HF unit of choice.

G'day Hilly,

Before you even consider what brand of HF radio to chooses, you must decide if you really NEED one.

"Wants" and "Needs" are two entirely different things.

Do you spend a lot of time alone in the bush in isolated very "out of the way" places?

If so, then maybe you NEED one.

If you don't, what are your off road uses?

Do you travel alone, or in company of others?

Do you constantly need long distance contact that is out of the range of mobile phones?

All of these things should be considered before laying out such a fair sum of money.

Once you have decided your needs based upon your travel patterns, then its time to ask your question.

I hope I am not trying to teach you how to "suck eggs" mate, I just thought the points above could be useful

enjoy the bush

DennisN

An 8528 with Auto tune antenna is a good choice, I have had one since 91, and apart from a service every 3 years (de-dust) have not had an ounce of trouble with it. And been able to make contact from anywhere in Aus including Tas.

Its been on some rough tracks inc, Canning, Cape, Kimberly etc. a bit of the plastic has been worn off the tip of the antenna from hitting trees and the odd awning at servos, but it can be re-covered.

Hi All,
I have an 8525 in my yacht, before Telstra closed down their coastal stations last year it was a good medium to be able to get emergency broadcasts out on. The frequencies that are now available, may be different on the land base frequencies. are not as good as they use to be. HF is on the decline, I believe, and I'am afraid that Sat phones are going to take it's place.
Paying big prices for HF's now could be costly.
Plus they take up a lot of room in the vehicle, I thought about taking the set out of the yacht, getting the land base freq's put in but could not find the space to put it , then again maybe I could down grade and buy a Toyota or Nissan to put it in.
Bye for now.
Bruce and Anne. MU-ving on

If you want some basic info on HFs, buy the book:
'HF Radio for Travellers'
by Chris & Michael Aulich
from the ExplorOz Shop.

Helps to make an informed decision on HF equipment.

Hi Hilly
Go out and buy the 8528. I have had mine for over ten years and I have been with the vks737 network for the past two years and have been with radtell for one year. If you an isolated places traveller it gives you security and confidence and the feeling that you not alone.As for emergencies, my radio has been used for more for others than I have used for myself. I can phone loved ones where and when I like and The VKS network gives road and weather reports every evening three or four times. You can talk to others that have been where you are going and they can tell you places you may well have missed . The vks net can contact you to pass messages from family urgent or other wise. Don't beat around the bush Hilly buy it and you won't look back. I'll be hearing from you
Stan

Hi Hilly
Go out and buy the 8528. I have had mine for over ten years and I have been with the vks737 network for the past two years and have been with radtell for one year. If you an isolated places traveller it gives you security and confidence and the feeling that you not alone.As for emergencies, my radio has been used for more for others than I have used for myself. I can phone loved ones where and when I like and The VKS network gives road and weather reports every evening three or four times. You can talk to others that have been where you are going and they can tell you places you may well have missed . The vks net can contact you to pass messages from family urgent or other wise. Don't beat around the bush Hilly buy it and you won't look back. I'll be hearing from you
Stan

Hilly,

Forgot to give Fluff the Outback Challenge DVD. Can you email me yours or Fluff's address so I can send it over. Ta.

wazzagray [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk

Wazza