Q&A About SportDOG’s New GPS System

(SportDOG photo.)

If you haven’t heard yet, SportDOG Brand recently announced the new TEK 1.0 system, the first remote dog training and tracking system ever. In other words, GPS plus training, and also a competitor to Garmin’s Astro system.

Interesting.

From the SportDOG announcement: “The new system is available with GPS tracking capabilities only (TEK 1.0L) or with a dual-purpose collar-receiver (TEK 1.0LT) that allows remote training via stimulation, vibration or tone.

“‘This is a huge breakthrough for our customers who run hounds [and] bird hunters who rely on far-ranging pointing dogs,” said Lance Tracy, SportDOG VP. “This product eliminates the need to carry additional telemetry gear. Everything a hunter could possibly need to locate and control his dog is accessible from one compact and well-designed handheld unit.”

That got our attention – we wanted to know more. Here’s a brief Q&A with SportDOG’s El Marshall and Chris Morgan:

SBH: Whose GPS technology does the unit employ, and would you say it equals or exceeds the Garmin Astro in that department?

SportDOG: We did not partner with anyone for the GPS technology. The technology was created and refined in house by our stellar team of engineers. Testing shows that TEK 1.0 is at least equivalent to Garmin in accuracy and range.

Has the unit been tested and proven to work in extremely dense brush and canyons, areas where some conventional GPSs can’t find a signal?

We’ve tested the unit over the course of about 8 months in various hunting scenarios, and it has excelled in each. Dense brush and elevations have tested extremely well, though it is a GPS-based unit so obstructions can interfere with the signal. Our GPS antenna is optimally located on the back of the dog’s neck to maximize reception.

Gotta ask this one: Why are there 100 levels of electronic stimulation?

The multiple levels of stimulation are to allow you to form-fit the unit to your dog’s needs. Every dog is different, and with these options you can set the stimulus range that is most appropriate for your dog.

Can the GPS and e-collar functions run independently of each other?

Yes. The GPS and e-collar are two separate receivers docked together on one compact collar. You have the option to run your dog with the GPS or the e-collar turned off.

If one goes out for whatever reason, does the other continue to operate?

Yes, they are two separate receivers.

Other than a dead battery, is there any issue that can shut down the entire unit?

No, except maybe the unit getting run over by a Mack truck!

What are the MSRPs of the units, and when and where can we expect to see them?

The Location-only unit is $499, the combination Location and Training unit will be $699. The units will be available at a wide variety of outdoor retailers this summer – Cabela’s, Bass Pro, Tractor Supply, Gun Dog Supply, etc. A wide range of retailers have picked up this product.

What’s the price for adding additional e-collars to run multiple dogs?

We’ll be offering multiple add-a-dog collars. To add a GPS-only collar or E-Collar-only attachment is $199.99. To add the full GPS/E-Collar unit is $349.99.

(SportDOG photo.)

What’s the weight of the GPS unit and the collar?

With the antenna, the GPS collar weighs 7.6 ounces. The transceiver weighs 6.7 ounces.

Are there any other accessories coming?

Yes, an antenna for the handheld and a car-top antenna, both for greater range.

What are the top 5 reasons a bird hunter would benefit from the TEK system?

1. The handheld alerts you when your dog is on point with a vibration. You don’t have to go searching down the point or worry about loud sounds startling birds.

2. You can track your dog even in highly dense cover

3. You can communicate with your dog via e-collar if you see him moseying off the path or is too far away.

4. You can keep up with your dog because directional arrows will show his path and rate.

5. You have full GPS/E-Collar benefits in the field. One example is you can see on the handheld whether a dog has responded to whatever command you’ve given.
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Interested yet?

If GPS isn’t your thing, SportDOG of course has a variety of models depending on how your work your dogs and train them, and how close or far they hunt. More on SportDOG.com.

Category: Dog gear, SportDOG