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astro 320 review

I'll write a full review when I get some time, But I've been asked to give my input into these things. here is a quick write up I've thrown together.

These are mostly just some of the points that I haven't see posted before, I'm sure I've missed some and I'll have to think back and try and pick them all up in my full write up.

The system is faster and handles maps very nicely. I've been using mine with both Garmin Topo, Hunting GPS topo's and the BirdsEye on them and it is nice and easy to switch back and forth between maps.

As expected the Mapping on them is nice.

A couple Pro's that I've noticed:
handles Maps better, I have 3 different map programs loaded on mine and it's a breeze to switch between them.

Faster CPU which doesn't amount to much to general apperance, but I've run some tests (Distance and such) and I could see that there would be some benifit when you have 10 dogs loaded up on it..

For example, after you come back and load the Points on the computer (which most folks don't do) You can see the difference, On the 220 it was able to grab about 1/2 or a 1/3 of the updates when I was running 2 collars, (collars were on 5 Sec) and the 320 was almost Getting all of the updates. Meaning that the 320 was able to logged twice as much data.

Now in Hunting conditions, I don't need 5 second updates, however as you added more collars (For example 10 dogs) because it has a faster CPU it keeps better track of juggling all the info that the 10 dogs are sending.. ... .Hopefully that makes Sense.

Updating the Collars are a nice improvment, you can update Collars in the Field. the Best and Probably my favorite Upgrade is that you can force an Upgrade to a Collar that doesn't respond to the 220 (Solid Red light issue) Basically it's already saved me from sending in a Collar to Garmin because I was able to fix it with the 320 where I wouldn't have been able to do so before. So that's a Big Plus to me especially since I try and help out and update many collars.

3 axis compass.. I don't normally use the Compass, but it's allot.. (ALLOT) better. You don't have to hold it level for the compass to work.

Color.. It's Orange.. So when a dumb ass like myself drops it I have a chance at finding it..

There are a couple bugs left but they should be handled in the Next Software release. Nothing that is critical and probably nothing that a "super User" would even notice. They are not even worth mentioning.

Con's:
It's not a Huge Improvment, We are always wanting more.
Most Improvements were made on the GPS side of things, Not Much improvment on the Dog Tracking Side of things.
The New LR antenna is probably a little better, I have yet to be impressed with any antenna that mounts on the Handheld including this new one. They do help but it' not going to blow you away like a magnet or LR handle antenna will. (but that's to be expected)
None of the accessories work with it.. Including the 220 12VDC Power Cable


I'll try and write up and gather my thoughts I've just been Completely swamped the last couple weeks.

Summary:

As far as a buy or don't Buy.. I don't see any reason not to buy one, But I also don't want to give the impression that your going to get Blown away by it either, so if your tight on money it's not going to kill you to use the 220 either. It's a Very nice upgrade on the GPS Side of things and has some features that I appreciate and use.

Once you start using one you probably won't want to go back to a 220.

__________________
Double U Hound Supply

i would not be scared to say, that the 320 will make the 220 seem like a telementry tracker. the 220 gives great info, but with the birds eye view, the 320 is absolutely great

__________________
Allen Wells
WWW.EASTFORKHUNTINGSUPPLIES.COM
da.wells@yahoo.com
832-492-3712

Proud Member Of The Cleveland Coon Hunters Association.