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Single Blink or Flash on T5 or TT15 Dog Tracking Collars
When first powered on, Garmin dog tracking collars emit a single blink or flash to indicate it is searching for a satellite signal. During this process, you may notice that a particular collar is not tracking properly and appears with a "?" on the screen of your handheld device. This is normal and means that the collar has not yet locked onto the satellite signal. Make sure that the collar is relatively stationary and outside with a clear view of the sky will ensure satellite acquisition in a timely manner. As it connects, the collar will progress to a double flash to indicate that it has acquired a signal, and finally a triple flash indicating a strong satellite signal.
If the collar continues to emit only a single flash refer to the sections below for troubleshooting steps:
Visual Inspection of Collar
- First, it may be a good idea to clean the collar. You can refer to the video below for basic guidelines on how to properly clean off any mud, dirt, or other debris:
- Once clean, inspect the collar module and GPS module (if applicable) for any cracks or other physical damage
- Remove the collar strap and examine the embedded wire that runs from the GPS receiver to the collar module, paying particular attention to the areas highlighted in the images below:
- For a more detailed inspection, remove the small collar plate and check for damage or frays where the GPS receiver wire enters the collar module itself, as shown in the picture below:
If there is physical damage to the collar module, the smaller GPS receiver module, or the embedded wire (if applicable), the unit will need to be repaired or replaced.
If no damage is visible, continue to the next section of this FAQ.
Software Update:
If the collar is not damaged, the next step in troubleshooting signal issues would be updating the collar's software. Click the corresponding link below to get update instructions for your specific collar.
After updating the collar's software, check to see if the unit will now acquire satellite signal by powering it on and leaving it outside with a clear view of the sky for up to 20 minutes. If the single blink persists, continue to the next section of this FAQ.
Master Reset
The last troubleshooting step is to try a master reset.
After performing the master reset, check to see if the unit will now acquire satellite signal by powering it on and leaving it outside with a clear view of the sky for up to 20 minutes. If the single blink persists, continue to the next section of this FAQ.
If, after completing these troubleshooting steps, the collar won't connect to the GPS satellite signal and won't display a double or triple flash the unit will need to be repaired.