Garmin Astro approved for AFTCA Events

[cckgundogs]

The American Field has approved the Garmin Astro for use in trials. They are allowing use for 5 months and are going to re-evauluate at the end of the 5 months.This is a step in the right direction and as long as no one abuses the use of it, I would think it will be approved permanently.This means we should be able to use them for any American Field Sanctioned event. Now we need to get the AKC on board.

[lvrgsp]

Good, I hope it does work out, now if they will include they put the astro on the scouts as well, all will be just swell.

Just my opinion,

Chip

[Neil Mace]

Slight correction, the Astro is approved for FDSB/AF Open trials, but has not been approved by AFTCA for amateur trials.

AFTCA will have a determination at their spring meeting (May?) and AKC should decide by next month.

Neil

[DGFavor]

Not sure I understand a transmitter on the scouts deal. Have the judges stare at the GPS as they ride along keeping track of the scouts?? Have the marshall monitor the players?? Use it to find the scout in case they have an accident?? Handcuff it to 'em so it doesn't "fall off"?? Tamper proof 'em so the batteries don't "just fall out"?? Download where the scout has been and where the dog has been at the end of the brace and make some judgements based on that?

IMO, they don't need to be on the scouts. Use 'em to recover dogs lost from the game just like we use telemetry systems.

[lvrgsp]

I agree Doug, It was my feable attempt at humor, surely scouts would'nt go chase a backcasting dog down, return it to the front, hoping the judges never saw it now would they?
Chip

[DGFavor]

Haha, oh OK man! I've had about my belly full of field trialing as it is and that was gonna push me over the edge!!

[lvrgsp]

Nope, no need to jump just yet.......
Chip

[Tejas]

I spoke to an AKC rep at a hunt test this weekend regarding approval of the Astro. He replied that it was still under discussion. He noted that it seems the collar unit is actually heavier than advertised and exceeds the current weight limitation. He further stated that the AKC was in discussions with American Field and that the AKC decision would possibly be influenced by American Fields decision.

[phermes1]

I could see that. While it's much smaller than the previous version, it still looks bigger than what is currently approved. After seeing one firsthand, I was frankly surprised at its stated weight.

[Elroy's Bandit]

Neil,
Why not in the amatuer trials? Just wondering. It would seem if the anything , the use of this new technology would be put to it's best use at that level.
Bill L.

[Dave Quindt]

Why not in the amatuer trials? Just wondering.

Bill, amateur events held at most American Field trials fall under the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA). The AFTCA has not yet approved the Garmin for use; as a result it is banned until the next AFTCA meeting.

This does not apply to AF-sanctioned amateur events run under the NGSPA, as the NGSPA is not a member of the AFTCA.

As it stands today, the only place that the Garmin can be used is American Field Open stakes run directly under American Field rules. And event that's on a temporary basis. You can't use a Garmin at an AFTCA amateur stake or any AKC stake.

FYI,
Dave

[Neil Mace]

Dave is right, but add to the list US Complete, NBHA, ABHA, and other FDSB/AF Non-AFTCA groups that so wish.

First I have heard that it exceeds the weight limits, Garmin sure says it meets the specs.

I believe that weight is a red herring, as the new T-T G-2 e-collar weighs only 2.3 ounces, so I would think the heavier it is the less likely a dog would think it an e-collar.

AFTCA is worried about cheating, not weight,

Neil

[Elroy's Bandit]

Bill, amateur events held at most American Field trials fall under the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA). The AFTCA has not yet approved the Garmin for use; as a result it is banned until the next AFTCA meeting

So it isn't really about "amateur events" as much as it is about the organization(AFTCA) ?
Bill L.

[Dave Quindt]

Bill, amateur events held at most American Field trials fall under the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA). The AFTCA has not yet approved the Garmin for use; as a result it is banned until the next AFTCA meeting

So it isn't really about "amateur events" as much as it is about the organization(AFTCA) ?
Bill L.

Yes, that is correct.

[Elroy's Bandit]

Thanks for the clarification!
Bill L.

[jurso]

Still, this is a Godsend for those of us that DONT have scouts coming with us to the trials..

Is there anyone out there that goes solo to run thier dogs? I mean once in a while I can con a buddy to go and scout for me, but most of the time Im on my own, and either begging a gallery person to scout for me, or just going it on my own..
After all, if you need a scout, doesnt that mean you dont trust your dog to stay out in front?

[muckmuck]

The only question I have is how are the judges going to control use during the competition? As I understand it technically the judges are supposed to have possesion of the tracking device reciever and once he gives it to you your dog is done. The Astro reciever is a much smaller and less obvious to use device and multiple recievers can pick up the same collar, and where it would be purdy obvious for a scout to locate the dog with a traditional tracker it doesn't seem like it would be that hard to sneek a peek when out on the flanks using the Astro.

Max

[jurso]

Eliminate the Scouting function! And the Gallery stays behind the handler that is farthest back for the entire brace.. Period!! If your dog goes on point a mile off course, Too Bad.. The dogs are supposed to be in front of the handler, if he cant control his/her dog from goin off to the side, then that dog shouldnt be in contention anyway.. Just my opinion, but the GPS shouldnt come into play UNLESS the handler asks for the reciever to find to find the dog.. That dog then is out of contention and the judge/gallery move along.