Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

Ok I have a Garmin 220 with the DC40 collar...bout 6 months old I guess. I see where they say you should update the collar every few months. Problem is that I do not have a computer with internet access to do that. I am able to use my work computer or one at the library from time to time, but you can not download programs on them for obvious reasons. So, for those people that do not have readily access to computers, is a Garmin going to work for them? My system was working great till last week...I hope that cleaning the antena connection has helped, and a download is not needed. We will see.

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Registered: Sep 2007
Location: ackerman,ms
Posts: 2229

mine is the dc30 collar but its 3yrs old and never been updated

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Registered: May 2010
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 529

If it worked fine before it shouldn't be an update issue. The updates usually just improve certain aspects of the system. But not having them won't make it worse than it was before.

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Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

Found a way to use someones computer and updated the collar. Its working fine again now.

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Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

Gettin rediculous...It dropped reception last night and after getting dog off the tree and walking over 30 min. it still hadnt picked the collar back up...Pretty aggravating when your dogs on the leash for 1/2 hour and its showing the famous ? mark!! After turning off the system and then back on, it picked the collar up...getting hard to trust these things.

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Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

HAve another question...I have the correct batteries selected, but whats the difference anyways? Wondering if you put lithium batteries in, and leave it selected to a different type, what would it do?

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Registered: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 665

Not sure if it makes a big difference or not.I did the same thing.Did'nt know there was a setting for that.Hunting buddy showed me the setting.May make the 220 have a longer battery life."I hope".
Another Question- 2 DC-40 collars bought at the same time.1 can be tracked up to about 1 1/2 miles.The other will start dropping out at about 350 yards.Could an "update" help any of that?Or do I need to send it in? Thanks in advance.

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Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

Well with mine, when its actually picking up...it was dropping at 200 yards, but after updating the system it went back to around 900 yards. I do think i have an antena issue though, so im gonna pick up another.

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Registered: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 665

quote:

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Originally posted by Jay Bird 76
Well with mine, when its actually picking up...it was dropping at 200 yards, but after updating the system it went back to around 900 yards. I do think i have an antena issue though, so im gonna pick up another.

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GRNITECH GRCH 'PR' Stewarts Natural Okie Reb (01/12/2010 - 03/13/2014)
NITECH GRCH 'PR' Stewarts Smokey River GI Jane

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Registered: Jan 2006
Location: Northern Mn
Posts: 173

Just bought one last friday have the same problems I called garmin and they are sending me a new antenna I guess they have had problems with the dc-40 ones

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Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

Im gonna change the antena on the Astro and the collar...Not too good to have trouble with a system less than a year old. Something this expensive should be a lot more reliable. I see from reading posts that stock most people get around 800 yards.

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Registered: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 665

quote:

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Originally posted by Jay Bird 76
Im gonna change the antena on the Astro and the collar...Not too good to have trouble with a system less than a year old. Something this expensive should be a lot more reliable. I see from reading posts that stock most people get around 800 yards.

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GRNITECH GRCH 'PR' Stewarts Natural Okie Reb (01/12/2010 - 03/13/2014)
NITECH GRCH 'PR' Stewarts Smokey River GI Jane

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Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 566

Called Garmin and they said some of the antenas were bad...Sent it in and hope the new one will get here soon.

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Registered: Jan 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 582

Three things that will definately help extend the range and reliability of the transmitter and receiver are...

1. Install the latest updates in the receiver and collars
2. Put a tough skin antennae on the collar
3. Use a long range antennae on the receiver

Mine Garmin 220 will pick up dogs 2.5 miles in flat country and 1.5 miles in hilly country and it very rarely drops out.

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