HF Radio Setups

I have owned both barrett and codan radios and been a member of all networks .

For me both barrett and codan are excellent uniys..i found barrett easier and simpler to use.. codan has multifunction buttons which i think are
Confusing..

You pay for membership to each network and get frequencies programmed into the radio as required..

You can buy older second hand radio sets as low as about $500 etc..

Barrett has served me very well with after sales service for years..

You will join a great aust wide helpfull community..

Thanks for the info. Can you program the frequencies for each network yourself? I have a strong IT background and am happy to learn new tech

I have a very old Codan with seperate head and with a taped ariel. I had nothing programmed for mine. I just dial in the channel for VKS and make sure the tap pin wire is wound around ariel and then the end pin is placed in the correct pin hole. That simple.

"Do you have to configure the radio to talk on their networks?"

Troy, If you are buying secondhand equipment, ask what networks the equipment the sets are set up for. You will mostly find one that suits you that is preset for your requirements. They will also have the RFDS frequencies in them as well. If you do have to have the set reconfigured, it will depend upon the age of the set. The older models require new crystals for each new frequency you require, there will not be many of those (if any) around. The next generation require memory modules reconfigured, you will need to find someone with the equipment to do this for you. Later ones require a cable for a computer to do the trick, you can probably learn to do these yourself. Then the later ones may not need extra equipment to do the Job.

If you are purchasing new equipment, they will set them up for you.

I have an older basic Barrett radio and am a member of the VKS network which I can recommend.

I am very much a believer in the KISS strategy so used a tapped aerial. Many people only use their HF radios for listening to and calling into skeds so often use just one frequency. A tapped aerial is simple with no parts to maintain. So basic for me is a simple to use radio, that can use sellcall to find the best station and make an emergency call if needed, and a tapped aerial. I enjoy listening to the sked calls around the nation.

It is horses for courses though if you want all the bells and whistles and flexibility.

This page has good basic information on the strengths and issues with a range of models. Search the site and you will find a wealth of info:https://www.hfradio.com.au/4wd-hf-radio-faqs.html

https://www.hfradio.com.au/barrett-information.html