hf radio

Probably the most compact in size is the Qmac HF90- although that may even be a bit big for roof console mounting !!

Best thing to do is use one with a remote head, our Icom IC-F7000 has a small din size remote head.

There is only three HF radios I would recommend, Icom, Codan and Barrett...... all three are on par with each other and it comes down to personal preference.

Hi BOXHD,
I have a Codan NGT which is mounted high up (out of reach of water) in our purpose built 'camperback', where it is more secure (from theft) than in the ute cab. In the cab are the speaker and the handpiece with all the necessary controls. I also have a water-proof (Sea to Summit) bag should we have to abandon the vehicle 'in the wet' ! The Codan - and perhaps others - are clipped in a bracket which is securely fixed to where-ever, and can be quickly removed & cables unscrewed.
You'll need a licence to operate it which is easily obtained if you join a radio club such as VKS 737 etc.

Agreed that the console seems impractical for a radio, but maybe workable for a remote head.....keep in mind that some makes/models have all controls within the microphone.... one make/model has a cordless remote head that is also the mike ! ...you can put it anywhere. That said, HF radios sometimes need brief input to the interface as you manually config various functions and tasks while mobile..... IMO, having it up on the roof is less than ideal ergonomically....much better in your 'straight ahead' field of view.

Boxhd

As others have said the Codan NGT's handset can sit in a cradle which can be mounted a few metres from the connection box. http://www.codanradio.com/product/ngt-ar-australia/ The mobile cradle is much smaller than the one pictured.

Barrett's latest release has a wireless remote handset. http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/2050wireless.html

The Yaesu FT857D has a detachable head unit. The separation kit lets you mount the head unit several meters from the main unit. http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=8CBB7C4BDBAF40129AD4253A4987523C

Unfortunately, some of the most affordable HF radios like the Yaesu and the Vertex VX1700 (designed with selcall specifically for this very application) http://www.vertexstandard.com/ap/vx-1700.html are not approved for use as Land Mobiles in Australia, so can't be used for VKS737 and RFDS.

BTW the new iOS Selcall app gives any HF radio selcall functionality.

Bob