Why use HF Networks ??

Just out of curiosity: I would like to understand why people use HF Networks like VKS737 or VKE or HFOz etc..

I do not see any advantage in the use of these networks,
am I missing something ?

The commercial equipment required is expensive and not very flexible
Frequencies are limited
Power is very limited as well as digital communication
No weather or news broadcast unless you request it
Yearly fees are higher than ham license
and more

Is it the ham license which puts people off ? or what is it ?

thanks
gmd
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Reply By: Robin Miller - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:27

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:27
Hi GMD

Good questions , and after weighing up the various options I have just finished setting up a complete HF system for just under $1000 based on a relatively modern Barrett 950 model and here is what I have found.

First it transmits everywhere at 125 watts or 25 watts PEP and for me this is really good because I have found it useful to again use 27mhz ssb.

Also it works on marine 27mhz bands

This is more useful than it seems as there are plenty of short to medium range contacts to be had, and has already got us thru in hilly vic country long after the UHF is dead.

Also as an amateur I can use it on Travellers net.

Also it does pick up lots of weather forecasts mostly marine based, in fact they are transmitted on multiple channels and always at least 1 frequency seems to be loud and clear.

It also works as a short wave radio listening to ABC etc.

I choose VKS737 and this allows beacons call , which mean its easy to check which base you can get to when needed.
Its really a little thrill and comforting to hear the little reply tone when driving along and all you do is press a couple of buttons, you don't have to talk on the microphone.

The VKS737 service , and similar have there own set of advantages , so no need to go thru that.

As a little bonus mine worked very well on the local melbourne radio stations as these radios are so stable that when using ssb they provide a better reception although the music quality is poor at best.

Haven't tried various telephone or sms services yet , but so far there has been real value it the setup I have.














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Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 07:59

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 07:59
Good response there Robin!


Cheers

Brian

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Reply By: Voxson - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:43

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:43
I used to think i needed one,,, but a sat phone does me fine...
Radio is too regulated,,, but i have one for emergency.....

AnswerID: 416194

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:46

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:46
I bought mine about 7-8 years ago. I use it to:
#1 Hook into VKS737 - Give my location so in case of emergency back home, I can be contacted.
#2 If I have a serious problem, a VKS operator is equipped to help me, and others near me may be able to help.
#3 I do radio telephone calls to the family via BushTelephone.
#4 Listen to the news, weather and football on ABC HF stations.
#5 Selcall friends who are out and about
#6 Contact others in our group who may be out of UHF range.
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:49

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:49
And regarding costs - after the initial purchase, the HF radios are slow to depreciate. Bought my set for $2950, and it would be worth about $1800 now. Costs me $200 a year for VKS and Bushphone (+calls).
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Reply By: Member - Mark E (VIC) - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:51

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 22:51
GMD,

Here is my take on it for what it's worth.....

1. As per Robin, appropriate commercial equipment can be purchased second hand for reasonable money. It is also built to higher standards that most ham gear and will last years of abuse on corrugated roads, heat and dust etc....losts of the ham sets just won't tolerate this abuse.

2. How are frequencies limited? I can program (or have programmed ;-) anything I want within the limits of the radio 2 - 26 mHz... on some sets one can free tune on Rx. Most modern commercial sets can have about 400 channels...how many more do you need?

3. Power is limited by regulations, as is the power on the amateur bands if I remember correctly. Do you really need more than 100 watts in a mobile setup?

4. Weather broadcasts freely available if you know which frequencies to listen to.

5. Yearly fees are a little more than a ham licence, but being someone who works in the emergency services I am very aware of the 'professionalism' of the VKS network in handling emergencies...I'm not so sure that the ham 'network' is really up to this same standard 100% of the time (with obvious exceptions with organised WIA events and services). Is $100 a year really a great impost in comparison to a ham licence, given there is no need to join clubs, sit exams, buy books for study etc..etc.....then the extra money that will invariably be spent on the 'hobby'..

