Garmin Astro Archives - Big Game Houndsmen

Garmin DriveTrack 70 review

Double U’s Comprehensive Product Review: DriveTrack™ 70

Big game houndsmen have been asking for a larger truck mount screen for some time and this year (2016) Garmin delivered with the release of the Drivetrack 70. The Double U Hunting Supply team was very pleased with the many usable features built into the DriveTrack 70. Of course we enjoyed how easy it was for us to get our collars linked up and back into the field. Once in the field we found the 7’ screen bright and easy to read with either our favorite the 24k map, or with the 100K topo map that comes included. We hadn’t utilized the free 1 year Birdseye View subscription that is provided by Garmin with the Alpha 100 in the past simply because of the small screen. However, we did find the free 1 year Birdseye View far more useful with the Drivetrack 70.

DriveSmart 70, Standard Views, UNITED STATES

The new Garmin Drivetrack 70 boast many of the conveniences of a standard GPS navigation system with one major difference, the ability to show your linked collars, up to 20 collars, on the 7’ screen with detailed TOPO maps. One of the Major differences between the DriveTrack 70 and other Garmin navigation devices is the ability to display topographical maps, as well as your dogs location. With the DriveTrack 70 you can choose between street maps, Birdseye View, TOPO maps or simply install any Garmin compatible map by inserting the microSD card into the DriveTrack 70. This includes our favorite the 24K or the popular landowner maps. We found that the TOPO maps provided plenty detail in our area while in the field. However, while using the Drivetrack 70 as a navigation device we found “street maps” to be far more useful while navigating to hotels, diners and especially fuel stations during a recent trip.

Although we understand most of our customers simply want to track their dogs on a larger screen, not fiddle around with computers, tablets and a bunch of wires hanging all over the place, we found the DriveTrack 70 to be a great 2 for the price of one type of product. We recently had one of our field testers who is not one of our most “tech savvy” guys accompany us on an out of town trip. He was able to quickly learn how to navigate between screens perform searches and navigate to and from points of interest. In fact, he commented that “the Drivetrack 70 is every bit as useful in town as it is up Lookout Butte. In fact, maybe a bit more useful in town because it helps me get the heck out of town faster.”

As with many new product releases by Garmin, the DriveTrack 70 boldly goes where no other product has gone. Sure, there have been attempts to get GPS tracking onto a bigger screen but only one has ever gained much traction and is the GPS Dawg. Essentially what the GPS Dawg device does is combine the free software provided by Garmin called “Base Station” to a refurbished tablet. Once paired with a Garmin handheld device using a USB cable, and several other steps the user is then able to share information through the handheld to the tablet. We found this process to be somewhat complicated and not “user friendly”. Once we got everything configured, we found mounting the tablet to be a whole new issue. We considered mounting the tablet in the window but feared it would overheat from the sun beating down on it through the window. Next we looked at a console mount but had to reconsider when we noticed all the coffee stains in, on, and around the console. Our options to mount the tablet were further complicated by the fact that we had to continuously swipe the screen on the tablet in order to keep our dogs on the screen. Although we did find value in the paired tablet system, things like the ability to do updates on our tracking equipment in the field, receive and send emails and on one occasion downloading a how to fix your RV heater video from youtube, the Double U Hunting Supply team didn’t feel comfortable endorsing the product because of price (between $500 and $800.00 depending on unit size), dependability, lack of user friendliness and a poor overall user experience.

Having a computer engineer on the Double U Hunting Supply team we decided to make our own run at building a larger screen unit for our customers. We explored every option we could come up with but ultimately ended up going down the same path as GPS Dawg. Initially, it was straight forward from a “tech geek” point of view, until we got to the point of downloading maps. Finding a map that would run smooth proved to be difficult, at which point we abandoned the project. We simply felt the system was a failure on too many levels to receive a green light from the Double U Team. At this point we turned to our friends at Garmin and shared with them some ideas that we felt would be in solid demand. Following what seemed like an eternity, we are pleased to finally give the Double U Hunting Supply endorsement to the Garmin Drivetrack 70.

