Updating an Astro 320

[terrym]

My new English Setter is tiny so I'm considering adding a new T5 Mini collar. Problem is they say the handheld needs a software update to link the newcollar. I'm still running on the original software in fear of having my 320 be disabled within Canada as has been rumoured. Has anybody updated their 320's in Canada to confirm the software updates don't disable our units?

[werner.reiche]

How small is tiny? I use the normal sized 320 collar on an 18 lb beagle. Had to cut the collar strap shorter though.

There are others on here that have updated their 320 firmware and they still work - I'm sure they'll chime in. I've never had a need to update mine.

[terrym]

She's a tiny female Setter. Very small neck. You are right some members have pm'd me that updating is no longer a problem. I also still run the original software. Part of the problem is I also run an ecollar while hunting. I'm thinking about changing that though. The Astro buzzes on point but it's nice having the beep when they lock up in crazy thick cover.

[bodycount]

Terrym I have updated my 2 alphas 10 collars and my drive track this month and have had no issues with it. its all a bunch of BS that updating Garmin units will make it not work in Canada

[green_head]

Yep no worries with updating. I believe there have been such updates for units used in Europe but the US ones are good to go.

[ninepointer]

How small is tiny? I use the normal sized 320 collar on an 18 lb beagle. Had to cut the collar strap shorter though.

There are others on here that have updated their 320 firmware and they still work - I'm sure they'll chime in. I've never had a need to update mine.

Werner, how much range have you been getting? Where we hunt I've been getting between 700 - 1600 metres depending on terrain.

[werner.reiche]

Pretty good to 1000 yards. Spotty beyond that. Terrain is a big deal. If you are in a hole it can be less than 1000. Most of our hunting is up on crown land. Lots of big hills.

[jaycee]

Werner, how much range have you been getting? Where we hunt I've been getting between 700 - 1600 metres depending on terrain.

They get more range, if you use the external magnetic mount antennae.

[werner.reiche]

I tried a long range antennae that replaces the one on the receiver - it was only a couple of inches longer than the stock one but was considerably worse. I don't use my astro from the truck - it's on foot in the bush - and I can't see carrying the mag mount one with me. When the dog goes out of range on me, I can always relocate it by heading in the direction it was travelling and finding a big hill. Where the hilly terrain is the problem, I'm not sure that a longer antennae is the answer.

[ninepointer]

I tried a long range antennae that replaces the one on the receiver - it was only a couple of inches longer than the stock one but was considerably worse. I don't use my astro from the truck - it's on foot in the bush - and I can't see carrying the mag mount one with me. When the dog goes out of range on me, I can always relocate it by heading in the direction it was travelling and finding a big hill. Where the hilly terrain is the problem, I'm not sure that a longer antennae is the answer.

I wonder if your extended range antenna was defective? I have the short Garmin antenna, the long Garmin and a slightly longer aftermarket long antenna. I can't say if the aftermarket antenna is any better, but its no worse.

I'm also experimenting with a truck-mount antenna on my ATV, but I've recently learned that "ground plane" (or lack of it) on an ATV might be an issue.