H F or Sat Phone ?

Hi Bob

Lots of good replies to the same question on thread 66648. We chose sat phone.

Motherhen

Hi Robert, we chose Sat phone because we like to keep in touch with the family on a regular basis while we are away, (the kids like to know that they can get hold of us at anytime as well, even if it is the grandies asking when we will be back LOL).

There are fors & against all things and I would be the first to suggest a HF radio if not for wanting to keep in touch, I guess there are many good reasons for a HF. If you do go down the Sat Phone path be very careful of which way you go.

Cheers

Deanna

goodday bob
how are you going
we chose the hf as a security blanket ie if stuck somewhere we can contact the vhs 737 club for help and advise and you can listen to others around you travelling and if needed to talk to if you or they are broken down and trying to get to 1 another
when we leave to travel we leave the hf radio emergency no with family so that if we are needed urgently we can be contacted thru the radio we also leave a copy of our credit card with 1 of the kids so that the number doesnt have to be given out over the air in case of break down and parts are needed
have sometimes contemplated a sat phone but figure we are normally only out of contact for 3or4 days so kids can leave a message, as who wants to be on the bloody phone every day to me thats not why you retire after putting up with phones every day for years

steve

Hi Bob.

After researching this subject myself a few years ago, I went with HF. The main reason is the when you use a HF you become part of the community. VKS 737 enable you to "touch Base" every day during SKEDS (scheduled base call in times). You can listen in and chat with other users and check out the track/road conditions. If anything mechanical goes wrong, instead of ringing someone for help, you can chat with other people who might be able to assist you. You can also make calls home on HF on RADTEL. The phone quality can vary but it is a viable option. Oh yeah, and I was able to listen to ABC radio when I did my last trip along the CSR.

The down side is cost. I bought a new Codan NGT last year for $4000. That is a lot of cash. There are second hand units for sale but they are still rather expensive. On top of this VKS-737 is around $100 a year, and you pay similar for RADTEL.

I think if you just want a "call home" option, then a SAT phone might be a cheaper and better option. If you need to ability to get out of the poo in the middle of no-where, then I would go HF.

I hope my rambling helps out

Cheers

Dave

If you go the satfone way get a Motorola 9505or9505A
Available on Ebay for around $1000
You can use your telstra simcard in it provided it is on a plan and is internationally roamed.
Prepaid wont work.

I have both but preference is for the Satfone.

Cheers

Hi Rob,

If your looking a second hand motrola's make sure the battery works as they are about $200 to buy, had to buy one for mine when I bought it.

I have iridium satphone and epirb. All up cost $1600

Should cover most situations.

Cheers
Ross

I also did the same, weighed up the options and what i wanted it for and went the sat phone. take it on walks,easy to pack, just whack the sim from the Hugs and Kisses phone in it and were away.

Thank to all of you for your input it is much appreciated.
Looks like a 50/50 lottery.I will try & track down either of them which ever i can get the cheapest.

Cheers Bob.