Codan X2 SSB Radio
Submitted: Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:13
ThreadID:
32395
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Reto (Switz.)
Hi all
Another 2 weeks to go, before I start my 12 month trip around Australia. For emergency communication, I'm about to buy a
HF Radio.
Now I saw an advertisement for a
Codan X2 SSB Radio, Bushcomm SWE-100 Antenna and GME Electrophone PSA 1225 power supply
Is this equipment sufficient for emergency communication (for example on the Canning Stock or Anne Beadell Hwy.)?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Cheers from Switzerland
Reto
Reply By: Member - Paul P (Bris) - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:36
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:36
Greetings
I suggest you go here VKS737
HF radio network if have not already been there.
I suspect the codan you mention may be an early model and not really suitable unless you are an experienced HF user.
For your reference new HF (100 watts PEP) radios for vehicle use are between AUS$3500.00 and AUS$4000.00. This includes and auto tune HF antenna.
Regards
Paul
AnswerID:
164153
Follow Up By: Member - Paul P (Bris) - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:38
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:38
As a follow up I would suggest an alternative is to hire or look to purchase a "Man Pack" HF setup. This type of setup reduces required vehicle fittings.
Regards
Paul
FollowupID:
419033
Follow Up By: Reto (Switz.) - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:52
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:52
Hi Paul
Thanks for your reply! I saw this
HF Radio on the VKS737 website. If this model not suitable for my needs, I will watch other internet-auctions the next days ...
Regards,
Reto
FollowupID:
419038
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:28
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:28
Why are you buying a Power Supply ? These radios run directly off 12 volts. It is also "illegal" to operate a VKS737 radio from a fixed station installation.
For best help on
HF radio inlcluding info on hiring gear, I suggest you go to
groups.yahoo.com/group/codan_outback_radio
Mike
FollowupID:
419049
Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:37
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 20:37
HI Reto, Maybe a Sat phone may be better but i'm definately no expert. i hope you are going to communicate with the
forum here when youare on you trip. I hope you have a memorable time here. Michael
AnswerID:
164155
Follow Up By: Reto (Switz.) - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:39
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:39
Hi Michael
I was already thinking about a Sat phone. As Paul suggested, I will also check the alternative for hire the equipment.
I'm sure I will have a great time in Australia. After 5 short stays in Australia, this will be my first extended trip to your country. I will keep the
forum up to date on my experiences on my website.
So far, you will find my travel-itineraries on the following link
k text
My next task will be, to translate the site in english. So it will be easier for you in the
forum to follow my trip ...
Cheers
Reto
FollowupID:
419051
Follow Up By: Reto (Switz.) - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:44
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:44
Link didn't work on the previous follow-up. Try this
www.oepfu.ch/australien/2006/route_det.htm
or this if it works ...
Australia-Trip 2006/2007
FollowupID:
419055
Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:31
Friday, Mar 31, 2006 at 21:31
Also take an EPIRB on 121.5/243MHz. These cost $250 Aus and fit in your shirt pocket.
Just in case all else fails. Every year several people die in the outback because no-one knew they were lost/bogged/injured etc.
VERY cheap insurance.
Which city are you leaving from ?
Mike
AnswerID:
164166
Reply By: Footloose - Saturday, Apr 01, 2006 at 00:57
Saturday, Apr 01, 2006 at 00:57
Hi Reto. The Codan X2 is suitable for emergency communications if it's fitted with the 737 frequencies. However the aerial and power supply are useless for travelling.
The ideal comms setup is a HF tranceiver (you'll be able to chat to other travellers , find out track and weather conditions etc ), a satphone for contacting specific organizations in an emergency (usually faster and more reliable than HF) and an EPIRB if everything else fails :)
As an absolute minimum get an EPIRB.
It's a great country but it can bite.
Have a wonderful trip.
AnswerID:
164190