Alpha 10
Alpha 10 is a cost effective, standalone dog tracker that connects dog tracking collars to DriveTrack, Fēnix, and Instinct using ANT+. Alpha Mini, like the more premium tracker Alpha 200i, uses BLE to connect to smart devices. Still, the Alpha Mini is capable of standalone operation with its 1.8” display and onboard GPS. When paired with a compatible smart device and companion mobile application, Alpha Mini lets the user display their dog tracking information on a higher resolution screen, providing more advanced features, such as playing back the dog's recent hunting activity. This gives the user more insight into the dog's track and how they are performing in the field.
Easily control training functions by using the button-operated, dog-focused design. The addition of thumb stick navigation lets users quickly work their way through screens and options as opposed to toggling two arrow buttons on the side of the device.
Adaptable
With many different use cases, the Alpha 10 is equipped to handle them all. A cloth loop and lanyard loop on the back makes it easy to clip to a carabiner or run a lanyard through. The Garmin spine mount accessory allow the device to be compatible with many other user specific accessories Garmin offers. Such as belt holsters and auto mounts for those tracking their hunt from the truck.
Durable
The Alpha 10 is built to last in the rough environment it’s meant to exist in. Robust ribbing keeps the device working when encountering the vibrations of a vehicle off road or from a high fall. The protective rubber over-mold around the unit keeps it safe if dropped. The watertight seal with gasket keeps the unit dry with a water rating of IPX74.
Smart
This dog hunting unit has multiple forms of communication to multiple dogs as well as to multiple devices. It has the ability to track the locations of up to 20 dogs at once as well as send individual training modes to each dog independently. Tracks up to a 9 mile range. The Alpha can also communicate with other alpha products within a hunting group. Tracking can also be communicated from the Alpha to multiple Garmin watches (Fēnix, Instinct). And if you don’t want to hassle with the device in your hand, it can simply be off to the side and communicate to your phone during a hunt and you can rack on that using the Explore app with birds eye map imagery.
The design team went through multiple sketch phases, from rough to refined, exploring a wide range of forms for this device.
Some closer to the established brand language as well as some that challenged it.
Through out and well after the sketch phases, the design team spent a large amount of effort exploring in 3D.
In the early stages we explored stack up configurations, display sizes, and the tradeoffs between helix and patch antennas.
The last stages were spent refining the selected designs and working with mechanical engineers to make the device as robust as possible.
With the design set, the team began to get in samples and improve specs. Everything from texturing, flash marks, sink marks, laser knurling, and fabric tags were evaluated.
