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Getting Started With the Alpha 10

The Alpha® 10 compact dog tracking and training device provides an easy-to-use display for seeing your dog's distance, direction, and running status. The Alpha 10 handheld features one customizable button to deliver training tone, vibration, or electronic correction when paired to a compatible track and train dog collar. The Alpha 10 handheld can pair with other Garmin devices (Garmin watches, Montana® 7xx, Tread®, and DriveTrack™ 71 GPS navigators) and the Garmin Explore™ app. The Alpha 10 handheld can track and message hunting partners via MURS radio transmission.


Charging the Device and Updating Software

Before you use your system for the first time it's important that it is fully charged.1 View the information below if you need help.

Charging the Alpha 10 Dog Tracking Handheld

  1. Lift the weather cap.
  2. Plug the small end of the supplied cable into the USB port.
    Alpha 10 Charge Port
    NOTE: (1) Represents the weather cap, and (2) is the micro USB port.
  3. Plug the other end of the cable into a USB power source.
  4. After the Alpha 10 handheld is fully charged, a full charge battery indicator will appear in the notifications bar.
    Alpha 10 Charged

1 Products containing Lithium-Ion batteries are purposely shipped with less than a full charge

Button and Key Functions

The controls for the Alpha 10 handheld are operated primarily through the thumbstick and menu button. If you need additional information on how to use them see the appropriate section below.

Using the Thumbstick

Thumbstick Button

  • The Alpha® 10 dog tracking handheld has an omnidirectional thumbstick that is used to navigate in menus and tools.
  • The thumbstick can also be clicked-in to serve as the Enter or Select key for selecting highlighted functions and options. 
  • Moving the thumbstick to the left can be used to return to the previous menu/page.

Menu Button Function

The large rectangular button on the side is the Menu button.

Menu button

  1. Pressing Menu will show the Main Menu
    • The Main Menu shows:
      • Start Hunt
      • Mark Truck
      • Add Device
      • Setup
  2. Pressing Menu again will close the Main Menu and return you to the Tracked Device List


Pairing/Adding and Sharing Dog Collar Devices

Before you can track or train your dogs you'll need to have a collar paired to your Alpha 10 dog tracking handheld. There are multiple ways you can pair a collar to your Alpha 10 handhelds, some of which are important if you're using other tracking handhelds in addition to your Alpha 10 handheld. For directions on the different options available follow choose the appropriate item below:

Pairing Your Dog Collars to the Alpha 10 Handheld

Use these steps to add collars to your Alpha® 10 dog tracking handheld. If the collars are also being used on another handheld at the same time, use either Share Codes or Receiving Wirelessly. For a list of compatible dog collar devices, see - Dog Tracking Handheld and Collar Compatibility.

Adding a Collar to an Alpha 10 Handheld

Start with the collar powered off.

  1. On the Alpha 10 handheld, press Menu to enter the Main Menu
  2. Select Add Device
  3. Select Dog
  4. Select Pair Collar
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions:
    • Press and hold the Power button on the dog collar device until you hear two beeps (around 5 seconds), and then release Power
  6. Use the keyboard to enter a dog name
  7. Select Done
  8. The collar is now paired

If a TT15, TT15 mini, TT15X, or Alpha TT25 collar was paired, the system will allow you to choose the Training setting. When the interface prompts you, use the click in on the Thumbstick to choose settings. 

Sharing Collars: Receiving a Dog Wirelessly From Another Handheld

If you are going to track dogs from another hunter's system, you can add their collars to your Alpha® 10 dog tracking handheld by using Receive Wirelessly. You must be within 30 feet of the other hunter's handheld to use this feature. For a list of compatible dog collar devices, see - Dog Tracking Handheld and Collar Compatibility.

Setting to Receive Wirelessly

  1. Press Menu to bring up the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add Device.
  3. Select Receive Shared Asset.
  4. Follow the on screen prompts to enter the Share Code provided by the other handheld.

Setting to Share Wirelessly

Select your device below:

Alpha 100 Handheld


From the Main Menu:

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select the dog you wish to share.
  3. Select Share Wirelessly.
  4. Provide either the Track Only or Track and Train Code to the Alpha 10 handheld.

