Tyler Vaden
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Dec 2005
Location: Knoxville Tn
Posts: 1814 |
DC50 collar:
Integral Rescue Mode automatically conserves batteries after they reach 25% charge.
Better GPS signal on the DC50 because
GPS receiver mounted to top of collar like previous DC30 collar
GLONASS enabled GPS allows collar to track more satellites
Longer, more durable VHF antenna with braided steel core provides better communication.
Bark Detection gives you real-time info on how much your dogs are barking in the field.
Tool-less design makes for fast, easy changes of collar straps without the need for tools
Waterproof up to 10 meters
For Users with an Astro 320 handheld:
DC50’s will only track on the 320.
Users can update the software on older Astro 320 handhelds to track the DC50.
For instructions on how to update your Astro, visit our How-to Section “link” (needs link)
Key features of the Garmin Astro DC50 Tracking & Training GPS Collar
Better Tracking: High-sensitivity, top-mounted GPS receiver is now enabled to receive signals from GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites. This adds 21 more satellites your collar can connect with (in addition to the 28 satellites currently in the GPS system), helping eliminate dropped satellite connections in rough country and deep cover.
Bark Detection: The DC50’s new Bark Detection feature is a first in the dog tracking industry. When enabled, users can see the rate-per-minute at which each of their dogs is barking, even when out of audible range. Each dog’s bark status is displayed on both the map screen and the individual dog screen and compass screen. Since some users may not want to have bark rates displayed on the map screen, there is an option to turn it off on the map screen while keeping it active on the other screens. Another option with Bark Detection is the ability to set a “minimum bark-rate threshold;” this allows users to establish a minimum rate of barks per minute—either 20, 40, 60, or 80 bpm—before they are alerted by their Astro 320. In short, Bark Detection will be especially beneficial when your hounds are out of hearing range and you’re trying to decipher if they’re just trailing, or have already jumped or treed your prey.
Rescue Mode: Rescue Mode is another feature that’s new to the Astro line of tracking collars. It’s a battery saving function that, when activated, automatically switches your collar update rate to once every 2 minutes (120 seconds) when the battery has declined to 25% of a full charge. This is designed to give users many additional hours to retrieve a dog before the collar battery dies—however, note that Rescue Mode can be shut off if a user doesn’t wish to have their update rate changed.
Better VHF Antenna: The DC50 sports a longer, more flexible VHF antenna made of aircraft-grade braided steel, which greatly improves both range and durability over previous DC collar antennas. DC50 antennas are available in both 18.5” and 22.5”, with the 22.5” coming stock on the DC50 from the Garmin factory.
Fast Collar-strap Changes: Modeled after the Garmin Alpha TT10, collar straps on the DC50 easily slide through integral channels on the collar box, eliminating the need for tools when you want to quickly change collar straps. Any universal D-ring collar strap (or TriTronics EXP strap) will slide right onto your tracking unit in seconds. A huge plus with this setup is that you can first slide on an EXP or any other shock collar with a 1” strap, and then slide on your DC50, allowing for fewer collars on your dog.
Improved Charging Port: The charging port on the DC50 is a vast improvement over the hookup on the widely popular DC30. It comes standard with a USB interface, which gives you 3 connection options when you need to charge: you can plug into an AC outlet, a vehicle charge port, or the USB port on a computer. This is especially handy when it’s time to run a software update on your collar; all you have to do is attach the charging clip, plug your DC50 into your computer, and run Garmin Web Updater.
Helpful Tone Indicator: Another welcome difference between the DC30/DC40 collars and the new DC50 is the audible tone it provides when you successfully add a collar to your Astro 320 handheld; this confirms that you’ve added the correct collar when there are other collars in the immediate vicinity. A tone will also sound when you successfully change most settings on your Astro 320/DC50 combo. For example: when you change dog type to “treeing dog,” your DC50 will beep to let you know you did it right.
Exclusive PIN Lock: The PIN Lock function allows users to select and store a 4-digit code for each of their collars so no one else can track their dogs without inputting the code. Although this is not a must-have feature in most hunting situations, it could be very useful in competitions, or when you’re out with a large group of fellow hunters and their hounds equipped with Astros and DC collars.
Adjustable Dog Type: Using the updated Astro 320, you can change the status for each of your dogs wearing a DC50 to reflect what they’re doing. Your options are 1) Pointing, 2) Treeing, 3) Auto, and 4) None. This lets your Astro know that when your dog is sitting still, he or she could still be on point or have game treed.
Better Power Button Placement: The power button on the DC50 has been relocated to the bottom of the collar box, which protects it from being accidentally switched off by other collars on your dog, or by “unpredictables” like sharp rocks, fallen branches or the occasional ingenious coon. The improved placement will also provide more protection from everyday wear and tear, which you’ll appreciate since we see a lot of DC30s and DC40s come in with cracks or holes in the rubber cover that seals the power button; this allows moister to get in and cause corrosion, which ultimately kills the collar.
Antenna Protection Sleeve: With the DC50, you’ll no longer have to rig up protective nylon sleeves that stink and deteriorate over time, or use zip ties and electrical tape to secure your loose antennas. The new DC50 comes with a thick, durable rubber cover that not only protects the antenna core, but also keeps your antenna erect and receiving satellite signals. The cover is very durable and can be scrubbed clean easily if your hound has traipsed through the mud to chase down game.
Track Up To 10 Dogs: The Astro 320 can track up to 10 different collars and/or buddies simultaneously, in any combination. This means you’ll be able to get real-time location fixes on ten of your hounds, or 5 hounds and 5 buddies, or any combination of either that adds up to 10.
Unit dimensions and Specifications
, WxHxD: 3.5” x 1.9” x 1.8” (9.0 x 4.9 x 4.6 cm)
Collar length: 12" (30.5 cm) to 20" (50.8 cm) adjustable collar
Weight:
7.2 oz (212.0 g) for transmitter and antenna
10.2 oz (228.0 g) total weight
Battery: Li-Ion rechargeable
Battery life: 26-54 hours (user adjustable transmit rate of 5, 10, 30 or 120 seconds)
Waterproof: 10 m (33 ft)
High-sensitivity receiver: yes
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08-12-2013 11:39 PM
