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astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:18 am
by TM964x4
So I've used my astro about four times now and everytime I use it'll lose signal with one of the collars. I've just updated it and the next day it lost signal between 10 and 15 times and would take 5 to ten minutes to recover. Any ideas on what the problem could be? Thanks

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:16 pm
by Neil
Nope, this is strange and I have not heard of it.

I think you need to call the 800 number for tech support, other than the long wait on hold I have found them most helpful.

Are you sure you have the signal when you turn both units on? Follow the quick start guide to be sure.

Neil

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:47 am
by Az Draht
What software revision did you update to?

Did you update the collar as well as the receiver? A lot of people don't realize it is a separate step to update the collar.

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 8:11 am
by TM964x4
The collar is connecting with the astro it just will lose signal. It started happening around 450 yds. I updated the collars and the astro with the newest version garmin had. Thank you for your help

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:29 am
by Neil
TM964x4 wrote:The collar is connecting with the astro it just will lose signal. It started happening around 450 yds. I updated the collars and the astro with the newest version garmin had. Thank you for your help

Both the Garmin and all telemetry work on line of sight for the radio signals.

I did not understand before.

You need one of the long range antennas, either the hand held or the car mounted one.

Still 450 is a bit short, unless you are in really hilly country or there are obstructions, so I may still be wrong.

Neil

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:20 pm
by Dave Quindt
Neil,

There is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence of problems with the DC40, that are not being seen with the DC30.

Here's a recent thread from another board describing one users' problems:
http://www.uplandjournal.com/cgi-bin/ik ... =4;t=60730

FWIW,
Dave

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 2:39 pm
by buckshot
Yep...........Problems with the DC40 with the coon hunters, beaglers, and etc..........seen more negative than positive on the 40's.

Issue around water with them.....Garmin rep told beagler not use around water -- huh????????????

If I had to chose between a 30 and 40 today, it would be the 30.

I have a friend that has a supply store and he has on his site, the negative info on them and warnings - He will call someone if they order one to verbally tell them about the issues before processing the order so they know of the issues with the 40 -- some want one regardless of all the negative reviews on them.

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 5:44 pm
by EnglishBob
I have a DC30 and a DC40. The couple of times I've used them together side by side the DC40 has picked up the satellite signal much quicker than the DC30. Haven't seen the connection problems that other have mentioned with the newer collar, but it's still pretty early.

New charging system is much better. I was initially attracted to the idea of having an eCollar and the GPS together on a single collar. After trying this out I'm not 100% sure I like the idea as much. Main reason is I like the idea of using the eCollar independently, but you really need to use a plastic tie wrap on the rubber antenna to keep it upright, and this stops you being able to slip the eCollar on and off easily.

My young pup found the only mud hole on the mountain when we went grouse hunting recently. :roll: He face planted head first into the mud. DC40 didn't have any problems with the mud that I could see.

Phil

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 8:31 pm
by Pointers_31
Can you run a DC40 and a DC30 on the same unit? I have both collars, but haven't been using the DC30.

Re: astro dc 40 issues

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 12:44 am
by Neil
Pointers_31 wrote:Can you run a DC40 and a DC30 on the same unit? I have both collars, but haven't been using the DC30.
Yes, and the old DC 20 also. The handheld is the same.

Was there a DC 10?

Neil