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hi how come sometimes i have to spin the astro around for it to be reading the direct of my dogs and than after awhile it seems to switch so i can hold it the way its suppose to. thanks

The Astro has two different settings for the map page orientation. You can either set it for "North up" or "Track up" The options are in the map page menu. If you have it set for "track up" it sometimes takes a second for the compass to orient the map correctly. It will help if you are standing still. If you are moving, it thinks that the direction that you are moving is "up". Hopefully this helps.

Scott

He is correct in the "North UP". Makes it easier so the screen isn't always jumping around. When using the "Compass" page, you need to hold the unit level or the compass doesn't work. I always carry a real compass and just look what direction I need to go and then use the real compass to figure out the direction to walk. Just easier I think and then you aren't screwed when your batteries in the unit go dead. Hope that helps.
Brian

I have found that its best to leave it on north up. If its on track up the map just keeps spinning. I love the product but that part sucks. Its nice to see where the dogs are but sucks trying to find your way out of the woods with it. Not like my lowrance. sound's like i'm complaing but don't want to go back to pre Garmin.

Since the first time we see a map, and everyone we pick up. North is always up. I believe this is what causes so much of the confusion when the Garmin is set to track up. I have had some people really freak out over it. SO I set every unit I get in my hands to North UP. People can change it later if they want. It will take some getting use to.

the only reason i leave mine on north up is because when i stop walking and look at the unit the map just keeps on sping like i'm running in circles. and everyone i hunt with says the same.

guys its not when im on the map page its when im on the dog page where it pts the arrow in the direct. of dog and distance if i hold the unit flat with attenna pointing away from my body and i know the dogs are in front of me sometimes it reads correctly but other times the arrow is pointing in totally other direct. and i gotta turn the unti so the attenna is facing my chest for the arrow to be pointing at the dogs correctly im using it while rabbit hunting and my dogs dont range real far yet so it hasnt been an issue but when they do and im not sure which dirct they are it could be a real pain. thanks.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. If that's the case, then you will need to "recalibrate" your compass and make sure you hold the unit level. Walking will also help this...moving helps the Astro determine direction.

Hope this helps.
Scott

I almost never use the "dog page" other than to see how far away the dogs are from me. I just zoom in closer on the map page and can see where the dogs are from me. Do you have the "Topo" map. That also helps alot so you can use creeks, and the contour line of ditches and everything to get your bearings. Also it is good advice to recalibrate the compass too.

Not to take this topic in another direction, but I also have a question on the Garmin. What kind of range are you guys getting in the mountains of New Mexico, Arizona, or other mountainous terrain? I have been having trouble with losing connection at 150-200 yards. I did a hard reset on the astro and today I was able to pick up out to 850-900 yards. Is this typical for ridges and canyons?

Range is probably the most difficult thing to compare. I get from 100 yards to 6 miles depending on the day, weather, terrain, and if I hold my leg just right. There is no definitive answer on wether or not your Astro is working to it's full potential. Generally in the mountains around my house I can count on a mile or more, with some drops when the dogs or I get into a deep canyon or behind a big ridge.

Scott