If the battery must be installed in the handheld to charge.
Charging the handheld may take around 3-4 hours and should be performed at room temperature (never frozen or hot).
Select your product to confirm this information applies to you
How Do I Get Started with My Garmin Alpha 200i?
Before heading out with your Alpha® 200i dog tracking system, we recommend that you set it up and make sure it is ready to use. The following simple guide has several suggestions and video guides to get you started.
Charge the Handheld and Collars
First, make sure that both the handheld and the collar(s) are properly charged. Products containing Lithium-Ion batteries are purposely shipped with less than a full charge.
Pair Any Additional Collars You Have Purchased
After the handheld and additional dog collars are fully charged, you can and add/pair them together.
Collars will need to be Added/Paired to the handheld
TIP: Enter the dogs in the order in which you would like to most see them
Download BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery
BirdsEye Direct download is a preloaded service with no annual service fee for BirdsEye Satellite Imagery only. In order to use this feature, a Wi-Fi connection on the device or a Mobile Data connection via the Garmin Explore™ app will be needed. To use Birdseye Direct, see - Download, View, or Delete BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery on an Alpha 200 Series.
NOTE: The Alpha 200 can continue to be used while the imagery is downloading. It is important to remember to stay within range of the Wi-Fi network while downloading the imagery. If viewing the BirdsEye images in BaseCamp™ software, see - BirdsEye Direct Download Images Not Showing in BaseCamp™.
Activate the inReach® Satellite Communicator Messaging, Personal inReach Tracking, and SOS Features (Optional)
In order to use the inReach messaging, inReach tracking, and SOS features on the Alpha 200i handheld, you must activate an inReach account and service plan/subscription.
Introduction to inReach Use: Video Webinar
This link is to a 37-minute Video Webinar. Although set up for a different device, it is still very helpful on how to use the Alpha 200i inReach features.
Installing Software Updates to the Alpha 200i Handheld
Software for your Garmin Alpha 200i handheld should be kept up to date to take advantage of improvements and bug fixes. Updates are free and easy to install. There are three ways you can keep the software update. Two are automatic and the third is manual and can be done at any time.
The two methods that occur automatically are through Wi-Fi and the Garmin Explore app.
Other Helpful Articles and Manual links for Customizing the Handheld and General Usage
Adding HuntView Plus and Other Outdoor Maps on the Alpha 200i
What are Track, Train, and Control Codes and Why Would I Use Them?
Using an Alpha 200i and the Garmin Explore App Without an inReach Subscription
Setting up LiveTrack for inReach Devices in the Garmin Messenger app
Setup and Sending Check-in/Preset Messages From the Alpha 200i