Alpha 200 and Alpha 200i Handhelds


From the Main Menu:

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select the dog you wish to share.
  3. Select Menu Icon
  4. Select Share Wirelessly.
  5. Provide either the Track Only or Track and Control to the Alpha 10 handheld.

Astro 430 Handheld

From the Main Menu:

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select the dog you wish to share.
  3. Select Menu
  4. Select Share Wirelessly.
  5. Provide either the Track Only or Track and Control to the Alpha 10 handheld.

Sharing Collars: Using Dog Share Codes From Another Handheld

If you are going to track a dog collar from another hunter's tracking system, you can add their dog collar to your Alpha® 10 dog tracking handheld using the Share Code. This feature is useful if you are not standing right next to that hunter, but need to track their dog. For a list of compatible dog collar devices, see - Dog Tracking Handheld and Collar Compatibility.

Obtaining the Dog's Share Code From Your Hunting Partner's Handheld

Select your device below:

Alpha 100 Handheld

From the Main Menu:
  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select the dog you wish to share.
  3. Select Show Info.
  4. Provide either the Track Code or the Train Code to the Alpha 10 handheld.

Alpha 200 and Alpha 200i Handhelds

From the Main Menu:

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select the dog you wish to share.
  3. Provide either the Track Code or the Control Code to the Alpha 10 handheld.

Astro 430 Handheld

From the Main Menu:

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select the dog you wish to share.
  3. Select Show Info.
  4. Provide either the Track Code or the Control Code to the Alpha 10 handheld.

Entering the Share Code on Your Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press Menu to bring up the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add Device.
  3. Select Dog.
  4. Select Enter Share Code.
  5. Type in the track, training or control share code for the dog collar provided from your hunting partner's handheld.
  6. Select Done.

Basic Use In the Field

There are some basic features you may want to familiarize yourself with before beginning your first trip to the field. See the appropriate features below and directions on how to use them.

Marking Your Truck

The Alpha 10 handheld's Mark the Truck feature allows you to set that location as the truck, and view it's distance and direction back to the truck when you are out away hunting in the field.

Marking the Truck

  1. Select Menu to enter the Main Menu.
  2. Highlight and select Mark Truck..
  3. Click the Thumbstick on Mark Truck to set your current position as the Truck.
  4. Press Menu to return to the Dog Tracking list.

Removing the Saved Truck Location

  1. Open the Main Menu.
  2. Select Truck.
  3. Select Delete.

Starting a New Hunt

The Alpha 10 handheld's Start New Hunt feature allows you to start a simple timer to knowhow long the dogs have been hunting. This can give you an idea if the dogs may be spent and need to be picked up.


Starting the Timer

  1. Select Menu to enter the Main Menu.
  2. Highlight and select New Hunt.
  3. Click the Thumbstick on New Hunt to start the hunt timer.
  4. Use the Menu button to return to the Dog Tracking list.

You can return to the Main Menu at anytime to see the Hunt Timer 

Stopping the Timer

  1. Open the Main Menu.
  2. Select Hunt.
  3. Select Delete.

Adjusting the Training Key Settings

The Alpha 10 handheld features one customizable button to deliver training tone, vibration, or electronic correction when paired with a TT15 or TT15 mini track and train dog collar device. Upon initial pairing of the dog device, the system will prompt you to select the training command:

  • T is for Tone.
  • V is for Vibration.
  • C is for Continuous electronic correction.
  • M is for Momentary electronic correction.

After the dog collar device is paired and settings are initially chosen, the training and correction level settings can be adjusted at any time.

Adjusting the Training and Correction Settings on the Alpha® 10 Dog Tracking Handheld

  1. Open the Tracked Device list
  2. Highlight the dog device you want to adjust
  3. Move the thumbstick left to enter the Training Settings
  4. Move the thumbstick up or down to highlight which training feature you want (T, V, C or M)
  5. Select the training feature
    1. For Continuous and Momentary settings, highlight the stimulation intensity level and use the thumbstick to increase or decrease the level
    2. Push in on the thumbstick to save changes
  6. Move the thumbstick to the right to return to the Tracked Devices list

Sending a Message to All Tracked Contacts

The Alpha® 10 dog tracking handheld allows you to send and receive preset text messages from other Alpha series handhelds. Once paired, the other Alpha handhelds will show on your Tracked Device list along with their dog collars.

