Pro 550+

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oldbeek
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Pro 550+

Post by oldbeek » Sat May 11, 2019 12:11 pm

Ok , new collar that fixes all the alpha problems. Quick change over and simple to use. NO TONE on point?? Why cant they put it all together?? Just bought an astro 430. Bought too soon. Waiting for all the features I need.

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marc
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by marc » Sat May 11, 2019 1:18 pm

I ordered a 550+ as well, and am waiting for mine to arrive. I like the simplicity, and the benefit of knowing where my dog is at a glance.

birds
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by birds » Mon May 13, 2019 7:31 am

I'm glad there is no tone on point - quiet. All you have to do is glance down at it.

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marc
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by marc » Wed May 15, 2019 4:55 am

I've used the 550+ for a couple of days now, and coming off the 550, it's definitely an improvement in the areas I needed. The location interface is superbly simple for hunting applications, and the little solid black stop sign indicates when the dog is on point. Perfect. That all I need.

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oldbeek
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by oldbeek » Sun May 19, 2019 10:51 am

I don't want to walk around looking at the screen. Just a low buzz. If they can make it show a stop sign, they can make it buzz.

birds
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by birds » Mon May 20, 2019 2:34 pm

oldbeek wrote:
Sun May 19, 2019 10:51 am
I don't want to walk around looking at the screen. Just a low buzz. If they can make it show a stop sign, they can make it buzz.
I don't blame you - I don't want to walk around looking at a screen either. Or hear a buzz of any kind. All you have to do is glance at it when your dog isn't in sight - no need to stare until you run headlong into a tree.
But to each their own.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by averageguy » Tue May 21, 2019 5:50 pm

oldbeek wrote:
Sun May 19, 2019 10:51 am
I don't want to walk around looking at the screen. Just a low buzz. If they can make it show a stop sign, they can make it buzz.
I switched from an Alpha to a 550+ when it came out and find it to be an excellent tool for training and keeping track of my dog while hunting. I just stepped out on the front porch and turned them both on to confirm what I thought I knew. It does notify you when the dog goes on point with a low buzz, but only once. If you don't hear it you will still know your dog is on point by seeing the stop sign on the screen.

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marc
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by marc » Thu May 23, 2019 4:56 am

oldbeek wrote:
Sun May 19, 2019 10:51 am
I don't want to walk around looking at the screen. Just a low buzz. If they can make it show a stop sign, they can make it buzz.
It buzzes once when the dog stops or points.

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oldbeek
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by oldbeek » Tue May 28, 2019 12:45 am

Thanks for the reply. I was told it didn't make a sound on point. That is good to know. I would hang mine like my astro 430 on my chest strap of my Bucks bags vest. Easy to feel the buzz.

work765
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by work765 » Thu May 30, 2019 7:16 am

I was going to start looking into it. But I think you can pair with a Garmin watch. Easy way to see where your dog is without having to hold the remote.




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Makintrax73
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Makintrax73 » Thu Nov 14, 2019 10:41 am

birds wrote:
Mon May 20, 2019 2:34 pm
oldbeek wrote:
Sun May 19, 2019 10:51 am
I don't want to walk around looking at the screen. Just a low buzz. If they can make it show a stop sign, they can make it buzz.
I don't blame you - I don't want to walk around looking at a screen either. Or hear a buzz of any kind. All you have to do is glance at it when your dog isn't in sight - no need to stare until you run headlong into a tree.
But to each their own.


Ever try hunting a medium or bigger range dog in the grouse woods, or heavy pheasant cover? They are out of sight 75%+ of the time in the field. Tone or vibrate on point is really a necessity.

I wont hunt without my Alpha, but for the price Garmin really does a crap job getting the details right.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Tenderfoot » Thu Dec 26, 2019 6:34 am

Those of you using the 550 plus, has anyone experienced interference from the metal ring on your dog collar?

nevermind
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by nevermind » Sat Dec 28, 2019 12:06 pm

What kind of interference Tenderfoot?

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Tenderfoot » Mon Dec 30, 2019 10:56 pm

The directional arrow bounces around pointing in nearly 180 degree different direction than where the dog is and the north indicator is way off as well. I don’t know what’s going on but all I could think of is I noticed the metal ring from the dog collar was rubbing on the collars charging terminals. I’ve calibrated the transmitter and paired it several times.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by nevermind » Tue Dec 31, 2019 10:47 am

Tenderfoot... I'm trying one out and had close to same problem, once on a hunt. The last few hunts collar seems accurate with no problem. You could try covering the charging terminals with some cloth and then use electrical tape to cover... I'd use the cloth to keep adhesive off the terminals. At least you would find out if that's the cause.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by mtlhdr » Tue Dec 31, 2019 11:38 am

