Which type of 2way radio do I need?

[fender22]

For out in the bush for emergencies when out of mobile phone range

[KarlB]

For out in the bush for emergencies when out of mobile phone range

If it is a REAL emergency (ie life threatening), then the simple answer is an EPIRB or PLB. Otherwise, a satellite phone is the growing trend. I am sure someone will sing the praises of HF.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[miky]

GPS type PLB brings help 100%.

UHF useless unless a repeater or someone within range. And then, can you accurately tell them where you are? Especially if injured.

HF sort of OK, but...
If a crash/damaged vehicle, will it still work?
If people injured can they use radio?
Sat phone not always easy to use if inured. And expensive.

PLB is simple to operate - you should show everyone in the car how to activate it.

PLB can, and should, be carried with you every time you leave vehicle even for a short walk.

All above for emergencies.

.

[fender22]

Probably should have clarified. Not talking Birdsville track or anything here, more like Back of Lamington national park, up the beach at Stradbroke / Moreton or Carnarvon gorge sort of thing. Would UHF be no good in these sort of places? What range do they have and how frequent are the repeater stations? HF a bit out of my range at $800+. Is VHF an option? Is it difficult to SWR in / fit your own antenna?

[rockyroad]

For a UHF somebody else needs to be close enough to hear it.

In these locations you might be lucky enough to have another traveller or a park ranger nearby and a UHF will show its worth on the highway getting to your destination.

[Tusker]

VHF is marine, needs a licence I think.

There are maps/lists of UHF repeater stations on the 'net, its worth knowing where they are.

Regards
Max P

[KarlB]

A very important consideration is changing your mobile to the Next G network. Unless you are touring in really remote areas, you can usually get a signal, especially if you walk up the nearest hill. Next G is very much better than 3G. You just have to put up with Telstra and choose from a more limited range of phones. On a trip through western NSW, into the Gawler Ranges in SA and then Coffin Bay, at only one campsite could I not get a signal by not walking up the nearest rise, and that was in the flat country near Roto. I also have an auxiliary aerial I plug into the phone (< $40 on EBay). A PLB and Next G provide enough emergency communication for me at the moment. If you are travelling in really remote areas most people do that in a group. In those situations you can share the cost of buying or hiring a sat phone.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[weeds]

a UHF is standard in most 4wd's that leave the black top but have limited range, i used to carry two antenna's for differant ranges but now only carry the one

on trips like the simpson i borrowed a sat phone

[fender22]

I do have a next g phone and yeah, better coverage than most but I have been in areas near town too even Tambourine mountain, Stradbroke Island, Boonah etc where the reception can be lost for a couple of k's. UHF sounds like it may suit me. Would be handy
(fun too) if we go away to keep in contact with the missus via a hand held also.

If I bought a second hand one that came with an aerial, would that be ready to go or does it have to be set up for each individual vehicles height / mounting etc?

[bcj]

Been looking at GME tx3220 uhf & 4.5 db raised feed aerial package for $315 del.- seems ok & cheap enough
This might help re-aerials
UHF CB Antenna Information (http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/uhfcb/information.html)
Brett
110 300tdi

[rocket scientist]

SPOT Messenger is the only way to go for emergencies.
4 settings

1. sends real time signal every 10 mins . Home or base can log on via internet and track movements.
2. OK: sends signal to say you are OK
3. help: send preset message via email and SMS to designated address to alert someone you need assistance.
4. Emergency: alerts all search and rescue agencies.

Only about $250, + $170 aprox per year for world wide service.
cheap insurance.

[Mutley]

Would consider looking at one that allows you to program your RX & TX channels given the changes earmarked from Jan 1 for UHF CB. The ICOM Pro 400 seems to be the best one for buck at the moment and some Repco stores are punching these out for $379.00. Have also been having quite a lot of luck with the Polar 6db antenna. I tinker around with these a bit and have found they're quite a nice little combo together. Depending on who is programming them for you theres a few little extra features which are really nice, but I wont advertise them on here!!

Cheers,
-Adam.

[Bushie]

SPOT Messenger is the only way to go for emergencies.
4 settings

1. sends real time signal every 10 mins . Home or base can log on via internet and track movements.
2. OK: sends signal to say you are OK
3. help: send preset message via email and SMS to designated address to alert someone you need assistance.
4. Emergency: alerts all search and rescue agencies.

Only about $250, + $170 aprox per year for world wide service.
cheap insurance.

Wouldn't say the 'ONLY' way but very good, and can vouch they work. They are also very good for keeping family & friends updated with where you are.
As for mobile phone NextG telstra IS the only way for a lot of Aus they are the only carrier. On our last trip I was amazed at some of the places we had mobile coverage with nextG.



Martyn

[walc100]

Probably should have clarified. Not talking Birdsville track or anything here, more like Back of Lamington national park, up the beach at Stradbroke / Moreton or Carnarvon gorge sort of thing. Would UHF be no good in these sort of places? What range do they have and how frequent are the repeater stations? HF a bit out of my range at $800+. Is VHF an option? Is it difficult to SWR in / fit your own antenna?

Any one doing any Off-road should have a in-car UHF! Even touring and not going off road put one in!

VHF is for private Frequencies and Marine

Remote - Satphone (hire) for short trips + a SPOT or HF for regular or extended trips + SPOT + Sat phone if you want people to bother you.

UHF for information and courtesy

SPOT for piece of mind (emergencies) and position reporting to family at home

Sat for easy - able to hire cost effective short term and anyone can ring you

HF - there are a few very good organisations that during your travels (remote) you can stay inform about road condictions and gain emergency support and mechanical!

Matthew

[lardy]

Hi mate how ya going ?
Regarding HF are he set ups smaller than they used to be now?
And How far north do they start coming into their own?
Any chop at Roebourne and surrounding area's?
Andy.