Sending a Message

You can send a preset text message to all your tracked contacts at once. The Alpha 10 handheld does not allow for individual contact messaging. It sends messages to anyone that is currently actively tracking you via VHF/MURS.
  1. From the list of Tracked Devices, move the thumbstick to the left to enter System Notifications.
  2. Select Send Message.
  3. Highlight a message to send.
  4. Push the thumbstick in to select Send.

Receiving a Message

When you are using your device and a message is received you can select the message to view it or you can move the thumbstick to the left to return to the previous screen. 
Once the notification fades you can view the previous message by viewing the System Notification page.


Viewing System Notifications (Dog Alerts, System Alerts, and Contact Messaging)

The Alpha 10 shows many types of alerts in the notifications bar.

  • Dog Movement Status Alerts
  • Bark Detection
  • Incoming Messages
  • Dog Low Battery Warning
  • Lost Communication
  • Lost GPS Warning

The notifications can be reviewed at the System Notification page.

Viewing the System Notification Page

  1. Press the menu button on the right side to open the Tracked Device list.
  2. From the Tracked Device list, move the thumbstick to the right to view the list of the notifications and alerts.
  3. Scroll through the list and highlight an item.
  4. Select an item by clicking the thumbstick for more information.

Setting Up Outdoor Watches, Tread®, Montana 7xx, and DriveTrack 7x GPS Navigators, Mobile Devices, and Contact Tracking With Other Alpha Dog Tracking Handhelds

The Alpha 10 handheld can share the tracking information from your dogs to other compatible Garmin devices. It is capable of sharing to more than one device at a time, for example you could choose to share to your watch and a Tread® navigator at the same time. For instructions on how to setup for each type of device follow the instructions below:

Viewing Dog Tracks on a Compatible Garmin Watch

The following FAQ walks through pairing the Alpha 10 handheld with a Garmin watch:  

Viewing Dog Tracks on a DriveTrack, Tread®, or Montana 7xx GPS Navigators

The Alpha 10 handheld comes ready to pair with the Garmin DriveTrack, Tread®, or Montana 7xx GPS navigators. The only step that must be done first is to pair at least one dog tracking collar to the Alpha 10 handheld, and have it actively powered on and connected. Once the collar is actively tracking on the Alpha 10 handheld it is automatically set to broadcast using Remote View.

Checking the Remote View Setting on the Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Have at least one collar actively powered on and tracking.
  2. Select the Menu key to go to the Main Menu.
  3. Select Setup.
  4. Select Remote View: On.

For steps on setting up your remote viewing device to track dogs, select your device below:

Viewing Dog Tracks on a Compatible Smartphone on the Garmin Explore App

You can view your dog tracking activity on your mobile device with the Garmin Explore™ app. The app has other helpful features, such as downloading topographic and satellite imagery maps to the mobile device, marking waypoints, reviewing previous track activities, and creating routes. 

NOTE: The Alpha® 10 does not pair to a smartphone in the phone's Bluetooth settings; it must be paired directly in the Garmin Explore app. The Alpha 10 does not pair with the Garmin Connect™ app.

Before You Begin

After downloading and opening the app, log in with your Garmin account credentials or create an account by selecting Create One and following the prompts. Only create an account if you do not already have a Garmin account.

NOTE: When prompted by the Garmin Explore app, ensure Bluetooth and Location Services are allowed and enabled.

Pairing Steps

Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.

First Time Users

  1. Install and open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

  3. If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted). If you do not already have a Garmin account, select Create Account.

  4. Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.

  5. Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).

  6. Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.

  7. Select Add Device when prompted.

    The app will then begin searching for devices.

  8. On the Alpha 10, pressthe Menu button, then select Setup > Phone.

  9. On the Alpha 10, ensure Status is On, then select Pair Phone.

  10. In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The Alpha handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Existing Garmin Explore App Users

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

    • If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.

  2. Select Watch and Handheld Icon Devices.

  3. Select either + Pair a New Device or Plus Symbol.

    The app will then begin searching for devices.

  4. On the Alpha 10, pressthe Menu button, then select Setup > Phone

  5. On the Alpha 10, ensure Status is On, then select Pair Phone.

  6. In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The Alpha handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Adding a Compatible Handheld for Contact Tracking and Messaging

Adding a Contact to your Alpha® 10 Handheld

Select your device below:

Alpha 300 or 300i Handheld

On the Alpha 300 Handhelds

  1. From the Main Menu, select Dog List.
  2. Select Alpha Contacts near the top middle of the screen.
  3. Select Menu Icon
  4. Select Pairing Setup.
  5. Ensure Transmitting is set On.
  6. Make note of the ID number.
    NOTE: The ID number will be entered in the Alpha 10 in the next steps.

