Registered: Jun 2003
Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Posts: 6113

Has anybody seen this yet? We all knew it was coming but this is the first I've seen. Check it out and let's hear some comments.

http://www.garmin.com/products/astro/

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Registered: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 690

Two questions. The transmitter looks like it has a heavy, maybe solid antenna. On the first training collars I had (tri-tronics) they were like this and they would break easily or come off. Would this happen with these? It looks like the transmitter has to be on the top of the collar so the antenna points up. What will keep it there. If the collar turns will it end up pointing down to the ground?

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 2147

so cool. They have a great website also. Of course like you say, it is the first, they may be changing the transmitters sometime, to work better in the field. How many of has haven't wondered where are dogs have been? The price isn't all that bad, compared to a tracker and collar, it is cheaper. and has other uses.

Last edited by Philip on 01-18-2007 at 04:02 PM

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Registered: Mar 2004
Location: Bunn, NC (Near Raleigh)
Posts: 1584

I really like it, especially the fact that it can not only show you where the dog is, but also map out where the dog has been...I'm guessing you can use this information over and over again to determine if theres a pattern to Racoon movement in certain spots.

The negative is that I currently use a GPS, and have found that I still have to rely on a compass as back-up...I have hit spots where the GPS lost signal and I have been in thick spots where the Satelites (3) could not be accessed due to heavy tree cover, I'd hate to have that happen when looking for the dog...

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Registered: Jun 2005
Location: North of Panama City Florida
Posts: 1014

theres been several posts on it- i personally wouldnt use it right now.... the battery life isnt very long at 11hrs and GPS' to begin with dont get very good signals in thick cover. i wouldnt want to depend on it to bring my dog home.

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Posts: 6113

This is just the start. They are only going to get better from here. One of the problems I guess is that if the unit does slide down the collar and hang under the dog, it doesn't work. If you use it with a shock collar the weight of the collar will keep the GPS on top of the dog. Right now if you use it without the shock collar, you have to run a harness of sorts to keep it in the right position.

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Registered: Nov 2005
Location: Stanford, KY
Posts: 132

The website claims dense cover and overhead foliage is no problem. I wonder if they have developed a more sensitive receiver?

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Registered: Jun 2006
Location: Montana
Posts: 396

you could also buy a 1 inch dayglo collar and thread it on and not have to worry about the harness. They also make a "stuby" antenna to replace the long one they show in the video on their website. look under accessories on that page

Last edited by Doogie Dawg on 01-18-2007 at 06:44 PM

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Registered: Jan 2006
Location: new madison, Ohio
Posts: 7

yea but it is made for bird dogs

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 2147

I think training and tracking collars were first designed for bird dogs?

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Registered: Feb 2006
Location:
Posts: 306

quote:

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Originally posted by red_heat
yea but it is made for bird dogs

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Registered: Feb 2006
Location: central Iowa
Posts: 228

i think its a great start. just think in a few years ?

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Registered: Jan 2006
Location: Shelby Co. IN
Posts: 444

It says
whether he’s running, sitting, on point or treeing quarry

I dont think bird dogs get treed

I have been waiting for this

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: ALABAMA
Posts: 5183

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian V
It says
whether he’s running, sitting, on point or treeing quarry

I dont think bird dogs get treed

I have been waiting for this

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Last edited by Buckshot on 01-18-2007 at 11:04 PM

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: IL.
Posts: 1308

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian V


I dont think bird dogs get treed

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I've seen a few dogs in hunts that don't either!

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location:
Posts: 4312

quote:

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Originally posted by Buckshot


I know how undependable a GPS systen can be in thick cover, I plan on sticking with regular telemetry systems --- old reliable, until better progress can be made in thick cover.

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Registered: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 1745

Hi there,Todd.
I have seen this item in use.Ceasar Milan used a GPS on one of the dogs he was rehabilitating.The setting was urban.It worked even with all the buildings.The collar did seem to big for the dog IMO.The dog wearing it did not get off pavement.He simulated a lost dog situtation.The receiver did its job.Found the dog.He walked right up to the dog with the help of the receiver.Nice item.Not sure if it was sturdy enough for coon hunting in PURGATORY.See Ya George Zapata

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Registered: Mar 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2043

yeah but for 200 bucks. i think its worth a try......................... for some of you rich guys.lol... then you can tell us poor folk if it works good. ;-)

really though i think i will wait a few years to let them get all the problems fixed in the systems then i will get one.coondogs are extremely harsh in tracking collars and i doubt they took that into consideration as much as, say wildlife or tracker has. i bet this new type of tracking system though will be the hit thing in 5 years. everyone one will have to have it.

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Registered: Sep 2006
Location: bluefield,wv
Posts: 2936

USELESS IN MY AREA! TO MANY MOUNTAINS, NOT ENOUGH TOWERS, WE LOSE SIGNAL TO OFTEN,
BUT EVEN THE BSET TRACHING SYSTEMS SOMETIMES WILL GIVE
YOU FALSE READINGS ON DIRECTIONS. SOMETIMES I WILL HAV TO DRIVE 5 MILES TO THE VERY TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN TO GET
DIRECTION ON DOGS. RANDY

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Registered: Aug 2004
Location: Connersville, In.
Posts: 768

Todd, what will they think of next ? By the time I get all of my hunting equip. ready now I'm out of the mood to go hunting !!!!!!!!! I haven't had too good of luck with the gps , can't get a signal half the time. Still do better with my wrist compass, old school I guess. See ya in Ga.

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Registered: Dec 2003
Location: Willard Oh.
Posts: 1255

I might have to get a lawyer, I called a company about this a few years ago and they said it could not be done! I told them if they could do it on a cell phone it surely could be done with a collar to a transmiter, hope I still have that conversation on a recorded tape!!!

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Registered: Aug 2004
Location: Rockmart Ga.
Posts: 8685

I've owned two different GPS systems. One I paid $135 for and the other one I paid $220 for. Both of them usually liked to tell me the same ole thing "find a clear view of the sky". When Garmin proves they can actually make a GPS system that shows me where I am at then they should move on to showing us where our dogs are.

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Registered: Feb 2006
Location:
Posts: 306

quote:

---

Originally posted by Brian V
It says
whether he’s running, sitting, on point or treeing quarry

I dont think bird dogs get treed

I have been waiting for this

---

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Registered: Mar 2006
Location: Central Iowa
Posts: 180

If you would read the info on the website you would have many of your questions answered.

1. it comes with a neoprene harness, made to keep it on the dogs back, it says you could use it on a collar if you like.

2.the unit has a suggested retail of $642.84 not $200

3. they also say that both the handheld and dog part of the unit each have a VHF antenna, and uses line of sight for transmitting. It is not using the gps all the time, therefore it is like traditional tracking devices when the VHF antenna is being used.

4. and GPS and GPS receivers don't use towers (antennas), they use satellites

About the battery life, I have no idea, but that doesn't sound very good 11 hours. That could be improved. I think this is a great idea and would love to try it out. I think, like many, it would be a great tracking device. If it works like they say it could save me some gas from driving around looking and listening. Plus, I already carry a GPS unit and normally have no problem with signal here in Iowa, and I am looking to upgrade to a receiver with maps anyway.

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Last edited by walker13 on 01-19-2007 at 10:11 PM

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: ALABAMA
Posts: 5183

quote:

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Originally posted by walker13
If you would read the info on the website you would have many of your questions answered.
1. it comes with a neoprene harnes, made to keep it on the dogs back, it says you could use it on a collar if you like.
2.the unit has a suggested retail of $642.84 not $200

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Last edited by Buckshot on 01-19-2007 at 10:13 PM

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