Garmin ALPHA 200i + T5 MINI. Meet the new, sleeker, more feature-packed, more powerful Garmin Alpha: Larger 3.5' sunlight-readable touchscreen display Three side buttons for even more versatility 16 GB of internal memory - 4X more memory than the Alpha 100 Interactive global SOS alerts and two-way messaging via satellite Watch over 2+ hours of free 200i Instructional Videos here Hunt More. Alpha 200i US (WebUpdater) software version 3.20 as of February 3, 2021 Use Garmin Express to install this file. Garmin ALPHA 200i + T5 MINI. Meet the new, sleeker, more feature-packed, more powerful Garmin Alpha: Larger 3.5' sunlight-readable touchscreen display Three side buttons for even more versatility 16 GB of internal memory - 4X more memory than the Alpha 100 Interactive global SOS alerts and two-way messaging via satellite Watch over 2+ hours of free 200i Instructional Videos here Hunt More.
It's been a long time coming — 8 years to be exact — but it was worth the wait. Garmin has officially added the all-new Alpha 200i to its Track and Train line up.
And no … this isn't an April Fools Joke. Wepromise.
To be honest, the first time we laid hands onthe Alpha 200i was like a kid in a candy shop. Not only does it have all thegroundbreaking new features covered in this review, it's packed full of littlegems you never knew you needed but will soon learn you can't live without.
Alpha 100 vs Alpha 200i — ShouldYou Switch?
To ease some minds, as someone hooked on theAlpha 100, we were worried about how painful it would be to switch to the newGarmin Alpha 200i. To our surprise, the learning curve was surprisingly lowfrom the first time holding the unit.
At home, we had zero issues adding collars andprepping for a hunt. That part of the process was very familiar, similar to theAlpha 100. But the true test came using the device in the timber. Using theAlpha 200i never left the user feeling 'lost' it was a familiar feeling. We were able to enjoy our hunt without thefrustration of learning a completely new system —
If you are easily intimidated by technology, you can rest easy when making the jump to the Alpha 200i handheld will be an easy transition if you're already familiar with the Alpha 100.
Hunters Spoke, Garmin Listened
Overall, we feel that the Alpha 200i is moreuser-friendly than the previous Alpha 100 model. We know everyone has their ownideas on how Garmin could have made the Alpha 100 better, and it seems Garminreally tried to keep an open ear and consider hunters suggestion, whendesigning the 200i.
Honestly, the Garmin Alpha 200i dog trackingsystem has far too many small improvements to cover in-depth in just onereview, but these are a few that we found both pleasantly surprising andextremely helpful in the field.
So, let's dig into some of our favoritefeatures of the Garmin Alpha 200i.
Integrated inReach SatelliteCommunication Technology
Garmin Alpha 200i Case
We can't help but talk about this first sinceit's what I consider the biggest change and greatest addition to the Alpha lineupof Track and Train systems. As someone who carries an inReachExplorer+ anytime we hit the mountains, we can't express how excitedwe are to have a Track and Train system with inreach lifeline all in onepackage!
Is it a huge deal to pack two separate devices?Not for most. But the first trip back to the truck when you forget to grab yourinReach in all the excitement really helps you appreciate this cutting-edgeintegration.
Using the built-in inReach technology, you cansend text messages to cell phones and email addresses when you're completelyout of cell service. Messages are sent via the Iridium satellite network(subscription required) so you can check in with your spouse, kids, thebabysitter — whoever — while you're hunting in the most remote places. You canalso choose to add location information and share your tracking with contactsso they can see exactly where you are.
Connecting an Alpha 200i to your smartphone iseasy using the Explore App and makes all the inReach features a breeze to usein the field. It's really not much different than sending normal text messagesfrom your phone.
MarzaCashKing streams live on Twitch! Check out their videos, sign up to chat, and join their community. SONO IL MAESTRO. Theatre Mode (alt+t) Fullscreen (f). Twitter/JiggyMarza Youtube/Marza.
That said, thanks to the larger touchscreenand integrated QWERTY keyboard, sending messages from the 200i itself is mucheasier than I expected. The ability to still send and receive inReach messagesfrom the Alpha without a cell phone is also possible.
