HF Radio Virgin

Cheers Bob,

What exactly does it mean to add more channels? Am I wrong to assume that a radio that works (ie can speak to both the RFDS and VKS737) in Perth, will also work in Darwin? Or is the radio pre tuned for the location in which you live? If this is the case, then do you need to add more channels for each location you plan on visiting?

Thanks

Grazza

Grazza,

those older sets use a crystal for each frequency, which are about, or used to be $100/frequency. The newer sets use a different setup where the technician can "write" any frequency into the set, in HF range, with a computer.

Each RFDS base uses different frequencies, so they don't clash with each other. If you were to travel around Oz, you'd need to have all their frequencies, from a safety point of view.

Older Codan 8525's have 99 frequencies available, with later models having more space.

Another option would be a sat phone, hire or buy. Choice doesn't get any easier, eh? Hooroo...

Hi Gazza

Just a point. To use the VKS radio network, you must pay a membership fee. If you wish to use the RFDS frequency also then you must also hold a licence with the appropriate authority.

As stated above, VKS will contact the Flying doctor service if required, so some money can be saved by only going with VKS.

The above information I have on authority as I queries this and I am in the possession of an email confirming this from the licensing authority.

If however you still wish to talk to someone using a RFDS frequency, then you and he will have to hold a licence also.

Stay with VKS is my advice.

Regards

Just curious - how does a satphone allow him to listen to VKS737 scheds (one of his two requirements) ???

You wouldn't need to listen to the VKS737 scheds if you had a Satphone. If you were listening to the scheds to get up to date road information etc you would be sadly disappointed. If you listened to the scheds to get urgent messages then the phone would do that better. If you wanted to shoot the breeze for half an hour, then the HF is the way to go.

Bob
Romeo 28

We (Partner & I) have a Satphone. Telstra brick size. Purchased July 02 for $995. Came with protection carry case, car aerial (small magnetic), 240V charger, car charger, 2 rechargeable batteries. A good set up for us. $28 per month access ongoing (similar to mobile phone contract), $1.98 per min outgoing, $1.20 for incoming calls (kids ring us!!). No hardwiring required, can ring anywhere from anywhere (except in a deep canyon or under forest canopy maybe) instantly. Clip it to your belt if going off away from the car in case you break you leg etc. Take it fishing with your mates in case a call back for help is needed. I also keep it in my workcar as I travel country roads extensively, and dont bother with the expensive roobars anymore as I have instant contact if I am disabled by a roo strike, or black box failure on the car.

The most urgent use so far was some UK tourists in a hire 4WD on the Gibb River Rd had run out of tyres and they were able to organise direct with the hire company, the next servo, and their station B&B to sort out their predicament. On a Saturaday afternoon to complicate things a bit more. I'd suggest a HF Radio wouldnt do that, and in an emergency who do you want to talk to, "someone who can, and is willing, to do something right now" I'd suggest, ambulance, RFDS, mechanic, parts, freight company, police, family, mates etc.

That's my opinion anyway, and the more of these that come on line I suspect the cheaper it will become over time, PLUS HF radios blarring out call after call at a campsite really gets on my wick. Are these people really so insecure that they have to report their everymove everyday, or does their big fat aerial mean they have a right to leave their car doors open so we all have to listen to the ongoing meaningless chatter at full volume.

Good luck with your decision
Cheers
David

David, blaring radios or stereos or generators are annoying, and I guess some people would be annoyed by your satphone ringing in the middle of the night.

Having a HF doesn't make people behave badly - they most likely were annoying long before they got a HF.

Personally I think $28/month is excessive for something that can't broadcast, but that's my opinion and it obviously suits your requirements.

I'm not going to say that every satphone owner is obnoxious just coz they own a satphone.