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How Do I Get Started with My Garmin Alpha 200?

Before heading out with the Alpha® 200 system, it is recommend that it is set it up and ready to use. The following simple guide has several suggestions to get started. 

Alpha 200i and Collar Bundle

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.  

Charging the Alpha 200 Handheld

  • 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).

Charging the Collars

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

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.

Pairing a New or Additional Collar

  1. Make sure the collar(s) are unplugged and powered OFF.
  2. On the handheld:
    1. Touch Dog List.
    2. Touch + Add Dog.
  3. Touch Pair Collar.
  4. .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.
  5. Keep the collar near the handheld until the handheld gives you the keyboard screen to enter the dog’s name.
  6. After you have entered the dog’s name, touch the Check Mark on Blue Background to indicate okay.

Sharing Another Hunter's Dog with a Track or Control 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?
  1. On the handheld:
    1. Touch Dog List.
    2. Touch + Add Dog.
  2. Touch Enter Track or Control Code.
  3. Enter a track, train or control code.
  4. Touch Check Mark on Blue Background.

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 handheld 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™.

Installing Software Updates to the Alpha 200 Handheld

Software for your Garmin Alpha 200 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.

Software Update Methods

Using Wi-Fi

  • Device must be on and have a good signal with the Wi-Fi
    • Device does not support a 5 GHz connection; it needs to be connected at 2.4 GHz
    • Device does not support a Wi-Fi network that requires a sign-in, like those offered in many hotels or other public places
  • If an update is available, it may take a while to recognize the update is available and download it
    • When the software update begins downloading, under your Wi-Fi settings you will see a line stating Downloading and a percentage complete, for example:
      Software Update Downloading
    • When the software update download is complete, under your Wi-Fi settings you will see a line stating Requires Restart, for example:
      Software Update Restart Required
    • If you turn off your handheld and turn it back on you should be prompted to begin the software installation
  • If you need help setting up the Wi-Fi on your handheld follow the link below

Wi-Fi Setup Alpha 200

Using the Garmin Explore™ App

  • Handheld must be on, paired to the Garmin Explore App, and have a good connection to the smartphone or tablet running the app
  • If an update is available, it may take a while to recognize the update is available and download it
    • After the update is downloaded the next time you turn the power on for your handheld it should prompt you that there is a software update available to install
  • If you need help with pairing your handheld with the Garmin Explore app follow the link below

Pairing Alpha 200 Explore App

Garmin Express

You can use Garmin Express™ program and update the software on your handheld anytime if an update is available.

  • Garmin Express program requires the use of a computer using the Windows or Mac operating system and will require internet access to download any available updates
  • If Garmin Express software is not already installed download it and install on your computer
  • If you need more detailed instructions follow the link below

Installing Software Updates to Outdoor Handhelds

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

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