The biggest piece of mind the added inReachtechnology brings to the Alpha is the 'SOS' button. By triggering an SOS, youcan alert Search and Rescue along with other emergency services that you are inneed of help. This alert will also send them your updated GPS location duringthe rescue giving you the peace of mind that help will be there as soon aspossible.
If you're not so sure about the idea of theSOS button, this is not something that can really be accidentally activated, sodon't be afraid or worried about having Search and Rescue coming to track youdown because you accidentally pushed a button. The dedicated SOS button isprotected by a flip-up cover to prevent accidental presses. When pressed,however, the unit will give an audible tone as well as a countdown timer on thescreen with the option to cancel and keep the alert from being sent.
Talk about a great way to merge two awesome products!
I have two backup directories (dir1 and 2) on two different (local) HDDs and I want to create one of them. How can I really sync their contents so that both directories will have the same contents? I am trying to do rsync between two directories I have in two filesystems connected to the same computer. I want to do it without deleting the extra files in b.I though a simple rsync -a a/dir b/dir would work, but it doesn't seem to. This is on a Linux system with rsync version 3.0.6 protocol version 30: $ mkdir -p a/test $ mkdir -p b/test $ touch a/test/file1 $ touch a/test/file2 $ touch b. How to use rsync to transfer files and directories between hosts The rsync utility can backup files, synchronize directory trees, and much much more, both on the local machine and between two different hosts—via push and pull. Here is how to tame it. Rsync between two local folders.
Direct-to-Device BirdsEyeSatellite Imagery Downloads
(Drumroll playing in the background)
This is it!! The answered prayer to everytechnically-challenged and computer-illiterate Garmin user out there (weinclude ourselves sometimes in this statement!) …
For everyone who hates dealing with painfulprocess of Birdseye downloads with Garmin BaseCamp program on your computer,the solution is finally here and it's called Birdseye Direct.
Since the Garmin Alpha 200i connects directly toWiFi, you can download all your BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to yourAlpha without using a computer.
We were amazed at how easy the process was todownload my imagery. All we needed to do was select the area, push a button,then sip a cup of coffee while the download was completed. It really can't getmuch better than that! Just keep in mind that download times will varydepending on your Internet speeds and the size of the BirdsEye file.
Unlike in the past where a paid BirdsEyesubscription was required, there's no subscription fee for using BirdseyeDirect on the Alpha 200i and you can download as much imagery as will fit onthe device. This is going to be especially helpful for people who hunt multiplestates and do not want to purchase a different map for each one.
Now you can download all your favorite areasfrom coast to coast directly to your handheld.
A Pinch-to-Zoom Touchscreen Youcan Actually See in the Sun
The new screen of the Alpha 200i, looks, feelsand functions a bit differently than the old screen of the 100. Instead ofhaving a recessed screen (which notoriously collects debris around the edges),the new screen of the Alpha 200i is flat and flush with the body of the device,more similar to the new Montana 700-series or Oregon-series handheld GPSdevices.
Garmin Alpha 200i Reviews
Though it isn't a huge jump in size, thescreen 3.5' screen of the 200i feels much larger and is easy to read in anyconditions — even in blinding sunlight. It doesn't seem as affected by raineither. The new design also allows you to 'pinch-to-zoom' instead of relying onthe + and - icons on the map screen. Of course, you can still use the map iconsto zoom, but this new functionality just makes using the Alpha 200i seem, forlack of a better term, 'natural.'
WhatAre All these Extra Buttons on the Alpha 200i?
To be honest, the side function buttons took abit to get used to at first. However once a user's able to get comfortable withhow they work, These extra buttons on the 200i help navigation of training and screenuse amazing.
The idea behind the function buttons is toallow users to scroll through the training pages and assigned 'hot buttons'without needing to use the touchscreen. Once set up it makes for easynavigation which allows the user to make corrections much faster than thetouchscreen only navigation offered with the Alpha 100.
This button-based navigation is going to be agreat advantage for those hunting in cold climates or anyone who wears gloves.It's like the Alpha 200i has a built-in 'glove mode.'
With the function buttons, you can changedogs, stimulation type, stimulation levels and even access features like yourmap, compass, dog list and others without even needing to use the touchscreen.
