hf radio recommendations

I would not go for anything older than a Codan 8528 as they have most of the features you need and are readily available second hand.You can run them with a multi tap or autotune (9350, the older 8558 is too unreliable).The reason I would get a codan is there are a lot more of them on the market as the have been used by many Govt. departments,Telstra etc. Older models have spare parts availability problems,often don't have selcall (essential for emergencies) and are more difficult to program. -Steve

Gday
Do you want a radio for emergencys or something to listen too? If its for emergencies, have a look at sat phones.
Cheers

Check EBay do a search for HF radios and look for a seller named 'Unkerdunk', he resells 2/hand radios that have been refurbished and have RFDS, VKS, Selcall, and Radtel frequencies.

I have a Codan 8525- with all the good channels- for sale...

Molzy, I have just bought a Barrett 250 (With selcall) from "unkerdunk" and am installing it this weekend. Cost just over $1000, which is aerial, base, etc, no more to pay except for licence and some wireing and have nothing but praise for David Collins. Came within a couple of days of transfering the money all nicely packaged.
Hope this is of some help.

home.iprimus.com.au/jimshire/4WD.htm

I also have bought a second hand barrett 250 from Dave and would happily recommend others who are looking for a HF
My unit came with VKS channels installed as well as selcall, plus multitap aerial spring base for around $1000,once I fitted it, I took it back,to insure that I had fitted it correctly,and to insure it was working WELL,not just working.It wasn't quite up to scratch and after some tests we found that the wire that runs outside the aerial was a bit dicky so he got another one,fitted it ,all good
Irony is this was ebay item,and I came away thinking I would not of got better service had I bought a new one from a dealer.
I'm Happy with the performance with the 250 lots of interference in the city(Brisbane)once the sun goes down it really come to life and regularly can get the 3 ABC radio trans from Alice,Katherine,Tennant Creek, NT.
I did a bit of research before I bought mine and yes the 250 is considered entry level,but it does almost the same stuff as the flashie units do.
I bought mine in preparation for up coming Simpson crossing and after that it may not get much use for another 12 months, so spending $3K not really an option.
Lots of argument's +/- for sat phones IMHO HF the go for me .hope this info from personal experience may be of help

Shane

Of course if you did an Amateur Radio Foundation Licence

http://www.wia.org.au/foundation/foundation%20licence%20information-v1.pdf

you could buy one of these - Yaesu FT857D

Site Link

and chat to other Amateurs - indeed I hear some naughty Amateur operators
use them on VKS7373 - but I'm sure no one on this austere forum would be so irreverent...?

Mike Harding

Molzy,

If you end up going for a Barrett with the 910 auto tune aerial, I would suggest going for a later model aerial. The earlier (light grey) one did not have sufficient bracing around the join and is prone to cracking and failure. An expensive ($400-500) fix.

The later (dark grey) model has longer supports and is not subject to the same type of failure.

Other than that, the Barrett 550 is a good radio.

Matt.

Have you thought about hiring one for your trip?

A few places in Brissy hire them. Try http://www.atrekcamping.com.au/hire/hirepricelist.pdf who have them for $70/wk (I assume would be cheaper for many weeks hire that you need).

I think 4wd Hire may also hire them and the RFDS does as well.

Chris

Get 1 with Sellcall facilities. Mine is a barret 950 & 550 Auto tune.