The DC50 collar has been discontinued by Garmin and is now only available used. However many houndsmen, especially those hunting with a buddy or in a group with mixed systems, still have fully functioning DC50 collars they would like to continue using in the field. Officially, DC50 units are considered incompatible with Alpha 100 and Alpha 200i handhelds as they cannot be added to the Dog List of either unit via MURS pairing, however there is a workaround not advertised by Garmin that allows users to track older DC50 collars on these newer devices.
Step 1: Have an Astro 430
Astro 430 units are track-only handhelds similar to the Astro 320, the main difference between the two units being the 320's 10-dog software platform and the Alpha's 20-dog software platform. Unfortunately, the Alpha units cannot track contacts or collars with the 320, only other units running on the 20-dog platform. We can exploit the 430's software compatibility with Alpha units in order to track a discontinued DC50 collar via a relay, using the 430 as a sort of "middleman".
Step 2: Add your DC50 to your Astro 430
Add the DC50 collar to an Astro 430 unit as you would normally, by pairing the DC50 collar to your 430 handheld's Dog List.
Step 3: Share the DC50 to your Alpha
Once your DC50 is added to your 430's Dog's List, you are free to attempt to add your DC50 collar to your Alpha handheld via Track or Control Codes.
Step 4: Enter the 5-digit code
Add the Track or Control codes to your 200i. NOTE: Your DC50 must have a clear view of the sky and be transmitting a GPS signal in order to pair to your Alpha.
