Features

Overview: The Garmin Alpha LTE is a dog-tracking device that uses LTE cellular technology for extended range. The tracker slips onto your dog's collar (maximum width 1") and transmits location signals so that you can track your dog's movements on the Garmin Alpha app on your compatible smartphone. Alpha LTE can be used in conjuction with select Garmin Alpha traditional VHF dog tracking systems for better reliability and longer battery life. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with a charging clip and USB charging cable.

LTE Technology: The Alpha LTE tracking device uses cellular signals to help you locate your dog and track its movements on your smartphone. LTE technology has a wider range than VHF tracking systems which extends your tracking ability. The device can connect to an AT&T and T-Mobile cellular network. Alpha LTE requires the LTE Dog Tracking Subscription, which can be activated in the Garmin Alpha app. As of August 2024, the subscription is priced at $49.99 per year.

Pairing with VHF Device: If you are using the Alpha LTE device with a compatible Garmin VHF dog collar tracking system, you can pair the devices so they can track together as one asset on the Alpha navigator's Dog List page. When the LTE and VHF devices are working together, the tracking system automatically switches between LTE and VHF signals to give you the best available signal. Pairing the two devices helps to conserve the Alpha LTE's battery, extending the time between charges.

Location Technology: The Alpha LTE utilizes a multi-GNSS, or multiple-frequency Global Navigation Satellite System, to help you pinpoint your dog's precise location. It uses the U.S. Global Positioning System as well as the European-based Galileo positioning system for improved accuracy.

Update Frequency: The Alpha LTE dog tracking device transmits location data at regular intervals to help you track your dog's movements. In the Alpha app, you can adjust the frequency of the signal transmissions to increase accuracy (higher frequency) or save battery power (lower frequency). The available settings include: 10 seconds, Dynamic, or 2 minutes.

LED Lights: The tracker is equipped with two LED beacons that helps you identify your dog, even in the dark. The large, bright LEDs are easy to see, and can be illuminated in yellow, magenta, cyan, white, green, red, or blue. The Beacon LEDs can be controlled in the Garmin Alpha app. In addition, the device has a Status LED that flashes to indicate the LTE connection status.

Durability: The Alpha LTE is built to withstand the harsh conditions out in the field. It has a 1 ATM water resistance rating for its ability to withstand immersion in up to 10 meters of water. Its operating temperature range is from -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) and a charging temperature range of 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°F).

Battery Power: The Alpha LTE has a built-in Lithium-ion rechargeable battery which powers the device for hours. The tracker comes with a charging clip with a USB-C port, and a USB-A-to-USB-C cable, and charges in approximately 5 hours. The battery life is dependent upon the set update rate. Pairing it to a compatible VHF dog collar device disables GPS to preserve battery life. The estimated battery life of the Alpha LTE is as follows:

Rescue Mode / Sleep Mode: If your dog gets out of communication range, you can enable Rescue Mode in the Alpha app to extend the life of the battery. Rescue Mode changes the update rate to 2 minutes when the battery reaches 25% capacity to give you more time to locate the dog. Sleep Mode can be enabled in the app to save battery when your not actively tracking your dog.

Garmin Alpha App: You can track your dog's movements on your smartphone or tablet with the Garmin Alpha app (for iOS 15.0+ and Android 7.0+). The app lets you adjust the Alpha LTE's settings and activate your LTE subscription. You can also record and view dog tracks, drop waypoints, and navigate game trails using the integrated mapping.

Software Updates: Occasionally, software updates become available to improve the performance of the Alpha LTE tracking device. To obtain these updates, you can connect the unit to your computer (Windows 10 or 11 and Mac OS X 11.0 or later) via USB, and download them from the Garmin Express application.