Registered: Aug 2010
Location: around
Posts: 117

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I was wondering if these after market antennas for the Astro 220 are worth the money? Are they better as far as range and linging up to the dog once the garmin has been shut off? Also, where is the cheapest place to buy them?


Thanks

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Registered: Sep 2007
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2713

I've never used those type antenna's but have used the long range ones made by Garmin, the handheld and truck mount, and they are both good antenna. They greatly improve the range. I've gotten as much as 4.5 to 5 miles with the truck mount.

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Registered: Aug 2010
Location: around
Posts: 117

Thanks for the info. It looks like this antenna would have great range. Anyone use this type?

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: Stanford, KY
Posts: 37

quote:

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Originally posted by hound-hunter101
Thanks for the info. It looks like this antenna would have great range. Anyone use this type?

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Registered: Aug 2004
Location: northcarolina
Posts: 490

I have used one for 1 1/2 years & the rubber antenna will never go back on my astro.
I would guess & say the mini-antenna gives only about 15 +/-better range in normal conditions.
The signal pick-up in a vehicle is better than rubber ant. but not as good as a magnet

$25.00 ea shipped
David

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Registered: Jun 2008
Location: Jesup GA
Posts: 228

I have seen 7 of these on 7 different garmins all at the same time tracking 3 different collars with all 7 units at the same time & got no better range at all. The rubber antennas actually picked up better didn't lose signal near as often we done this because we all didn't get the better reception as advertised thought maybe it was just 1 or 2 antennas but it wasn't.

I don't not sell these nor do I think from what I have seen they are worth any money much less the $35 I paid for it.

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Registered: Aug 2010
Location: around
Posts: 117

Well I just ordered one so hopefully it works good.

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: New Paris, Indiana
Posts: 7076

I haven't used any of them and doubt I ever will. They may be all they are advertized to be but I don't need it. Now if I hunted bear or yotes or other long running game, I might have use for them but I never run out of range with my stock Garmin rubber antenna. I hunt square mile sections and my dogs seldom cross the road.

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Registered: Aug 2010
Location: around
Posts: 117

Jim the problem I have with the rubber antennas is that they are flimsy.

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: New Paris, Indiana
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Flimsy???? Mine is going on 3 years old and still original eqipment. If I can't wreck it, it is purty tough.

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Registered: Aug 2010
Location: around
Posts: 117

Well I have a garmin case and when I sit in my vehicle the rubber antenna is always wedged back and next thing I know my garmin won't pick up a signal past 200 yards. My onle conclusion is that something in that rubber antenna broke due to its flimsyness. Then again, I could be dead wrong.

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Registered: Dec 2007
Location: Hurley,Mississippi
Posts: 176

I had one it broke the first night I used it, i peaced it back together during the hunt but it fell apart an lost part of it. So I bought the truck mount antena I think its the way to go where Im from.

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: Troy Iowa
Posts: 2159

quote:

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Originally posted by Kyle McMellon
I had one it broke the first night I used it, i peaced it back together during the hunt but it fell apart an lost part of it. So I bought the truck mount antena I think its the way to go where Im from.

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Registered: May 2009
Location: Valdosta, GA
Posts: 568

Me and my buddy both had these antenna's and they got better range but they are to long and flemsy. They will break the threads inside the garmin and then you cant get over 100 yards with them. We had to send the handhelds back to garmin. Just remember that these are after market antenna's and the handheld is not designed for them. I now leave the rubber antenna on it and keep the long antenna in my pouch until they get out of range. I would advise not leaving it on the handheld.

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Registered: May 2010
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6.34 MILES & STILL PICKING UP OH BY THE WAY THAT WAS INSIDE
OF A TRUCK TOO.

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I use one, and love it! It bumped my range a lot! I place a rubber O ring in the cavity of the hand held before threading the antenna on to seal the water out "Similar to the rubber antenna" and it also adds tension to the threads so it doesn't come loose on accident. On several occasions I have let other handlers screw it onto their units, and it has always found their dogs when the rubber antenna didn't pick them up.
My unit picked a female I was hunting up UNDERGROUND last night, and most definitely saved the old girl's life!

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: Stanford, KY
Posts: 37

quote:

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Originally posted by Bodacious Britt
I have one on the way. I will let you know what type of improvements I see.

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