| Q: |
My collar has stopped transmitting what should
I do? |
| A: |
End Cap – Try checking the end cap. It is not uncommon that over time the connection that the end cap provides (it completes the circuit) will go bad due to rust, dirt, etc. If the end cap is dirty you can clean the contact points with alcohol and make sure that the gasket is clean and undamaged. If you have two collars it is best to first swap the end cap from the collar that is not working with an end cap from a collar that is working, and see if the collar that was not working begins to transmit. If this is the case you will need to purchase a new end cap.
**If you own the Supra Lite collar you can also test the transmitter using a screwdriver test. First, remove the collar’s end cap and leave battery within casing of transmitter. Take a screwdriver and apply a small amount of pressure to the center of the battery while touching the neck of the screwdriver to the side or casing of the transmitter. If the transmitter is working you should hear it begin to transmit within a few seconds.
Battery – You can also check the battery(ies). Make sure that the battery is placed within the transmitter correctly. If you have either the Supra Lite or the Strike collar, the negative end should be closest to the end cap. Alternately, if you own an Intelo collar one negative end and one positive end of the batteries should be facing the end cap. If this does not work you may want to try replacing the existing battery with a new one to see if the collar begins to transmit.
**For Strike collars, make sure you are using a top quality battery such as a Xeno or Saft. The button on top of the battery must be able to reach the screw head at the bottom of the battery compartment for proper operation. Button heads on batteries vary by brand. If your collar is working intermittently, start by reviewing the size of the battery and the connection quality.
Photo example 1: Tracker Xeno battery compared to other battery
Photo example 2: Close up of battery button positions
Frequency Drift – Due to the nature of radio frequency it is fairly common for frequencies to drift. If your collar signal alters in pitch or tracking range it is best to first check for frequency drift before sending in your collar for repair. If you have a Classic receiver you can adjust the fine tuning wheel to receive the best signal from your collar. If you have a Maxima receiver, you can adjust the frequency up and down 1 or 2 KHz (last number in programming) for best signal.
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| Q: |
How do I know when my dog is: |
| A: |
Treeing
The tree switch is activated when your animal has treed. The collar’s signal will beep twice as fast as normal when triggered.
Pointing
The Point Mode is activated when your animal stops moving (or goes on point) for four seconds. The collar’s signal will beep twice as fast as normal when triggered.
Barking
Every time your dog barks the collars will transmit a double beep.
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| Q: |
I don’t think my tree switch is working, how can I be sure? |
| A: |
If you own a Strike collar, the first thing that you need to do is to make sure that the collar is properly placed on the dog. If the collar is on the dog correctly the antenna will be pointing toward the dog’s left side. In other words, when you are facing the dog the antenna should be on your right. For both Intelo and Strike collars, when the dog trees an animal and tilts his head back, your collar should transmit a signal twice as fast as normal. |
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| Q: |
How long is the strap on the tracking collar? |
| A: |
Supra Lite
The strap on the Supra Lite collar is available in the standard 18” or 21”upon special request.
Strike
The Strike Straight collars (without a behavior circuit) and those that are ordered with a tree switch come on a 24”. Strike Motion collars are placed on a 21” strap.
