BigGameHoundsmen.com

I just looked at the SPOT Connect devices. They last 5 days on two AA's and you can use your smart phone as a handheld, no radio communications, no VHF burnouts, no need for cell service, track your dogs anywhere in the world. The SPOT is cheaper than a new DC40 collar. There is a basic service plan of $99/year and $49/year for Track Progress. It would get pricey with multiple dogs but I'm sure that is where SPOT makes most of their money. Alot of that service fee is for their networking, I don't think most of us are worried about "tweeting" the whereabouts of us or our dogs. The Track Progress updates every 10 minutes. We just need a quicker track progress and maybe a tree indicator with a handheld like the garmin.

This link explains how the satellite commuication works.
http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=108

Why isn't this techology being used for dog tracking?

How much does it really cost to use satellite communication for coordinates or whatever the garmin communicates via VHF?

Is this what Marshall is working on?

Yes, it may something we will have in the future. garmin has the GTU10 which is similar, but not. Either way it is a long time before we will see it where it will be good for practical hunting use. Didn't read the fine print on the Spot. To see if there is an extra charge beyond so many points like on other units. An update every 10 minutes though is about useless. Trying to watch a pack of dogs they way it is would be very hard. Software would have to be written to handle this. Maybe for use with a smartphone, but that is another cost. Look at all the folks complaining about the cost of a $30 birdseye subscription. Then make that $150 per collar per year. OUCH!!!!

I'm sure there are other things to work out. Like sat usage, etc. It will happen, but certainly is not going to be anytime soon. Even then cost will be an issue.

I guess I'm being impatient. The garmin works good in some instances. In the country I hunt when my dogs are still being picked up by the garmin they are usually within ear shot. It helps for finding them after they drop out. I have to remember the old timers had no such thing as a tracking system and they put up a lot of critters. They didn't have to worry about wolves though. My primary concern with the lack of range with the current GPS systems is staying close to my dogs. It also makes for some great video footage and action. Thanks for the input Steve