha to the laptop? Do you see your saved POIs, Birdseye View satellite images and the Topo map on the laptop? Is Basecamp the only thing I need loaded onto my laptop?

Also, what type of laptop would be best for connecting to the Alpha? What type of processor and memory do I need to run Basecamp with the Alpha? What size screen do you recommend?

Should I buy a more durable laptop like the Panasonic Toughbook or should most laptops work just fine?

Thanks,
Thomas

[Dads dogboy]

Thomas,

Buddyw and Matt @ DU Hound Supply are working hard on this project. After Xmas they will have some good info for you and other.

It is my understanding that a "Hardier" COMPUTER will be needed.

From what I hear the 320 should work with a PUTER almost as well as the ALPHA.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Steve White]

NO, at this point it is not a mirror image. It will not show any of your POI's. It will not show the birdseye. It will show the topo map. It is the exact same thing if using a 320 or alpha. Hopefully this does change. Would be a whole lot nicer with birdseye vs just the topo. Being able to see the POI's and track will be nice as well. Just software updates that I'm sure will be along at some point.

Basecamp is all that is need to use Basecamp. Other than your GPS, and cable.

You can use about any computer that will run basecamp. There are no given requirements for the software. Most current systems will have no issues with running the program. What you use in your vehicle is your choice. Normal laptop are not designed to take the abuse the toughbooks will. They will still work. How long, who knows. Guess that all depends on your roads and driving. IF like me, you tend to get airborne once in awhile. Maybe have coffee stains on the ceiling. A cheap laptop might not work for long. But it will work.

Guess the speed memory thing needs to be clarified more. Who knows? Most of the cheap new laptops will run it no problem. Many of the older ones will. I am running right now in the background while typing. On an old P4 1.8ghz with 2gb. Might work on some of the P2, or 3 stuff. Or, even the AMD equals. Most working laptops I bet are going to have more juice than the one I am posting this on.

Much easier to use than topofusion. The only advantage to topofusion would be the use of sat maps.

[catdogs]

Basecamp WILL show birdseye. Personally, i would wait for an ipad version of basecamp and go that route vs a laptop.

[Steve White]

I have yet to get Birdseye working while in Basecamp mode. Have not played with it since the last update. SO maybe I have missed something. Have had 4 units hooked up today, and not one showed it. Plug and play with the topo. Might have found something, but the program just crashed. Will jeep after right now!!

I did double check the system requirements. Last time I looked there were none. Now lots of info.

Download for Free
Windows® Requirements

IBM-compatible computer running Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later
Microsoft® .NET framework 3.5 SP1; a current version of .NET will be installed if needed
A video card that supports OpenGL version 1.3 or later to view 3-D terrain

If you experience problems when interacting with the map views, make sure you have installed current video card drivers.
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Mac® Requirements

Intel-based Mac running OS 10.6 or higher
1024 MB or RAM (2048 MB recommended)

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[Steve White]

Well, I have gone through it again. Backward, forwards. Every single feature, button, etc on Basecamp. I cannot find anyway to display Birdseye while in Basestation mode. Thought maybe I was on to something with an adventure, but that has no bearing on it. I would say it is in the process of being set up but not complete. Unless I have missed something.

If you notice while in basestation mode under the device list you will see basestation. To display the dogs and you it must be highlighted. No below that you will see a basestation tab again. WHere you see the dog, flag, and track. Just below that there is a blue flower . That is a hide/show tab. Click that to see the filters. You will notice nothing in the filters except the dogs, waypoint and track. The filters for birdseye is empty.

The way I believe this will work. Is just like an Adventure. You will need to use the send to feature. But you will notice when checking your collection. You cannot send to basestation. Start an adventure and you will see how this works.

That was just a guess though. Would be nice if it would just plug and play like it does with the topo. At least that is how it works on my system. With updated versions of basecamp, alpha, and 320 software.

Would also be nice to have the same data displayed on the dog on alpha/320 on basecamp like dog distance.

Maybe this will change soon. Maybe I am currently wrong. But I sure cannot find a way to make it work!! It does work well though just using topo maps.

[vetman1]

I could live without the Birdseye, but without the POIs showing up that really hurts.

Thanks for all the help Mr Steve.

[catdogs]

I uploaded birdseye to my alpha through basecamp. I have 3 birdseye downloads that are in "my collection". To toggle to birdseye view, just click on the one in your collection the covers the area you are looking at. Tracks will show up in which ever map source you choose. I had everything working great, now when I start basecamp, my computer says it cant access the windows registry, so I will have to call Garmin on that.

[Steve White]

CD- Just re install the software. Should take care of the bad file.

Yes you certainly can toggle between basestation to anything in your collection. The dogs or what ever you are tracking disappear. I have hundreds of maps covering thousands of square miles in mine. Has not bearing on it though. At least if you are looking at where the dog is supposed to be.

What the heck am I telling you this for. I will SHOW YOU!! At least what it looks like on mine, and then people will get a feel for it anyway.

TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>>

[Steve White]

Here you go. Hope this should help someone. I hope so got 2 dogs growling at me. Something about 36 takes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_xT2nI ... 2bGQTnCG_A

[Nolte]

I tried this deal out a few months back and was dissapointed. Had birdseye maps and the real time dog track wouldn't show up on the computer even thought he map was on it. I don't have another topo map on my laptop so it was just their crappy base map. I could see the dog but no real detail on where it was. My A D D kicked in and gave up. I am waiting until I hear word that they've got basecamp on a tablet, then we might have something.