This is a great addition; however we recommendplaying and learning with it a bit to get comfortable, there is a learningcurve to having these buttons. We go into much greater detail on how versatileand customizable these buttons are in our Alpha 200i podcast.
Last Communication Timer — A TrueEaster Egg
This is one of many little jewel's that someonemight not notice at first. Like with previous Garmin tracking models, you willget a '?' icon when you lose GPS or comm with your dog devices. But with theAlpha 200i, you can see exactly how long it has been since the lasttransmission was received!
The first time we noticed the LastCommunication Timer when coming around a ridge to get in front of the dogs andcouldn't figure out what the numbers were next to my dog icon … and then thelight came on.
Pros and Cons of the Garmin Alpha200i
The more we dig into what the Alpha 200i cando, the more we discover how well thought out everything is. But that said,like everything else in life, it isn't a 100% perfect product and a Double UReview wouldn't be the same without our list of Con's. We feel it's important we go over both thepro's and con's of the Alpha 200i.
This is far from a complete list but I hopegives you an idea of what you might be getting yourself into with the 200i.
Pro's
Overall, we feel that the Alpha 200i is moreuser-friendly than the previous Alpha 100 model. We know everyone has their ownideas on how Garmin could have made the Alpha 100 better, and it seems Garminreally tried to keep an open ear and consider hunters suggestion, whendesigning the 200i.
Honestly, the Garmin Alpha 200i dog trackingsystem has far too many small improvements to cover in-depth in just onereview, but these are a few that we found both pleasantly surprising andextremely helpful in the field.
So, let's dig into some of our favoritefeatures of the Garmin Alpha 200i.
Integrated inReach SatelliteCommunication Technology
Garmin Alpha 200i Case
We can't help but talk about this first sinceit's what I consider the biggest change and greatest addition to the Alpha lineupof Track and Train systems. As someone who carries an inReachExplorer+ anytime we hit the mountains, we can't express how excitedwe are to have a Track and Train system with inreach lifeline all in onepackage!
Is it a huge deal to pack two separate devices?Not for most. But the first trip back to the truck when you forget to grab yourinReach in all the excitement really helps you appreciate this cutting-edgeintegration.
Using the built-in inReach technology, you cansend text messages to cell phones and email addresses when you're completelyout of cell service. Messages are sent via the Iridium satellite network(subscription required) so you can check in with your spouse, kids, thebabysitter — whoever — while you're hunting in the most remote places. You canalso choose to add location information and share your tracking with contactsso they can see exactly where you are.
Connecting an Alpha 200i to your smartphone iseasy using the Explore App and makes all the inReach features a breeze to usein the field. It's really not much different than sending normal text messagesfrom your phone.
MarzaCashKing streams live on Twitch! Check out their videos, sign up to chat, and join their community. SONO IL MAESTRO. Theatre Mode (alt+t) Fullscreen (f). Twitter/JiggyMarza Youtube/Marza.
That said, thanks to the larger touchscreenand integrated QWERTY keyboard, sending messages from the 200i itself is mucheasier than I expected. The ability to still send and receive inReach messagesfrom the Alpha without a cell phone is also possible.
Garmin Alpha 200i Inreach SOS ButtonThe biggest piece of mind the added inReachtechnology brings to the Alpha is the 'SOS' button. By triggering an SOS, youcan alert Search and Rescue along with other emergency services that you are inneed of help. This alert will also send them your updated GPS location duringthe rescue giving you the peace of mind that help will be there as soon aspossible.
If you're not so sure about the idea of theSOS button, this is not something that can really be accidentally activated, sodon't be afraid or worried about having Search and Rescue coming to track youdown because you accidentally pushed a button. The dedicated SOS button isprotected by a flip-up cover to prevent accidental presses. When pressed,however, the unit will give an audible tone as well as a countdown timer on thescreen with the option to cancel and keep the alert from being sent.
Talk about a great way to merge two awesome products!
