hf radios

Thanks for the advice. This one is reconditioned byBrisbane trader, supposedly with the lot.

the 250 is a great bullet proof unit the age is no problem we would change them to the new vehicle when the ute was stuffed. they are capable of all essential and non essential functions
autotune, rad tell sell etc etc
I picked mine and multi tap up for $600 and it will outlast my cruiser

Thanks for the advice. I bought one on eBay - after reading all the good advice I received on this site.

I'd just act really dumb in that case. Thanks for the advice.

Have both satphone and 250 barrett...twice in the last six months have needed them and both times the sat phone was still looking for sats well after the problem had been sorted using the hf... They are putting up eight more sats and then maybe they will be the bee's knees..Think I will keep both... nice to have a backup.

Thanks. I've taken the plunge and bought it. Now to learn to use it.

Join vks737 as well as they are helpful... Also good to have someone to call on in times of need.

Think you need a new phone Sqizzy - never have a problem with mine. Maybe try being daring for once and go out without a phone or a radio!!!! Try living on the edge and being a risk taker lolol

www.vks737.on.net

LOL....yeah mick....Trouble is I am born and bred up here.... and well into fifties... never needed a phone or radio for myself is all the tourists that now frequent our area....Did many a muster as a kid with out any radios and there sure as hell were'nt phones. buggar there a new invention aint they....

Richard and Mick,

HF radio is an extremely useful piece of safety equipment for outback travel and the bloke selling those radios (David) is a good guy, honest and reliable. He also hangs out on the Codan Yahoo group.

I would have to agree with some of what you say, Mick, but disagree with some other things.......

HF...old technology.....perhaps, but it has been around a long time, is reliable, not reliant on satellites, which can malfunction and leave one without any comms whatsoever. Sat phones have their place and ideally one would travel with both Sat and HF, but for me, I prefer HF for a number of reasons:

1. I don't feel the need to make lots of phone calls whilst on holidays. But I can via RADTEL or BUSHPHONE if required.

2. HF has a form of 'community' with literally thousands of members, many of whom will be travelling the outback and other areas at the same time as you....in fact there may be someone closer to you than you think and this person may just be able to help you out in your moment of need. Believe me it has happened on many occasions. I have made a number of good friends in this 'community'.

3. Direct selcall access to the VKS 737 bases and the RFDS for emergencies/medical advice. Emergency services are also available via direct selcall via the VKS interconnects.

4. Low operating costs.

5. Tons of information during radio 'skeds' in relation to road conditions, weather, local information, campsite information etc...

Yes, there is a small learning curve, but with someone to help you out, you will be able to get the hang of using the radio in a couple of hours. It's not brain surgery.

Installation isn't that tough, one just needs to be aware of the issues surrounding cabling etc... it's worth having it done by someone who knows what they're doing.

There is absolutely NO "...foul-mouthed radio operators..." on HF, with the exception of the old CB network which is hardly used these days. Most of the fould language, "...10-4 good buddy..." garbage will be found on the UHF CB as one approaches major metropolitan areas...best to turn the UHF off in the cities. The operators, particulary on the most popular Hf 4WD network are all volunteers, many of whom travel the outback themselves. They do a very professional job, are courteous, helpful and provide and amazing service to thousands of travellers all over Australia. I'm sure any one of them would hate to be confused with "...the 10-4 good buddy brigade...".

Selcall is used extensively on HF. VKS 737 bases are all selcall equipped. Selcall can be used to call individual mobiles. Selcall (and telcall) is used extensively for RADTEL and other radio-telephone interconnect facilities....... not like the veritable breadmaker....sorry!

It is always a vigorous debate over which is better and personally I feel it's whatever the individual prefers as both technologies do the job. Certainly satphones are great...just pick them up and ring, just like the mobile. If you're not prepared to learn a little about HF, get a sat phone by all means. It's horses for courses.

Cheers,

Mark

Hello Mark, we already use HF radio, an Icom IC-F7000 with a Codan 9350 autotune antenna on the VKS network and have a NEC S2 Optus Mobilesat phone mounted in the vehicle.

I also have a nearly new Codan 9323 local radio for sale if anyone is interested.

Regards Richard

alot to install????
I am a complete dunce and had mine in in less than 1 hour
As alot to use yeas sure getting the jargon and overs etc take some learning but in an emergency anyone can grab the mike on ch 2 and skwake down the mike and get there point accross

Wow! Thanks for checking it out. I was feeling a little lost with it all.

I've taken the plunge and bought it. Now I have to learn how to use it. Once again, thanks for your help. This is my first question on Forum and I'm amazed at the excellent responses I've received. I'll have to join up.

Shane, I'm also buying from underdunk - sounds like the same deal. He's helpful and informative. Thanks for the tips.

X 2,
I am also a member of the VKS network, and cannot speak highly enough of them. All the operators are professional, courteous and knowledgable.

The spread of bases that the VKS network has gives total coverage of the Australian continent. Selcall is required to "wake up" the bases outside of sked times. As siad in a previous post, the operators are travellers as well, and have intimate knowledge of the outback.

I have a Codan 9323 and 9350 autotune in my car, and the range of these units (all HF, with the exeption of HF 27MHz CB) never ceases to amaze me. I am located in Cairns FNQ, and have spoken to the VKS base in Perth on occasions.

There are thousands of people in OZ using HF, once you have installed the unit in your vehicle and start using it, you will wonder how you managed previously without one.

Regards

Stu

VKS737 Q5050

Hillbilly,

I'm no expert on HF and haven't ever owned or used anything other than my 550. That said I like the radio and it has been very reliable.

The one you are looking at has a reconditioned aerial, make sure that it is the newer (dark grey) casing as opposed to the older (light grey) one. The older ones had limited strengthening around the join and were prone to cracking. Expensive to repair (believe me) about $400 for mine.

I would say that $2K is on the uppish side, bargain him down a bit would be my advice.

Cheers,

Matt.