HF radio for big lap

Danny, whichever way you go it is going to cost you serious $$. I know the HF Radio Club has second hand radios for around $2000 and would probably buy it back off you at the end of your big trip. The club has good coverage all over Oz and are very helpful with installation and how to use it.

racinrob VKE237 sel 6678

Danny,

Others on this forum will help with the HF set up and cost.

But from what you have said you only want the HF for emergency.
You state the HF cost of $3k plus you will need a license. I cannot see how a second hand Satphone for $500 plus call 'only in an emergency' is more expensive!

A UHF radio would be needed for local contact, car to car or listening for call points and trucks. A mobile phone for calls in populated areas, mobile internet as required or the local library or Macca's.

Just thought that I may be missing something.

But good luck with your planning and the trip.

From what info is in your post Danny I can't see that you need either - certainly not for the Big Lap.

HF radio is what I chose, a Barrett 950 setup which cost $750 used - earlier versions can be found on say ebay as per this link

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BARRETT-250-HF-RADIO-CODAN-SELCALL-VKS737-Economy-/371121032085?pt=AU_Electronics_Radio_Equipment&hash=item5668898b95#ht_1944wt_1143

For emergencies you only need one channel 8022 and a simple tap antenna.

HF is more for those who want to get into this stuff and play and it can really work well and keep you in touch with the 4wd network.

A sat phone will have less overhead and basically cost no more.

Both of the above can have there issues.

But, I'd examine my real need again.

Perhaps just an EPIRB for those real emergencies is the max you need unless you really do wish to call home.








and its more for those who like to really get into places where the are no other vehicles

Or a 'spot'

Danny, Go for the Satphone as Robin said HF are really for the enthusist and take a bit to learn how to get the best from them. If you choose a satphone make sure it has a reliable network like Iridium which is used by remote area Police, Ambulance, RFDS. A $20 a month plan from Telstra get the SIM activated for International Roaming and you can use it just like a mobilephone, yes calls are expensive but if only for emergency hopefully it wont cost other than the monthly fee

Danny, looking at your profile on FB, your plan is to:

"The big plan:driving along the complete coast of Australia, a trip of around 25000km." - most of this trip around the coast will be on regularly traveled roads. Apart from the Simpson crossing, there should be regular traffic at optimum times (not the middle of Summer).

HF radios, though useful, are fiddly to install and learn and also come with the requirement to join an HF club or service before you can use them. Generally they're attractive to long term 4wd enthusiasts, remote solo travelers and commercial users and they're expensive to buy.

In your case would agree with the above posts. UHF radio a must as some tracks require use now (Simpson etc.). For safety an ePirb or PLB with inbuilt GPS (PLB's around $300 now) and a Sat phone if you feel the need for further safety.

Not saying don't consider HF, however a bit of pfaffing around and cost to get the thing set up

Hi Danny, I can suggest a couple of low cost options.

You could consider getting an entry level HAM license (F call). It takes about a weekend of tuition to pass the exam. After that it is $78 per annum for the license. This gives you access to a lot of HF, VHF and UHF bands, but there is no "emergency" facility at all - only the good will of other amateur operators. Equipment is very inexpensive compared to land mobile apparatus.

Alternatively you could look at a cheap sat phone, we can supply a satellite telephone on the Globalstar network from $340 on a $15 month to month plan. There are no lock-in contracts or disconnection fees. You're easily reached too as the phone comes with a standard Australian mobile number making it easy and inexpensive for others to call you.

The Globalstar network is much improved over what it used to be. There's a whole bunch of new satellites serviced by 3 earth stations in Australia. The only network issue one may notice is reduced service availability as you approach the equator. Say 80% availability as you approach the Gulf and Cape York. It doesn't mean you can't make calls, just that you may have to wait 10 or 12 minutes to "jag" a satellite. Iridium also suffers from this effect but is not as noticeable as they have 50% more satellites in orbit.

Whilst the satellite phone option solves the communications needs the HAM radio option can be fun - sharing your travels with like minded operators on-air. You might like to go both ways!