Hey guys I'll cut a long story short. A few weeks ago I bought an Alpha 100 from Buddy. As luck would have it I found myself needing to replace my hunting truck a few days ago. Anyway I decided to "bite the bullet" and buy new. I bought a 2015 Toyota Tacoma. Great truck! But guess what?????? An alpha 100 will NOT operate properly in my new truck! Too much electromagnetism in and around the truck.
Garmin says not their problem
Toyota says not their problem
Matt says he's never even seen a 2015 Toyota
Wonder in a few years and there are a lot more of both out there if they will feel the same?
In the meantime if anyone has any suggestions for a solution please share and if you're getting a different hunting truck, do your homework!
John Sumrall
Do your homework!!
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johnadamhunter
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- Location: Mississippi
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Tom A
Re: Do your homework!!
I have a 06 Tacoma which I think is the same body style. And my Alpha works fine, I use a heavy duty ram mount "from BUDDYW" on the windshield so the handheld gets GPS signal. Also use the long range antenna on the roof.
Tracked as far as 10 miles line of sight in high desert.
P.S. recalibrate your Alphas compass away from trucks powerlines and other metal and you should be fine.
Tracked as far as 10 miles line of sight in high desert.
P.S. recalibrate your Alphas compass away from trucks powerlines and other metal and you should be fine.
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johnadamhunter
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- Location: Mississippi
Re: Do your homework!!
Thanks for the reply, Tom. I have the exact same set up as you, roof antenna, windshield mount aux. power plug, etc. I have no issues tracking and my range is really good. My issue is with the electromagnetic compass. I did all the things you suggested while on the phone with Garmin. The service rep called garmin headquarters and asked them if they knew anything about this and they said that it was EMI (electro magnetic interferance).
The compass affects where the dogs show on the screen on the map page. I can see the dogs on the map page but have no idea where they are. If they are not in my sight or are not barking it is a total mystery what direction they are in. I know they are 653 yds from me but no clue in what direction.
Garmin says their unit is working properly as does toyota. I have not had time to go to my friend's to try his alpha in my truck nor have i tried my alpha in any other truck besides mine. It works well in my 96 toyota.
Thanks again
John Sumrall
The compass affects where the dogs show on the screen on the map page. I can see the dogs on the map page but have no idea where they are. If they are not in my sight or are not barking it is a total mystery what direction they are in. I know they are 653 yds from me but no clue in what direction.
Garmin says their unit is working properly as does toyota. I have not had time to go to my friend's to try his alpha in my truck nor have i tried my alpha in any other truck besides mine. It works well in my 96 toyota.
Thanks again
John Sumrall
Re: Do your homework!!
John,
Do you run your Alpha with track up or north up? I always run mine with north up. I would think running it like that might work. I hardly ever use my astro as a compass. Or if I do, it's checked against a normal one.
Though with that said, mine astro tells me what direction I'm traveling just like one you'd see in your truck. I've got an old yota that doesn't have any of that fancy electronics stuff like temp, direction or bluetooth. But it does have a cd and tape player.
Do you run your Alpha with track up or north up? I always run mine with north up. I would think running it like that might work. I hardly ever use my astro as a compass. Or if I do, it's checked against a normal one.
Though with that said, mine astro tells me what direction I'm traveling just like one you'd see in your truck. I've got an old yota that doesn't have any of that fancy electronics stuff like temp, direction or bluetooth. But it does have a cd and tape player.
Re: Do your homework!!
I would try your buddys alpha in it. I have had mine in toyota, ford , and chevy, all loaded to the hilt including navigation and it works fine(i run mine with track up)
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johnadamhunter
- Tight Mouth
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- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:24 pm
- Location: Mississippi
Re: Do your homework!!
Nolte,
I may end up using your suggestion though it is not my ideal. I rode hunt or rig from my truck. When set to north up and driving south, east, or west and the dogs are roading in front of you from 10 yds to 5-600 yds there is not much screen to work with. None the less, I may be forced to use it this way.
Mark,
I truly hope you are correct!!! I am going to see my buddy this weekend. It is bout a 3 hr drive but if it determines it is my alpha not my truck that would be great.
Hey I really y'all trying to help me.
John Sumrall
I may end up using your suggestion though it is not my ideal. I rode hunt or rig from my truck. When set to north up and driving south, east, or west and the dogs are roading in front of you from 10 yds to 5-600 yds there is not much screen to work with. None the less, I may be forced to use it this way.
Mark,
I truly hope you are correct!!! I am going to see my buddy this weekend. It is bout a 3 hr drive but if it determines it is my alpha not my truck that would be great.
Hey I really y'all trying to help me.
John Sumrall