So what sets the new Garmin DriveTrack 70 apart from other larger screen attempts? Well as mentioned before you get the very easy “plug and go” setup along with the fact that you get wireless communication between the Drivetrack 70 and either the Astro 430 or an updated Alpha 100, built in 100K Topo Mapping, 1 year Free subscription to Birdseye View mapping, free lifetime Street Mapping, as well as the ability to load maps through the microSD card slot (including our favorite 24K map or the popular land-owner microSD card), a convenient window mount is included, Auto Zoom, on screen alerts, a highly functioning navigation device, bluetooth capabilities all for $399.99 and backed by Garmins 1 year warranty you can’t really go wrong.

Pro’s:

Built in Topo 100K maps are included.
Easy to connect, virtually turn on the device along with your handheld and your dogs start showing up on the screen.
Built in options to follow the dogs in the race, the unit zooms in or out to keep all your dogs in view so you can follow the race.
Free Birdseye 1 year subscription.
Navigation works well.
Hands free Cell Phone Calling.

With all that said what do we feel Garmin could have done better. One of our first issues with the Drivetrack 70 is it only tracks on the screen while it is actively paired with the new Astro 430 or an updated Alpha 100. If the power is interrupted, or if you turn off either of the paired units you will lose all your tracks up to that point. Essentially you will start a new hunt on the DriveTrack from that point forward. It currently does not save the Tracks. Also, we felt a stand alone unit would have been the better choice. We feel the customer would have been better served had the unit been designed with the ability to track your dog without being linked to a handheld. Our idea of the perfect vehicle mounted tracking device would have been on a 7” screen platform much like the DriveTrack 70, however it would have the capability to be attached to a truck mount antenna, serve as a hub for mass information transfer for things like dog tracking information. Imagine how handy it would be for the handler if he was planning to hunt with another pack if all he had to do is scroll to the “share all dog” info icon and press “share wirelessly” and presto your info is shared to your hunting partners paired Drivetrack device, or if you happen to lose your handheld unit and needed to replace it. You would simply pair the handheld to your truck mount unit and share all dog info to your new unit. We have on several occasions received calls from customers hoping to reconnect to a collar that is on a dog in the field. Most of these calls come from customers who had set their handheld down during a hunt and couldn’t locate it. Currently, the only way to reconnect is to have your tracking numbers saved on another handheld or to write them down. Had these handlers had a truck mount unit that automatically syncs with the handheld and transfers mass information all they would have had to do is get another unit, pair it and get back to hunting.

Summarized Con’s :

Not a stand alone unit, does not easily allow for an external truck mount antenna.
Tracks are only on the screen while you are connected, If you have to turn off the device or re-pair the handheld you will start a new track and lose your previous tracks. You can not save your tracks on the device.
Could have added more helpful features for hunters with larger packs as a stand-alone unit

How does the device compare to Other Larger Screen options for your Pickup.

Price Comparison:

Drivetrack 70: Cost 399.99. 7 Inch Screen wireless communication with Alpha 100 Or Astro 430

VS.

Tablet with Base Station: 399.99 up to $800 The Value tablet 8 inch for 399.99, or the Pro 8 inch tablet for 549.99. Prices can go up to 800 for an 11 inch tablet.

We feel the price of 399.99 for the DriveTrack is priced accordingly -You might be able to find other options using Base Station that are similar or slightly lower in price than the DriveTrack 70. However, for the value it will be difficult to accomplish an out of the box working unit for the price of 399.99. We should also mention you might be able to build a Tablet system yourself for less money than a DriveTrack. However, by the time you purchased Maps and Mounts,the cost would be approximately the same. It would also take a considerable amount of time and experience with computers to set it all up.

Ease of setup and use Comparison:

The DriveTrack 70 wins handily compared to all of the windows tablets, Simply Turn on the Alpha/Astro 430 and the DriveTrack and the unit starts picking up the dogs in your dog list. When using a Tablet you’ll need to connect the Alpha/Astro to the Tablet using USB cable, and start and run Base Camp program on your computer to display and show the dogs and You’ll also need to install maps on your tablet before you can view maps on your tablet. We found that mounting a Tablet in your truck was difficult to find a good place due to size.

