Buy 2 Way Radio

[GRIFF]

I'am looking at buying a radio, planning outback trip.

I saw this on ebay, dual band type are they any good?

YAESU FT-817ND HF VHF UHF RADIO FT-817 FT817ND $ 880.00

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I'am looking at buying a radio, planning outback trip.

I saw this on ebay, dual band type are they any good?

YAESU FT-817ND HF VHF UHF RADIO FT-817 FT817ND $ 880.00
Griff

You would need an amateur (Ham) licence for that set, although it could be programmed for the VKS737 channels and Citizens Band in HF and UHF. The second thing is that amateur equipment is not as robust on our outback corrugated roads as are the commercial single band HF or UHF equipment. I prefer brands like Barrett and Codan for HF and Phillips for VHF/UHF.

Several issues you may wish to consider, you won't have the emergency selcall button for VKS737/RFDS and you are putting all your eggs in one basket communications wise.

If you don't mind a run down to the Gold Coast, why don't you talk to Jim Shire about your communications needs. Jims 4wd radio sales and hire Gold Coast Australia (http://www.jimshire.aussiewide.com/)
He is a amateur radio op, communications technician and also has a business selling and hiring out equipment for people doing trips like the one you are planning.

Diana

[Tusker]

I had a look at the Ebay ad and..

its useless.

This thing is between 2.5w & 5watts. A proper HF set that Diana referred to is 100 watts. You'll have no emergency range.

For car to car the community licence is only UHF or 27 mgz. And those radios can be bought for much much less than this thing.

For proper outback communication check the VKS 737 website.

Regards
Max P

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I had a look at the Ebay ad and..

its useless.

This thing is between 2.5w & 5watts. A proper HF set that Diana referred to is 100 watts. You'll have no emergency range.

Regards
Max P
Thanks Max - I just looked at the brand name and never thought to look at the ad.

Yes for outback travel you need HF at a minimum of 25Watts with most sets running 100 Watts PEP.

The CB (HF & UHF) sets run at 1 watt or 5 watts and get a maximum of 20KM line of sight transmission (if you are lucky).

Griff

As I suggested talk to Jim, even though he is a Toyota owner, his comms info is good and is interested in outback travel even running a HF radio forum.

Diana

[beforethevision]

Diana,

Ibought a radio recently for basic chat on group runs.

It is a iCOM 208h, UHF/VHF only, but i love it! 55W, beautiful to use, remote face, all the control on the handset as well as the display.

550$ delivered with dual band antenna, programmed and cables from Andrews communications in bathurst, VERY good prices. They have a decent web site also.THIS ONE (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/)


cheers!

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Diana,

Ibought a radio recently for basic chat on group runs.

It is a iCOM 208h, UHF/VHF only, but i love it! 55W, beautiful to use, remote face, all the control on the handset as well as the display.

550$ delivered with dual band antenna, programmed and cables from Andrews communications in bathurst, VERY good prices. They have a decent web site also.THIS ONE (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/)


cheers!
ICOM is a brand with a very good reputation for both commercial and amateur use.

Andrews is a reliable NSW supplier although unfortunately a bit far away from Griff in Brisbane.

C Ya
Diana

[justinc]

Griff,

I'm looking at buying a Barrett 2050 with remote travel kit etc, comes complete including self tune antenna and vehicle mounting kit, $3289 inc.(check dealers, price should be the same)

Anyone seen the specs? very impressive and the adaptability with other Barrett units like Fax, Email, 'manpack':eek: etc makes it very versatile me thinks. Anyone else help convince me to buy one?:cool::cool:

JC
(Will I have to have a manbag to use the manpack??)

[Bazz67]

I'am looking at buying a radio, planning outback trip.

I saw this on ebay, dual band type are they any good?

YAESU FT-817ND HF VHF UHF RADIO FT-817 FT817ND $ 880.00

Gday Griff
Did you want it to talk to others or is for emergency use as I would rather spend my money on a decent satalite phone if that is the case. Good luck with the trip.

Thanks
Bazz

[bblaze]

I am thinking, planning a simular outback trip later this year myself (finance pending) and have decided to go with a standard 40 channel uhf for any vehicle to vehicle comms I may want to make, A sat phone to keep in touch with home (going solo) and emergency calls if needed and my last link device will be an EPIRB that will be with me at all times away from the vehicle.
cheers
blaze