6. For many years I have contemplated doing the ham licence, but to be completely honest, I'm just not that interested in the technical side of radio and having to do all the theory etc is a little daunting for the non electronics tech.... having said that I have looked at the curriculum for the Foundation licence and it is pretty basic. The other thing that puts me off ham radio is that when I tune through the various 'bands', some of the dribble I hear would bore the pants off me...seems there a lot of old blokes talking about there radios and antennas (no offence intended...each to their own...).

Most people who want HF radios for remote area travel want to communicate with a 'service' that provides them with a safety mantle and the ability to 'patch' them through to the emergency services if the need arises...all of which is done with remarkable ease through the various networks, particularly the VKS network. There are of course many other networks that offer similar and or less service, depending upon personal need or use.

Hope this answers your questions...

Cheers,

Mark
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Reply By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 23:24

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 23:24
I use my HF Radio for: (not in order of priority)
1) Radio telephone calls
2) Send data GPS position (family can see my position anywhwere at any time)
3) Send text messages to PC or to Mobiles
4) Send email to PC
5) Voice communication with HFoZ or VKS737
6) Weather and road reports
7) ABC, VOM, and other stations
8) Voice, GPS position, data, txt, email to (or from) other vehicles with compatible radio
9) Emergency communication and assistance including RFDS
10) it is also a topic of conversation and interest to those with similar radios, PLUS a point of interest to those you meet on the track who do not have one.

On more than one occassion I was able to contact the outside world, when those with a sat phone were unable to.
regards

PS> I own a sat ph, but it's only used if all else fails (which hasn't happened to date)

Fred B
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 05:16

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 05:16
Ditto Fred.

I used to think a Ham radio would be a cheap and good alternative to a mobile Radio but it is really only useful for voice communications CB style.

A Ham radio will only do 2 of the 10 items Fred listed legally ( half of item 6 plus item 7). Possibly one or two others illegally or with extra stuff added.

Like Fred, I have a Sat phone as a back up and to receive incoming( SMS ) messages, HF's weakest point IMO.

Without beaconing, selcall , RFDS, messaging etc you would be very limited with a HAM radio, especially for contact with anything other than chatting.





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Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 07:59

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 07:59
Hi Fred

Have you found the text messages to be practical or worth implementing - not sure about this aspect yet !
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Follow Up By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:17

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:17
Hi Robin,
I often use the txt option when wanting to send a private message or just letting family know I am safe and well, rather than an open radio call; OR if voice comms is not that great, but I still need to get a message through, I use txt. It works well.
regards
Fred B
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Follow Up By: The Landy - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:20

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:20
The HFoZ GPS position feature is great!
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Follow Up By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:40

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:40
The VKE 237 HF Radio Club also has a system where you can send your GPS position to a base station so they know where you are in case of an emergency.
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:52

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:52
Bookbook

I think you should have another look at what an unrestricted (full) licensed ham operator is permitted to do. I have full access to amateur owned satellites and have actually made contacts using a hand held with an external yagi antenna to both local and international stations. Internet portals are all over the place. Hams may also use a lot of computer/data based modes and facilities ranging form simple text (sms like) comms to more advanced full video conferencing linkups. Just imagine that you cut yourself up badly. You set up the camera and show the RFDS doctor the problem. Heaps better that trying to explain it verbally.

Phone patching is nothing new and is simple and widely available. In the 80's I used to link up the Antarctic bases with Australian relatives and friends before they got the sat link. I believe you can widely access the internet also. Mobile or home based operation is only restricted by available power and also space where the equipment is installed.

Nah Sorry HF does not hold a candle to what a full licensed amateur radio operator is permitted to do. Basis operator I think you are close but not a full unrestricted licensed one.

I have two radios in the car. A UHF CB and a UHF/VHF ham radio. That gives me both local (both radios) and world wide comms (VHF/UHF through the satellites).

