VKS 737 is this still the first choice of users?

Head office staff are currently on leave Bungarra - I have alerted one of the network's volunteer coordinators - he may be able to respond soon.

That is a disappointing response/non response.

I reckon most travellers are going for satphones nowadays.
That's not to say HF is lousy it's just a sign of the times.
Loads of posts here showing pro's and con's.
Cheers

Afternoon Bungarra,
Been down in Antarctica for the last 12 months. VKS more than helpful with mothballing the account and then helping with on going membership.

I would say they are still the first choice for me.

Cheers

Steve

VK Portable lists, with descriptions, some alternate HF networks.

2 members of the Out and About 4WD club have joined a club based just north of Perth, around 18 months ago. They both enjoy the new club and I think they said it was cheaper. We did the Connie Sue in September, neither of them had any troubles checking in. Can't remember the name of the club but I believe the main organiser is called Roy, maybe someone here knows the name.

In saying that I was a member of VKS and didnt have any problems

Just check out the HF Radio Club VKE237, much more for less $$$.
Direct link to RFDS plus many other benefits the others don't have.

Rob VKE237 Sel 6678.

Helmets on, incoming fire.

Hello

This website offers a brief review of all/some (?) of your options...

Radio Communications for Travellers.

Cheers
Greg

VKS has been very strict on renewals for quite a few years now.
They regularly warn members via the magazine etc about ensuring renewals are sorted if you are traveling during renewal time.

I've never had an issue, service always good and the network is excellent with very good scheds run by an excellent team of operators.

very happy with VKS737, been with them for about 15 years, I have 2 licenses for 2 4WDs. they have excellent base operators, selcall when I've used it is always answered with a smile. Mobile 2786 and 2787

The VKS radio service if very good and professional but their admin side leaves a lot to be desired...... Ive seen small social clubs run better, we had BIG problems a few years ago with a renewal, the payment we sent them got deposited and banked (paid by cheque) but they said we had not renewed our membership and lost our selcall number. ( funny how it came out of our bank account and showed a transaction into their account).

It seemed they were right and we were wrong, eventually they sent our money back after a few months of arguing, its not a good way to run an organisation is you don't reconcile accounts and know where to allocate money.

If i can't get hold of a business or organisation after several attempts I start to wonder how good they really are and in most cases look else where.

So sit tight and they will contact you when the time is right for them and I think you'll loose your selcall number........ Ours got reissued within a few months to someone else.

I think VKS is a bit like Telstra Bungarra - but in the end for best performance one should be with them if going seriously out there.
Actually mine was renewed just past expiry but came back with same call sign.

UPDATE !

20 days after sending my email re membership I finally get a response...see cut and paste

quote

Good Afternoon,

I acknowledge receipt of your email. should you wish to subscribe to the VKS-737 Radio network services please forward your completed and signed application form (refer attached) and payment to Head Office.

Subject to your payment method completed applications returned as emailed attachment / faxed will be accepted.

NB: Your previous selcall number has been forfeited, VKS-737 issuing policy is next available selcall/callsign number from our system will be issued.

end quote

Well I struggle with this attitude I really do. All these years of membership and that one liner response........If I have to now notify those people over the years that have my callsign and may recognise it that I have a new one...and in reality I don't know who has it as far as a total list goes...........

..if I need notify people of a new one then I guess all options are open as to membership

I really struggle why, with the choices out there of different organisations, why a voluntary organisation would be so user unfriendly and in fact down right negative to their member........

I was 21 days late to renew (because I was away) when I emailed querying my retention of my call sign when I paid...they take 20 days to reply.....with the above

Attitude like that can only cause the other HF groups to grow their membership...maybe little wonder why alternative HF groups commenced despite VKS being the originator and the largest