Outback communications
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 03, 2004 at 23:22
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Aandy(WA)
Should I be considering the use of
HF radio and all the associated hassle of installation (I buy a new vehicle every 11 months) or should I go for a Sat phone? I intend doing some quite extensive outback travel and whilst not anticipating the need to call for assistance, I think it is wise to be prepared. I guess if
HF radio is the best choice I could get a little man in a
shop to do the installation and removal which would largely remove the problem for me. Thus I am open to advice on either medium, or for that matter any other viable alternative. Thanks in advance.
Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 00:22
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 00:22
Hi Aandy,
A
HF radio is perhaps the most useful communication tool in the bush, but it does take some training to be able to use it properly. A satphone on the other hand is easily used by almost anyone, but who do you call?
I am a member of VKS 737 and one of the things you continuously read about in their member magazine is the assistance of other VKS 737 members who are close by. I have used my HF to log my position during scheds and while "on the side" have been amazed to hear of how close, or far, others are away. There really is a bush telegraph out there and VKS 737 taps into it. Think of how many vehicles you see "in the outback" with a HF antenae hanging off it - all potential rescuers.
Now think of your sat phone. You can call the RAC, NRMA, 000 or whoever, but how do you contact a mechanic who lives 50km north of
the black stump? If you must make telephone calls, do not forget that a
HF radio can do this, even direct dialling a number! But it is not as simple as using a sat phone (but nothing that 5 minutes of reading a manual wouldn't teach you).
Now there is also an EPIRB (emergency positioning indicator radio
beacon). This is a true emergency device, not to be used otherwise. While there is much hype about simply turning it on and waiting for the helicopter to arrive, the reality is vastly different. To cut a long technical story short, it takes a considerable amount of time (~6 hours) to get a fix and even in ideal conditions it will only have an accuracy of 20kms radius (~1200 square kms - a large place to look).
So, back to your question, IMHO if you are doing "some quite extensive outback travel" you are irresponsible if you do not have some means of reliable two-way communication (either HF or satphone). While I would recommend HF, I can understand the hassle of changing vehicle and hence going for the satphone option. But I would also recommend an EPIRB, simply as extra insurance. It's a once off ~$250 cost and is a backup in the event of HF/Sat failure.
Cheers
Captain
AnswerID:
71184
Follow Up By: Member - Bernie. (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 01:06
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 01:06
EPIRB YOU get to pay the tab for the rescue I understand, but open to correction.
FollowupID:
331397
Follow Up By: Mad Dog (Victoria) - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 08:17
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 08:17
I don't think anyone has ever been sent a bill for the job Bernie., been talk about it though.
FollowupID:
331406
Reply By: CruiserHead - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 10:06
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 10:06
Well, I am swinging the vote the other way.
HF radio is fine your you to make calls out, but the sat phone is easier for someone to get in touch with YOU! You can even send text messages out and receive them, as long as the phone is on. We use
UHF radio, EPIRB and a sat phone for all our remote work.
With the sat phone subsidy from the Government, you will be cheaper off! Anyone can use it easily. A 2 year telstra deal is going to cost you $2600 minus ~ $1000 from gov subsidy, with $10 worth of call or SMS included per month. You get a Motorola phone with external entenna (magnetic for the roof), Irridium access, car charger, international charger, etc. You can take it hand held in the backpack, leave it in the car, and pretty much use it anywhere in the world. Batteries last ~36 hours if left on all the time!
Definitely my choice!
CruiserHead
AnswerID:
71219
Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 10:23
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 10:23
I'm with CruiserHead. Being able to take the Sat Phone with you when away from the vehicle has to be a major benefit. And if you can only afford one of the options, the ease of use (who is going to use the HF if you are incapacitated?) and portability are major advatantages over HF.
FollowupID:
331426
Reply By: Banjo - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 10:16
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 10:16
HF is the go for me (I'm in VKS737 and a volunteer). But with swapping the HF installation every 11 months even I might go Satphone ! For the reasons stated above re 'community contacts", I choose long distance HF (with CB's as back up).
See the vks737.on.net pages and info here at EOz re comparison's on available Comms. Re the EPIRBS....note that the cheaper ones are rapidly heading toward low support by the authorities (too many false alams for them to maintain interest).
The dearer ones (400+megs) carry your personal ID so the resue auth. know who the signal is from. In a few years the latter will be the only supported system. The lag time for getting on-site help to an Epirb is hours + - via HF it could be quite soon (suggest Satphone would be somewhere in between)...decisions...decisions....
AnswerID:
71222
Reply By: Crackles - Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 21:23
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004 at 21:23
The difference is: Sat phone you break down in the desert, ring the garage & they come out, repair your car & charge $3000 for your trouble. (Good service)
HF: You call up
Alice Springs radio. Operator Ken treats you like his best friend and with all the recources of the 4x4 radio network,
technical assistance is relayed over the air. A couple of members in the area detour to your location either fix your car or tow you out. (Better service)
The sat phone is a good tool. The HF is a great organization. (the
EPIRB is a poor option)..... Cheers Craig.......
AnswerID:
71324