Alpha 200 GPS in Ontario?

[Flyguy]

Any of y'all running the Garmin Alpha 200 collars in Ontario? I really want to buy one but I've seen sources that say the collar doesn't work in Canada, and others say it does. Alot of conflicting info so I'm hoping someone on here can give me an answer. Thanks

[BDH]

Any of y'all running the Garmin Alpha 200 collars in Ontario? I really want to buy one but I've seen sources that say the collar doesn't work in Canada, and others say it does. Alot of conflicting info so I'm hoping someone on here can give me an answer. Thanks

The Alpha 200 will work in Canada, like the Alpha 100. The issue the Canadian government has not given approval for the frequency the Alpha units use. That said no Canadian distributor of Garmin will be able to sell to you a Alpha unit. Like wise most USA distributors will not ship direct to Canada. Updates of equipment can be done from Canada computers.

The reason the Canadian government has not given approval for the frequency evolves around some emergency units have antiquated equipment still in use an the Alpha units may interfere with them if used in close proximity .

The decision for you to use is yours. Chances of getting caught using are similar to buying a lottery ticket.

[Marker]

^ as said above, mine worked fine.

[Flyguy]

Thanks for the replies guys, I figured it would be fine but just thought I would double check before dropping all that dough. After doing some more research I think I'm gonna go with the pro 550+. I live half an hour from the MN border so I shouldnt have an issue getting my hands on one☺️

[Dakota Creek]

Another option - SportDOG TEK ….. legal in Canada.

[lucky07]

I've heard that Garmin had put a geo lockout in the updates so that if you update the software/firmware and then try to use it in canada it won't work. How true that is I don't know because if it ain't broke don't fix it, so ours aren't getting updated. Not taking the risk.

They run on MURS frequencies which aren't legal to use in Canuckistan. Main problem is some volunteer fire departments use frequencies close to these. Hardly a problem though and that much of that antiquated equipment has slowly being replaced lately.

[Flyguy]

I've heard that Garmin had put a geo lockout in the updates so that if you update the software/firmware and then try to use it in canada it won't work. How true that is I don't know because if it ain't broke don't fix it, so ours aren't getting updated. Not taking the risk.

They run on MURS frequencies which aren't legal to use in Canuckistan. Main problem is some volunteer fire departments use frequencies close to these. Hardly a problem though and that much of that antiquated equipment has slowly being replaced lately.

Yeah I heard the same thing, which had me kinda worried. But I have asked this question on a couple forums and so far I have yet to have anyone come forward and confirm the geolocking software. I'm going to take the risk and buy the 550+ and if it doesn't work then I'll sell it to someone in the states I guess.

[Flyguy]

Posting just in case anyone was interested.
Recieved my Garmin pro 550+ today and the GPS functions seem to be working just fine. Not sure why there's so much talk about the geolocking software but I'm glad it works!

[finsfurfeathers]

good to hear keep us posted on your adventures