ken d replied:

Richard-
Depends what you want the radio for.- A UHF wont give the range if you are calling for help.- HFs are great for breakdowns, and OK for phone calls however if you want one for self preservation, make sure you have and know how to set up temporary antenna and power feed etc. Many medical emergencies are from vehicle acidents, and most vehicle accidents I know of have knocked out the HF. - Have you considered an EPIRB, about $300. Portable, simple operation and gives your location. After a bit of a sticky hiking accident, I now carry a pocket one.- You can never have too many ways to communicate in an emergeny.- Cheers Ken.

Bruce replied:

just a little advise that may help...had friends just come back from up there..they were at a Dubbo c/p and had camera taken from vehicle , 3 others were broken into as well..police were called..told them they could do nothing and asked which way they were headed ..of to Broken Hill they said ..polce advised them not to stop at Wilcania at all ..apparently the locals..that is the darker skinned ones...are very,very light fingered ...and getting worse cheers

Member - Mal replied:

Richard, I have a HF and love it for the security and the social side of its use. The trip you describe is not really remote like the Simpson Desert or Canning Stock Route. It is probably not worth the money to buy a HF when you can hire a Satphone for a fraction of the cost. Buy an EPIRB as well. Mal T.

Bob Y. replied:

Richard, At one stage of your trip, you'll be passing right through our "back yard". We no longer use HF, though we do have them, as UHF does for the bulk of communications. Boulia, Diamantina, Winton, and Barcoo shires have extensive UHF networks, with 3 or 4 repeaters linked up to cover the whole of each shire. Most properties use UHF, and many have repeaters as well, to cover all corners of station. Safety of staff is a big concern on most bigger stations these days. Rural Fire Board has also sponsored repeaters in some of the shires. Once you get round Innamincka, there are plenty of gas/oil vehicles moving about, so I'd suggest you would have little to worry about. The Epirb, and hire of Satphone, as suggested, would give you peace of mind. Have a good trip, you'll be in God's Country! Catch you later....Bob.
PS pack a spare Aircon Belt, it's been up in early 40's up here lately, but the nights are glorious, with a blanket necessary in early hours of morning.

Richard replied:

Haven't you got anything better.

ExplorOz Team - Michelle replied:

Richard I would agree that you do not "need" an HF radio for this trip plan and UHF will suffice. If the emergency situation concerns you, hiring a satphone is the solution. We are soon doing a Hot Topic on the various costs, features etc of these units but I can let you in on a little tip that not even one of the local dealers knew - if you use a unit on the Iridium network, you can have people send you messages (like SMS) for free via the Iridium website. Then you will only pay for any calls you make (and therefore zero if you keep it for emergencies only and dont' have on) plus the cost of hire (did you know that most Police Stations in the outback have then for hire? eg. Birdsville) with drop offs at other stations. However, if you anticipate that you will love the outback and undertake other outback trips then an HF radio can't be beaten. You don't have to buy the top of the line if its just to have as an emergency backup - you can get a basic unit for $1000.