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A Comparison of the Alpha 200i and the Alpha 100
The following article is for an experienced Alpha® 100 dog tracking handheld user to compare and understand the features and use of the Alpha® 200i handheld.
Basics
Differences in Starting a New Hunt
The Start New Hunt feature has always been used to:
Clear any previous dog tracks
Mark your current location at the start of the hunt
The Alpha 200i handheld adds several new features to the Start New Hunt tool:
New Feature: Activate and Deactivate Dog and Tracked Devices
For hunters that run multiple dogs, the Alpha 200i handheld allows you to Activate and Deactivate the dogs in the list and tracked handheld contacts
A deactivated device is still paired into the system, but hidden from the tracking list, map, and compass
Deactivating is useful, for example, if you have dogs left at home (or not on the hunt). It hides the persistent unconnected "Question Mark (?)" alerts
New Feature: Hunt Metrics
Hunt Metrics shows overall distances traveled and times elapsed. This can give the hunter a general idea of their dogs' performance and to know if it is time to pick up the dogs when they are spent.
Map Use Differences
Map use on the Alpha 100 and Alpha 200i handhelds is very similar; however, the Map menu and settings structures are significantly different.
Most settings and commands have been re-distributed into new and different sub-menu commands
Showing and Hiding Birdseye Satellite imagery has changed
The menu option to "Declutter Map on/off" has been removed. Now, there is a map layer control on the left part of the screen
Dog Compass
There is a new way to view the Dog Tracking Compass called ProView.
ProView Compass adds:
Ability to see up to four tracked devices per page
Swipe up and down on the screen to show the additional tracked devices
New larger fonts, directional arrow, and dog statuses such as sitting, running, pointing, or treeing
Tap any item for its detailed Information Page
New horizontal compass to give the direction the handheld is pointing
Dog List / Tracked Device List
The Alpha 200i handheld has a completely redesigned Dog List; it is now called the Tracked Device List.
The Tracked Device List includes not only the Dog List, but also the Tracked Handhelds/Contacts List, and the Group Management control:
Easily see the radio status of all your tracked devices:
ID number
Battery level
Radio Communication and GPS signal strength
Tap any item for its Info Page for deeper menu controls
The ID sharing functions and codes
Adjust the collar beacon light
Activate or deactivate an individual dog or handheld
Assign the device to a different group
Switching Between Dogs and Training Commands
The Alpha 200i handheld has a different way of switching from one dog's Training Keys and page, to another. Instead of having on screen left and right arrows to tap, there is now a touchscreen free method of pressing the Navigation Keys on the right side of the device. Also, when the Training Command is revealed, these buttons can adjust the intensity up and down.
GPS Tools
BirdsEye Direct vs BirdsEye Subscription
The Alpha 200i handheld has a method for downloading satellite imagery via Wi-Fi called BirdsEye Direct.
BirdsEye Direct is a free to use service for the Alpha 200i handheld:
There is no need for any subscription
The process is done within the BirdsEye Direct tool on the home screen of the Alpha 200i handheld
Allows you to select areas on the map
Adjust the image quality/file size
Manage other aspects of the image file like saving to internal storage or microSD card
There are differences and some limitations for BirdsEye Direct:
This does not involve a computer or BaseCamp™ software; BirdsEye Direct downloads do not save in BaseCamp software
BirdsEye Direct images do not interface/display on a separate computer while the Alpha 200i handheld is in BaseStation mode
Track Controls - My Track
Managing the tracks has become easier on the Alpha 200i handheld.
The new Track Manager > My Track interface has four tabs along the top of the page:
Track Recording Controls: This allows you to start and stop the track, save the track, delete the track, shows time elapsed, and distance covered
Track Information: Shows more information about the track, change color, and show/hide toggle the track
Map: To see an overview of the entire track from start to finish, Initiate TracBack® feature to calculate a route to get back where you came from
Elevation Plot: showing a graphical review of your ascent and descent data over time
Where To? and Navigation Tools
The Alpha 200i handheld has conveniently reorganized the Navigation tools into one app on the home screen.
