hf radios

John,
I don't know how much off road travelling you have done but when you go off the black top to a remote location if you go 10ks off the hwy and you get into problems, say one of your daughters hurts herself, heaven forbid, help can seem like a million miles away if you have no contact, I find the feeling very eerie when you are completely on your own and hearing a voice on a radio can be very comforting, very relaxing and nice as well don't get me wrong, if you don't take a radio you can bet your ass you'll wish you had. I personally would take one, I have one because I believe it's worth it, you could consider a sat phone but when you yell for help only one person can hear you, with a radio anybody can. Keep the shiny side up

The other reply sums it up pretty well also with a hf you can get up to date road conditions via vks 737 . THe most important thing is learn how to use the hf and it will be a very valuble tool.
All the best
Eric
www.capeyorkconnections.com.au
Eric 02 4294 3496
Pete 07 4094 1745
Cape York Connections

Try a search on the subject, Loads of info.
CheersCountdown is on!

When you get to know what you can do with this unit you will realise that you have got real value for money... it is called insurance... join vhs 737 and use their sked s and you will never feel far from help... and you won't be !! have a great and safe trip..

Its not if you will use it, its what will happen if something goes pearshaped, and youNEEDit?

Is $300 that much to possibly save a life- maybe your kids?

John, what is your call sign? what HF radio/network do you hired your set from? What frequency/channel would you be transmitting? What time?- I'll be on the road tomorrow morning Sat-14-Jun-03 to Cooktown- Cape Melville. What about if you call Quebec 194 at Schedule time of VKS 737 network on Channel 2 - VKS737 ( around 6 pm QLD time any wek days for 4 weeks). then SelCall me 0194 on the same channel2 or channel 4 after 8pm when the frequencies are cleared. I'll be scanning ALL VKS 737 frequencies.
Just to give you an idea how powerfull these HF radio are.
When the HF T-Index is good (all year around and during low solar activity) I can talk to Westerm Australia from North of New South Wales at 10 pm nearly every night.
These transmissions have All to do with the skill of the operator and plainting of training.
So if you are ready for some practical experience to give it a go, contact me.
See you on the air.
Guy

I agree with the foregoing comments about HF radio, but I note your comment about not going far off the beaten track. Having the HF would be a bonus, especially if like having "company", but it would be reasonable to not have it on the sort of trip you plan, provided you have some form of comms. The alternatives (UHF, satphone) may not work out cheaper. If the money's tight I'd happily travel without HF, provided you aren't venturing well off the main tracks.

John, If you don't use the HF set then it has been a good trip. It is like the RFDS itself, some people don't realise that they don't have to be that far from a populated area to need them. For piece of mind take it. Regards Mark