New / Second HF Set

Subject should read NEW / SECOND HAND

There is nothing hard about installing them.
Id give it a go.
Go to the VKS web site, youll probably learn a fair bit off that and then just listen in on your radio. Youll pick it up.
Cheers Hairy

Vince

I am an electrician and decided to have mine install by pro.
I had initial problems with the antenna so questions about the install when it came to warranty.
Earthing is a BIG issue with HF. Also you want to know you are getting the best out of you HF set.
The barrett is no problems to use. Half an hour by the pro should be all you need. Just get some practice as soon as posible. VKS are good about newbies also.
Listen in and follow the leader.

All the best

Take a look here:
www.sgcworld.com/technicalInfoPage.html

and here:
http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Books/hfguidebook.pdf

for lots of good info.

Mike Harding

Also here
Site Link

and dont be scared to use the bloody thing most of the operators will talk you thru the first couple of times just tell them its your first time out

steve
or if you know someone close by get them to sit with you

Not sure where you're planning to fit the autotune, but I'll assume that it will be on a bracket coming out from your tailgate spare tyre.

Barrett have basic fitting instructions on their website.
http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/downloads.html

You'll need adequate clearance around the autotune for good performance - 160mm from any metal (or even the steel belt of the spare tyre. In addition you need 45 degree clearance upwards from the junction in the autotune case. A sloping rear window is good.

The autotune needs fat earth lead - to the main vehicle body, not the tailgate - Use one of the tailgate hinge bolts on the body - rub the paint off, smear on some vasoline and bolt your earth there.

Barrett supply nice power leads and a beefy fuse - run the pos and neg to the starting battery. The main unit can be easily attached to the cargo barrier, and the head unit up front - even just attach it somewhere with velcro.

How to use it?? Theres a significant learning curve. I was fortunate to go bush with people who knew HF, and they were a help to get started. Reading stuff and lessons help, but its nice to look over the shoulder of someone who's using it.

Cheers
Phil

If you are into mechanical tinkering Vince, you should be fine - read the handbook re installation and as Phil says, there are a few 'musts' (clearance around the auto tune, earthing and fusing the supply) but plenty of options - re using it , nothing beats someone who is already doing it - as I suggested to somene here the other day, a forumite who is already into this game might be able to shoot over and give you a demo (might only cost you a coffee or a couple of coldies. Alternatively, IF the unit is already set up for the 5 VKS frequencies then you only need to turn it on, pick a channel and press the button. VKS operators (I'm one) will be happy to take your call-in as a radio check, any sked, any base - just have a look at the summer sked sheet (downloadable on the VKS site).

Thanks everyone for the info. Hope the set arrives before our long weekend & I will have a GOOD long look at it & then make the move.
Again thanks for the info
Vince