Phil
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 18:00

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 18:00
Yep Vk1dp agree

I said
"A Ham radio will only do 2 of the 10 items Fred listed legally ( half of item 6 plus item 7). Possibly one or two others illegally or with extra stuff added. "

BUT you do need to pull it together ( not easy) and have extra stuff, not in the box.

If you can do it good luck to you.

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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 09:06

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 09:06
Not hard to carry the extra stuff these days. Most of it is miniaturised these days. Look at my satellite stuff. The hand held sits in my top pocket and the yagi folds up and goes in the car door pocket. Even a small video controller and the Yeasu tribander are nearly as small as the average UHF CB. All my extra kit goes in small pockets in the car. Years ago when I linked up to the Antarctic I will agree it was bulky. Not now.

Anyway, each to his own and then you need to get the unrestricted licence. Thats not the easiest if you are not in the electronics game at work.

Our eldest son has the HF system. He is not the best when it comes to electronics.

Cheers

Phil
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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 23:26

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 23:26
Yes - you may be missing something. Networks are all about 'community' (probably with the exception of one that you mention). They are good at effective messaging, accessing info for you and arranging real support when the chips are down.

Power limited ?
100W+ seems plenty to me - effective comms are often made with much less.

Expensive equipment ?
Compared to what other long distance comms gear ?

Frequencies limited ?
Seems to me that all of the networks have a set that suits their stated purposes.

Fees high ?
When you consider the services offered and the time that volunteers in some networks put in, fees could be seen as low.

Broadcasting of weather etc.
Not permitted by the ACMA regs (not always observed though, I should add).
A simple query from a member can negate that reg at any time, resulting in the supply of the latest web accessed info.

Is HF - is good ! :-o)


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Reply By: Muntoo - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 00:27

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 00:27
Wow, didnt know you could do all that stuff on them. Surely you guys dont need them to sms/ring people though. Supposed to be out there to get away from that.
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Follow Up By: The Landy - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 04:46

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 04:46
Well I guess that depends on what you do for a living, or why you are out there....everyone to their own...........surely?

Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 18:06

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 18:06
Egg Sakery
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Reply By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 07:47

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 07:47
As with ham radio you have to have a license to operate a HF radio. This is covered by the various networks holding a license for nominated frequencies and then as a member of that network you are also licensed to use those frequencies. For example, a member of 737 is not permitted to use the HFOZ frequencies unless a member of both. However in an emergency any frequency can be used. Also network frequencies are usually monitored so there is better chance of making contact than the hit and miss of ham radio.
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Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:23

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:23
Hiya Rod
Which HF network do you use ??

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Follow Up By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:27

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:27
I am a member of the HF Radio Club. Suits my purpose.
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Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:48

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:48
Thanks for your reply...
I am currently a member of VKS737- however last week I received an invitation (and application form) to join the HF Radio Club (VKE)...
What is the setup with VKE- how does it operate- how do you use it etc etc..
Cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:01

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:01
The web site with details is here HF Radio Club
From looking at VKS 737 website and listening to their skeds the 2 clubs are much of a muchness. The HF Radio Club seems to have a lot of Caravan and Motorhome owners.
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Reply By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 08:26