On the Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press the Menu key to bring up the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add Device.
  3. Select Contact.
  4. Enter the ID number from the other handheld.
  5. Enter a name for the contact.
  6. Select Done.

The Alpha 300 is now added.

Alpha 200 or Alpha 200i Handheld

On the Alpha 200 Handhelds

  1. From the Main Menu, select Dog List.
  2. Select Alpha Contacts near the top middle of the screen.
  3. Select Menu Icon
  4. Select Pairing Setup.
  5. Ensure Transmitting is set On.
  6. Make note of the ID number.
    NOTE: The ID number will be entered in the Alpha 10 in the next steps.

On the Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press the Menu key to bring up the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add Device.
  3. Select Contact.
  4. Enter the ID number from the other handheld.
  5. Enter a name for the contact.
  6. Select Done.

The Alpha 200 is now added.

Alpha 100 Handheld

On the Alpha 100 Handheld

  1. From the Main Menu, select Alpha Drawer at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Select Contacts.
  3. Select Menu Icon
  4. Select Pairing Setup.
  5. Ensure Transmitting is set to On.
  6. Make note of the ID number.
    NOTE: The ID number will be entered in the Alpha 10 in the next steps.

On the Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press the Menu key to bring up the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add Device.
  3. Select Contact.
  4. Enter the ID number from the other handheld.
  5. Enter a name for the contact.
  6. Select Done.

The Alpha 100 is now added.

Adding Your Alpha 10 to Compatible Handheld

Select your device below:

Alpha 300 or 300i Handheld

On the Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press Menu to bring up the main menu.
  2. Select Setup.
  3. Select Transmission ID.
  4. Ensure Status is On.
  5. Make note of the ID number, that will be entered in the second handheld in the next steps.

On the Alpha 300 Handhelds

  1. From the Main Menu, select Dog List.
  2. Select the Contacts tab Alpha Contacts near the top middle of the screen.
  3. Select Add.
  4. Select Enter ID.
  5. Select the Alpha 10 handheld's ID number.
  6. Enter a name for the Alpha 10 contact, when done typing, confirm with checkmark in bottom right of keyboard.
  7. Select Finish.

The Alpha 10 handheld will now show on the map and dog compass for tracking.

Alpha 200 or Alpha 200i Handheld

On the Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press Menu to bring up the main menu.
  2. Select Setup.
  3. Select Transmission ID.
  4. Ensure Status is On.
  5. Make note of the ID number, that will be entered in the second handheld in the next steps.

On the Alpha 200 Handhelds

  1. From the Main Menu, select Dog List.
  2. Select the Contacts tab Alpha Contacts near the top middle of the screen.
  3. Select Add.
  4. Select Enter ID.
  5. Select the Alpha 10 handheld's ID number.
  6. Enter a name for the Alpha 10 contact, when done typing, confirm with checkmark in bottom right of keyboard.
  7. Select Finish.

The Alpha 10 handheld will now show on the map and dog compass for tracking.

Alpha 100 Handheld

On your Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press Menu to bring up the main menu.
  2. Select Setup.
  3. Select Transmission ID.
  4. Ensure Status is On.
  5. Make note of the ID number, that will be entered in the second handheld in the next steps.

On the Alpha 100 Handheld

  1. From the Main Menu, select Alpha Drawer at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Select Contacts.
  3. Select Add.
  4. When prompted Are you near the other Handheld?, select No.
  5. When prompted Do you know the ID for the Contact?, select Yes.
  6. Select the Alpha 10's ID number.
  7. Enter a name for the Alpha 10 contact, when done typing, confirm with the checkmark in bottom right of keyboard.
  8. Touch Okay.

The Alpha 10 will now show in the contacts and on the Map Screen, but will not show on the Dog Compass.

Updating Software

Software for your Alpha 10 handheld should be kept up to date to take advantage of improvements and fixes. View the information below for instructions. In addition through Garmin Express software you can register your product.

Installing Software Updates to the Alpha 10



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