OLATHE, Kan., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Garmin International
Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite
navigation, today announced the DC(TM) 30, a completely redesigned GPS dog
tracking collar for use with the Astro GPS Dog Tracking System. The new
collar is more rugged and its antennas are positioned differently for
optimal tracking.
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"The new DC 30 collar is designed to stand up to the torturous abuse of
hunting dogs. Whether it's hounds crashing through thick and swampy woods,
or bird dogs bounding through dense CRP fields, the DC 30 is made to take
the beating that working dogs dish out daily," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's
vice president of worldwide sales. "And the new configuration also makes
mounting the collar a cinch -- while improving reception."
The DC 30 collar's main housing is weighted to sit below the dog's
neck, while a small, low-profile GPS antenna is integrated into the collar
strap and positioned on top of the dog's neck, providing a clear view of
satellites with minimal rotation. The transmitter antenna originates from
the lower housing, and has been redesigned for more flexibility and
ruggedness. No counterbalance or harness is needed. The weight for the
transmitter plus antenna is 4.1 ounces, and the entire DC 30 weighs just
8.7 ounces.
Used in conjunction with the Astro 220 receiver, the system pinpoints
exactly where your dog is and what he's doing -- running, pointing, or
treeing -- even in dense cover, up to seven miles away, depending on
terrain.
The Astro GPS Dog Tracking System requires very little configuration
straight out of the box, and is extremely simple to use. Once the
transmitter and receiver acquire a GPS signal, the receiver automatically
lets users know the location of their dog. Unlike old radio telemetry
collars, the Astro features a dog page that shows the precise direction and
distance to a dog -- even indicating if it is running, on point, or treeing
quarry -- and does it all without the annoyance of beeper collars. Unlike
cellular tracking systems, there are no subscriptions or setup fees
required to use the device.
Astro can track up to ten dogs per receiver at once, and the collar
gives location updates every five, 10, or 30 seconds (user selectable).
Battery life is 17-36 hours (based on update rate) on the rechargeable DC
30 collar and 24 hours on the Astro 220 receiver, which is powered by two
AA batteries. Both the DC 30 collar and the Astro 220 receiver are
completely waterproof.
The Astro also has a map page to illustrate where a dog is and where it
has been -- in relation to the hunter -- and allows hunters to determine if
they have covered nearby ground. Garmin's unique Covey Counter(TM) lets
hunters mark the precise location, time of day, and elevation where they
encountered their quarry -- and users can easily note the number of birds
flushed and how many were taken. The Astro also comes packed with new
hunting-specific icons, to easily mark and identify bird flushes, treed
raccoons, food plots, tree stands, cover, ATVs, and other outdoor-related
features.
Besides being a state-of-the-art dog tracking device, the Astro is also
a full-featured handheld GPS based on the GPSMAP(R) 60CSx, with a
sunlight-readable color display and a highly sensitive GPS receiver that
works even under a thick tree canopy or in deep canyons. So when the
hunting season is over, the Astro can pull double-duty for hiking, boating,
or car trips.
The Astro has a microSD card slot that allows users to insert optional
pre-programmed topo maps or road maps, which can be invaluable in an
unfamiliar area. Topo maps give hunters an idea of the most productive
areas to hunt, while road maps feature the same basic functions as an
automotive GPS navigation unit -- even in rural areas. The optional road
map data can also give turn-by-turn directions to motels, gas stations,
restaurants, and even veterinarians.
The Astro also calculates area, which is ideal for determining the
acreage of a piece of property or the exact size of a food plot. The unit
has location-specific sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset tables (ideal for
determining legal hunting hours) and a hunting and fishing calendar that
suggests the best times to be out in the field.
The new DC 30 collar is included as part of the Astro GPS Dog Tracking
system, which also contains an Astro 220 receiver, user's manual,
power/data cables, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, and a carrying case for a
suggested retail price of $649.99. The DC 30 tracking collar sold
separately is $199.99. The DC 30 collar is compatible with current Astro
GPS Dog Tracking Systems as well. For current Astro DC20 owners wishing to
upgrade to the DC 30, Garmin is offering a $50.00 rebate for a limited time
only.
Garmin has also developed a new Astro portable long range antenna, sold
separately. The accessory is designed to increase the range of the hunter's
handheld receiver, by up to three miles. When a dog travels outside the
Astro's range, the antenna can be lengthened to over a meter and attached
directly to the Astro 220 via a one-meter coaxial cable. The antenna
features a molded handle and lanyard, and measures just a quarter meter
long when stored -- small enough to be carried in a hunting vest when not
in use. The handheld antenna has a list price of $69.99.
The DC 30 is expected to be available in third quarter 2008. For more
details and an interactive demo of the Astro GPS Dog Tracking System, visit
http://www.garmin.com/astro.
About Garmin
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its
subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation,
communication and information devices and applications since 1989 -- most
of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin's products serve automotive,
mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM
applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its
principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the
United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at
http://www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department
at 913-397-8200. Garmin and GPSMAP are registered trademarks, and Astro and
DC 30 are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd.
and its business. All statements regarding the company's future product
introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on
management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and
circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results
could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and
uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk
factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 29, 2007 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (Commission file number 000-31983). A copy of Garmin's Form 10-K
can be downloaded at
http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No
forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
SOURCE Garmin Ltd.
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Related links:
http://www.garmin.com
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AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Ted Gartner of Garmin International Inc.,
+1-913-397-8200, media.relations@garmin.com
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