HF Radio Info

icom make a two way that transmits on uhf vhf and hf

Mate,
There a few fundamentals and you really have to research what is available and what suits your requirements.

To answer your question Codan or Barrett.

If you don't have the inclination or time to do the detail then go with a NGT Codan and VKS737. They can cover all of the outback and they have a telephone connects if you need it.

If I can help let me know.

Cheers

Qmac is another option being compact, simpler to opperate & cheaper than the other 3.
Cheers Craig......

For vehicle use there are really only three brands, Barrett, Codan and QMac.
They are designed for rugged use and can withstand the vibration, sometimes questionable supply voltages, dust and dirt that will kill a amateur type set.
Parts and repair facilities for the above (in the unlikely event you may need them) are available Australia wide as well.
There is also the legality of using amateur radios on the HF band if you don't have the appropriate licence.

Staying with the big two, or maybe QMac (owned by Barrett) would be wise in the longer term it seems. Keep the used market in mind - plenty out there, and keen prices do crop up at times (some sellers need to be "told they are dreaming" though :-o). If a prospective purchase goes back quite a few years, check with a service agent re parts and servicing etc. (though the majority of mainstream radios just go for ages without issue). There is a Trader - radio page here - one on the vks737 site too. The various communication retailer/service outlets carry used units as well, but pricing can be "up there" at times (might be justified, if they have been thoroughly checked and carry a warranty).