The Display of My Alpha 200 or Alpha 200i Handheld is Hard to Read in Low Light

Alpha® 200 and Alpha® 200i dog tracking handhelds use a 3.5” transflective, color TFT display that is optimized to look great in full sun as well as in the truck under headlamps. In low light, the screen may appear different from other Astro® or Alpha 100 handheld screens. The Alpha 200 handheld is improved over earlier Garmin dog tracking handheld models in direct sunlight situations. 

Below you will find tips for improving the readability in low light. 

Adjusting Screen Backlight Brightness

For low light situations, we recommend setting the backlight at 30% for most users. If this is not adequate adjust the backlight to a level that works best for you.

1. Press and release Power
2. Use your finger to adjust the backlight slider to the desired level

Enabling Night Mode

The Alpha 200 also has a Night Mode that can help with readability in low light situations. 

1. Select Setup
2. Select Display
3. Select Appearance
4. Select Mode
5. Select a mode:
   • Day - For standard viewing
   • Night - For an inverted color display more easily read at night
   • Auto - Will switch between Day and Night Modes at sunrise and sunset automatically

Adjusting Day Color and Night Color

Changing the Day and Night Color will allow you to customize to your visual preferences of highlighted menus.

1. Select Setup
2. Select Display
3. Select Appearance
4. Select Day Color or Night Color
   • Day Color - Applies when in Day Mode
   • Night Color - Applies when in Night Mode
5. Select a color

This choice will now appear in the background when you touch and hold on your selected menu item on your Alpha 200 handheld.