The Alpha 200i has a 250-device capacity for other Garmin handheld devices and collars. As such, you are able to track other hunters and their dogs simultaneously in the field, and send and receive messages via InReach or MURS. There are a couple of ways to add a contact.

  • MURS/VHF/ANT+: You can add a contact by entering the device into pairing mode as you would with tracking collars, or receiving a pairing signal from your contact's handheld. As both handhelds would have to be in close proximity (no more than 10 ft. away), this pairing method is best utilized before you and your contact have separated for the hunt.
  • Contact ID: You can also attempt to add a handheld to your contact list if the other handheld is out of range, but you know the contact's ID. For instance, if you receive an InReach message with a buddy's ID and a general location, you can add his unit's ID as contact, and as you approach his location, you should begin to pick their 200i up on your device as long as his unit is powered on and transmitting.

Adding Contacts via Wireless Pairing

Go to your Dog List, and from there, your Contacts tab

For both contacts to be able to track one another, you must Add their handheld to your contacts, and Pair your handheld with theirs.

Add allows you to place another handheld in Pairing Mode into your list.

Pair enters your handheld into Pairing Mode to be added to another handheld's contact list.

Both devices must be in close proximity in order to link.

Adding Contacts via Contact ID

On your Alpha 200i, go to your Dog List.

Then, your Contacts tab.

Select Enter ID.

If you know the ID code for the hunter you wish to track, enter it now.

Exactly like tracking a collar, you should begin to pick up the other handheld when you get within transmission range.