outback communicasions

er......please go to Michelle's comprehensive section on Comms, this site, then search the forum, maybe check out www.vks737.on.net and then come back here if you need to.

I think you'll find those areas are well covered by UHF repeaters.

If you are sticking to the main routes during the travelling season, a UHF radio is all you should need. HF radio's & satelite phones will give you the only truely reliable communication but you need to weigh up the cost vs security. With cars coming along those roads every 30 mins the chances of needing either is remote.
Cheers Craig.....................

You'll find that the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta have put stickers on all roadsigns within a couple of hundred km, and many of their own signs (you'll see them; they're pink!). They tell you which UHF channel to use in that area in case of emergency. They are the channels that the local stations use, and usually have a repeater.

Very comforting!

Roger

EPIRBs are pretty cheap, and pretty good if it hits the fan.
Regards,
Brad.

If you are intent on serious outback travel then an HF Radio is a must. Once you have the radio you will keep it for a long time and it may serve you well in an emergency. UHF towers are about but you need a pretty good set and antenna to reach others in remote locations. Or you could buy a Satphone for peace of mind but there is an ongoing cost. Get an EPIRB distress beacon if you want to. For around $300 it is good insurance.

The desert tracks you are talking about have plenty of traffic on them throughout the year and you should not sit for longer than an hour before another traveller comes along.

Cheers