Codan and Barrett

Friend of mine bought one of those antennas, mounted on rear wheel carrier. Only two days old and drove under a low branch smashing to smithereens.
What was worse, he had forgotten to add it on his insurance - another $$$$$$ thanks.
Another point is I can't see how those autotune bases can put up with all the dirt, dust, water and corrugations for extended times.Gibb River in July.
Chris

Hi David.

The first 2 paragraphs-of the above I agree with. From there on I have not had any experience, so I can not comment.

I own a Barret, but forget the brand name, the issue is to own or not to own an HF radio.

I have owned a HF for over 6 years and I am a member of the VKS 737 Radio network (very strongly recommended).

I have been lucky in my travels and have not had the need to call for assistance, but here are a few facts not mentioned.

You can not make contact with who ever every time you want , due to atmospheric conditions. But you can in most times raise SOMEONE and your message will be relayed.

You can keep in touch with friends MOST of the time (Selcall is a big plus).

Now here is the HUGE plus, especially if you are a member of the VKS network.

(1) Register with them and you do not need any other form of licence.

(2) I have listened to horror stories over the radio relating to major break downs in the middle of nowhere that require either towing or spare parts being transported to the stricken vehicle.

In most cases, there was either a vehicle on the network within a reasonable distance who was willing to make a deviation to deliver the parts, or tow the vehicle in. In other cases, the radio operators,( bless them all), they made all the necessary arrangements and local telephone calls to find the cheapest way out of the problem. They would then radio back to you and get your approval before organising the 'go ahead'.

How would you do that on a Sat phone? Take a phone book for all the states you travel in and make phone call after phone call until you get satisfaction, and at what price per minute?

An EPRB is good, but it is very limited in it's application. Once activated, and the search is initiated, usually with an aircraft, who pays for the aircraft, and then, can you communicate with the aircraft? What do you think the cost would be to you, especially if the problem was really quite small but just big enough to stop you from moving again?

What options have you?

With a HF radio all this can arranged before big costs are involved.

The choice is really yours, what price do you put on piece of mind and wallet expenditures in the middle of nowhere????

Food for thought don't you think?

Regards

Could always phone VKS network and get them to broadcast a message that you're in the poo.
If you were ignored because you're not a member of the network...well, it's just not cricket, if you get the drift (mateship).Gibb River in July.
Chris

Thanks Phil,

I am on holidays this week but would like to catch up with you. Call by anytime to say hello.We have so little time to enjoy our land