Which 4WD HF network to use and are they cross commected

Hi Phil
I am very bias towards the VKS network. I have been a continuous member since 1994 when the network was in its very early years, with only one base station in Woomera. At that time is was Australia's first and only dedicated HF Radio network for the South Australian four wheel drive clubs only. Since then it has spread National, opened its doors to other users, eg Police, National Parks, etc and has by far the most base stations spread right across Australia.

Stick with the one that has done all the hard work and made it easy for the other new comers to slip in.

My vote is like always, the VKS737 Network.


Cheers

Stephen

Hi vk1dx

We use and have for over 8 years the vks737 network and find it
most useful, have hfoz as well but hard to find anyone most of the times.

If you refer to thread no. 76819 it may help as well

Regards Jan & Peter

I would also endorse the VKS network, it is tried and proven over the years and has been an excellent tool for any serious 4 WD enthusiast. There are so many members spread all over the country at any time that if you run into trouble there just may be someone close to help. All base stations are computer networked so a contact at any base station will be seen all around Australia. The only one as far as I am concerned.

HFoZ is growing and has much better features then VKS737 ever will. I have both VKS737 & HFoZ. I have found it difficult to get a word in "edgeways" with VKS737 as I am not part of the 'old group' and am often ignored.

Having said that... if you do manage to talk to someone... then they are helpful.......

So it will depend on your needs as to what is best for you.
Do you research on what is available.
regards

Here is another vote for VKS737.


.

Hi VK1DX from VK2UD,

I am a member of vks737 also, my reason for this is that there are more members and bases to use. I also as a ham use the 14.116 travelers net and ham radio for general chatting.

When "on-air" with VKS737 maybe it is possible to appear to be ignored.

During Skeds, communication is permitted only between mobiles and the base station not mobile to mobile (unless relaying). Sometimes the base station may not hear a call from a mobile and appear to ignore it. Keep calling and perhaps reposition your vehicle. The base may eventually hear the call or another mobile may volunteer to relay.

Outside of Skeds many mobiles switch off unless they need to transmit so there are less receivers to hear your CQ or broadcast call. Also, base stations have higher gain antennae than the mobiles so other mobiles may not hear your call or you may not hear their reply due to the vagaries of HF propagation and it could seem that everyone is ignoring your call especially if you are not yelling "mayday"!

The VKS base operators are a really great bunch of chaps. Never judgmental and always cheerful and helpful. They would never ignore a call that they heard or were advised of by another mobile. Likewise the mobiles are always happy to help out in assisting contact and in providing assistance wherever they can.

HF radio does have some shortcomings but ignorance of operators is not one of them.

Well; where do I start.

I understand loyalty and the inability for some to appear ignored. I also understand the appearance of being ignored when the "regulars" have a go. That happens everywhere, even at the bowling club. I am disappointed though, but understand why it is so, about not being permitted to call a "different" system to the one to which you subscribe to. But having said that and recently having had a chat with a radio inspector about the system I understand. I also noted that equipment, apart from mobile antennas, is not an issue. Every emergency must be acknowledged regardless of the service it is received on.

I do have a preference for more modern up to date networks and services so if we were in convoy with our son I think I would be looking elsewhere than the one the majority suggested above. I have a considerable number of options from the amateur equipment I carry and would therefore supplement my sons setup quite nicely should propagation be a problem.

But he needs something when they are out there and should not rely on Dad.

So I will pass all these responses and the link on to him and we shall see which way he goes. His first major trip is with us and another son to Cape York. He wont need it for then as I will provide all comms but if he heads down the CSR on his own, as we will one day soon, he will need it.

Thank you one and all.

Phil (to VK2UD - Remember VK1PJ Hi)

To transmit on HF you have to have a Licence issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority for that frequency.

VKS737 has an ACMA Licence and allows Mobile users to operate under their Licence on their frequencies.

RFDS etc also have a Licence that allow Mobiles and homesteads to operate on their frequencies.

You have to operate under the conditions the Licence owner dictates - and none of them allow communicating outside their network - even though some networks have shared frequencies.

"Please do not bag one. Maybe suggest a different one may be more politically allowed. "

It's really sad that the behaviour of a few people on this Forum, forces someone to ask an unemotional question with this rider.