DC-30 Collar Range

[bluedogs249]

I have checked out the web site for the increase on range for the DC-30 collars, but has anyone tried it.
I would like to know if the lower frequencies are better for longer range or if the higher numbers are better.
There seems to be a conflict about which is better for longer range.

[Buddyw]

Here's my two cents...

I don't think there would be any noticable difference between the Frequency range of different collars. I would guess if any range difference is noticible it is more related to the Power the unit is producing or the Antennas matching on both the collars and the reciever units. you would only be able to tell the difference if you tested say 5 high and 5 low. then you might have a case.

If I had to guess which would be best.. My guess would be right down the middle, Only because I assume that Garmin custom makes the same antennas for all units, and they probably make the antenna that matches the Middle frequencies availbile the closest..

But that answer is entirely a Guess, and it's pulled straight out of my Ass.. for what ever that is worth.. I know nothing about the specifics of the garmin Astros.


But as I think more about it... Maybe they don't make their own antenna, and order one from somthing else.. Then depending if it's longer (better for lower frequencies), or shorter(better for Higher) than what it "should be" you would notice a difference between high numbers and low numbers..


Just as you can have two CB radios with the same Radio, Antenna, Truck. etc.. And one will preform slightly better than the other if only by a couple feet.. and many times that depending on how tuned the antenna is.

If you want to tune your garmin system try and take it to a shop that works on radios like a CB repair shop, and They "might-could tell you where your "Sweet" spot is for your antenna's. They might-could look at you like your an dumb ass idiot too..

But I don't think it would gain you allot... and it would probalby be different between unit to unit.

[Dads dogboy]

Spent most of the morning on the phone with Jim in service @ Garmin ref. a DC 30 collar.

This collar would not transmitt for any distance on the FM channel assigned to it by the Astro 220 unit. We tried to set it to a different channel and no succcess, however during the dialog with Jim he stated that better reception was found using the channels "above 30".

This collar had developed an antenae problem that required sending it in, but Garmin is good about sending a replacement right back!

Ths system is the best thing since "pockets on shirts" but as with all electronics and women, requires attention and tune ups! (my wife does not read BGHM.com) Garmn has been great about standing behind the entire system!

C. John Clay

[tman308]

I agree with buddy on the antenna argument. My point of view is this, The antenna on the DC-30 is the same for all the collars. The only antenna we can change is on the Astro itself. Changing the antenna on the Astro gives you better reception however the DC-30 is still only putting out the same power no matter what channel it's on. The difference in the channels is the frequency range. The lower frequency requires less power from the DC-30 to transmitt so more of the wattage is being utilized to push the signal farther. However on the higher channels more of the signal power is being utilized to generate the signal. Another thing to consider is that the lower signal is more of a triangle directing it up where as the higher signal is more of a semi-circle. So depending on your terrain it may be advantagous for you to use the higher channels like in rolling hills and thick brush country. This would give the Astro a better chance of recieveing it, however in canyon country you would want the lower channels for the more of a vertical type of signal so you can recieve it. Hopefully I didn't misstate anything here but I had a radio geek explain it to me.

[Jeff Shaw NM]

Just a few tips !!!...(I've learned)
1st... Take the stock antenna off your 220 & throw it as far as you can ! (or put in glove box for spare) buy a rubber antenna thats tuned for 151 to 154 freq. increases range from 1.5 to 4 or 5 mi. in fairly thick brush.

2nd... Get a truck mounted antenna tuned the same. I use the same antenna as my truck radio, which is tuned at ( ) with a SWR meter. ( routinely get 14 to 15 mi. range ) Accidently figured this out, because one of my collars was keying the mike on my truck radio at long ranges every 30 seconds. Won't say how high, but high wattage hasn't hurt any of my collars or the 220.

There are only 4 frequencies used in all the DC collar systems, each freq. has 10 channels (much like privacy codes). There are only 40 total channels for all DC 20 and 30's combined (it will be a problem one day)

Main Point: IT's only 2 watts... if you dont change the antenna It wont work any better than a set of cheap radios from Wal Mart !!!.... Hope this helps someone, Later

[vann0060]

What is a good place to get the different rubber antenna?? I have seen some 6 inch and some 10 any difference? What about ones labeled High gain??

[Jeff Shaw NM]

Try...antennafarm.com... or call him. ph# 1-800-832-4654

[sheimer]

guys- what is the name of the antena connector on the Garmin? I want to make sure I order the right one. Just like a coax, only smaller probably wouldn't get me the right one .

Scott

[tman308]

It's a SMA connector. As far as the length of the antenna that makes no difference make sure it is High gain and tuned to the 150-160 frequency.

[jimmyd]

I don't know if it's me or everyone ,but I am gonna need this antenna stuff narrowed down for me a little bit more. I have been on the website but it all looks the same to me. Any help on model numbers and such would be appreciated. Jimmyd

[sheimer]

Well, I spent several hours on the phone and internet today researching antennas. What I found is that a "tuned" antenna will help on both the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter(collar) needs a "tuned" antenna with "gain". I was informed that a 3Db gain is roughly equivolent to twice as much wattage(2 watts now and with a 3Db gain antenna tuned should produce a signal similar to that of a 4 watt transmitter). If the same principle is applied to the receiver(astro 220), a similar result should appear. If then when both are done, one should expect a four times as long of range. At this point, all of this is theory. I will be in "town" early next week and am stopping by the radio shop and will test this with a meter to determine how feasible and realistic this is. I'll let you know.

Scott

[Hound 1]

Wow I am lost as hogans goat, how do you change the channel on the DC 30 or the Astro? I bought the big antenna, and it seems to pick up alot better, but in the deep canyons I still loose communication, I have never heard of any of this, but I have had the system only a short time.

-Hound

[Buddyw]

Scott, hound,

You are correct as far as Laymen Terms with Gain.. However.. as with most Physics in order to "Gain" anything you must give up something else..

Gain , has allot more to do with the radiation Pattern,

Your not getting more power, rather than focusing your antenna in certain directions.

So you might gain more Range at say Horizion (in relative to the anennta), but you start to lose signal at angles. So 3db gain is probably acceptable, because we normally don't need to signal at high angles...

Some place like Nebraska, long as both antenna's are exactly Up right you might go with a Nice High Gain Antenna.. Flat not many hills You don't need to recieve at any angle (as long as the Dogs collar antenna is not at an angle)

but you may not want the same High Gain antenna in the Moutains.. think of a Dog running up hill, (what angle is the collar antenna?)

So the Higher the Gain, The Less angle it's effective the angle of the antenna..

3Db is probably a good Choice, Because it's not too high, and you don't really need an antanna that recieves at much over about 45 Degrees'.. But remember you may not get Better distance at any angle with that setup, You might notice 2x distance in Nebrsaska, but maybe you see slightly less or 3/4 signal in steep mountains..

So it's not as easy as saying, Hey my range is Double now.. Know what I mean?

Antennas can be a very technical topic, I've only got the Basics about them, there are folks out there that understand it a hell of allot more.

http://www.marcspages.co.uk/tech/antgain.htm

Buddy

[Will M.]

Talking of angles then. So if your dog is on the wood the signal is then shot into the sky or ground and not along the flat of the ground and unless close to the dog you would not have a signal??

[Buddyw]

Will Could be, However think of it like a Ring around the antenna.

If you were looking at the dog sideways, you might get a Decent Signal.

If the dogs ass was at you, then you might get a weaker signal, or lose communication..