HF Radio
Submitted: Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:03
ThreadID:
51044
Views:
3221
Replies:
6
FollowUps:
8
This Thread has been Archived
elsbrook
The only brands I have seen in this
forum are Barrett and Codan. In my searching sources for HF radios I came across the ICOM 718
HF RADIO TRANSCEIVER for less than $1000. Does anyone have any knowledge of these?
Reply By: Member -Signman - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:06
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:06
I spose this response has been used a few times.....
What usage do you foresee for a
HF radio???
Answering this would narrow down the options for a Brand/Model of HF radios...
AnswerID:
268936
Follow Up By: elsbrook - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:21
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:21
The only reason for purchasing any HF unit will be for an emergency arising in a remote area. So I guess connectivity to VKS-737 network is the prime requirement. I don't think selcall is important (to me) but I am open to debate on this.
FollowupID:
531726
Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:48
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:48
G'day elsbrook..
Just my opinion !! The IC718 would not be suitable for 'outback' usage such as VKS737 network. It is an Amateur band radio, and unless it's been fiddled with- would not be able to transmit on VKS737 frequencies.
Stick with Codan or Barret as they are (almost) purpose built for what I think you may need.
Also, Selcall- although not essential- is a very handy option especially in the case of an emergency, allowing the user to alert and 'wake up' a base station.
FollowupID:
531733
Follow Up By: elsbrook - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:51
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 16:51
Thanks signman that's the sort of comment I was after. I will go for the tried and tested.
FollowupID:
531734
Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 17:45
Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 17:45
hey elsebrook I know a guy who has a barrett for sale if u r interested, secondhand. If you r then let me know and I ccan sus model no and price.
FollowupID:
531964
Follow Up By: elsbrook - Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 19:45
Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 19:45
Hi Bonz, thanks, and yes I am interested in getting the details.
FollowupID:
532028
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 21:51
Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 21:51
It's illegal to use Amateur band radios on the VKS737 frequencies.
The only legal ones are Codan, Barrett, QMAC or Icom ICF7000 (NOT the IC7000)
FollowupID:
532091
Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:17
Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:17
Hi elsbrook,
The set is a Barrett 550 with an auto tune antenna and he is looking for $1500 for it. He may also have the Barrett software for it.
FollowupID:
532661
Reply By: Member - Shane D (QLD) - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 17:05
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 17:05
I bought my barret 250 of ebay.
Good little unit that can best be described as basic, but works a ripper, also got a multi tap aerial with a spring base from the same bloke, all up with wiring (fitted myself) was about a $1000 for a trusted unit that came with VKS 737 installed.
You are clearly doing some homework on HF, one thing you will find is don't try and cut corners with fitting If you do it yourself.
Shane
AnswerID:
268946
Follow Up By: Member - Shane D (QLD) - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 17:10
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 17:10
Also you WILL need
membership to VKS 737, there websit has an abundance of info in regard to HF in general
VKS 737
FollowupID:
531741
Reply By: Footloose - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 18:20
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 18:20
Amateur sets are NOT generally approved for use non amateur frequencies.
They also don't cut the mustard after many k's of bulldust and corros. They are built to a price, not a standard.
I ruined a few before I realized this; the modern ones are better but aren't built to take the punishment.
These are some of the reasons why serious long distance travellers tend to use Codan, Barrett etc.
AnswerID:
268961
Reply By: Member - Olcoolone (S.A) - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 18:51
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 18:51
We use an Icom IC-F7000 on the VKS network, fantastic radio,easy to use and very high quality with some good features.
Under the VKS licence it is illegal to use an amature radio.
I think when you start using
HF radio you will use it more and more, when we are away the radio is on all the time and we try to listern to the morning and evening scheds.
You have to have selcall to take full advantage of the VKS network.
Regards Richard
AnswerID:
268968
Reply By: Member - Doug T (Qld) - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 19:50
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 19:50
From what I can asscertain the Icom would be fine on VKS.
it's selcal is compatible with Barrett and Codan , In fact the whole concept looks the same
ICOM IC-F7000
Doug
AnswerID:
268988
Reply By: Member - Doug T (Qld) - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 20:00
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 20:00
The ICOM 718 is a HF Multi-Mode Base Transceiver and would be Amatuer only
AnswerID:
268991