AnswerID: 5673 Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 14, 2002 at 00:00
Member - Nigel
replied:
Before you decide what to buy, then you need to know what each type can and can't do.
UHFs are the most common CB and come in various types. The car mounted 5 watt units have an maximum range of 50 km (when there are no repeaters around), but more likely you would only get 10-20 km range in most situations. To get maxmum range you would need to be on a hill with a clear view to whoever you are calling. A resonable unit will cost you $350 + antenna and installation. GME are the most reliable UHF's and they are Australian made.
The handheld units that can connect to a car mounted antenna are nearly as good for range as they can usually transmit at 5 watts, but these units are $300-$500. The best brands are Icom or GME.
The cheap UHF handhelds can't be connected to an external antenna and have an average range of less than 1 km and max range of 3 km. They usually transmit half a watt.
AM CB (27 MHz) is fairly useless unless you are travelling with others that use it. SSB CB is better, but still not reliable. SSB CB is mainly used by hobbyists rather than travellers.
HF refers to SSB (Single Side Band) radios that can transmit on frequencies from 2 MHz to 27MHz and this range of available frequencies makes it the only reliable method of radio communication. You can usually talk to people from 100km to 2000km away by chosing an appropriate frequency. This system is used by the Flying Doctors and by organisations such as VKS737.
HF radios aren't really a handheld item and can cost $1000 for an older model, with new ones costing $3000-$4000.
You can also use HF radios to make Radphone (telephone) calls if you subscribe to a radphone service. But if you require private or noise free phone calls then a satphone would be better suited.
Do you require something for emergency
communications in the outback or are you just after something to get you out of a spot of bother when on some local tracks?
Reply 3 of 6
FollowupID: 2458 Submitted:
Wednesday, Aug 14, 2002 at 00:00
Kiwoka posted:
You guys realy dont like recommending Satphones do you. They are deffinitly a better option than HF for this person (No experrience & Cost) and most others.
This is what I beleive is a basic setup for the outback.
1. Satphone/GSM (Telstra $900)
2. UHF (Not Uniden) (around $400)
3.
EPIRB ($250)
Cost all up $1550.00
You are then covered for everything. Emergency Assist (
Epirb), Help request and chatting (UHF). RFDS & anyone else (Satphone)
Just my opion, what do you think?
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 2464 Submitted:
Wednesday, Aug 14, 2002 at 00:00
Member - Nigel posted:
Yes I agree that carrying long range comms, a UHF and an
EPIRB is the best combination for remote travel (that's exactly what I do). The choice of long range comms (Satphone or HF) depends on many factors, but I agree that if you don't or don't want to understand HF, then a Satphone may be the better option.
Price is hard to generalise on, because satphones have much higher ongoing costs than HF, but much lower purchase price. If hiring then satphone is simpler unless you are familiar with HF. If purchasing, remember that after 2 or 3 years (depending on calls made) a Satphone could easily have cost you more than a HF.
For me personally, HF is cheaper because I regularly chat with various friends all over
Australia and there are no call costs. I couldn't afford to do that on satphone or even on a normal phone. Of course the conversations aren't private and at times it can be noisy, but we are able to have several people join in the conversation which wouldn't be practical on a phone.
The main point is this: If you are going into remote areas then you should seriously consider long range
communications and make sure you know how to use the equipment that you choose.
FollowUp 3 of 3
