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Getting Started with the Alpha XL In-Vehicle Dog Tracking and Training Device

Setting up the Alpha® XL navigator and dog tracking system before use there are some steps to ensure it is ready. The following steps help you get started.


Assembling the Alpha XL Navigator and Dog Tracking Device


The Alpha XL device's display portion may be used separately for navigation, however to ensure the dog tracking and training features are available it is necessary to have the VHF radio portion attached to the back of the display or within close proximity for communication to the collars. There are also connections for power and an antenna that need to be made.

  • The Alpha XL system comes with a VHF antenna for use on a vehicle to achieve maximum range.
  • The Alpha XL system can be used at a lesser range with a VHF antenna (not included) as used on the Alpha handhelds. To use it in this manner there is a 90° angle adapter provided so the antenna is vertical.
  • If you are using the system with the display attached to the VHF radio portion and you have adequate power provided to the radio portion (2 amps) you do not need a separate power connection for the display.

Mounting the Alpha XL Navigator and VHF Dock

WARNING - The device, its mount, and the external VHF antenna contain magnets. Under certain circumstances, magnets may cause interference with some internal medical devices and electronic devices, including pacemakers, insulin pumps, or hard drives in laptop computers. Keep the device away from medical devices and electronic devices.

NOTE: It is important to ensure the VHF transmitter portion is powered and within range of the Alpha XL navigator for the unit to operate as a dog tracking and training device.

The steps to assemble and attach the Alpha XL navigator and VHF Dock are as follows (see your Owner's Manual for additional diagrams):

  1. Secure the ball adapter to the mount using the included screws and washers (x4)
  2. Connect the ball of the VHF dock and the ball of the suction cup to the double-socket arm
  3. Tighten the knob on the double-socket arm slightly
  4. Clean and dry your windshield and the suction cup with a lint-free cloth
  5. Press the suction cup to the windshield and flip the lever
  6. If necessary, rotate the VHF dock so the Garmin logo faces right-side up and adjust the mount for better viewing and operation
  7. Tighten the knob to secure the mount
  8. Connect the VHF antenna to the VHF dock
  9. If using the magnetic external antenna, route the cable through a suitable path in your vehicle
  10. If using the magnetic external antenna, place it on the roof of your vehicle in a suitable location
  11. Plug the small end of the power adapter cable into the port on the side of the VHF dock
  12. Plug the vehicle power adapter into the power outlet in your vehicle
    • The power connection to the VHF dock should provide adequate power to power both the VHF dock and navigator display
  13. Connect the Alpha XL navigator to the VHF dock (strong magnetic connection) with the contacts of the dock and navigator aligned
  14. If necessary, turn on the ignition switch to provide power to the power outlet in your vehicle from which the Alpha XL and VHF dock are powered


Adding Collars

There are three methods available to add compatible1 collars to the Alpha XL device dog tracking list.

  1. Ensure the antenna is installed on the Alpha XL device's VHF dock
  2. Power on the Alpha XL device
  3. From the main screen, select the Dogs (dog head) icon in the center right of the screen
  4. Select the + symbol in the menu at the top of the screen
  5. Select the pairing method you want to use to Add a Dog (see the methods below)


Pairing Collar (Directly)

The collar should be within close proximity (approx. 10 feet) to the Alpha XL navigator and VHF dock, and away from sources of interference.

  1. Follow the on-screen prompts, press and hold the power button on the collar to put it in pairing mode until:
    • Alpha T20 and Alpha TT25 collars the LED will rapidly flash blue
    • T5, T5 mini, T5X, TT15, TT15 mini, and TT15X collars the collar will beep twice and LED will rapidly flashing green
  2. Use the keyboard to enter a dog name
  3. Select Finish
    NOTE: If you have other collars to add, select Add More

Pairing Using Track or Control Code

Dog collars can be paired to the Alpha XL device using track and control codes if the collar has already been paired to a different Alpha XL device or a compatible handheld. Track codes allow the Alpha XL device to track the collar; Control codes allow the device to both track and use the training functions of the collar. 