Tenderfoot wrote:
Mon Dec 30, 2019 10:56 pm
The directional arrow bounces around pointing in nearly 180 degree different direction than where the dog is and the north indicator is way off as well. I don’t know what’s going on but all I could think of is I noticed the metal ring from the dog collar was rubbing on the collars charging terminals. I’ve calibrated the transmitter and paired it several times.
Make sure the handheld and the collar software are up-to-date. I was having similar problems (Astro 320/DC40) and a software update did the trick. Not sure it's the same for the 550+ but worth looking into.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Tenderfoot » Wed Jan 01, 2020 8:38 am

After talking to customer service i updated software, which I did even though its brand new. Tried it again yesterday and same issue. If working properly I believe the directional arrow should always self correct pointing towards the dog regardless of which direction the handheld device is oriented? Presently, that doesn’t happen. Also, the north indicator doesn’t self correct. I have to orient the receiver north in relation to the north indicator to have any sort of accuracy. All this aside the distance seems to be somewhat accurate and it did accurately indicate when my dog was on point. :D

I’m going to exchange the unit for new one. I love the concept and it seems, if working properly, it would be super easy to use.

birds
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by birds » Wed Jan 01, 2020 10:31 am

Mine works as you think it should. Get a new one.

Tenderfoot
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Tenderfoot » Mon Jan 13, 2020 7:53 am

I got it swapped out and it’s working fantastic.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Trailgunner » Tue Jan 14, 2020 8:52 pm

Couldn’t you connect it to a Garmin watch like Fenix or instinct and then it would vibrate on you wrist? That’s what my fenix 5 and Garmin 320 does. Works great

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by mobirddog » Mon Jun 22, 2020 6:43 am

I'm thinking of upgrading to the 550+ this fall. Do you know if the standard PT10 collar is compatible with the 550+ transmitter?

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by averageguy » Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:44 am

After 2 years of extensive and trouble free use of my 550+ and mini TT15 collars I had a major malfunction yesterday.

I gave an ecollar correction to my 6 month old puppy using a low 2 (used many times since the ecollar was introduced to this puppy 2 months ago) and she reacted as though it was WAY hotter than the setting.

I took the collar off and yea it was completely haywire. On 1 low it burned me so hot I dropped the ecollar out of my hand. Tested my other mini-tt15 collar, same thing, crazy hot on a 1 low setting. I would say it is shocking that highest level when set on the lowest level.

Plugged the transmitter in and upgraded the software, same with the collars. Shocked myself again with both collars, both HOTTER THAN HECK on 1 low.

Charged the Alpha and tested the same collars with it. They worked correctly.

So problem is clearly isolated to the 550+ transmitter.

Called Garmin just now. They said they see this problem when the intensity dial wheel gets loose and spins freely. Mine is not loose or spinning freely. It is snug and clicks firmly into each setting as you turn it as it has since new.

It is out of warranty and the only solution is me sending in the transmitter and paying $150 for a new one.

My FB group is near 100% dog folks with a great deal of knowledge and experience. 3 other people with a 550+ immediately said they had experienced the same problem.

I called Collar Clinic this morning and asked them how often they see the problem and he said not alot, but it is unclear how often people would call them vs Garmin as Collar Clinic is not authorized to do any repairs on that product.

Very disappointed. This 550+ combined GPS/Ecollar is best in class for features and function, until it wasn't.

This problem is the worst possible problem to have as nothing is more critical than having full confidence that when you go to issue an ecollar correction the stimulation the dog receives is the level you have set the device to deliver. It is common to go up and down in intensity setting in a single training session so the product must work as designed or you will only find the problem after you have delivered a correction to the dog at an entirely inappropriate level of stimulation. Which is what happened to me and my pup.

So there you have it Folks.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by nevermind » Mon Jun 29, 2020 10:26 am

I don't like hearing this about the 550+... AG. Hopefully this is just a few transmitters with problems. Possibly a weakness in the transmitter for those that do spin the intensity knob frequently? The only Garmin collars I've used are the 550+ and a 320 that I didn't care for with the different windows and small screen. I just my opinion, but I think Dogtra training collars are more durable and reliable... I'm not including the Dogtra Pathfinder as a training collar.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by averageguy » Mon Jun 29, 2020 11:06 am

I have never used a Dogtra. Word I hear from Perfection Kennel is it's low end is not as low as Garmin and it's high end is higher. They use them when they need that higher level but otherwise use Garmin 550s.

I have a 550, Alpha and the 550+ and 6 collars. Have had good service from them for the most part. I have used that 550 daily for over 10 years with no failure. Had a couple of collar batteries go bad. The dial wheel on the 550 would appear to be identical to the 550+ so no idea why one causes trouble and the other has not, but I heard from several people having the same problem with the 550+ and Garmin acknowledges it as well.

I hate the touch screen on the Alpha, it is horrible for training and cumbersome as heck when handling two or more dogs and any corrections are needed.

I loved the 550+ til this happened.