I have two backup directories (dir1 and 2) on two different (local) HDDs and I want to create one of them. How can I really sync their contents so that both directories will have the same contents? I am trying to do rsync between two directories I have in two filesystems connected to the same computer. I want to do it without deleting the extra files in b.I though a simple rsync -a a/dir b/dir would work, but it doesn't seem to. This is on a Linux system with rsync version 3.0.6 protocol version 30: $ mkdir -p a/test $ mkdir -p b/test $ touch a/test/file1 $ touch a/test/file2 $ touch b. How to use rsync to transfer files and directories between hosts The rsync utility can backup files, synchronize directory trees, and much much more, both on the local machine and between two different hosts—via push and pull. Here is how to tame it. Rsync between two local folders.
Direct-to-Device BirdsEyeSatellite Imagery Downloads
(Drumroll playing in the background)
This is it!! The answered prayer to everytechnically-challenged and computer-illiterate Garmin user out there (weinclude ourselves sometimes in this statement!) …
For everyone who hates dealing with painfulprocess of Birdseye downloads with Garmin BaseCamp program on your computer,the solution is finally here and it's called Birdseye Direct.
Since the Garmin Alpha 200i connects directly toWiFi, you can download all your BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to yourAlpha without using a computer.
We were amazed at how easy the process was todownload my imagery. All we needed to do was select the area, push a button,then sip a cup of coffee while the download was completed. It really can't getmuch better than that! Just keep in mind that download times will varydepending on your Internet speeds and the size of the BirdsEye file.
Unlike in the past where a paid BirdsEyesubscription was required, there's no subscription fee for using BirdseyeDirect on the Alpha 200i and you can download as much imagery as will fit onthe device. This is going to be especially helpful for people who hunt multiplestates and do not want to purchase a different map for each one.
Now you can download all your favorite areasfrom coast to coast directly to your handheld.
A Pinch-to-Zoom Touchscreen Youcan Actually See in the Sun
The new screen of the Alpha 200i, looks, feelsand functions a bit differently than the old screen of the 100. Instead ofhaving a recessed screen (which notoriously collects debris around the edges),the new screen of the Alpha 200i is flat and flush with the body of the device,more similar to the new Montana 700-series or Oregon-series handheld GPSdevices.
Garmin Alpha 200i Reviews
Though it isn't a huge jump in size, thescreen 3.5' screen of the 200i feels much larger and is easy to read in anyconditions — even in blinding sunlight. It doesn't seem as affected by raineither. The new design also allows you to 'pinch-to-zoom' instead of relying onthe + and - icons on the map screen. Of course, you can still use the map iconsto zoom, but this new functionality just makes using the Alpha 200i seem, forlack of a better term, 'natural.'
WhatAre All these Extra Buttons on the Alpha 200i?
To be honest, the side function buttons took abit to get used to at first. However once a user's able to get comfortable withhow they work, These extra buttons on the 200i help navigation of training and screenuse amazing.
The idea behind the function buttons is toallow users to scroll through the training pages and assigned 'hot buttons'without needing to use the touchscreen. Once set up it makes for easynavigation which allows the user to make corrections much faster than thetouchscreen only navigation offered with the Alpha 100.
This button-based navigation is going to be agreat advantage for those hunting in cold climates or anyone who wears gloves.It's like the Alpha 200i has a built-in 'glove mode.'
With the function buttons, you can changedogs, stimulation type, stimulation levels and even access features like yourmap, compass, dog list and others without even needing to use the touchscreen.
This is a great addition; however we recommendplaying and learning with it a bit to get comfortable, there is a learningcurve to having these buttons. We go into much greater detail on how versatileand customizable these buttons are in our Alpha 200i podcast.
Last Communication Timer — A TrueEaster Egg
This is one of many little jewel's that someonemight not notice at first. Like with previous Garmin tracking models, you willget a '?' icon when you lose GPS or comm with your dog devices. But with theAlpha 200i, you can see exactly how long it has been since the lasttransmission was received!
The first time we noticed the LastCommunication Timer when coming around a ridge to get in front of the dogs andcouldn't figure out what the numbers were next to my dog icon … and then thelight came on.
Pros and Cons of the Garmin Alpha200i
The more we dig into what the Alpha 200i cando, the more we discover how well thought out everything is. But that said,like everything else in life, it isn't a 100% perfect product and a Double UReview wouldn't be the same without our list of Con's. We feel it's important we go over both thepro's and con's of the Alpha 200i.