Comparing Features of the DriveTrack VS. Tablet with Basestation:

Comparing Features is difficult. The features that each have are different. The DriveTrack has more features regarding Navigation, Turn by Turn Directions, and pairing to your Cell phone. With the Drive Track it’s simple to search and find addresses, waypoints or points of interest (Food, Hotels, Gas stations).

The strong points about the Tablet systems, these are essentially mini computers which allow you to run any software you would normally run on a computer. For example you can receive emails and perhaps the most useful feature is the ability to update your Garmin Devices software. (Today I’m flying at 30,000 and I now use my BaseStation device for Traveling, hence I’m typing this review on my “Basestation Tablet Unit”) In summary, it really depends on what and how you will use it, If you really use and need a Tablet/computer for travel then there are situations that a Base Station Tablet could be more useful, If your device is strictly for the Truck then I would recommend the DriveTrack.

In summary, if you want or need a Mini Computer for email, software updates, and etc., you might consider a Tablet. For most of us we want a dedicated platform to the truck it makes a lot more sense to get the DriveTrack 70, the features with the DriveTrack 70 help with navigation and turn by turn directions.

Mapping Comparison:

DriveTrack 70 Maps: The DriveTrack built in 100K Topo Maps for the entire US, included is also lifetime Street maps. If you use birdseye you receive a 1 year free subscription to Birdseye Satellite Imagery. The DriveTrack has a Micro SD card slot so that you can put any Garmin Compatible Map chip in it and easily upgrade to 24K, Hunt View, or Landowner maps within seconds.

Tablet: Basestation maps are not included with the tablets, however some of the Bundle packages include one state of 24K Maps included. You’ll need to install the maps on your tablet before you go hunting. To do this you will need to connect to internet and find a downloadable map. This can be time consuming and confusing for some houndsmen.

Clearly the Drivetrack wins the mapping section, When you purchase the DriveTrack 70 you’ll have all the maps you need ready out of the box, Topo, Street, and even Satellite imagery(By Subscription) included. Also Installing other Maps on the driveTrack is much more simple with the MicroSD card compared with a windows tablet.

Durability against Heat when mounted to a windshield:

Drivetrack 70 is designed for the Windshield, Garmin heat tests their navigation devices to withstand with the hottest days while the device is mounted and left in your windshield, we personally tested them in AZ with 106 degree days driving and experienced absolutely no issues at any time from Hot or Cold. We have been informed by Garmin, that in the worst case situation, their devices are designed to discharge the battery for safety reasons if the device get’s too hot. Clearly, Garmin has put some thought into where and how this device is going to be mounted. Garmin claims -4 to 131 Degrees Fahrenheit.

How do the Tablets Compare: Google the term “Dell Venue Pro 8 Tablet Overheating”, and you can read about these tablet’s susceptibility to overheating under normal usage. Now imagine mounting this to your windshield on a warm day. Computers are very susceptible to heat and they are not built to stand the harsh conditions mounted to a windshield. Tablets/Computers will slow down their processors when they get hot which will drastically slow the performance. They can also stop working and have permanent damage in hot environments. If anyone has left their Tablet or phone in a ar we have all seen the screen that shows the device is too hot to use. Specs for the Dell Tablets for example are 32-104 which is much less forgiving of the Harsh environments.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our suggestion is clearly with With the Drivetrack 70. It was too simple to operate, turn on your handheld and turn on the DriveTrack 70. Our customers want to hunt dogs, not try and figure out how to setup and operate these devices. After a minute or two you should have your dogs showing and tracking on the screen with Roads and Topo Maps. The DriveTrack is easy to understand and simple use. Also, Garmin Priced the Drivetrack right at 399.99 saving money in the long run by including Maps and lifetime street updates. The Headaches and time users will save quickly cover any small savings that a person would make by trying to piece together a lower cost Tablet system.

Purchase a Drivetrack 70, You find out it’s easy to get it up and running, and your days of Driving down a Dusty Dirt road during a race, straining to keep up with the dogs will be a thing of the past. The passengers in your truck will also appreciate and can witness the chase from their seats as well.

