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If the dc50 has 21 extra satellites is it a better collar than the tt10? I am looking to get a garmin and want the latest technology, but now I'm torn if the range is better with a dc50 and a astro, but the alpha has training available? Thoughts?

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If I read right on the garmin website they are not making anymore alphas but they are going to keep making the Astros / updating them etc new collars ..... I don't know I just don't like the shocker on my dogs . Jmo

treetalkingjp wrote:If I read right on the garmin website they are not making anymore alphas but they are going to keep making the Astros / updating them etc new collars ..... I don't know I just don't like the shocker on my dogs . Jmo

Not sure where you're reading that at, but I'm almost positive that after soaking millions into the development of the Alpha, Garmin is NOT going to just stop making and supporting them.....Pretty sure both lines will be supported and expanded throughout the next several years(they still repair/replace the DC20 collars).

The TT10 collars and the DC50's both use the additional satellites, if I'm not mistaken. The TT10 collars acquire and maintain satellite coverage exceptionally well.

If you don't like the shocker on your dogs, by all means, use the Astro, but if you have the Alpha there is no reason to use the shocking system if you don't need it. It comes with a block off plate so you can remove the shocking prongs. Even if you have the prongs in, no one is mandating that you shock the dogs wearing it. I probably haven't used the shock system more than a time or two, but use the tone feature almost every time the collars are on the dogs.

Scott

Scott, Well said!

I think Treetalkingjp is confused about which Unit Garmin will discontinue.

To the best of my knowledge the Astro 220 will along with the DC 40 are being discontinued. The DC 30 was curtailed several years ago. Yet Garmin still services all of the above at least for now.

The ALPHA is soooo much more useful to any Houndsman than the other Systems that it is hard to explain. We hardly ever have to SHOCK/Train a Hound....but the TONE is that Long Range Training/Command Whistle that we all have been wanting. To be able to Stop a Hound @ 2+ miles....tell him/her to SIT and have them do it....then to either Cast forward or return to the Truck.....Well to some that is just a Fignewton of my Imagination!

I talked to a guy from garmin other day and he said that the alpha didn't have access to those satellites they said didn't have the right hardware but I guess we will see hope this helps

We have found that the DC50 did seam to hold the satellites slightly better than the TT10 collars. I can only say that we noticed the TT10's dropped GPS Signal for a couple seconds in Thick Cover. (It wasn't something that was alarming) While the DC50's on the same dogs did not loose GPS signal.

Now with that said, It was not enough that I will switch from hunting with the Alpha back to the Astro for the DC50's. The best I can explain is if you are set on sticking with the ASTRO System, Definately the DC50's are the best collar for that system.

If you want the Best System for several other reasons, I think the Alpha's are the way to go, The only thing that the Alpha Collars don't have are the Glonass, and the bark detection. which to me are not enough reason for me to go back to the astro.

One thing I want to clarify, about the Glonass is it is only on the DC50 right now. It is not on the 320's or any other unit from Garmin that I'm aware of(I'm not an expert on all the Handheld and road units so there might be some of those that have it).

I would expect when ever Garmin updates future products and does a revamp on the TT10 collars I would think that the Glonass will probably be on the table as an option. But I don't expect to see anything for a couple years.

So it's difficult to say which is the better unit. For me the Alpha is still the better unit, and my reasons are

The Alpha has:

less interference messages.
Ability to change all collar settings at distances.
Training ability (Less collars)
Tracking handhelds
Rescue Mode (which is not available on the DC50)


If you were asking which is the Best collar solely based on the GPS Signal of the Collar, then I would say the Astro DC50 would be the better collar judging only by the GPS signal Because of the Glonass.

Hope this rambling Helps someone..

Buddy,


So would you recommend waiting for the DC-60??

Take care, Willie

If your going to wait for the 60, might just wait for the 70's.. Heck by the time the DC80's are available You will have a hard time deciding between the New Marshall system that will be ready.

This is like asking if I should wait for the 2015 Ford truck (I"m sure there will be some type of Gimmick that the 2015 might have that the 2013's don't).. It kinda depends on your situation. If I had to walk everywhere for a couple years that might make my answer a little different then if I can't afford to upgrade and secondly I really like my old 2000 7.3L diesel. Heck when I need to look for a truck, I might try and find another Used 7.3L instead of buying the new trucks..

I just can't take it anymore too many choices.... Willie, How the heck do you deal with all these options for trucks???

All kidding aside, I was happy with the DC30's The only issues I had with them was charging could be a pain. But Unfortunately the DC40's were a nightmare for allot of folks. I was happy to see that we finally have a good option for the Astro systems now.

I think Garmin is a different type of company that Dog Hunters are not used to. This isn't like the Telemetry collars that are 20 years old and the same design. Garmin is going to work something new every couple years into their product line.

At the end of the day, The Bark detection and fancy options are not what will make this a Good product for me. For me the Rescue Mode, The GPS signal, and the Cable style Antenna is what I think make it a welcoming change.

I will be so damn happy when we don't have to deal with another DC40 Modification to try and help the DC40's keep GPS signal.

Buddy

What's Glonass ? I heard the 50s had the rescue mode. I just recently changed to the alpha, Ben testing it some and have enjoyed it thus far. Still trying to figure out the right shock levels for each dog if the occasion arrises, been working great for my Jagd. I do need to figure out how to link systems and also setup a geo fence...

Glonass is as I understand it, basically the Russian's version of the GPS satellites. With the Glonass it gives the DC50's more available satellites to link to to acquire the GPS fix.

Buddy,


I sure am glad that you have a good sense of humor.Cause I certainly enjoy giving you guys the business every chance that I get. All kidding aside I was always very skeptical. and I probably shouldn't say this, but I have been more than happy with all the garmin stuff that I've used!! Wow!! Knock on wood. I hope my stuff don't shit the bed next time I go out. Or I will have to get back on the Garmin war wagon!!!!!!! gotta love it!!!!


Take care, Willie

No problem, If they would have done another product like the DC40's I'd ask to ride shotgun on your war wagon!!

Buddy is there any talk from garmin of coming out with a astro 420? or a upgraded of the 320? I want to make the swith to the 50's I have a 220 now and don't want to buy a 320 if something better is coming

I haven't heard of anything, And unfortunately Now that I'm direct with Garmin I really have to tow the line, so when I do get information I'm obligated to keep it confidential.

If you want my Personal opinion.
I have no clue as to what is next but if I were to use my guess. I think it will probably be a couple years. The only thing I can base my logic on is working at Intel, I think they will likely come up with some type cadence schedule where one year they work on the Astro, and the next might be the Alpha. But that is just an Assumption which has no merit.

buddy

Buddy how hard is it to down load the 320 to except the dc 50 collars? Do you need any thing special for I bought my 320 used. Just got the hand held only. You e mailed me the 320 owners manual. And do you have any dc 50 now? Thanks for all you do for us.