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Getting more range out of your Garmin

Awhile back I asked some questions about using aftermarket antennas to get more range out of my Garmin. Typically, using the short Alpha antenna and standard 18" vhf antenna, my T5 dropped out at about 900yds (0.51 miles) and my TT10 about 0.9 miles. So I purchased an antenna for the Alpha that has a flexible base and extends from 6"-24". I also bought a 24" vhf antenna for each collar. I did some testing by leaving the collars stationary at home and driving away with the Alpha. I'm not sure if that would be the correct way to test but the results were significant.
First the extendable antennae on the Alpha in the 6" closed position with standard 18" vhf antennas both collars got to 1.3 before ? popped up. Then with Alpha antenna extended 24" I got 1.5 mi on T5 and 1.7 mi on TT10. A 0.2- 0.4 mile gain with just the handheld antenna extended. Next I installed the 24" vhf antenna on each collar. With handheld antenna closed at 6" I got 2.13 on T5 and 2.4 on TT10. A gain of 0.83 and 1.1 miles after adding the 24" vhf antennas. Then with handheld antenna extended to 24" I got 3.2 on T5 and 3.5 on TT10. A gain of 1.7 and 1.8 miles better than just extended handheld antenna alone. It seems both antennas do increase range with the combination of the two making a big difference. All in I gained about 2.5 miles using these aftermarket antennas in combination.

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NITECH GRCH Gibsons Tree Leanin' Boogeyman HTX (ALH)

We are getting about the same results with the same setup and not quite as far with the orange stub antenna on the alpha, tops out around 2 miles give or take.

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Harris Hound Supply
Haubstadt, IN
812-215-9987

www.harrishoundsupply.net

I have noticed the same differences between the Tt10 and the T5 and my question is why the dufference? I thought all they did with the T5 was remove the shocking mode.
As for the other antennas, a 24 inch whip on the collar doesn't seem practical.

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UKC Nite Champion Stylish Harry's Trixie - 2017 World Hunt Qualified - Owners - Sizemore/Martin
PKC CH/UKC GrNtCh Stylish Kate - 9/12/08 to 9/23/2016 R.I.P - Owners Sizemore/Martin
AKC/UKC NtCh Sizemore's Timber Jam Jeff 5/2/2000 to 1/22/2012 R.I.P.
AKC/UKC GrNtCh Sizemore's Timber Jam Jessi 12/21/04 to 1/21/2011 R.I.P.

I have no answer for the difference in range on a T5 vs TT10/15. Noticed it myself and had a discussion just last night in a cast about the same thing. I really believe that in a cast, when you have 4 handlers with 4 Garmins that they interfere with each other and you don't get the range you get when pleasure hunting/training alone. I also am a believer in updating handheld devices and collars.

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Harris Hound Supply
Haubstadt, IN
812-215-9987

www.harrishoundsupply.net

want real range buy a roof antenna

I wondered about the T5 and TT10 difference myself but just chalked it up to being a difference between two individual collars and not a difference between models. Now that I see people having the same issue I don't know why.
Jim, I thought the same thing about the long collar antennas not being practical but they are only about 6" longer. I really don't see the length being a problem and I sure do like the added range. Plus the ones I bought are wrapped with reflective material that may just save a dog that gets near a road.

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NITECH GRCH Gibsons Tree Leanin' Boogeyman HTX (ALH)