HF RADIO .. ARE THEY WORTH THE HASSLE

Muka

Just as well I was born in SX and understand your dialect. LOL

You have to remember mate that nobody 'east' of the WA/SA border would have a clue how to pronounce Mukinbudin, let alone guess where it is.

Anyway I am looking at HF myself at the moment and currently lean towards that they are ok and of real use.

Regards

Ken Robinson

Not hard to use and a must if you are going deep Outback...the real out of way places..if my wife can use it ...etc...and she would not go out there without one !!!..then join VKS 737..and you will love every minute of your trip...at least each evening doing the sked !!
Steve..Romeo 433

Muka,
I've got one, never had to use it in anger as yet but it's comforting to know you've got when out in the wilds. Sat phones have certainly found their niche, one advantage with an HF is when you call for help anyone with an HF can hear you, with a sat phone the audience is a tad selective and could be many miles away.
I've had some good chats on the HF, met some interesting people with good tales to tell. I didn't go for the auto tune I stayed with a multi tap, to me economically makes sense, plus the reception is better. My views as usual.

Have a look at this site : www.vks737.on.net this should help you
steve

We use Sat phone - easy as to use and doesn't take up any room in the vehicle, unlike the HF (and not so noisy - I speak from experience of all those people camped in caravan parks on their 'skeds'!!!) Just laughing. You can get great bargins - and if you go to out of the way places can get even greater Govt. subsidy.
Anyone can apply.

What a stupid post!

Feel free to ask for advice but don't come with comments like 'it seems i read a lot bad comments on them'

HF is a communications tool just like UHF, only better with a longer range. Works on the same principle. You speak into the microphone to transport your voice across the airwaves to make contact with someone at the other end on a similar device.

Hope you are enlightened now.

Greetings Marty

I am going down the HF path. Unit of choice is a Codan NGT voice. All up some change out of $4500.00 with a Codan auto tune antenna and rear mounting bracket fully installed and configured.

Join the VKS737 network or similar and RADTEL if you wish to make phone calls.

Positives - Instead of Sat Phone

Cheaper annual running costs
Cheaper phone calls ( if you want that)
Many other members of the network to converse with and give/gain assistance from/to.
Access to the RFDS
Simple to use with a pre programmed interface. Similar to a mobile phone.
Excellent (Codan) noise reduction system ( important on a HF)
Quality good performing auto tune antenna
Small footprint user interface.
Good retained value
Reliable with excellent reputation

Not so Positive

Initial purchase price (Codan NGT Voice)
Some vehicle computers can be affected by HF transmissions and/or create increased interference ( particularly later model Land Rovers). Unit can only be used with engine off and/or vehicle stationary. ( All brands)
Danfross fridge compressors can cause interference ( eg Waeco Fridges) All brands.
ADR’s require that the aerial be mounted to the rear of the vehicle ( no discussion on this one. My research indicates this. Opinions may vary.)
High aerial may hit/damage things if you forget/are careless.
Not as reliable in communications capability as a sat phone.

Reference sites
http://www.vks737.on.net/
http://www.flyingdoctor.net/hfradio.htm
http://internet.aca.gov.au/acainter
http://www.radtelnetwork.com.au/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/codan_outback_radio/ (Yahoo Group)
http://www.mobilecomms.com.au/ ( Commercial Site)
http://www.codan.com.au ( Codan Australia)

Google or Yahoo (Australia) HF radio Codan HF

Alternative are hire or purchase a second hand unit.

My thoughts

Regards

Paul P

P.S. BPS (Broadband Over Power Lines) is not an issue. There is many years left in HF radio in Australia.

Muka:

I went through the same process of deciding whether to get HF or a Sat phone. I decided on a Sat phone, and got a good (almost new) Motorola off eBAy. My decision was based largely on the fact that I only wanted it for emergencies (and have had a couple ... nothing serious) and the fact that I am not a chatter on radio.

If I struck trouble in a remote area I would call the police and ask them if they can get a message over the HF network in case someone is in the area. I am advised by police in various locations that this happens almost as a matter of course.

With HF you can get much more up to date reports on roads/weather than I can get on Sat phone, despite the fact that I usually check with those "in the know" before heading off. Things do change quickly at times. Still, I have managed.

So, Sat phone suits me perfectly ... but I can appreciate those with HF who enjoy the more social side of radio transmissions as well as the emergency capabilities.

Hope this is of help.

Jack

we are leaving for the kimberly in 3 weeks,part of our preps was the purchace of a second hand 8525B with auto tune antenea for $1300.It has 99 channels programed including VKS 737 and RFDS. we have been practicing our radio proceedure over the last few months. Its great fun talking to VKS at their sked times. We can't wait to get on the road to be a real part of it all. To use the radio is easy. We will be teaching our 6 year old son once we begin our trip.Its a great comfort blanket when traveling with the kids.
We recently on the news a Telstra outback vehichle with HF areal on the 4Wd. Quite irronic considering Telstra have such a big sell for Sat Phones,
Thanks Bruce and Linda

The modern Codan and Barrett HF radios are very easy to use..........almost idiot proof.
I had a Barrett 950 for 3 years until a financial problem forced its sale. Yes. I will be buying another HF.
I subscribed to VKS-737, and to a company in QLD that have bases in Brisbane and Innisfail which can link into Telstras phone system.
When I was out bush, I would select the channel, punch in a code number, the base computer would respond, and I would dial the phone number, and be connected.
Too easy!.......and about $2.00 per minute from almost anywhere in OZ.
Selcal is worth having too. But, unfortunately is being indiscriminately over used by a minority.

There is definately a learning curve with HF......and a bit of etiquette required to avoid upsetting others.......It's like a big party line with everyone listening in.

If you can justify the expense, go for it. It's reassuring having that big antenna waving in the breeze, and snagging on every low tree and undercover carpark.

Check ebay.com.au under Codan there are always cheap secondhand units up for auction

Cheers

Check ebay.com.au under Codan there are always cheap secondhand units up for auction go for the late type which incule the 9323 and the NGT the 8528 is also a good unit but a little harder to use then the later type

Cheers

hey... what about being able to get all you AFL games on ABC and Radio Australia...

Some important stuff to be said as well as all your bickering ......

Wow what a thread.
For me it was cost and simplicity that has led me the the following choices.

1 UHF CB as it is small and very easy to use and good for general chitchat so it can be very handy.
2nd is a Sat phone/CDMA as this is the most economical chice for me considering that it is not used (except for testing) and is stored in dustproof padded emergency bag.
3rd is a GPS so that I will allways know exactly where I am.

I like this arrangement of gear because if the worst should happen and neither me or my passengers were able to get help then the first person to find us would be able to find and use them to get the help needed. Another plus is that very little space is needed for these items leaving more room for the hair dryer and kitchen sink :-) lol