I recently purchased two Tri-Tronics Tracer lights to test and the following are my thoughts:
First, they were fairly easy to integrate into the GP2 or GP3 e-collar receivers. I removed the collar from the receivers and took out the two screws. The unit then separates from the battery and you insert the tracer light between the battery and the stimulation unit and screw it together with the longer screws provided. It was pretty straight forward.
The light works by setting the power level dial to “A” (Accessory) to control the light. Click any of the control buttons to turn the light to flash mode (unit flashes 20 quick double flashes per minute), push again to turn on the light solid. Another click turns the unit off. The only catch is that the light must be turned off before the collar is manually shut off on the underside or the light continues flashing and will run down the battery. This really isn’t much of a problem since you clearly see that the light is on, even in broad daylight and can turn it off.
The first thing that struck me about the Tracer was how bright the light is. These new LED lights are really bright. As long as the dog is facing you and the collar is not hidden by the dog’s head, you can see the light a long way off. I didn’t test it to see how far it can be seen at night, but it has to be several miles. Another thing I liked was the fact that you could choose between white, blue or red. All of them are equally bright and you had multiple dogs out, you could tell the difference between them. I was also impressed at the ruggedness of the light. It is built to the same high standards I have come to expect from Tri-Tronics.
Battery life is another thing I haven’t specifically tested, but running the light on flashing mode for 5 to 15 minutes almost every day, I didn’t notice that I had to charge the receiver any sooner than I normally do. Tri-Tronics reports that running the Tracer in the constant on mode will drain the battery 40% faster than the flashing mode.
The Tracer light is nifty, but do I really need it? I guess that answer really depends on how much you have your dog out after dark. If I were running coon hounds night hunting it would be an absolute necessity. Otherwise, I guess it depends. I often take the dogs out to the back pasture for a quick run and bathroom break before putting them up for the night. I really enjoy the Tracer for this. I can easily keep track of several dogs in the total dark by watching the lights. The second way I have used this is with my big running pointer at the end of the hunt. Late in the chukar season this year I was headed back to the truck at the close of shooting hours when he disappeared. I got to the truck and he wasn’t there as I expected. I was able to remotely turn on the Tracer and in a few minutes I saw the light in the growing darkness way off. I was able to drive a little closer and call the dog over. That saved me a lot of nervous time and frustration.
The Tracer does add 1/4” thickness to the e-collar, but I have run it on cocker spaniels up to large labs and not felt like the thickness or weight was an issue. The lights retail for $49, and can be purchased from many online sellers, including Tri-Tronics for $44. If you already have the G2 or G3 EXP collars, you will have to think through you need for such a product, but if you are thinking of getting one, they’re rugged and work great.
Tri-Tronics G3 EXP with Tracer Light
I recently purchased two Tri-Tronics Tracer lights to test and the following are my thoughts after 3 months of use:
First, they were fairly easy to install into the e-collar receivers (GP2 or GP3). I removed the collar from the receivers and took out the two screws. The unit then separates from the battery and you insert the tracer light between the battery and the stimulation unit and screw it together with the longer screws provided. It was pretty straight forward.
The light works by setting the power level dial to “A” (Accessory) to control the light. Click any of the control buttons to turn the light to flash mode (unit flashes a quick double flash every 3 seconds), push again to turn on the light solid. Another click turns the unit off. The only catch is that the light must be turned off before the collar is manually shut off on the underside or the light continues flashing and will run down the battery. This really isn’t much of a problem since you clearly see that the light is on, even in broad daylight and can turn it off.
The first thing that struck me about the Tracer was how bright the light is. These new LED lights are really bright. As long as the dog is facing you and the collar is not hidden by the dog’s head, you can see the light a long way off. I didn’t test it to see how far it can be seen at night, but it has to be several miles. I liked the fact that they make it in white, blue and red, so you can run multiple dogs and tell the difference. I was also impressed at the ruggedness of the light. It is built to the same high standards I have come to expect from Tri-Tronics.
Battery life is another thing I haven’t specifically tested, but running the light on flashing mode for 5 to 15 minutes almost every day, I didn’t notice that I had to charge the receiver any sooner than I normally do. Tri-Tronics reports that running the Tracer in the constant on mode will drain the battery 40% faster than the flashing mode.
The Tracer light is nifty, but do I really need it? That is the real question to ask yourself. I guess that answer really depends on how much you have your dog out after dark. If I were running coon hounds night hunting it would be an absolute necessity. Otherwise, I guess it depends. I often take the dogs out to the back pasture for a quick run and bathroom break before putting them up for the night. I really enjoy the Tracer for this. I can easily keep track of several dogs in the total dark by watching the lights. The second way I have used this is with my big running pointer at the end of the hunt. Late in the chukar season this year I was headed back to the truck at the close of shooting hours when he disappeared. I got to the truck and he wasn’t there as I expected. I was able to remotely turn on the Tracer and in a few minutes I saw the light in the growing darkness way off. I was able to drive a little closer and call the dog over. That saved me a lot of nervous time and frustration. I could also see how it might save a dog’s life if an oncoming car could see the light and slow down to avoid the dog.
The Tracer does add 1/4” thickness to the e-collar, but I have run it on cocker spaniels up to large labs and not felt like the thickness or weight was an issue. The lights retail for $49, and can be purchased from many online sellers, including Tri-Tronics.com for $44. If you already have the G2 or G3 EXP collars, you will have to think through you need for such a product, but if you are thinking of getting one, they’re rugged and work great.
