Range Issues and Troubleshooting the Delta Models

If your system is performing with somewhat less range than quoted, for example, you have a 3/4 mile range capable system, but only get a 1/4 mile,

• You may not be holding the handheld optimally away from your body, pointing the antenna directly upward toward the sky,
• There is some external factor causing some signal reduction. See the "Fundamentals to Consider" in the beginning of this document for more info.
• Make sure that you have a very snug collar on the dog to ensure the contact points are making consistent contact with the dog’s skin. We recommend that the collar is tightened such that you can fit only one finger under one contact point. Any looser than that and the collar can move around the dog’s neck. If that happens, the contact points can get bound up and insulated on the dog’s coat and not touch skin. Direct skin contact is necessary to correct the dog; proper tightness is fundamental in using these types of systems.

Also, a proper Range Test of the system can be helpful to diagnose a problem in the equipment or identify incorrect usage. 

If your system is performing with a significantly less range than quoted:

• You may not be holding the handheld optimally away from your body, pointing the antenna directly upward toward the sky
• There is some external factor causing some signal reduction. See the "Fundamentals to Consider" in the beginning of this document for more info.
• The collar wasn’t on tight enough at the time when you needed to correct the dog.
  • Make sure that you have a very snug collar to ensure the contact points are making consistent and stable connection with the dog’s skin. We recommend that the collar is tightened such that you can only fit one finger under one contact point. Any looser than that and the collar can move around dog’s neck. If that happens, to points can get bound up on the dog’s coat and not touch skin. Direct skin contact is necessary to correct the dog. Proper tightness is fundamental in using these types of systems.
• Or, there is some electronic malfunction in the system.

  • To help identify which of the two devices has malfunctioned, pair the handheld to another collar, and/or pair the collar to another handheld.

    • If you do not have extra devices, a friend or family member that has this equipment, can help. Ask them to cross pair one of their compatible devices to help diagnose the issue.
    • If you do not have other equipment to test with, contact Garmin Product Support for information and guidance on replacing the individual devices or entire system. Please have serial numbers available when you contact Garmin Product Support.

A proper Range Test of the system can be helpful to diagnose the problem. See the section below for correct range test methods. Contact Garmin Product Support if your range tests indicate an equipment problem. 

• If your system works within a few feet (maybe 15 feet or less), but then stops working abruptly, it is very likely that some sort of physical damage or heavy impact has occurred to either the handheld or the collar and it has failed. If it has malfunctioned in this way, the dog device or the handheld or the system may need to be replaced.
• If no physical damage occurred that caused the issue, it could be other internal device issues or failure. Either the handheld or the dog device or the system may need to be replaced.

To help identify which of the two devices has malfunctioned, pair the handheld to another collar, and/or pair the collar to another handheld.

• If you do not have extra devices, a friend or family member that has this equipment, can help. Ask them to cross pair one of their compatible devices to help diagnose the issue.
• If you do not have other equipment to test with, contact Garmin Product Support for information and guidance on replacing the individual devices or entire system. Please have serial numbers available when you contact Garmin Product Support.

1. It's likely that settings or controls on the handheld are not set correctly. Check the color selector switch, training command type and intensity dial.
2. The collar and handheld are not paired correctly. Ensure proper pairing was achieved. See the Related Content below for guidance on pairing a dog to the handheld.
3. The collar may not be properly tight on the dog. 
4. If using a Delta Sport XC or Delta Upland XC, the BarkLimiter only mode on the dog device was mistakenly activated. 

1. Enlist the help of a friend or family member if possible
2. One person holds the handheld, above their head, away from their body with antenna pointing toward the sky.
3. The other person holds the collar by their side as though it were in the position and height of an actual dog.
4. Get to an open area, line of sight, free from obstructions or other interference.
5. Do no use cellphones or other radio equipment and do not be near vehicles
6. Stay away from power lines and other sources of interference
7. Before you start, test with the Tone or Vibration feature to ensure it works at close range
8. The two people should start close together, then walk away from each other.
9. Have the handheld user send a signal periodically. The holder of the dog device can hear the tone or vibration and will see a solid green light on the collar as they walk away.
10. If the dog device holder stops hearing the signal, that range should be the mark for the capability of the system.