One of the most common issues with a GPS collar can be a loss of GPS connection. With the older Garmin systems, we would decipher issues with the GPS by the sequence of the green flashing light on the collar. But with the Garmin Alpha TT25, we can now tell what's going on by the color of the flashing light on the collar. When everything is working and there is a good GPS lock (the unit has acquired a good signal from at least 4 satellites) there will be a Green Flashing light on the unit. While the unit is searching or trying to acquire GPS it will flash yellow. If you are not seeing the light turn green then you are likely seeing a GPS issue.
Anytime you're testing your collars or getting ready for a hunt, make sure they're somewhere with good clear view of the sky, and stationary. Movement, or an impeded view can reduce accuracy and cause a delay in GPS lock.
Before anything else, you should make sure your collar is up to date with the latest software.
The first thing to look at is the connection point where the GPS comes into the collar. The TT25 Flex band contains the GPS chip, which connects to the TT25 and tells the unit where it is.
One trouble shooting step that can be attempted is disconnecting the flex band, inspecting the connection point and making sure it's clean. And then reconnecting it. After its reconnected and the screws are snug (careful not to overtighten) turn the collar on and place it outside in good clear view of the sky for 20-30 minutes.
If you're still not getting a green flashing light, you can always try a flex band from another one of your TT25 collars. The TT25 flex band is an interchangeable between TT25 collars (Standard and Extended battery) and the T20 collar.
By taking the flex band off of a TT25 you know is working and putting it on the one that's having the GPS issues you can verify it it is indeed the flex band. And vise versa, if you put the bad flex band on a collar you know is working good you should see GPS issues (yellow flashing light).
Coming in at $50 each, a spare flex band is something that we here at Double U recommend any houndsman keep with them in their truck, pack or gear ready to go. Having a spare flex band and small phillips head screwdriver or tool kit available to help keep the hunt going is always a good idea!