Garmin TT15 Collar

Garmin Alpha TT15 Track and Train Collar

The Garmin TT 15 track and train dog device with collar is a top-mounted, high-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver that uses 18 levels of continuous and momentary stimulation plus audible tone and vibration activated from the Alpha® 100. Compatible with the Astro® 320 for tracking only.

Rugged and water resistant to 10 meters, this tracking and training dog device is tough enough to run wherever your dog runs, up to 9 miles away. The stimulation features let you train each dog separately — traditional stimulation allows you to make quick changes (low, medium or high) within a predetermined stimulation level (1-6) whereas linear stimulation allows progressively more stimulation from levels 1 to 18.

TT 15 units, when sold separately, ship with a 1-inch red collar strap. Replacement straps are available in multiple colors (sold separately).

Physical & Performance

Unit dimensions (WxHxD): 3.5″ x 1.75” x 1.85″ (7.8 x 4.4 x 4.4 cm)
Weight: 7.3 oz (207.0 g) for transmitter and antenna; 10.0 oz (284.0 g) total weight
Battery life: 24-48 hours
Battery type: rechargeable lithium-ion pack; user replaceable
Interface: USB
Water rating: 1 ATM (10 meters)
High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver: Yes
GPS antenna: top, black
Stimulation/Vibration/Tone: Yes
LED beacon lights: Yes
Rescue mode: Yes
Frequency mode: MURS (The T 5 and TT™ 15 are only compatible with the Astro® 320 and the Alpha™ 100. The T 5 and TT 15 can be configured for operation with either handheld but cannot be tracked simultaneously by both the Astro 320 and the Alpha 100)
Replaceable collar straps: Yes
Collar compatibility: 1” (2.54 cm)

Alpha™

Astro®

Garmin® Introduces New Collars for Astro® and Alpha® Dog Tracking and Training Systems

12 June 2014 @ 6:00 AM / Outdoor/Fitness /

OLATHE, Kan. /June 12, 2014/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced two new GPS-enabled collars, the TT 15 and T 5, for its industry-leading Astro and Alpha dog tracking and training systems.

“These new collars give sporting dog owners what they’ve been asking for – things like better satellite reception and optional vibration in a rugged design,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “These new devices demonstrate the commitment by Garmin and Tri-Tronics to continue innovating in the sporting dog market.”

The new TT 15 dog device allows you to track and train sporting dogs up to nine miles away. New in this unit is the addition of GLONASS satellite technology. When using GPS and GLONASS satellites together, sporting dog owners will spend less time waiting for the collar to acquire satellites before the hunt, and the collar will better maintain its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons during the hunt.

The TT 15 also adds a vibration stimulation option, to match individual dogs’ temperament. Incorporating vibration into a training plan is also an ideal way to silently issue a command to a dog. Like previous models, the TT 15 has 18 levels of continuous or momentary stimulation, as well as tone. Battery life varies from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the user-specified update rate.

For hunters who want a dog’s perspective of the hunt (third-party mounting harness sold separately), they can pair the Garmin VIRB™ high-definition action camera with the TT 15 and control it remotely from the Alpha 100 handheld.

The T 5 is a tracking-only version of the TT 15. The T 5 has the same GLONASS compatibility, without any stimulation capability. Both the TT 15 and the T5 are compatible with the Alpha 100 or the Astro 320 handhelds. Tracking, but no stimulation, is possible when pairing the Astro 320 with the TT 15.

These collars are sold in two new bundles. The Astro bundle contains an Astro 320 and T 5, while the Alpha bundle contains an Alpha 100 and a TT 15. New to the Alpha bundle is an included one-year subscription to high-resolution BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, which depicts aerial views of trees and man-made structures. The new collars are also sold separately as an upgrade to existing Astro and Alpha systems, but users must download a free software update to their handheld before pairing the new collar by visiting www.garmin.com/webupdater. The new devices are expected to be available in July 2014.

