I just got in from a hunt, took all day, between sewing up a dog, and taking another to the vet, but we made it and had a good test of the new equipment.
First off, I've using an Astro 220, two DC-40 collars, and four DC-30's, all with factory antennas. I was getting about 400 yards of range on the DC-30s and and if I was lucky, about 50 yards on the DC-40s. YEP, that wasn't a typo, I was only getting about 50 yards of range before losing signal on the DC40's. Not good on a big ranch with dogs that range out well beyond 50 yards.
What did I do to try an improve my situation?
First, I ordered the 16" flexible antenna that will fit both the 220 and the 320.
Second, I ordered one of the TuffSkin antennas that will fit both the DC30 and the DC40. I only ordered one because I wanted to see if it was worth the money.
Third, I ordered the 320 along with a new DC40.
Today, I put the TuffSkin antenna on one of my old DC40's, one that I was losing signal at 50 yards, and I put the 16" antenna on the new 320. I also downloaded the BirdsEye of the area that I hunt.
Results:
With the old DC40 with the new TuffSkin antenna, I didn't drop signal until she was at .91 miles and by taking the 320 out of it's mount and holding it above my head, I picked the signal right back up. I was impressed.
I rarely dropped the old DC30's signal today and they were routinely out at 700-900 yards.
The brand new DC40 with factory antenna would drop out at around 500 yards.
I've already ordered more of the TuffSkin antennas for the DC40's and will be buying another DC40 soon to give a total of 8 collars.
To be honest, the last few months have been frustrating due to the poor signal strength and all the lost signals. But after today, I have a lot more confidence it the system. I still think it stinks that GARMIN doesn't sell the 320 or the collars without the best antenna they could find and it's up to us to spend more money on a brand new product to get it to work as it should. ^o)