  1. Select Enter Track or Control Code
  2. Enter the track or control code for the collar
    NOTE: For steps to find the share code for the collar, reference "Locating Track and Control Codes" below
  3. Select Alpha 200i Check Mark
  4. Use the keyboard to enter a dog name
  5. Select Alpha 200i Check Mark

Once the newly shared dog collar device is turned on and within range of the new handheld, allow up to 1 minute of actively tracking that dog in range before the training commands are automatically added and the new collar is fully connected and trackable. If the handheld is turned off before this occurs, you may have to remove the newly shared dog and redo these steps.

For help locating Track or Control codes 

Alpha® XL Navigator

  1. Select Pro View
  2. Select a dog
The Track and Control codes are displayed below the dog's name.

Alpha® 200 & Alpha® 200i, Alpha® 200 Plus, and Alpha® 300 & Alpha® 300i Handhelds

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select a dog.

The Track and Control codes are displayed below the dog's name.

Alpha® 10 Handheld

  1. Use the thumb stick to select a dog.
  2. Select Share.
  3. View the Track and Control codes.

Alpha® 100 Handheld

  1. Select Dog List.
  2. Select a dog.
    • The Track Code is listed above the Battery Status.
    • The Train Code is listed above the Comm. Status.

NOTE: The Train code on the Alpha 100 handheld is the same as the Control code found on the Alpha 200, Alpha 300, and Alpha 10 handhelds.

Astro® 430 Handheld

  1. Select Dog Button twice.
  2. Select a dog.
  3. Select Show Info.
    • The Track Code is listed above the Battery Status.

NOTE: There is no Control Code available on the Astro 430 handheld as the device does not support training features.

Received from Another Device

A tracking collar can be shared wirelessly to an Alpha XL device from another device or handheld to which it is paired.
  1. Select Receive from Device
  2. Share the dog from the other handheld. For steps, choose a model below

    Alpha® 200, Alpha® 200i, Alpha® 200 Plus, Alpha® 300, and Alpha® 300i Handhelds

    1. Select Dog List.
    2. Select a dog.
    3. Select SHARE ICON
    4. Select Share Wirelessly.
    5. Select an option:
      • Track Only - Allows the other handheld to track the dog's location with the map and dog tracking compass.
      • Track and Train - Allows the other handheld to track the dog and correct the dog's behavior.

    Alpha® 10 Handheld

    1. Use Thumb Stick to select a dog.
    2. Select Share.
    3. Select Share Wirelessly.
    4. Select an option:
      • Tracking Only - Allows the other handheld to track the dog's location with the map and dog tracking compass.
      • Tracking and Control - Allows the other handheld to track the dog and correct the dog's behavior.

    Alpha® 100 Handheld

    1. Select Dog List.
    2. Select a dog.
    3. Select Menu.
    4. Select Share Wirelessly.
    5. Select an option:
      • Track Only - Allows the other handheld to track the dog's location with the map and dog tracking compass.
      • Track and Train - Allows the other handheld to track the dog and correct the dog's behavior.

    Astro® 430 Handheld

    1. Select Dog List.
    2. Select a dog.
    3. Select Share Wirelessly.
    The Astro 430 handheld can only share Tracking for a dog with other handhelds; Training or Control is not available to be shared.

  3. Use the keyboard to enter a dog name
  4. Select Finish
    NOTE: If you wish to add more dogs, select Add More


Adding Contacts

In addition to compatible dog tracking collars you can track other Alpha devices/handhelds within VHF range on the map so you know where they are. You can also send messages to your contacts. These features are called Contact Tracking and Contact Messaging. There is no charge to use Contact Tracking and Contact Messaging.

An Alpha device can track up to 20 other devices at a time (including compatible dog collar devices and other Alpha in-vehicle or handheld devices). The Alpha devices have a contact tracking range similar to the dog tracking collars. The expected range for contact tracking is up to 9 miles in optimal conditions. 


