AM SSB Radio

Not much on ssb these days, a bit of OS garble, and a few locals on skip, but travel with your UHF on scan and there will be lots from time to time, as long as you dont mind hearing trucky Bleeps ?

Last I looked you could get an AM/SSB unit with aerial from the Trading Post for $40 to $50. Might be worth a look even if it is just to find out who is using the radio.

The 27 meg SSB CB radio, though often a good performer, is rarely used by travellers now. UHF is much clearer and more popular. I have a good 27 meg SSB CB and will hang on to it as a backup to my long range HF - the CB has reached 2500km while mobile, but that was under ideal conditions. IMO, not worth buying new. Use UHF on scan while mobile for nearby comms - for getting out of trouble. its either long range HF or a satphone. For your stated rationale, suggest a UHF plus a used basic HF (simple, low cost) or rented Satphone for the remote legs of your travel. Bloke I know has a $400 crystal HF and tap antenna and will get out further than most VK737 members. With $80 annual membership his coms are taken care of !

I've got into Europe numerous times on 27mhz but it's a bit hit and miss and with the sunspot cycle declining it will be more miss than hit apart from some short hop sporadic e during summer. Still it's possible it may be of some help during an emergency but don't count on it.

Good day Ken iv,e got a SSB in the truck when we go away and all so at home and when the skip conditions are right i can talk to any were in australia if it,s really good i can catch up to a couple of operaters that i talk to on the west coast of CANADA it,s really good that,s my other hobby ,so yes i think there worth having in a 4x4 conditions being right if you can hear same one they can hear you cheer,s GREENDOG