Safety equipment check list
Submitted: Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 15:38
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spinningwheels-pj
Hi I am seeking out your
feedback on the safety equipment ie communications - we may need to consider for a trip along the Darling in NSW.
I have read a lot about Sat Phones and HF radios etc along with CDMA phone coverage.
What is considered as "must take" and what is considered - "just in case" in term comms .
hope you can assist
Reply By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:06
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:06
G'day Spinningwheels,
Not sure how isolated the area is that you’re looking to travel and I presume you already are aware of UHF and CDMA limitations. I am convinced that a sat phone is not a bad investment when it comes to your own safety and inconvenience. Failing that an EPIRB is also not bad for a call for emergency help.
Kind regards
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Reply By: Footloose - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:21
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:21
Satphone "ET phone home"
Normal phone "I can walk to town"
CDMA "I can walk to town but its a bit further"
HF " I can talk to a network of people..maybe."
EPIRB "I'm in danger of dying...get me outta here !"
Well maybe not quite, but it does cover it quickly :))
AnswerID:
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Reply By: flappa - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:28
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:28
I dont think a trip along the Darling , would really be considered , remote . . .
When my parents did it , a UHF and a CDMA phone was all they took , and from memory , they weren't often out of CDMA range.
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Follow Up By: spinningwheels-pj - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:52
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:52
I was thinking the same thing that the
darling river run is not too remote and I was trying to establish if I need to go the HF route for the 8 days we are out there.
I would be interested to know more on the CDMA front - although hiring a cdma/sat phone my be the go.
Your thoughts welcome on this as
well ie who has hired one and where is the best place to hire them from .
Thanks
FollowupID:
411569
Follow Up By: flappa - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 17:06
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 17:06
I haven't personally , done that route , but , IMO , its a popular trek , its not as though its a rough outback 4wd only track , its a decent road.
CDMA coverage is pretty good out there , and along with a proper incar setup , and a Proper
UHF Radio setup , should see you be able to contact someone in emergency 95% of the time.
So the gamble is . . . what about the other 5%.
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Reply By: Browser - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:52
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:52
Hi Spinningwheels,
This site will give you an idea in relation to Telstra mobile phone coverage for both GSM and CDMA. You will need to enter a few spots along the Darling and then zoom out and it will give you a fair idea of what coverage is available.
Telstra Mobile Coverage
regards,
Browser
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: spinningwheels-pj - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 17:04
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 17:04
Hi Browser
Thanks - It looks like CDMA will get me by - but sat phone on back up as we traverse the Darling.
I know from past experience the CDMA can be patchy
Thanks
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Notso - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 18:45
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 18:45
You can get a dual mode CDMA Satphone from telstra. Falls back to Satellite when CDMA not avail
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Follow Up By: Mike DiD - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 20:29
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 20:29
There isn't much CDMA coverage between
Menindee and
Wentworth.
Get a $250 EPIRB as an absolute minimum. If you roll the vehicle then HF and maybe your phone won't work. An EPIRB will fit in your shirt-pocket if you go for a walk away from the vehicle.
If you want a Satphone just for emergencies then buy it outright (just bought a 9505 Iridium for $850 on eBay) - you can phone Ambulance or
Police on 112 without a SIM card - yes, I have tested it.
Mike-
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Follow Up By: Dave198 - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 20:31
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 20:31
There is a bit of difference in the CDMA performance with different brands of phones, some very good reception, others hardly worth having a phone, just yelling out the window is almost as good.
But, get good ariel for the phone and it will help a helluva lot.
Dave
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: spinningwheels-pj - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 20:35
Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 20:35
Mike
I am getting the picture now - I have the EPIRB - from the boat the one that does fit in your pocket - will look ebay and was thinking that for the UHF and hiring the sat/cdma combination .
Looking at the telstra network cdma runs out real quick - coverage around Menidee and after that good luck!!
thanks for the info and prompt response
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411624