Before heading out with your Alpha 200i 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.

alpha 200i bundle

Charge the Handheld and Collars

First, make sure that both the Alpha 200i and your collar(s) are properly charged.

Charging the Alpha 200

If the battery is not in your Alpha 200i handheld already, you must insert it before you can charge it.
Charging your Alpha handheld may take around 3-4 hours and should be performed at room temperature (never frozen or hot).

Charging the collars

A solid red LED indicates that the collar is charging.
A solid green LED indicates that the collar is fully charged.

Install Software Updates via Wi-Fi or With Garmin Express

Before the first use of the system (and periodically after), it is very important to install the newest possible software updates. You can update with Garmin Express, or you can enable Wi-Fi to allow for automatic software updates that download when within Wi-Fi range.

Installing Software Updates to Dog Tracking Handhelds and Compatible Collars
Connecting to a Wireless Network for Wi-Fi Updates
1. From Main Menu, select Setup
2. Select Wi-Fi
3. Select the toggle switch to enable Wi‑Fi technology
4. Select Add Network
5. Select a wireless network from the list and enter the password

The device stores the network information and connects automatically when you are in range of the network to automatically download system updates. When the update is ready, the system will prompt you with an onscreen notification to accept and install the updates

Pair Any Additional Collars You Have Purchased

After your 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

Pairing a New or Additional Collar

Make sure the collar(s) are unplugged and powered OFF
On the handheld:
1. Touch Dog List
2. Touch + Add Dog
Touch Pair Collar
Press and hold the collar Power button until it beeps twice (or about 4 -5 seconds, then let go)
- The LED on the collar should be flashing rapidly in green. It is now ready to be paired to the handheld.
Keep the collar near the handheld until the handheld gives you the keyboard screen to enter the dog’s name
After you have entered the dog’s name, touch the to indicate okay

Sharing another Hunter's dog With a Track or Train Code

If you plan to share collars from another hunter's Dog List, use a track, train, or control code from the other hunter's dog's information page. See this FAQ for steps - What are Track, Train, and Control Codes and Why Would I Use Them?

On the handheld:
1. Touch Dog List
2. Touch + Add Dog
Touch Enter Track or Control Code
Enter a track, train or control code
Touch

Download BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery (Optional)

If you are going to use BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery on your Alpha 200i:

BirdsEye Direct Imagery

BirdsEye Direct download is a preloaded service with no annual service fee for BirdsEye Satellite Imagery only. In order to use this feature, you will need to have a Wi-Fi connection on the device or a Mobile Data connection via the Garmin Explore App.

For instructions on connecting to a Wi-Fi network, review the owner's manual.

NOTE: As of mid-February 2020 we have upgraded our BirdsEye Satellite Imagery. The BirdsEye 2.0 Vivid Imagery provides newer, clearer imagery in most areas.

Things to keep in mind with BirdsEye Direct Download:

Download areas where you are going to use the satellite imagery
Download all needed imagery areas before your trip
BirdsEye Direct download imagery can only be viewed on the device it is downloaded to

NOTE: If viewing the BirdsEye images in BaseCamp, see - BirdsEye Direct Download Images Not Showing in BaseCamp

How to Download BirdsEye Direct Imagery

Select the links below for screenshots of the steps on the Alpha 200i.

1	Select BirdsEye Direct ;

2	Select Download Imagery

3	Select Locations - If choosing a location other than current location of the handheld with GPS acquisition

4	Select Name to change name from default

5	Select Detail to choose standard, high or highest-resolution

6	Select Radius to select the necessary area for the download

7	Select Download - The file size and Est Download Time will be listed below (If you have a microSD card installed, it will ask to select a storage location)

NOTE: The Alpha 200i 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.

How to Delete Unwanted BirdsEye Direct Download Images

Select BirdsEye Direct
Select the imagery to delete
Select Delete

For instructions on deleting BirdsEye Imagery downloaded with BaseCamp see Deleting BirdsEye Imagery (PC) or Deleting BirdsEye Imagery (Mac)

Activate the InReach Messaging, Personal LiveTracking, and SOS Features (Optional)

In order to use the InReach messaging, Live Track, and SOS features on the Alpha 200i, 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, is very helpful on how to use the Alpha 200i InReach features
How to Activate InReach Messaging and SOS on an Alpha 200i

Other Helpful Articles and Manual links for Customizing the Device and General Usage