HF radios, info/help pls.

[justinc]

Hi all,

Can some kind person please help me out with models and specs etc for an HF radio? I need one for a remote trip, and not wanting to spend huge $$$ on a new one with features and extras I won't actually need or use, what model/ brand would any of you recommend? Even better does anyone have one for sale? Any info greatly appreciated.

JC

..oops...Maybe this should be in the COMMUNICATIONS section!!! Doh!

[p38arover]

I have a Codan 9323 bought last week so I'm no help!

Have a look at http://ozradio.wireless.org.au/codan.htm

Ron

[waynep]

I don't have one so I'm not much help either - but I was looking around a while ago. Codan and Barrett seem to be the two popular brands.
They come up secondhand on ebay from time to time eg
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Codan-9323-HF-radio_W0QQitemZ170103362269QQihZ007QQcategoryZ1099 05QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
The more modern ones are synthesised so have lots more channels and a are bit more compact.
You'll need an auto tune antenna to suit as well - don't forget to make allowance for that in your budget as they can be quite costly.
Try looking on the VKS737 network site for some more info on HF comms in the bush too.
http://www.vks737.on.net/

In the end we decided we'll go the SatPhone way ( if we ever make the big trip ) rather than try to find room in the Disco for an HF set.

[Bush65]

Codan 9323 and preferably a 9350 autotune antenna. Failing an autotune, you can get a multi-tap antenna to suit the VKS737 frequencies.

[p38arover]

In the end we decided we'll go the SatPhone way ( if we ever make the big trip ) rather than try to find room in the Disco for an HF set.

A good point!

I bought the HF (even though I was concerned about the HF radiating into the car electronics) because I intend getting an amateur licence. This 9323 is fitted with the free tune facility (as on the 9360) to enable me to use the amateur bands. It can also transmit on the LSB where required for the amateur bands.

Ron

[The ho har's]

i have codan 8525-b 21 tap cost 1,000 works well just a pain to change frequenies as you have to get out and move the pin on the antenna. join VKS cost 80.00 best thing we have done.

[davros]

In my old landy Ive got a codan 7727 crystal set and a tapped whip but now have a sat phone - motorola 9500 iridium - that has worked well. There are advantages and disadvantages but here's a few:
+ sat phone portable. Take it hiking, jump in another vehicle.
+ no installation holes in vehicle apart from if you put in a car kit.
+ works if vehicle battery dead
+ works if you roll/break antenna
+ despite some doubt, works more reliably to make conatact than HF set.
+ has free emergency number
+ works in almost any weather conditios, and despite solar flares etc.
+ cheaper intial cost than a good hf set.
+ Can take it out of car for security when not needed.
+ Friends/relatives can call easily (or is that a - !!!)

- have to pay subscrition fee (i just buy a $150 or so card that lasts me a month or 75"minutes" talk time).
- Cant just have an idle chat for no cost if by yourself in the outback.
- People you might not want to hear from call you and expect a call back!
- that one time you need it you will have left it in the cupboard at home!

Have you seen the qmac hf 90? its much smaller than its biiger counterparts.. interesting unit and can frequency hop for security when overseas.

[p38arover]

Have you seen the qmac hf 90? its much smaller than its biiger counterparts.. interesting unit and can frequency hop for security when overseas.

I'd been looking for the QMac for a while. They don't appear very often on eVilBay. One did recently and I made the mistake of not bidding and it got no bids. It never reappeared so I ended buying the 9323.

I'll have to put my 7727B up for sale soon - to get some money towards a 9350 antenna.

Ron