Rad-Tel v's HF-Tel

Submitted: Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 16:07

ThreadID: 62513 Views:5025 Replies:5 FollowUps:3

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HF Radio

HF Radios have traditionally been the best decision for outback communications if you intend to travel throughout remote regions of Australia.

joff1

G'day,

Being the new owner of a Codan 9323 and an even newer member to VKS-737, I have been reading through all the info on both the radio and the network in order to get a handle on the basics.

When I bought the beast the fella I bought it off was very helpful showing me how to use it and how to make phone calls. He is a member of Rad-Tel and, as such, recommended I join up.

Reading through the guff from VKS-737, it seems they have their own phone network these days.

I'm trying to figure out which offeres the best value before signing up so can someone who understands these things better that I tell me the difference? if there is one that is.

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Reply By: Peter McG (Member, Melbourne) - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 16:53

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 16:53

I've been a VKS member for a couple of years. They provide a great service thrugh the bases and I expect the new phone service to be just as good. I have used Radtel but this now means that Radtel are a competitor. When renewals come round, I'll be staying with VKS 737.

Peter

Peter

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Follow Up By: Angler - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 18:03

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 18:03

Any chance of an estimate on costs to join 737 network??

Pooley
VK4PI

FollowupID: 597128

Follow Up By: VH-GU4 - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 18:08

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 18:08

$100/ year for the VKS network. Phone calls additional.

FollowupID: 597132

Follow Up By: Angler - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 22:38

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 22:38

Thanks GU-4

Angler

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Reply By: Member - Coenens N (WA) - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 18:52

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 18:52

Gday - we have VKS membership, just about to renew for another year. Went with Radtel for phone calls for a recent 3 mth trip but found that it was pretty rare to be able to get through to anyone. Wont be renewing the Radtel at $120 per year plus calls. Will stick with VKS as they were most helpful and although there were some problems in certain areas, we could always hear or speak to someone so we never felt totally alone or isolated out there in the deserts. I have heard of another network operating out of NSW website is www.hfoz.com.au you might like to check them out also.
Good luck and happy travels.

AnswerID: 329703

Reply By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 20:45

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 20:45

Another option is the HF Radio Club. They also have telephone interconnect. See here for details. HF Radio Club

AnswerID: 329734

Reply By: Richard Kovac - Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 22:36

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 at 22:36

joff1 Hi

I have both as they offer two differance types of coms.

Radtel offers more as I see it on the Phone direct diel side to the new HF-Tel offered by VKS-737.

I also have joinded HF-OZ which is more a chat HF channel.

Cheers

Richard

AnswerID: 329766

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:46

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:46

I've used the Bush Telephone HF Service for about 6 years now. 95% of the time I get a good frequency and make a good call. 6 minute limit on the calls, and it costs $126 per year plus calls, so when you check them out compare the costs for the use you're likely to have. But I use it a lot when we're away to keep in touch with the family, and occasionally for emergency use.

AnswerID: 329799