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IS there any thing different with all the Freq. of trackers out there? Does one work better than the other? is 223 Freq just as good as 217? seems to me most run 217-219 just personal choice? I am just getting started and want to buy a box & collars but want a good choice the first go around. not really asking what brand (seen that alot on here) but just FREQ'S.
DUKE

There is not going to be any difference in range between 217-223. but it does seem like most use 216-218 you might be better off using a higher frequency so that if your hunting with others you won't get interference from there collars. you might want to space the freq difference in your collars so you won't get as much noise when multiple collars are on.

Check with the manufacturer of the equipment you intend to buy. Most 216-220+ yagi antennas are 'tuned' for 217, so maybe a slight gain to go with that freq. Also quiz the others in your area to see what they use and what works best/worst. Lower freq. like 151 is supposed to get the best range but good luck with that monster if you get a yagi antenna (it is WAY bigger than the 217 version). As handy as it is to be sepearate from others if you have the SAME freq. options you can tune in to help them with a lost dog AND they can then do the same for you.

Do choose a 'box' that allows you to space your collars freqs. as FAR apart as possible (to help reduce 'bleed over' at closer range, it can not be eliminated but can be greatly reduced).

Also get one that allows simple channel change, turn of a dial or push button to accurate presets (simpler and more accurate to use).

Get the Marshall 4000 and their collars

Duke, check with other houndsmen in the area if there are any big TV station antenna or other things that cause interference with a certain freq. We have a TV broadcast antenna by us and with the 216-217 freq if you point the tracking box anywhere towards that antenna all you get is a real bad buzz. I have the 151 freq and get no buzz when pointed in that direction, but the antenna for the 151 is about twice as big as the 216-217.

One thing I feel is important in selecting a tracking box is what are your hunting partners using? If you lose a hound it is nice if freinds have boxes and can help you locate it. Around here 217 is popular but not over used here either. If I were to lose a colored hound I could have at least four other hounders help me find it.

my .02 Mel

One thing I would say is get a box that can track them all. I have buddys that use 216 others use 219 some 151. If you get a box that can track them all its really nice you will need to have your antenna for the 150's and one for 200's but when you are hunting with other guys and they loose a dog its sure nice to be able to help them out. You can set up you roof top to track all of the 216-225 and your hand held. Then I have a spare roof top I can put up to track the 150's..

What kind of set up do you have for your roof.

For my roof top I just went to a CB shop had them make up a magnetic base with the antenna cut down for 216-220 then one for the 150's . Then I just got an adapter to go from the cb type end to the BNC end. I think the hole set up ran me around $25.00