Anyone use a HF radio anymore?

Norm : VKS 737 have a good following of member.. cost you $146 p/ year & there are the other clubs aswel
if you decide to sell they are sort after & still get good money .

Make and model of the radio Norm ? Also description of the antenna. Depending on these, installation could be very easy. Re worthwhile to have...? If you plan your trip, then study the coverage maps for your chosen mobile phone provider, you’ll be able to see any blanks. Potential emergencies can be covered by either HF or a Satphone. Satphone would be easiest for casual phone calling in these ‘blank’ spots (in my view :-). But hey...if you already have the HF, there lays a big $ advantage....and phone calls are possible via HF, with fees.

Codan used to 'make' a portable kit. Radio (8525), power cables with alligator clamps, bull bar clamp with aerial mount and a tapped aerial with rfds frequencies all setup in a plywood box. Having a tapped aerial avoided the need for the auto-tune antenna controller. We used it with hired 4wds in the early-mid 90's, in the pre-sat and almost pre-mobile era. So you could always set your unit up that way. I remember in the 80's seeing an even older setup with a much lower powered Codan in an aluminium case and an aerial you threw over a tree.

Norm a short answer is yes connect up your radio and join VKS 737. there are hundreds of members. They base station operators (like Darian used to be, still is!!) are all volunteers. You start to recognise their voices and can get all kinds of information from base stations and other members. Bushfires, floods etc.
On the CSR I could hear how flooded the track was up ahead from other members. Also, on the Gibb R. road there was a huge bushfire, and the road was closed up ahead at Home Valley, I kept listening while on the road and heard the road had reopened.

So, I am a definite yes.

Hi Norm,

If you already have the radio, have you ever used it?

I am a member of VKS737 and find it very informative and worthwhile. About $140-150 per year.

I have never used it whilst the vehicle is travelling (not that it can't be used in this way) but usually turn it on for the morning and sometimes the afternoon skeds. You can hear people call in from all over the place, very interesting and useful information, particularly if you are heading that way.

I would not think that it could be relied upon 100% for instant contact in the event of an emergency though.

But even a satphone can have shortcomings there as well.

A PLB is about the only way to garauntee being able to send a distress call with immediate effect.

.
......"Fickle"...... that sums it up well.

Had my Codan NGT since 2009 and have moved it several times between vehicle replacements. Have done a number of trips and try to call into VKS737 when I can and when I remember - it is easy to forget calling in when your on holiday soaking in the various destinations.

A couple of years ago we did the Canning with a group of experienced 4wd'ers and approaching Georgia Bore one of the vehicles snapped both rear leaf springs entering and exiting a creek bed, everyone had Satphones but who to call, where to get help nearby, calls to Melbourne, where they were from were fruitless.

In the end I called VKS737. They provided a list of 4wd outlets, the nearest being Newman, a few phone calls later and I travelled to Newman, picked up the replacement springs and headed back.

My thoughts are, VKS737 provide an invaluable service and well worth the subscription every year, I listen to the Skeds, get the weather for where I am travelling and am comforted in the knowledge that if it hits the fan I can call up VKS and get help or advice from the very friendly volunteer operators.

No, I don't own HF radio anymore.

for sure, it definately worth, just try
in case of accident, how useful it is

Just remember to make sure your partner is comfortable with operating the radio. Not much point with a HF radio if the only operator is lying in the dirt needing assistance.
Ditto for a sat phone...