Codan HF radio
Submitted: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 11:46
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Member - William B (The Shire)
Hi,
I have recently acquired a Codan 5825
HF radio from my Father.
After using the sites search function I was able to glean enough info to allow me to contact a few companies about updating the radio.
Firstly I had to join a Radio network, from the responses to this question in past posts I have joined VKS737 and have been issued with my license. A very quick response as
well.
I spoke to David at
HF Radio (
http://www.hf-radio.com.au) and have ordered a reprogrammed eprom from him.
He was very helpful and quickly answered emails and phone calls.
He suggested I contact Rod from Bushcomm (
http://www.bushcomm.com.au)
Rod made a suggestion for a multi tap antenna after contacting David to find out what frequencies were on the eprom.
Antenna ordered and on its way.
I have no affiliation with David, Rod or VKS737 but am impressed with the efficiency and patience with which they dealt with a complete novice when it comes to HF radios.
I don't have selcall fitted to this radio but have brought the sellcall tone generator from Black Cat Systems for my android smart phone. It seems straight forward.
Thank you to all the posters and people who replied to past posts, that's what makes this site such a valuable resource.
William
Reply By: Member - Leigh (Vic) - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 12:34
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 12:34
Hi William
I reckon you have done a great job navigating through the HF world and achieved a good outcome. Congratulations!
AnswerID:
532887
Follow Up By: Member - William B (The Shire) - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 14:04
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 14:04
Thanks Leigh,
I hope I have made the right purchases and decisions.
Time will tell.
William
FollowupID:
816185
Reply By: Pete Jackman (SA) - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 13:52
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 13:52
Hi William,
5825 or 8525?
The latter is a bullet proof set. We have used one for years and get good results. Jenal used to sell a mike which can be used for full selcall or telephone calls (latter with the appropriate
membership of a HF club). Your android app may be able to replicate that.
Cheers
Pete
AnswerID:
532891
Follow Up By: Member - William B (The Shire) - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 14:02
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 14:02
Hi Pete,
Yes a 8525, oops.
William
FollowupID:
816183
Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 15:25
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 15:25
Well done William - if the radio is in good condition, teamed with a tapped whip antenna you are assured of first class long distance voice comms. (in my experience, the taps always out-perform the autotune antennas for strength and clarity). The VKS base operators are happy for anyone to call in, any sked, from anywhere, for a radio
check - and don't be put off by distance.... when conditions are good, you'll easy get 2000k plus early and/or late in the day.
AnswerID:
532897
Follow Up By: Member - William B (The Shire) - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 15:28
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 15:28
Thanks Darian,
From my research the taps seemed to be the better option.
Very hardy I would think, less to go wrong. Also cheaper.
William
FollowupID:
816191
Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 19:37
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 19:37
Totally agree with Darian. Our 8525 came to us at the end of it's life as a hire unit. ( Some here will remember Footloose, a thorough gentleman who helped many here, and ran a small hire operation.) It's now given us over ten years of excellent service.
In our experience a tapped whip will outperform an autotune, and of course has less to go wrong.
Might be old gear, but is good stuff. Excellent choice William.
Cheers
John | J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein
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Reply By: Member - John N (SA) - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 19:36
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 19:36
G'day William,
looking forward to hearing from you during one of our scheds in the near future. As Darian has mentioned below, your 8525 is a very good bit of kit.
Cheers
John
AnswerID:
532920