Intelo
All Intelo transmitters come on a 24” strap
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| Q: |
What is the battery life of your collars? |
| A: |
When tested the following hours were achieved:
Supra Lite – 850 hours
Strike – 720 hours
Intelo – 250 hours
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| Q: |
What is the warranty on a Tracker unit? |
| A: |
We offer a factory defect warranty that includes a three year warranty on the electronics of the receiver with a ten year warranty on the body and antennas of the receiver. All Tracker collars come with a one year warranty. In order for your warranty to be valid your warranty card must be completed and returned to Tracker within 60 days of purchase. For more information on Tracker's product warranty, click here. |
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| Q: |
Which system should I purchase? |
| A: |
If you are running no more than one or two dogs and don’t need to track other dogs within your hunting party, then the Classic is the receiver you should purchase. The Maxima is designed for hunters needing to track multiple dogs and multiple frequencies. |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between the Classic and the Maxima? |
| A: |
The Classic is a crystalled receiver and is only capable of picking up two specific frequencies. The Maxima is programmable and capable of picking up multiple frequencies and multiple frequency bands. |
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| Q: |
Does the Classic have more range than the Maxima? |
| A: |
No. The sensitivity of both receivers is about the same. The Classic is a bit easier to use (simpler) but is not as flexible as the Maxima. |
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| Q: |
Can I use the Maxima with collars that I already own? |
| A: |
Yes, as long as the Maxima is capable of picking up the frequency band which your collar frequency is in. For example if your collar is in 216.109 then your Maxima needs to be able to pick up the 216 frequency band. If you are pairing a Maxima with existing collars, make sure to specify frequency when placing your order. |
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| Q: |
Do I need an external antenna? |
| A: |
It depends. If you are hunting in an area that is not very accessible and you want to track while driving a vehicle then using an external antenna may help. Also, for hand-held antennas, you will get slightly more range and more narrow beam width with a Yagi antenna. |
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| Q: |
Can the Classic be purchased with the SMA Connector? |
| A: |
Not at this time. |
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| Q: |
Where do I send my units for service? |
| A: |
Tracker services all Tracker products sold in North and South America at the Idaho facility. Send to:
Tracker Repairs
150 S. Adkins Way, Suite 100
Meridian, ID 83642
Please use the repair form or include a note detailing the problems you are having with your system. |
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| Q: |
What is the normal turn-around time for repairs at Tracker? |
| A: |
We try to turn around our repairs within 2 weeks (10 business days) but it is subject to first in, first out scheduling and backlogs will vary. |
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| Q: |
Which is the most powerful Tracker collar? |
| A: |
From independent tests, Tracker Collars are among the most powerful collars made anywhere in the world. The Intelo gets more range than any collar we have ever tested. |
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| Q: |
Why do some Tracker collars have two antennas? |
| A: |
The Intelo and Supra Lite collars have two antennas to increase range. One antenna is the transmitting antenna and the other is called a “ground plane.” Two antennas increases range 10 to 20%. |
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| Q: |
Will a Tracker collar interfere with my training (shock) collar? |
| A: |
There is no evidence that a training collar has been activated or inhibited by a Tracker Collar. |
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| Q: |
The batteries are draining in my collar what should I do? |
| A: |
First, you want to check the wrapping on the battery. When the plastic wrap on the battery is damaged, the battery will remain constantly engaged because of its contact with the casing of the transmitter. If this is the case you simply need to purchase a new battery. If the shrink wrap on the battery is fully intact, the problem may lie with the end cap. The connection that the end cap provides in completing the transmitting circuit may be defective. Water in the battery compartment is also another factor that will cause power to drain. If either of these situations is the case, you will need to purchase a new end cap. |
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| Q: |
My system isn’t getting any range, should I send it in? |
| A: |
Before sending in your unit we recommend putting your receiver through a range test. First, turn your collar on and place your transmitter in a tree and stand five feet from the collar. At five feet your receiver (either the Classic or the Maxima) should pick up the signal on a gain setting of 0 (zero). Leave the transmitter in the tree and move until you are about an unobstructed half mile away from the collar. If you have a Classic receiver you should be able to pick up the signal on a gain setting of 3 to 4 at a half mile distance. If you own the Maxima, at a half mile range you should receive the signal on a gain setting of 6 or less. If you can, test with more than one collar, checking batteries in both collars and receiver. Remember to check frequency of collar for best received signal before testing at one half mile range. If your system tests within these parameters, its range is fine. If you are still concerned with the performance of your unit, please call Tracker directly and ask to speak to a technician. |
The SupraLite and Intelo collars emit a special sound when the battery or batteries require changing. Click on the link to hear an example of the sound heard on the receiver when the collar battery is low: low battery (WAV FILE/199 KB).
Tracker collars can be fitted with a motion sensor or a tree switch that increases the speed of the beeps when a dog is motionless (on point) or when a hound is vertical (feet on tree). Click on the link to hear an example of this sound: point mode (WAV FILE/205 KB).
The Classic Receiver has a frequency adjustment wheel on the left side of the receiver. This is used to fine-tune the frequency for best reception. Click on the link to hear the sound from the receiver when the Classic is tuned correctly: a Classic (WAV FILE/264 KB).
Tracker Radio Systems offers a limited warranty covering manufacturer’s defects and is valid to the original purchaser only. Damage to either receivers or transmitters (collars) caused by misuse, being opened by unauthorized personnel or water damage is not covered by the warranty. All authorized repair work will be performed by Tracker Radio Systems.
Warranties on items purchased from North and South American outlets are valid only in North and South America. If you plan to use your system outside of this area, please contact our parent company at: www.tracker.fi or Email Tracker Oy Sales.
