Tuff Skin Antennas for DC30

[Budd Denny]

Yep, still having good range out of the two updated collars since unplugging the batteries. Just got in from hunting and my new antennas from Double U Graphics were here so I put a couple on and compared to stock and Conkeys antennas. They are definitely better range and quality wise over stock, very comparable to Conkeys on range, quality wise only time will tell???

[joshtee]

Yep, still having good range out of the two updated collars since unplugging the batteries. Just got in from hunting and my new antennas from Double U Graphics were here so I put a couple on and compared to stock and Conkeys antennas. They are definitely better range and quality wise over stock, very comparable to Conkeys on range, quality wise only time will tell???

Sounds good. I wish Buddy's sight was less probematic. I would like to order acouple. Can't even add them to my cart, lol.

[Buddyw]

What issues are you seeing?

I've been fighting with this damn upgrade for about a month and though I had most of the bugs worked out.

If you want to call me this evening while your on Your computer and If you'd allow me to remote into your computer to take a Look...

I'd like to work out the issue and see if I can figure out what is happening. I'll try and make it worth your time.

[Bearkiller]

Sounds good. I wish Buddy's sight was less probematic. I would like to order acouple. Can't even add them to my cart, lol.

Yeah buddy, I still have the problem I pm'ed you about a while back. My work computer locks up on your website. The stuff I ordered on the 25th, I logged in at home after getting kicked out here. Just an FYI. It may have something to do with our server or something but that's the only website I've ever had issues with, other then being outright banned. BTW, I really like the antennas. They definately add range. I was getting over a mile consistantly and as much as 1.7, all with my rubber duck antenna. I never hooked up the magnetic mount. After doing all of the dayglow conversions I wished I had 6 of the new antennas instead of 3. It's going to suck to tear them all the way down just to change the antennnas.

[Buddyw]

I'm going to log in with Josh today and see if I can see the issue. I'll let you know if I can figure out what the deal is. I'm sure it has to be something like a browser compatibility issue with the Upgraded shopping cart, I have not been impressed with the new shopping cart.. and I've had about 15 support tickets in the last 3 months trying to fix different things.

Just a note that the fist batch of them it sounds like the Connector is just a tad bid too large, You should be able to file or trim a little bit so the fit better, We'll be doing this for all the new orders that head out.

Buddy

[Mr.pacojack]

About the antennas, I did notice that when you install them and tighten down the screw, the washer is too big for the slot and when you think you have it tightened enough, you can push down on the antenna and there is still play in it. This should cause it not to get a good connection. Anyone else notice this?

[Buddyw]

So the issue is something with the Older Browsers IE6 and IE7 on running on XP.

I have an old machine that was doing it as well,

You can fix the problem by upgrading a Browser.

Here are two Links to get the latest Browser takes about 2 minutes, and are both Free.

FireFox
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/fx/

Internet Explorer Upgrade
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/inte ... ts/ie/home

I'm also submitting a Ticket to try and get that website to support the older versions, because allot of people won't know this information.. So I do understand that I need to get it fixed and asking everyone to Upgrade isn't the Right answer!

Buddy

[Buddyw]

About the antennas, I did notice that when you install them and tighten down the screw, the washer is too big for the slot and when you think you have it tightened enough, you can push down on the antenna and there is still play in it. This should cause it not to get a good connection. Anyone else notice this?

Yes that's what I was saying about the first batch of them. This should be fixed easily if you Trim or file down the edge of the connector so it fits down in there better, All of the new ones shipping out should be fine. Definitely don't force it or try to tighten it down.

If you want to ship it back I can send you out ones that should fit better. this was a over site on the first batch, It's pretty hard to find an eyelet that fits the wire but with a Small screw hole... They were a special order item.

Buddy

[Mr.pacojack]

Buddy, I just filed them down a little and they fit real good. I didn't see were you told us about that. Just wanted to let people know if they were not getting a signal or a bad signal, that may be the problem. I will start to test them this week. Thanks

[Buddyw]

No problem Devin, It was at the end of one of the posts above and would have been eay to miss.. I just found out about This today and sent out an email to everyone that placed an order for them..

The One I was using to test them out, had an eyelet that was Way to large and while I was waiting for the correct ones I just rigged what I had available to work, I figured a connector is a connector, and just special ordered the smaller ones.

Anyways I spot checked the new ones for the screw hole, and fit, but I guess It wasn't a Good enough check...

Buddy

[Bearkiller]

Mine were snug but went all of the way down. The only "downside" is that the antennas are heavier and pull the gps antenna to the side. Not a problem on the bigger dogs but on my cur it seemed like it could become an issue. I ended up sliding it under the buckle and didn't have any other issues. Even under the buckle it was taller than the stock antenna and probably worth while.

[Budd Denny]

Mine were snug but went all of the way down. The only "downside" is that the antennas are heavier and pull the gps antenna to the side. Not a problem on the bigger dogs but on my cur it seemed like it could become an issue. I ended up sliding it under the buckle and didn't have any other issues. Even under the buckle it was taller than the stock antenna and probably worth while.

I run mine on beagles also and will be running mine under the buckle. Going out for a test run today. I had to shave mine down to get them to fit, tried forcing the first one and cross threaded the screw . I don't think it's tightened all the way so I will keep a eye on that collar. Also I use a peice of 1 inch shrink tube between the battery and GPS module, this helps some with the droop in the antenna. The 1 inch shrink tube can be found at most semi truck repair shops.

[joshtee]

Yep, still having good range out of the two updated collars since unplugging the batteries. Just got in from hunting and my new antennas from Double U Graphics were here so I put a couple on and compared to stock and Conkeys antennas. They are definitely better range and quality wise over stock, very comparable to Conkeys on range, quality wise only time will tell???

Unfortunately, I am not getting the same results. I unplugged the battery and allowed for more GPS link up. The collar still consistently has weaker performance.
Both have stock antennas.
The weaker collar has update version 3.60
The better collar has version 3.40

I am hesitant to update the better collar to 3.70 until I get this figured out. I might try 3.70 (or later) version on the weaker one.

Hopefully it is an antenna problem, and Buddy's Tuff Skin antenna will fix the problem.

If not I will call Garmin, and see what they say.