HF RADIOS

Too much in my view Wack for that superceded model - they are a good unit but the current 950 model Outback Traveller's Pack can be gained for a bit under $3000 in SA for cash sale, with a full 3 year warranty. Some are selling for low $2000's second hand - I got my 950 for $1500 (but was dead lucky there). There are some units on the market page at wwwvks737.on.net for consideration. Hope you get something good.

Hi Wack,

Is this the remote head model? Also, if fitting is included then thats worth ~$200 depending on the quality of the job. I fitted my 550R myself and it takes several hours to do properly, plus make up brackets for the antenae etc...

At $2200 its not a bargain price, more like market price. Most 550R are going for $1800-$2000, but as fitting is included that means your paying say $2000. Also, what channels are programmed, that costs $70 extra if VKS 737 etc... is not already programmed.

As for the radio model itself, there is basically little difference between the 550 and 950. I believe the 950 has inbuilt GPS connection whereas the 550 has it as an option. But VKS 737 don't allow data broadcasting so unless you have access to your own frequencies (ie. mining company etc...) not much use anyway IMHO.

Cheers

Captain

havnt got to much usefull info for you except they use them for the fleet of tojos at work which get sent all round the state and they keep on doing the job - they just swap them over when they change out vehicles (multi tap arials also)

G'day Kim,

The Barrett 550 I have has been with me since 97, the only prob I had is with the Auto tune antenna casing. I am on my third - a pat on the back to barrett who replaced the original white casing under warranty to a grey one inc a complete new internal circuit board etc although it was just out of warranty by rights.

The grey casing was replaced with the current blue unit (has been design strengthened) about a year ago.

The case cracking in my case was due to the antenna being mounted onto the bullbar of the old hilux and a few hundred thousand km's of corrugations!

(New Patrol - I have fitted antenna to rear door and will see how this goes!)

Check the bottom of the antenna casing carefully for plastic fatigue/cracks, you'll notice them around the very base near where the rubber bushes attach.

I think a new casing will set you back around $200.

As far as an HF radio goes, you won't go wrong with a 550.

cheers

bushfox

I am no expert , but arnt , HF about to go bye bye

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, It does help having moore than one head review the situation, as I said to Banjp I will sit and wait for a while.

According to VKS they have a petition regarding the possible closure of HF, if you go to their web site www.vks737. you can obtain more info.

Thanks again all

Kim.

Not closure of HF ! - just other people getting permission to share the HF spectrum (though, via power lines - not the airwaves) .. but it has potential for huge interference for many current licenced users (possibly VKS737).......we think the risk is high....didn't mention...I'm on VKS staff.

Thanks Banjo, I have spent tha past couple of lunch hours reading all about VKS737.I didn't quite understand. Your answer has clarafied it and that confirme my decision to go ahead and purchase a HF when a suitable comes along. Heading off mid next year around Aussie for 9-12 months.

Kim