communications

In an emergency?
Sat phone's only good if you've got a number to ring. HF you can usually always get someone at least. Then there's the EPIRB.

Hi David
I use HF radio and carry an EPIRB for a life threatening emergency. I find the VKS737 service very valuable.
You can very expensive with the radio or cheaper depending on the pocket.
Barrett and Codan with the auto antenna about $4000 but also there is Q-mac radios (Much smaller in size, more the size of UHF CB) and a manual adjustable antenna is about $385. Advantage of HF over satphone was seen on the last trip, vehicle had broken down, rang for recovery quote $5000+, through VKS after a member stopped to assist the cost of taking the van and the car to the next town for repair was a case of beer
Ray

Had a codan HF with autotune aerial , I found it easy to use but my wife had no idea.

Always liked the idea of a handheld sat phone, have hire one a number of times for remote trips. I have always figured that the most likely accident is either an accident with another vehicle or rolling my vehicle, this would destroy any external aerials. After an accident I do not want to have to rely on someone being capable of using a HF, anybody can use a Sat phone.

Lots has been said on this topic (and I mean a real lot).
Check the archive.

Good question, I dont think its been asskt a trillion times. Hope sumjuan nose.

There are so many options to cover every possible incident it'll cost you big $$$$$ to have it all. Then some will say "what price your family". Well, what do you say? If you think everything and anything might happen, you might as well stay home.

Basically, you know what is necessary for long distance communications.

HF (VKS737) is one of the best all round communication systems in the world. Look at the different aerial systems and understand what it can do for you and what you can contribute to the system. There are some truley great stories associated with this network if that's your bag. Have a look and talk with their web page. This system can be considered a long term committment.

EPERB are changing frequencies in a couple of years, and are really only a "help, I'm here, come and help me" communication to search and rescue authorities.

Sat phones can be hired for a one off if that's all you want, plus you can contact your stock broker. But like some said you have to have phone numbers to call.

In both HF & Sat phone cases you are best equiped with a GPS to be able to give a location.

Me ? I like toys and would go the HF. But do the home work on these, it's part of the deal.

Before you spend any money on a HF consider the implications of BPL and the fact that it will render HF pretty well useless in this country.
I was also going to buy a HF (Codan NGT) but until the issue of BPL is answered definitively I will not spend a cracker on HF.
Check the archives for info on BPL and the VKS network web site.

I own a Sat phone and it has been perfect for all uses in all areas of Aus.
I wanted the HF for the community aspect as well as satisfying the gadget man in me, but expensive boat anchor it would be when BPL arrives.

David I have both and both I use on trips.
I like the HF for finding out whats going on around the place via VKS and there always seems to be someone close by.
Sat phone it is fairly instant for problems, health, ect.

All the best
Eric

I have a HF and am a member of VKS and I listen in to the afternoon chatter every now and then. My HF is there if I need to communicate.

I also have a Satphone which is handy to ring home when you want to, or to ring your mates who are working, when you are out bush, to turn them green with envy.

It has just about taken a lifetime to accumulate all these toys. Funny thing though, in the 60's and 70's we used to go deep into the bush without these comms and still survived. But then again, life was so much simpler then....:-)