This is far from a complete list but I hopegives you an idea of what you might be getting yourself into with the 200i.
Pro's
- inReach built-in — If you hunt by yourself orfar out of cell service, this will change how you hunt knowing you have alifeline if you need it.
- Buttons on the side — Takes some getting usedto but the function buttons are very helpful for changing dogs for training orquickly accessing other device functions.
- Buttons on the Top — The new training buttonscan be programmed for training, just like on the Alpha 100, but can also be setto perform other functions, (Buddy's personal favorite: Show Next Device on Map)
- Compatible with TT15's/TT15 Mini & T5/T5 Mini collars — I think we can expect Garmin to keep the Alpha 200i compatible withmost foreseeable future products (No promises or guarantee)
- Pairs and broadcasts to other Garmin devices —Using ANT+ technology, the Alpha 200i is compatible with the full 'GarminEcosystem' including Drivetrack, fenix and Instinct watches, Montana 700, etc.
- Groups! — Now you can pair up to 100 differentdog collars and Alpha devices to the 200i, and activate and disable them atwill when hunting with different buddies and dogs using the new Groups feature.
- A solution or dealing with conflicting ID's —With the Alpha 200i, you can simply deactivate a conflicting collar whereaswith the Alpha 100 you had to remove the dog collar entirely before adding aconflicting ID.
- WiFi compatible — In addition to usingBirdsEye Direct, by connecting the 200i to a WiFi network, software updates canbe downloaded over-the-air instead of connecting to a computer.
- Removable Lithium Ion Batteries — We're veryhappy to see that a removable, rechargeable battery was used over a sealedbuilt-in battery that can't be replaced. There are too many functional benefitsto removable batteries that a built-in battery could never compete in our eyes.
Garmin 200i Alpha Watch
Cons
- Charging port — There's no getting around it … the charging port stinks. It uses a microUSB charging cable, which is fine, but it's the location of the port that will require customers to be extremely careful when plugging it in. We were really hoping for USB-C or some other reversible connector. Unfortunately, this was not in the cards.
- OnX Maps Not compatible. At the time of writing this Review, OnX Maps are not compatible with the 200i. This may change in the future but at this time you will need to use a Garmin Map Chip for Landowner information. Customers who use OnX maps will not be able to use the map in the 200i.
- Buttons are a little lighter to the touch — Which means they may be a bit easier to press accidentally. For this reason, I recommend using the screen lock function so you aren't bumping buttons by mistake.
- Customization options can be overwhelming — The Alpha 200i can be fine-tuned to adapt to many different hunter's needs, which is a good thing, but to the new user, this high-level of customization is a bit intimidating.
- Battery Life — The same batteries used in the Alpha 100 are used in the Alpha 200i, and while it's a pro that they're removable, the 200i's battery life unfortunately made the cons list. Using the device heavily can and will drain the battery, especially the inReach functions and training commands.
Even though we're marking this as a con, Buddy wanted to make a special notation about this:
'As I understand Garmin could have made a product with a longer-lasting battery, they would have needed to go with a 'built-in' battery that was not field-changeable. So, no way to swap out batteries in the field. So, although I consider the battery life of the Alpha 200i a con, Our recommendation and agreement with the decision to keep a field replaceable battery, even with the cost of shorter battery life.'
Garmin 200i Alpha Pro
Sorry Folks, The Alpha 200i DoesNOT have Radar
Last but not least, the Alpha 200i does nothave Radar! For those customers who watched our April Fools video in 2014making a joke about a Alpha 200 product back in 2014, you'll understand thejoke. If you haven't watched it, check out our fun April Fools video from 2014and you'll get the joke. No Radar, no dogs texting you back, or any of theother crazy things we spoofed a video about many years ago!
Garmin 200i Alpha For Sale
The Garmin Alpha 200i ReleaseDate is … Now! Want moreinformation, Please visit the Links belowto purchase or learn more about it.
You can Purchase the Alpha 200i now at DoubleU Hunting supply!
Click the link below to listen to our Podcaston the Alpha 200i along with other topics