The TT 15 and T 5 are the latest innovations in Garmin’s growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies to enhance users’ outdoor experiences and their relationships with their canine companions. Whether it’s hiking, hunting, golfing, geocaching, dog training, or capturing it all on video, Garmin devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to www.garmin.com/dogs, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, Tri-Tronics, Astro, and Alpha are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FCC Notice:

The T 5 and TT 15 GPS-enabled collars have not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. These devices are not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Garmin Announces T5 and TT15 GPS Dog Tracking Collars

Garmin, the global leader in dog GPS track and train technology, just announced the newest updates to their dog tracking platform. The Garmin TT15 / Garmin T5 GPS dog tracking collars. By simplifying their product line, this allows hunters a simple choice between a track and train (TT15) collar, or a track only (T5) collar. The customer can use either collar on both the Astro 320 or Alpha 100; however they will not track on both at the same time. It should also be noted the training features of the TT15 are disabled while paired with the Astro 320.

With a list of features that include GPS/GLONASS capable, new training options, bark detection, LED beacon lights, rescue mode, and the ability to turn on/off your VIRB camera at long distances, we feel our customers will be equally excited. The two TT15 / T5 features that the Double U Hunting Supply team is most excited about are the, “choose your system” feature available on both the TT15 and the T5. This allows the TT15 / T5 to be tracked on either the Astro 320 or the Alpha 100. Second is the vibrate training mode that is available only on the TT15 while it is paired to the Alpha 100.

“The best part about the way Garmin is moving with this product model is having the ability to offer our customers a way to upgrade into the track and train abilities of the Alpha 100 system one collar at a time, without having to purchase a whole new system all at once”. “For a few more dollars our customers can progress towards the Alpha 100 system each time they purchase a new collar,” says Buddy from the Double U Hunting Supply team.

Because not all features are available on both the TT15 and the T5 and some features are disabled while linked to an Astro 320, we encourage our customers to check out the comparison charts below to make sure you get the collar that is the best fit for your needs.

The Garmin T5 Tracking collar will be available individually for $249.99 or can be bundled with a Astro 320 T5 Bundle for 599.99.

You can purchase the Garmin TT15 individually for 299.99, or bundled in the Alpha 100 TT15 combo package for 799.99.

For a more detailed description of the features available on the Garmin TT15 and Garmin T5, visit please read our review at DuSupply.com If you have any questions, feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff at 855-384-8687.

Garmin DC50—the Latest in Tracking & Training Collars from Garmin

Now Available from Double U Hunting Supply!

Garmin is well known to hunters and hound lovers around the world for the quality and features it builds into its dog collars and its hound-tracking and training systems. The new DC50 tracking and training collar just released by Garmin is the latest addition to the company’s impressive stable of hound-management tools. Like the DC40 collar, it’s designed to work with Garmin’s Astro 320 tracking system, but the DC50 vaults ahead in performance by adding bark-detection and training functions, improved satellite coverage, better battery management, and a longer, more durable antenna.

Buddy Woodberry on the DC50 Collar
“Garmin’s DC50 is finally on the market,” says Double U’s Buddy Woodberry, “and from what we’ve seen, we’re really excited about what it can do. In our field tests, it way out-performed both the old DC30 and DC40 collars. The DC50 is GLONASS-enabled so users can connect with more satellites than before, and it comes with a 21”, braided-steel antenna that’s effective for up to 9 miles; that’s 30% more range than the DC40.

“Plus, it’s got bark-detection, which the DC40 doesn’t have, and it’s waterproof to more than 30 feet,” says Buddy. “We think our customers will be really impressed with the DC50 and the new capabilities it will give them.”

In addition to bark detection, the DC50 has taken a giant leap forward in locating ability by adding the GLONASS system of satellites to the GPS satellites we commonly use. According to Buddy, “This will give users 21 more earth-orbiting satellites for the DC50 to find, which really improves the odds of being able to locate and track their dogs accurately, even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons.”

–Click Here If you would like to read a MORE in depth review of the DC50—

Finally, says Buddy, “We think it’s great that Garmin has added bark detection to the DC50 collar. Now you can tell if your dogs are barking even if they’re not close enough for you to hear. Until you can catch up with them, this really helps you understand what’s going on with your hounds and the game they’re working.”
Sold by itself, the DC50 comes with an adjustable 1” blue polyurethane collar strap; when sold in a bundle with the Astro 320, the DC50 comes with an adjustable 1” orange strap. And don’t forget: when your collar straps finally get worn out, you can buy replacements in multiple colors from Double U Hunting Supply.
Bottom line?
Garmin’s DC50 collar is very competitively priced, yet it’s the first in a new generation of tracking and training collars that are more versatile and powerful than the DC40 and DC30. GLONASS-enabled and boasting built-in bark-detection, a more sensitive antenna, battery-saving rescue mode, and much more effective waterproofing, the DC50 is your best choice in hound tracking and training collars today.