Home screen > Navigation:
Where To? (Route to waypoints, coordinates, cities...etc.)
The Compass Utility
Route Planner
Trip computer
Power Button-Click Status Menu
The Alpha 200i handheld has redesigned the Power-Button-Click menu layout.
Check your handheld's battery level, GPS strength, Back-light control and Time of Day
The touchscreen lock is much easier and more intuitive to use
The training buttons lock is now a separate control
"My ID" allows you to turn your own handheld's contact tracking on and off. You can then assign that ID number to another tracked device.
There is a new Alerts tool to show you a history of system notifications such as:
Dog Status alerts
Battery level alerts
Communication loss alerts and many others
If you subscribe to the InReach satellite communications features, there is also a Messages tool to quickly check and send messages
System Settings
Main Menu / Home Screen
The differences in the Main Menu/Home Screen are intended to improve the ease of use and to only show the most used tools:
Swipe left and right through three different home screen pages
The most commonly used tools in the system are displayed prominently in the interface. The user can customize the interface, however, for individual preference
All other GPS tools in the system can be added to the home screens via Setup > Main Menu
Additional home screen pages can be added or removed
The new Status/Notifications bar allows you to quickly see the battery level, GPS strength, time of day, and system notifications
Updating System Software Via Wi-Fi
There are two ways to update the software for the Alpha 200i handheld:
Update software via Wi-Fi
Go to Setup > Wi-Fi
Garmin Express™ software: Updates both software and map updates
Training Button Customization
The Alpha 200i handheld has greatly improved the Training Button setup with a new grid-style programming interface:
Horizontal Rows represent different Training Pages you can add, remove, or change order
Customize the three training buttons with shortcuts for other commands in the system, such as: Mark a Waypoint, Track Recording Controls, and many others
Along with the normal Tone, Vibration, Continuous and Momentary Corrections, there are dozens of other possible shortcut commands that can be customized and assigned to the buttons
Communications and Smartphone App
inReach® Satellite Communication Features: Iridium Satellite Messaging, inReach Tracking, and SOS
New! The Alpha 200i handheld is now a fully functional InReach Satellite text communication device.
InReach subscription provides:
Sending and Receiving SMS text messages and emails anywhere off-grid
inReach tracking feature allows your friends and family members to view your tracking progress from a computer or mobile device's internet browser. The subscriber is provided their own dedicated URL to share with family and friends.
The Alpha 200i handheld has a dedicated SOS button that sends a location tagged message to Garmin Response™ center to get help in an emergency
Bluetooth and the Garmin Explore™ App for Android and iOS Tablets and Smartphones
New! The Alpha 200i handheld is able to Bluetooth pair to a compatible mobile device using the Garmin Explore App.
The Garmin Explorer App has many features:
See the live position for you and your dogs showing the dog names, distances, and status changes
Display thicker track lines when the dogs are chasing game
Download and use different maps to view on the smartphone app itself (aerial imagery and topography)
Trip planning tools: mark waypoints, view tracks, and create routes
Review and replay the Hunt Activities
When subscribed to the InReach Satellite communication features, the Garmin Explore app provides additional messaging and tracking functionality. You can message within the Garmin Explore App on a larger and easier to use keyboard interface, trigger an SOS, and start LiveTrack tracking.
Works with both Android and iOS
NOTE: Not all Alpha 200i handheld tools and features will display in the Garmin Explore App.
Features on the handheld only:
The Dog List/Tracked Device List/Group Management
The Dog Tracking Compass
The Dog Training Buttons
Alpha 200i installed mapping
The Home screen and System Menus
Other GPS and Hunt Tools in the system
Also, many features of the smartphone will not send over to the Alpha 200i handheld such as notifications for other apps (phone calls, Facebook notifications, and others).
For more detailed information about the Alpha products, see the Related Content below for locating the Owner's Manual as well as for finding other Garmin Support Center FAQ Alpha Topics.