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 08:26
gmd
It's an interesting thread that you have started here, with some very thoughtful responses.
FWIW, I looked into this over the last few years, and now own an older model Codan. The reason I went to HF is this;
After witnessing a relatively simple mishap on Fraser Island back in 2003, where a camper sustained a rather nasty facial gash that left him in a lot of pain for the night, we realized that we had no effective communications in an emergency. Even just at Fraser, we had no mobile signal, and could not raise the rangers on UHF. Luckily, if he needed more immediate medical care, one of us could have driven him out, but the question remained that if he needed Medivac, for instance, it would have been a 1 hour drive to get to the rangers to organize it.
Since then, we started hiring sat phones every trip. But over the next 4 years, regularly hiring phones from several companies, we never ever saw signal on the phone! Not once. So for to our outback trip in 2008, I hired a portable HF from one of our older (and now sadly missed) EO members Footloose. After that holiday, I purchased the Codan, and recently had it serviced in preparation for our upcoming adventure in June. For me, the biggest difference, and most important I guess, is the with a sat phone, you dial numbers and hope someone answers. (assuming you have signal, I believe the networks are getting better, but when we hired them, that was not the case.) It may be days before help arrives, depending on what sort of help you need. With HF, there may be someone in your immediate area who is listening in and can help you. Daily contact with VKS737 gave us a sense of "security" being in the desert alone but knowing that "someone" knew where we were! The operators are a friendly bunch of people and it doesn't take long before a "rapport" is struck with them, which makes the daily sked more interesting and enjoyable. I actually bought my HF from a fellow who lives in Brisbane, whom I met at the Birdsville Caravan Park, and was "introduced" to over the radio by Ron from Charters Towers base, as we were actually camped opposite each other!!

So that's my 2 bobs worth, when we're traveling, I listen in to the sked and have a chat, also like many others, listen in in case I can help by being a "relay" for someones message to the base.

Hope this helps mate, have a good day!

Cheers

Brian


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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 10:49

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 10:49
I'd second Brian's remarks. Our old Codan came as an ex-hire one from Footloose - as you Brian, sadly missed.

There have been many thoughtful responses to this post. There are a couple of reasons for for favouring network hf that we consider very important and haven't had a lot of mention.

When things go wrong in a remote area, there may well be help close by. It will not be available via sat phone or general (ham) hf, but there is a fair chance that it can be reached through a network.

The network involves more than the technology - it is the people that will help - the technology simply lets us communicate with them. Those manning the VKS737 base stations are a thoroughly professional (unpaid!) mob who do a great job. The readiness of others on the network to jump in and help with communications and other support is also a strong factor favouring this network, and no doubt others too.

John
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Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:41

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 09:41
This topic has been done quite a number of times before.

Here is a link to a very good thread well worth the read posted by the late "Footloose" which just about covers it I guess.

Footloose - HF Thread

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Follow Up By: _gmd_pps - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:44

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:44
well it is extremely biased and uninformed what ham radio actually is today
have fun
gmd
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:27

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:27
I would suggest that Footy was one of the most unbiased people I have ever come to know.
The man wrote that in response to the certain bias of people who frequented this forum at that time and like you continually seemed to think that ham was the end to all the issues.
Footy was a very experienced radio person with 40 odd years of experience and a ham operator also, if he thought there was a difference then I would believe him.

I would also doubt that much has changed in the ham area in the last two years since that thread was written but I stand to be corrected and if you care to inform us as to "What ham radio is today" then I'm interested to hear your thoughts.

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Follow Up By: _gmd_pps - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 13:34

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 13:34
I am not here to educate you. Do some research yourself. Some maybe inspired to do so. If you want it presented on a silver platter than sorry, I am not going to do that.
Here are a few buzzwords
APRS
D-Star
PSK31
Airmail
Pactor II and III and other non commercial packet solutions
AX.25
RMS
Winlink
AMPRNet
are a few buzzwords ... just do a google search and read
I have a Yaesu 817 now amongst others and that thing
lives in my backpack where ever I go in the world, because
I can use my license for 90 days without additional permissions
pretty much everywhere in the world.
have fun
gmd

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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 14:24

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 14:24
All of which have been pretty much available for more than the last couple of years so you have offered nothing new and Footy's comments stand.

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Follow Up By: _gmd_pps - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 14:49

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 14:49
since you are not capable of understanding the consequences of such systems to the scenario by footlose I give you a hint how that emergency would be handled by me:

I call my home RMS (I have to run one since there is none in WA at the moment) or I call 2 of the ones over east and send an email with my position given by the radio as a precaution in case no repeater picked up on my last APRS signal. Done.