On the Alpha XL device: 

    1. Ensure the antenna is installed on the Alpha XL device's VHF radio
    2. Power on the Alpha XL device
    3. From the main screen, select the Contact (head and shoulders) icon in the center right of the screen
    4. Select the + symbol in the menu at the top of the screen
    5. Select the pairing method you want to use to Add a Contact (Enter ID or Receive From Device)
      • For Enter ID select the appropriate ID and select Save
      • For Receive From Device receive the pairing request from the other transmitting device


On an Alpha 300, 300i, or Alpha 200 Plus Handheld

  1. Select Dog List
  2. Select Contacts Tab
  3. Select Pair
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions

On an Alpha 200 or 200i Handheld

  1. Select Dog List
  2. Select Contacts Tab
  3. Select Pair
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions

On an Alpha 10 Handheld

  1. Press Menu to bring up the main menu
  2. Select Setup
  3. Select Transmission ID
  4. Turn on
  5. Make note of the ID Number

On an Alpha 100 Handheld

  1. From the home screen, touch the App Drawer (arrow in the bottom-middle of the screen)
  2. Select Contacts
  3. Select Pair
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions


Pairing Alpha XL Device to Your Smartphone and the Garmin Alpha App

You can pair the Alpha XL navigator with your smartphone and the Alpha app to enable additional features and access live information.

  1. From the app store on your smartphone download and install the Garmin Alpha app
  2. Turn on the Alpha XL navigator, and with the navigator and your smartphone within 10 feet (3 meters) of each other, turn on your phone and open the Alpha app
  3. On the Alpha XL navigator select the settings menu, the gear icon in the lower right corner
  4. Select Phone
  5. Select Add a Phone
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions on your navigator and Alpha app
  7. After the devices are paired you can view notifications from your smartphone on your Alpha XL device, such as text messages and incoming calls and the devices will connect automatically when they are turned on and within range of each other


Outdoor Maps+


Navigation

The Alpha XL navigator has on and off-road navigation features, including Garmin Adventurous Routing™, a special route calculation mode designed to prefer routes featuring more hills and winding roads. You can choose a level of adventurous routing to fine-tune the route calculation to your preferences. If you prefer winding roads and hills even if it increases travel time, distance, or fuel consumption, choose a higher level of adventurous routing.

For more information on this feature and other on- and off-road navigation features consult your Owner's Manual.


inReach® Satellite Communication

The Alpha XL navigator can be used with a paired Garmin inReach® satellite communication device including the SOS function in an emergency situation.

WARNING - Before you can use the SOS function, you must have an active satellite subscription. Always test your device before you use it outdoors. Ensure you have a clear view of the sky when using the SOS function, because this feature requires satellite access to operate properly.

NOTE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

NOTE: During an emergency, you can use your paired inReach satellite communicator to contact the Garmin Response™ center to request help. The SOS feature sends a message to the Garmin Response team, and they notify the appropriate emergency responders of your situation. You can communicate with the Garmin Response team during your emergency while you wait for help to arrive. You should only use the SOS function in a real emergency situation.

NOTE: While the device is in SOS mode, do not turn off or attempt to turn off the inReach device. Doing so could prevent this feature from operating properly and could delay receipt of assistance in the event of an emergency.

To connect the Alpha XL navigator to an inReach device:

  1. Bring a compatible inReach device within 10 feet (3 meters) of the Alpha XL device
  2. On the Alpha XL device, select the apps menu and inReach
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions on the Alpha XL navigator to complete the pairing process
    • After the pairing process is complete the inReach and Alpha XL devices connect automatically when they are on and within range of each other


1Compatible collars include the T 5, T 5 mini, T 5X, TT™ 15, TT 15 mini, TT 15X, Alpha T 20, and Alpha TT 25 dog tracking collars.

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