Garmin Alpha 100 and Garmin Astro 430 are just two of the well-known collars of Garmin. These devices are both trackers that are quite similar which are therefore almost always compared between each other. We love doing the job of breaking down the similarities and differences between “the same” products to get you out of the confusion, therefore, we made this Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 430 comparison for you.
Garmin Alpha 100 is a GPS device that can track multitudes of dogs at once and is also a remote training device at the same time. The Garmin Astro 430 is one of the newly improved additions to the many dog GPS tracking systems of the Garmin brand but this is specifically designed for sporting dogs.
Main Purpose
Combination of tracking plus remote training features
Range
Ranges up to 4 miles with TT15 mini but ranges up to 9 miles with TT15 collar
No. of dogs tracked
Ability to track 20 dogs and up
Compatibility
Works perfectly with BaseCamp software as well as Highly compatible with Garmin DriveTrack 70 LMT
Maps
Maps available includes preloaded TOPO US 100k maps
Additional Features
Training collar and different training modes
Garmin Alpha 100
Main Purpose
Combination of tracking plus remote training features
Range
Ranges up to 4 miles with TT15 mini but ranges up to 9 miles with TT15 collar
No. of dogs tracked
Ability to track 20 dogs and up
Compatibility
Works perfectly with BaseCamp software as well as Highly compatible with Garmin DriveTrack 70 LMT
Maps
Maps available includes preloaded TOPO US 100k maps
Additional Features
Training collar and different training modes
Garmin Alpha 100 VS Garmin Astro 430
Design
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100 has a black finish with a 3-inch colored touchscreen display, with a dimension of 1.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches (LxWxH).
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100 has a black finish with a 3-inch colored touchscreen display, with a dimension of 1.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches (LxWxH).
GPS Features and Real-time Location
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100 is integrated with GLONASS positioning system which improves the performance of its GPS tracking system on whichever type of terrain you are located in. With this technology, you can see the real-time GPS data even if you are in a place where there are no cell phone service and internet connection.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100 is integrated with GLONASS positioning system which improves the performance of its GPS tracking system on whichever type of terrain you are located in. With this technology, you can see the real-time GPS data even if you are in a place where there are no cell phone service and internet connection.
Dog Training and Control Features
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100, as mentioned earlier, is not only a tracking device but also a perfect gadget for training your sporting or hunting dogs. It is because this device is combined with Tri-Tronics® electronic training technology for dogs which uses different training features such as momentary and continuous stimulations while having a wide range of intensity at the same time. This device also gives off vibration and tone alerts. There are also two options of stimulation modes to choose from, which can make your training journey even more easily customizable. While you can progressively increase more stimulation from levels 1 to 18 in the linear stimulation, the traditional one lets you make quick changes, whether low, medium, or high, given a predetermined level of stimulation.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100, as mentioned earlier, is not only a tracking device but also a perfect gadget for training your sporting or hunting dogs. It is because this device is combined with Tri-Tronics® electronic training technology for dogs which uses different training features such as momentary and continuous stimulations while having a wide range of intensity at the same time. This device also gives off vibration and tone alerts. There are also two options of stimulation modes to choose from, which can make your training journey even more easily customizable. While you can progressively increase more stimulation from levels 1 to 18 in the linear stimulation, the traditional one lets you make quick changes, whether low, medium, or high, given a predetermined level of stimulation.
Activity / Fitness Tracker Features
Garmin Alpha 100 While Garmin Alpha 100 combines the tracking feature and dog training technology, Garmin Astro 430, on the other hand, only has an only-tracking system as its main feature. But this is not all bad news because it still has almost all the features the Garmin Alpha 100 has. With the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery of both of these handheld devices, you will be able to see not only highly-detailed maps of roads and terrains, parking spaces, and buildings, but also lakes, rivers, and streams, and also tree lines. This device also gives you all the data you need about the state of your dog, their distance from you, and it also measures your dogs’ speed and distance traveled.
Garmin Alpha 100
While Garmin Alpha 100 combines the tracking feature and dog training technology, Garmin Astro 430, on the other hand, only has an only-tracking system as its main feature. But this is not all bad news because it still has almost all the features the Garmin Alpha 100 has. With the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery of both of these handheld devices, you will be able to see not only highly-detailed maps of roads and terrains, parking spaces, and buildings, but also lakes, rivers, and streams, and also tree lines. This device also gives you all the data you need about the state of your dog, their distance from you, and it also measures your dogs’ speed and distance traveled.
Other Technologies Used
Garmin Alpha 100 Alpha 100 is preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps. It also has a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, and a hunter-to-hunter position reporting with added messaging capability. You also have an option to set up virtual parameters on the map so that the device can send you alerts whenever your pup leaves your predetermined geofence. With the Bluetooth connectivity, Alpha 100 can be connected with your DriveTrack70. Just take note that to be able to see your dog listed on the screen, you have to make sure that your collars are turned on and triple blinking.
Garmin Alpha 100
Alpha 100 is preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps. It also has a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, and a hunter-to-hunter position reporting with added messaging capability. You also have an option to set up virtual parameters on the map so that the device can send you alerts whenever your pup leaves your predetermined geofence. With the Bluetooth connectivity, Alpha 100 can be connected with your DriveTrack70. Just take note that to be able to see your dog listed on the screen, you have to make sure that your collars are turned on and triple blinking.
Battery Life
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100 uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and lasts around 10 to 20 hours with normal use, and can sometimes last up to 24 hours depending on your settings. This device showcases a Rescue Mode that allows you to extend its battery life which slows down the update rate of its ping from every 2.5 seconds down to every 2 minutes, while Astro 430 also features the same.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100 uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and lasts around 10 to 20 hours with normal use, and can sometimes last up to 24 hours depending on your settings. This device showcases a Rescue Mode that allows you to extend its battery life which slows down the update rate of its ping from every 2.5 seconds down to every 2 minutes, while Astro 430 also features the same.
The Winner: Garmin Alpha 100
Although the Astro 430 has a longer range than the Alpha 100 because it does not have the training system anymore that is used to communicate with the collar, the Alpha 100 would be a much better choice for all the dog trainers out there, as the Garmin Astro 430 is a tracking-system-only handheld device but the Garmin Alpha 100 is a track-and-train-system device.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you found this comparison helpful and decided on buying Garmin Alpha 100, I would highly appreciate if you use my referral link for purchasing. I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. It will keep me motivated to buy expensive dog gadgets, properly test them and provide unbiased reviews.
There are more models in Garmins selection, e.g. recently announced 200i model so make sure to check our long read about all dog Garmin tracking systems.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. 2023-05-19
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