Safety equipment check list

Submitted: Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 15:38

ThreadID: 31213 Views:2414 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

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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

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Reply By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:06

Reply By: Footloose - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:21

Reply By: flappa - Monday, Feb 27, 2006 at 16:28

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: 157317

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: 411572

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

FollowupID: 411590

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-

FollowupID: 411617

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: 411621

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

FollowupID: 411624