A few minutes later I probably receive a call from a mate on one of my emergency bands (which are auto scanned) and/or I poll the email answer from the nearest RMS. understood ?? no ??

This scenario is as valid as the example from Footloose ...

Have you ever travelled with your Codan or Barret outside Australia ?

I am not saying ham is the bees knees ... just saying that Land mobile is too limited for me. thats all ...

have fun
gmd
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Follow Up By: Pete Jackman (SA) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 17:53

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 17:53
So gmd as you already know everything your original post was just a troll then?
Any mug can be uncomfortable out bush

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Follow Up By: _gmd_pps - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 18:58

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 18:58
Sorry ?? .. I still do not know why one would use a commercial network ?
that was the original question and so far I have not been convinced ...
Is there a ham who is gone to the commercial networks for traveling ? and why ?
I know a couple who went the other way and I know why.
You are using VKS737 as your sig says ... so why do you use it ?
no license ?
functionality ?
community ?
speed of response ?
I try to understand, so far I have not really seen convincing arguments other than
convenience of not needing to care much about anything technical and paying a price for that with limited features and at a price. Is that it ?

have fun
gmd
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 19:19

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 19:19
GMD???
The question you ask was answered in my link to the thread by Footloose but you chose like so many before you to either not read what is said or to just remain ignorant.

The issue of contacting a VKS Base or your mate on the amateur net (Provided he is home) is clear to see.

As for the hundred bucks, in your view being a high price....Big deal its not even a tank of diesel these days and the VKS Network provides me with so much more than just an emergency contact.

As we say to each his own and if your happy with your little plastic radio and chatting to your mates then good luck to you.

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Follow Up By: Pete Jackman (SA) - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 12:50

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 12:50
Hi GMD,
To answer your questions:

"You are using VKS737 as your sig says ... so why do you use it ?"

"no license ?" Partly, I can use 100W and a foundation only gives me 10W. Also I have no interest in getting involved in the ham networks at the moment. I have a mate who is very keen and keeps encouraging me to get my foundation but that is the difference between us. I see HF as a tool and he uses it a hobby. It is like my 4WD. I don’t go out and find difficult tracks to drive down for the sake of four wheel driving. I have a 4WD to get us to all the interesting places we want to visit and experience.

“functionality ?” Not really, I have an older Codan with a Jenal microphone so I can get Selcall and Telephone Interconnect. Simplicity – yes.

“community ?” Definitely. While camped at Cullyamurra Waterhole last year we listened to VKS737 helping out someone stuck on the Walkers Crossing Track and they had all the contacts they needed at their fingertips. In the end the chap was helped out by another VKS mobile user who was 50km down the road. This would be difficult to arrange through a Ham network and there are a lot of VKS mobile users out and about during the travel season. The VKS operator also has access to all bases and frequencies and in some cases a choice of different aerial arrays to work a difficult contact. On another occasion I met up with a guy whose landcriuser had locked him out (in a somewhat bizarre set of circumstances). VKS set up a telephone interconnect with a Toyota mechanic who walked him through how to break into the vehicle.

“speed of response ?” Again Yes. I can selcall a VKS base 24/7 and get a response and assistance from a team who will know where to go to for help. I can also press the big red button and wake up a RFDS base for emergency assistance.

The last two points were the significant ones for me in my choice. We looked at the whole remote area comms and safety thing last year before we went on a trip to the corner country. I am very familiar with the vagaries of HF having been a military communications officer and spent many years at sea at the end of a HF link. We had the choice down to:
HF (HAM or Network)
SATPHONE
SPOT
EPIRB

SPOT while useful is very limited and we discounted that.EPIRB has one use only – emergency response in a life threatening situation and we will probably get one at some stage.