I inquired about the Dogtra Pathfinder with the guy at Collar Clinic and he said it requires a smart phone and is cumbersome as heck compared to the 550+. Might as well use my Alpha if I want to sign up for cumbersome.

Seems I don't have great options at the moment as I am no fan at all of carrying two transmitters on me and hanging two collars around my dogs' necks, especially puppies...

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Mosby » Sun Sep 20, 2020 9:27 am

I want to buy new e collars and gps in the next few months. After doing some research, the 550+ would do everything I need and I really like the idea of a single collar.

Unfortunately, it seems like a lot people are having problems with this unit. I have to have a set up that I have confidence in. That is leading me back to two collars, which isn't something I prefer.

My strategy now is to wait as long as possible to buy anything, hope they work the bugs out or somebody brings out something new. Not holding my breath for that. The only other thought I had was to buy two different set ups one being the 550+ and the other a two collar system and I can switch out if I have a problem when hunting. My wife is not a fan of that idea but I have had worse.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by nevermind » Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:14 pm

I haven't had problems with my 550+, if that's of help.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by ex28 » Mon Sep 21, 2020 4:24 pm

I haven't had any issues with my 550+ either and it's been put through the ringer. I don't change my dial very often though for whatever that's worth.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Mosby » Mon Sep 21, 2020 4:59 pm

Appreciate that. I am looking at different options but I haven't found anything I like better than the 550+ so I will likely pay my money, cross my fingers and take my chances.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by moosecountry » Fri Sep 25, 2020 8:42 pm

Should have ordered it 5-8 weeks ago. Seems they are sold out everywhere.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Fun dog » Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:27 pm

The 550+ buzzes once, but it’s easy to miss. I now have it connected to my instinct watch and no problem feeling when the dog goes on point. To get it to pair correctly I had to update everything.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by goosedowner63 » Sun Sep 27, 2020 10:14 am

Anyone have a discount coupon for garmin. I would love to get a 550 pro but the price is holding me back

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nevermind
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by nevermind » Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:53 am

Well... I like the simplicity of my 550+. Unfortunately I found my 550+ to be of poor quality. I’ve joined other’s with problems concerning the receiver on the 550+. I turned the receiver on to only see the Garmin logo on the screen and not communicating with the collar. I tried to turn the receiver off, but it wouldn’t shut down. So...off to Garmin it goes, but the reliability of this e-collar will always be doubtful. Really PO’ed that my hunt ended , because of equipment failure!

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by nevermind » Fri Jan 29, 2021 10:32 am

Though I’m disappointed with having my 550+ malfunction I must say Garmin treated me well. Garmin had me send them my handheld and sent me a replacement promptly no charge, also included a spare battery.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by RyanDoolittle » Sun Jan 31, 2021 7:27 pm

oldbeek wrote:
Sat May 11, 2019 12:11 pm
Ok , new collar that fixes all the alpha problems. Quick change over and simple to use. NO TONE on point?? Why cant they put it all together?? Just bought an astro 430. Bought too soon. Waiting for all the features I need.
The 550+ is a training tracking collar. If you want the bells and whistles with training then buy the Alpha.

The 550+ is Garmins answer to people complaining about how hard it was to toggle between dogs when training and trying to make a correction.

I never understood why people want to put all their eggs in 1 basket with only 1 collar either. You cant have your cake and eat it too. I still run an Astro to track and a 550 to train. This way if one fails I can still track my dog, or if the GPS fails I still have some control. Never an issue with the GPS despite having NEVER updated the handheld OR collars since 2015 and the 550 allows me to easy apply correction of the proper level to the correct dog and the correct time.

If Marshall ever gets off their @$$ and gets their GPS/telemetry combo back in line then Garmin will be in for some trouble. As it stands they sit pretty safe at the top of their hill while Marshall focus' on the falconry stuff.

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by Thirdy8special » Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:47 pm

Garmin has a new app (Explorer) that sincs with controller and collar so you can see paths of each after your activity/hunt is overwith using your smart phone. I found out about it on fb, have downloaded the app from google playstore, sinc-ed & paired both to the app on my samsung s20note phone but haven't tried it yet. You can sinc it to your garmin watch too but probably best to do just the controller&collar at the same time, & not all 3 at the same time as watch and controller are basically in the same place.
Texas JAC Lewellins(FB)

birds
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by birds » Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:13 am

This Explorer app is for the 550?.....

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Re: Pro 550+

Post by jacksdad » Sun Mar 28, 2021 4:29 am

I believe it is for the pro 550+. I downloaded it but couldn’t find the controller. Apparently need to update the collar or controller.

birds
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Re: Pro 550+

Post by birds » Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:38 pm

I downloaded the app onto my phone and it seems to work - the pro 550+ collar/transmitter show up on the map. Pretty slick, though I have not had a chance to load a afternoon's worth of data and play with all the options. If I can do this anyone can :D

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