Garmin Alpha 200i is the newest version of the Garmin dog tracking system, which is a device for tracking and training multiple dogs at the same time. This handheld device is perfect for dog owners who specialize in dog training for hunting and other adventurous activities. This Alpha 200i features its system called inReach Iridium satellite technology which is designed to make tracking all of your puppers’ location more accurate, much faster, and reaching farther tracking distance than any other GPS tracers out there.
Table of Contents
Main Features of Garmin Alpha 200i (And Why It Costs $749)
- Integrated with inReach Iridium technology
- Sunlight-readable touchscreen
- Improved mapping and sensors
- Replaceable batteries with longer battery life (up to 20 hours; up to 15 hours if inReach enabled)
- Monitor up to 20 dogs at the same time
- 18 levels of stimulation
- Pro View Compass Mode that shows the direction and distance of your dogs
- Multi-GNSS Support (GPS and Galileo) for better and accurate tracking
- Preloaded Topoactive Maps for a more detailed view of terrain, elevations, summits, rivers, lakes, coastlines, parks, geographical points, etc.
- Downloadable Birdseye Satellite Imagery for better graphics of your trailheads, routes, clearings, etc.
- Navigation Sensors uses a barometric altimeter for accurate monitoring of ascent and descent, trends in air pressure, three-axis compass which helps keeps your bearing
- Additional mapping options such as HuntView Plus and TOPO
- Two-way text messaging with other devices with inReach technology
- Interactive SOS in case of emergency for 24/7 monitoring and response
- Track and share your location with your friends or family at home or in the field
- Uses 100% Global Iridium Satellite Network, therefore, no need to rely on mobile coverage
Pros and Cons of Garmin Alpha 200i
PROS
- The device is integrated with inReach technology
- A sunlight-readable and a larger touchscreen
- A new feature includes compass pro view
- Customizable top front buttons to avoid using touchscreens
- Top and side buttons which are helpful for easy access to other functions of the device
- Compatible with TT15 and TT15 mini, and T5 and T5 mini collars
CONS
- Price
- Requires satellite subscription for the inReach technology
How does Garmin 200i Work and Who Is It For?
Garmin Alpha 200i works both as a tracking device and a training device at the same time; It is not only designed to locate your dogs while in the field and tell you what they are doing, but also gives you the ability to give commands and train from the handheld device.
This handheld gadget is specifically made for people who specialize in training a large group of dogs, and for dog owners who are into hunting with their dogs. Now, this device comes with four different combinations.
While the Alpha 200i mainly specializes for people who train dogs and hunt with them when paired with regular TT15 track-and-train collar or TT15 mini track-and-train collar, but if you are not into hunting and training, and your main purpose is for only tracking your dogs, you can get with regular T5 collar and mini T5 collar.
When Do You Need Garmin Alpha 200i?
You need Garmin Alpha 200i if you are a dog owner who loves going for a hunt with your dogs. This is a device specially made for you as it is great both for tracking them while they are out there hunting in the field while remotely training them at the same time using the handheld device.
Garmin Alpha 200i Tech Specifications
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Design
The dimension of the handheld device is 6.8 x 16.2 x 3.4 cm excluding the antenna weighing 280g with a sunlight-readable touchscreen with display size measuring 4.7 W x 7.7 H cm; 3.5 inch diag (88.9 mm), display type being color TFT transflective touchscreen, and display resolution of 282 x 470 pixels.
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Battery Life
The Garmin Alpha 200i includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 20 hours in one charging, and up to 50 hours when used with inReach technology.
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Durability
The handheld device has a waterproof rating of IPX7 which proves its durability than its predecessors.
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Connections, USB & Memory
The device is Wifi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ enabled. The Alpha 200i device’s memory history is up to 16GB and has a slot for microSD card but it is not included upon purchase. The interface uses high-speed USB. The wifi compatibility allows you to download BirdsEye data directly to the device and update its software without the need to connect to your PC.
Garmin Alpha 200i General Features
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Integrated inReach Technology
Garmin Alpha 200i features this inReach Satellite Technology that we consider the best addition to Garmin’s Track and Train devices. With this communication technology, it enables you to send and receive text messages to phones even if you are out of any cellular services, and this is because the messages go through the Iridium Satellite network. You also have the option to add other location information and/or share your tracking with your family, friends, and hunting buddies.
You also have the option to connect the Alpha 200i handheld device to your smartphone using the Explore app which will make it easier for you to use the features of their inReach communication technology.
This device also allows you to send SOS to contact medical professionals in case of any emergencies. The SOS button is on the side but with cover to prevent accidentally pressing the button.
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Maps
Garmin Alpha 200i uses a TOPO map that is already preloaded in its system. You also have the option to add maps and because this handheld is compatible with wifi, it allows you to download BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to the device without the need of using your PC. But the good news is, unlike the past Garmin devices, subscription is not required for you to be able to download and use BirdsEye Direct on the Alpha 200i.
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Hunting and Tracking with the Garmin Alpha System
This device gives you the ability to perform different tasks while hunting. It allows you to mark your truck’s location so it will be easier for you to navigate back when you wander too far from your starting point. The Active Hunt Metrics also shows you not only the distance travelled and hunt time of each of your dogs with paired collar devices, but also your all your dogs’ statuses such as barking, point, and treed.
The Alpha 200i allows you to track up 20 dogs in one device, very convenient especially if you are a dog trainer and hunter. It can monitor all of them for up to a distance of 14.5 km which has an update rate of 2.5 seconds, although the distance will depend on the dog device you are using.
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Dashboards, Dog Display & Profiles
The Garmin Alpha 200i now features the main menu interface and can display 12 items in it. It is easily customizable as you can add and remove functions in the main menu for easier navigation. It also features a compass screen which also shows not only a compass but also your vehicle, and other handhelds with the dogs you are tracking.
This device also now has two pro view options of the compass screen; one view option can show four dogs at the same time including their distance and direction, and the second view option is the individual dog view which displays one dog at a time so it can be easier for you to read.
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Rescue Mode & Wireless Sharing
The Garmin Alpha 200i also has a Rescue Mode which if enabled, lets you conserve the battery life at a longer time and lets you track your dogs when they get past the device’s range.
Is it worth it to purchase Garmin Alpha 200i?
Absolutely, yes, especially if you are mainly going to use the device for hunting and training dogs as this is the best device for such purposes. We think that all the new and improved features of the Garmin Alpha 200i greatly compliments the high cost of the product and the subscription. We also included Garmin Alpha 200i in our list of the best GPS trackers for dogs.
Garmin Alpha 200i Compared To Competitors And Other Garmin Collars
Conclusion
We know how expensive the Garmin Alpha 200i costs but because of all the additional features, you will forget how much it cost you because it will save you money in the long run. One reason is mainly that not only does it already feature a built-in TOPO map, but also allows you to download additional BirdsEye directly to the device via wifi. The inReach communication technology is a sweet additional feature for this device as it lets you send text messages even without any cellular network present, which in my opinion is very useful so as not to worry your family or friends and other hunting buddies when you stray away from your path or in case you get lost. I’d highly recommend you to get Garmin Alpha 200i if you consider one!
Author
Garmin Alpha 200i Final Review
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Hi Mark, am I correct that the Garmin trackers are the only ones that work in an area where there is no mobile network coverage? Thanks.
There are also Dogtra and SportDOG (a few models) but Garmin ones top of the line