For assistance in an emergency I could see little difference between Ham Radio and Satphone other than cost. In both cases I would be reliant on knowing who to call myself and then them knowing who best to help me and being able to get them to respond. I also lose the possibility of someone camped on the other side of the sand hill either hearing the interaction or being called by the base operators to give me a hand.

In the end we decided on land mobile HF and I got my whole setup (Codan 8525 radio, Codan autotune aerial and Jenal Microphone) and installed it for less than $800. It is a simple system that works. While you have listed a whole heap of services available to ham operators they all come at a cost in both dollars and the time to learn how to best use them.

We are happy with our choice – proven equipment and a network that works for us every time we call up at the price of 6 tanks of fuel and one tank a year.

Cheers

Pete
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Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:36

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:36
The answer is probably tucked amongst the replies here but I may have not picked up on it.

If I am not interested in all the features of Hf radios except being able to contact someone when and if an emergency arises, relay my position and problem. Could I do so even if Im not a member of any radio club.

I cant see the radio not working because your not affiliated to any networks.
To me, HF is just a big brother to the uhf radio.


Cheers.......Lionel.
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Reply By: _gmd_pps - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:16

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:16
Thanks to all, quite interesting but I think it confirms my suspicion.
A few points:
I did not question HF as such only the use of commercial networks
I think the majority here and out there does not know enough about the difference of ham and land mobile, and the possibilities of ham over the networks.
The license test seems to be a hurdle, although I think it would be a good
thing for everyone doing a practical like on VHF marine for example.

I am not here to promote ham or badmouth land mobile. I was just curious because I made that decision myself some time ago when I decided that NextG is not enough.

I looked at my options and found the networks too restrictive.

One pro? was mentioned: "community" .. could be .. not really sure about that
when I hear one network member talk about another network. Since you have
to choose and are locked in with a few frequencies you are also locked in with a "small" community permanently justifying their decision. Anyway ... that is
my impression .. I may be wrong here ...

I have done my foundation license some time ago and found it extremely trivial and limiting - not as limiting as the commercial networks but still ... no international hf use, limited power, no digital communication (including APRS,D-Star), no direct connection to public networks (so I can not run an RMS myself).
So I did my advanced license, which is not that hard either, but I can understand that many do not want to do this, so the networks have a market.

But let me say one thing: To assume that the functionality of Land mobile is superior to ham is not correct. It only sounds like a justification for the $100 a year and the $5000 for a modern installation. Ham is not necessarily cheaper, that really depends what you are using, but to say that ham radios will not survive long in the bush isn't really close to the truth either. The entry level HF in ham is a lot cheaper than Land mobile and that is for both new and used equipment.

One really major point for me was the limited choice of equipment for land mobile and the fact that it is totally overpriced for what it is. I hate giving in to market power when I don't have to and the other point was that you can not be called directly by phone anyway. So email is the better option and that was
even more limiting/expensive with Land mobile.

Anyway .. just some thoughts without an agenda.

Thanks for the discussion
gmd











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Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 21:36

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 21:36
Gday,
"Just out of curiosity: I would like to understand why people use HF Networks like VKS737 or VKE or HFOz etc.."

In a word ( or two)....Personal choice.

I originally started reading this post thinking you were trolling....but maybe not? Not everyone has radios for the same reason and some simply arent going to change because there is something better around.
But one good thing about the whole discussion is hearing people talk about old Footy!...What a champion he was...and if new we were still talking about him ( and debating) I reckon he would be laughing his fun bags off!!! LOL

Cheers
AnswerID: 416331

Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 07:29

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 07:29
"But one good thing about the whole discussion is hearing people talk about old Footy!...What a champion he was...and if new we were still talking about him ( and debating) I reckon he would be laughing his fun bags off!!! LOL"


Well said Hairy! I reckon he would have a BIG laugh over it, at the same time I think he'd be just a tad embarrassed by the attention. He was a humble man who certainly knew his stuff!

Cheers

Brian




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FollowupID: 686478

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