VKS 737 Radio purchase

The VKS 737 radio network operates on HF and not UHF-VHF.

HF is used for medium to long range communications.

UHF radio is used for short range communications using the UHF CB band of 476-477 Mhz over 77 channels (commonly called 80 channel UHF) and is used by small businesses, travelers, 4x4ers, truckies, farmers and any one wanting a cheap for of communications.

VHF is used for short to medium range communications and is used by boaties.

In a 4x4 you need HF and UHF.... these radios are separate units with separate antennas.

Have you considered a satellite phone? Hired or purchased. We have one in place of the HF radio.

There is a government subsidy available to purchase a satellite phone, under certain conditions of course.

Phil

H,
I started with a Codan 9323 HF set and a 9350 auto tune aerial. Both were 3rd hand and it was a great unit. Easy to use and reliable. If you buy a 2nd hand 9350 make sure it is a D series or later or it has been refurbished as the early aerials had some internal problems.

I have since replaced it with a Codan NGT and a new 9350 and again both work very well. There is a learning curve with the NGT and you have to find a supplier who will programme it without biasing frequencies to serve their own interests. Once you are across how to operate the NGT it has a lot of great features which obviously you pay for.

If you go down the Codan track from my personnel experience I would deal with Peter James from Lara Electronics. I found Peter the best to deal with and I live in NSW! I am sure there are others on this site who could make similar recommendations.

The other major player in the Aus HF scene are Barrett sets and again others on this site have recommended different models. I haven't had much to do with these units so I really can't comment.

I would search this site as there is alot of good information in the archives.

One hint, when you mount the aerial put it on the back of the 4wd with the main unit sitting just below the roof rack or roof line. This position allows for the best protection of the aerial and when you take off the whip you wont damage the aerial in carparks. It is a minor compromise with the performance so I am told though to date it hasn't affected me.

Cheers

Steve

If you put your cursor over the "Topics" button in the blue bar at the top of the Forum page you will see and article there on communications that has some useful info.

Cheers,

Val

Agreed with much of the above - Codan (South Australian) and Barrett (West Australian) are the biggies in HF here in Oz - both have a great reputation around the world - most of their business is offshore. I've only had Barrett, but entirely happy with the product and the company. There is a fair bit of advice here about HF, and on the VKS737 site too - check out all of the pages. Nothing wrong with buying a good used unit, as long as it represents a good saving over new prices. As for using the radios - agreed that being taught by someone who is already into it will be a huge help - if you join a HF association/ club, asking the staff re anyone living close by and willing to help might be the go - retailers provide tuition, but it may not be free and may not be 'on-going'.

If you are like us and only require the security of radio contact in remote areas, I recommend a good second hand radio and membership of the VKS network. We bought a Barrett 550 and autotune antenna through David Collins in Brisbane (HF-radio.com.au). He personally rebuilds, sells and maintains older radios and was extremely helpful to me over the phone when I decided to install it myself. He has also been very helpful fixing a couple of minor faults. He can program the radio with all the frequencies for VKS and short-wave listening (radio australia, BBC world service etc) and emergency frequencies for RFDS.

The VKS network is also excellent for staying in touch and getting help if needed, we log in each evening. Unlike satellite phones, you can also listen to what others are saying about road and weather conditions, or maybe get help from someone nearby.

Cheers, Gado

hi All
Just to put 2 bobs worth in
HF Radio VKS237 do have a good rep about practice pof operating HF radios'
Last weekend they had a get together in vic at Elmore where there were 40 Rigs and a Ladies only sked operated on the Saturday.
The reason for the ladies only sked was that most ladies do not a chance to participate and if there is a accidenent or a medical problem with there partner or husband or the party they are travailing with they will have some idea how to operate the HF Radio
Terry