Visit us at Double U Hunting Supply to research or order Garmin’s new DC50 or the Astro 320 tracking and training system—or just ask questions about the many other Garmin products and hunting supplies we sell. You can reach us on the phone at 855-DU Hunts (855-384-8687), or via email at mail@dusupply.com.

Garmin® Updates Astro® GPS Dog Tracking System with the DC™ 50 Collar

OLATHE, Kan. /July 2, 2013/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the DC 50 – a new and improved GPS dog tracking collar that’s even more robust and reliable than previous models.

“From more reliable satellite reception to a more rugged design, the new DC 50 gives sporting dog owners what they’ve been asking for,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “The new DC 50 has the features that will bring the benefits of GPS tracking to first-time users, and will convince existing Astro customers to upgrade.”

The DC 50’s main housing sits below the dog’s neck while a low-profile, high-sensitivity GPS antenna is now positioned atop the dog’s neck, providing a clearer view of satellites. In addition to tracking GPS satellites, the DC 50 can also utilize the GLONASS system. When using GLONASS satellites, acquisition time is (on average) approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS. And when using both GPS and GLONASS together, the receiver has the ability to lock on to 24 more satellites than when using GPS alone. In practical terms, that means sporting dog owners will spend less time waiting for the collar to acquire satellites before the hunt, and the collar will better maintain its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons during the hunt.

The newly redesigned 22.5-inch long VHF antenna is made of braided steel that’s built to take any punishment that hard-charging dogs can deliver. Hunters can track their dogs up to nine miles in flat, unobstructed ground as often as every five seconds. A shorter 18.5-inch antenna is also included.

The battery life of the DC 50 has improved over previous generations, too. At a five second update rate, the DC 50 will get approximately 26 hours of battery life when fully charged. By slowing the update rate down to once every two minutes, the DC 50 collar can get up to 54 hours of use. As a safety feature, the DC 50 also has a selectable Dog Rescue mode, which automatically switches the DC 50 to a two minute update rate when the battery is less than 25 percent charged – making it easier to recover a lost dog.

For houndsmen, the DC 50 also features built-in Bark Detection, which alerts a hunter when their dog is barking frequently, even out of earshot. Users can customize the Bark Detection feature to adjust the frequency of barking and the manner in which the user is notified (visual, tone, vibration, or a combination of each).

The DC 50 features a standard one inch coated polyurethane collar strap that can be swapped out for a different color to easily distinguish between multiple dogs. The collar transmitter is waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet). Shipped alone, the DC 50 features a blue collar, and when purchased in conjunction with an Astro 320, the collar strap is orange.

When paired with the Astro 320, the system can track up to ten dogs per receiver at once, and will indicate the dog’s distance, direction, and status (sitting, running, pointing, or treeing). The Astro 320 features a full color, sunlight readable display with a pre-installed basemap. In addition to the pre-installed basemap, the Astro can be loaded with optional 100k Topo or 24k Topo maps or photorealistic BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagery. Many third-party specially-designed hunting maps are also available.

The DC 50 is compatible with Astro 320 handhelds that are currently in service, but users must download a free software update to their handheld before pairing the new collar, by visiting www.garmin.com/webupdater. The DC 50 is not compatible with the Astro 220 handheld or the Alpha Track and Train system.

Purchased alone, the DC 50 has a minimum retail price of $229.99, and the DC 50 bundled with the Astro 320 system has an MRP of $599.99. Both are expected to be available in July 2013.

The DC 50 is the latest innovation in Garmin’s growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies to enhance users’ outdoor experiences and their relationships with their canine companions. Whether it’s hiking, hunting, golfing, geocaching, or dog training, Garmin devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to www.garmin.com/dogs, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.