Description:
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Garmin Astro 220 GPS Dog Tracking System
The Astro system has two components: the dog's transmitter (called the DC 20) and the user's handheld receiver (named the Astro 220). The DC 20 is mounted into a lightweight neoprene harness that straps to the dog's collar, around its chest, and behind its front legs. Users can also thread the unit directly onto a standard one-inch collar (a third-party e-collar is recommended for proper mounting) so that the unit fits on the back of the dog's neck.
The system requires very little configuration straight out of the box. Once the transmitter and receiver acquire a GPS signal, the receiver automatically lets users know the location of their dog. Unlike existing radio telemetry collars, the Astro features a dog page that shows the precise direction and distance to a dog - even indicating if it is running, sitting, on point, or treeing quarry - and does it all without the annoyance of beeper collars.
The Astro also has a map page to illustrate where a dog is and where it has been in relation to the hunter - and allows hunters to determine if they have covered nearby ground. For even more detail, hunters can download their waypoints and tracks - as well as their dogs' tracks - to MapSource(R) or Motionbased.com(TM) for analysis on topo maps or Google Earth after the hunt.
The Astro can track up to ten dogs per receiver at once, and the collar gives location updates as often as every five seconds. In flat, unobstructed terrain, the Astro transmitter and receiver have an effective range of up to five miles. Battery life is 17 hours on the rechargeable collar and greater than 20 hours on the receiver, which is powered by two AA batteries.
Besides being a state-of-the-art dog tracking device, the Astro is also a full-featured handheld GPS based on the GPSMAP(R) 60CSx - Garmin's flagship outdoor navigator with a sunlight-readable color display and a highly sensitive GPS receiver that works even under a thick tree canopy or in deep canyons. So when the hunting season is over, the Astro can pull double-duty for hiking, boating, or car trips.
The Astro has a card slot that allows users to insert optional pre-programmed topo maps or road maps, which can be invaluable in an unfamiliar area. Topo maps give hunters an idea of the most productive areas to hunt, while road maps feature the same basic functions as an automotive GPS navigation unit - even in rural areas. The optional road map data can also give directions to motels, gas stations, restaurants, and even veterinarians.
The Astro also calculates area, which is ideal for determining the acreage of a piece of property or the exact size of a food plot. The unit has location-specific sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset tables (ideal for determining legal hunting hours) and a hunting and fishing calendar that suggests the best times to be out in the field.
The Astro GPS Dog Tracking System includes a DC 20 transmitter, Astro 220 receiver, harness, user's manual, power/data cables, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, and a carrying case. Additional transmitters and receivers are sold separately. For an interactive demo of the Astro GPS Dog Tracking System, visit http://www.garmin.com/astro
Technical Details
Handheld GPS device tracks your dog up to 5-miles away
3-axis compass works regardless of orientation and shows dog's location
Shows dog's status, such as running, sitting, on point or treeing quarry
Includes barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, celestial information and an area calculator
Rugged construction has an IPX7 waterproof exterior, requires DC 20 transmitter to operate
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The GPS uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, that enable GPS receivers to determine their current location, the time, and their velocity including direction.
More Information:
Garmin Official Site of the Garmin Astro 220 GPS Dog Tracking System
Garmin Astro 220 GPS Dog Tracking System
Garmin Astro 220 GPS Dog Tracking for your Hunting Dogs
Garmin Astro GPS Dog Tracking System onGPSNOW
Garmin Astro 220 GPS Dog Tracking System Reviews on CNET Reviews
Review of the New 2008 Garmin Astro 220 GPS -- Dog Tracking System
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