Thread: Which Radio?

You will get a variety of answers here , as HF radio is a sort of enthusiast religion.
However unless you want to take the time to read the "Koran" and learn how it all works, the better solution IMHO is a satphone, either Iridium which is available from Telstra or the Thuraya satellite based system.

This article gives an overview,
Satellite Phone @ ExplorOz Articles

If you want cheaper an EPIRB or SPOT are options for safety.

A UHF CB is useful for short range coms in the outback.

Look, unless you want to do the MOST remote tracks like the Canning Stock Route, there is enough traffic anywhere that you will not die if stuck as long as you have plenty of water and the old refrain "STAY WITH THE CAR".
My personal recommendation would be just a Telasta Next G mobile and an EPIRB, and UHF with scan if you want to cross the Simpson, or other sand dune areas so you have an idea of who is coming over the next dune.

Regards Philip A

Isn't it a pain when typos ruin the message.

What PhilipA meant was Telstra Next G.

Having said that, I agree with his solutions - EPIRB + Next G + UHF.

It's actually quite difficult to be specific when we don't know what you mean by "remote".

Regarding UHF, this is the most common form of CB radio in Oz. In fact, many stations (graziers properties of, sometimes, thousands of square kms) use UHF comms on their property. They, commonly, have a base station with a massive antenna and so can pick up transmissions from quite large distances.

HTH,
Peter

Many thanks PhilipA and Bushwanderer. I'll take your recommendations onboard.

The Simpson is on our list of to-do's but this will be as part of a small convoy so I guess a smaller handheld UHF setup would cover inter vehicle comm's and save the installation of major antenna?

Yes, but get a 5watt one which is more expensive than the 1watt toy ones.
You will need to be heard in swales with a sandhill between.

Regards Philip A

An EPIRB is a bit of an over kill in terms of functionality for vehicular travel. A PLB is a much smaller and cheaper way to go but still maintain all the necessary functionality (for life threateneing emergency situations only). UHF is ideal for nearby vehicle to vehicle coms (good to know if others are nearby). I consider a Next G mobile (especially with an auxiliary aerial) as a basic (just a mobile phone on a network lets you comminicate in most places especially if you are prepared to walk up the nearest hill). SatPhone is probably better than HF radio but very expensive and unnecessary except in the most remote places. May be better to hire one if you really need it.

Cheers
KarlB

Hi Karl,
I agree with MOST of what you say, but an EPIRB is the ultimate EMERGENCY device. If you don't have an emergency, then you don't need an EPIRB.

Best Wishes,
Peter

Originally Posted by Meandering

SNIP
The Simpson is on our list of to-do's but this will be as part of a small convoy so I guess a smaller handheld UHF setup would cover inter vehicle comm's and save the installation of major antenna?

Hi Meandering,
If you are planning any solo travel I suggest that you invest in a car-based UHF. Otherwise, a (5W) handheld will probably be fine.

Best Wishes,
Peter

PS: If you are starting from Sydney, I may be able to lend a car-based unit to you.

Originally Posted by Bushwanderer

Hi Karl,
I agree with MOST of what you say, but an EPIRB is the ultimate EMERGENCY device. If you don't have an emergency, then you don't need an EPIRB.

Best Wishes,
Peter

Peter, I am not sure what an EPIRB will do in a terrestrial situation that a PLB can't do. Indeed, I believe the PLB is much lighter, smaller, with a more compact shape, and cheaper, so is more likely to get taken places where an EPIRB is just a bother. Have a look at this GME pamplet for some comparisons: http://www.gme.net.au/public/pdf/bro...pirb_plb_b.pdf

I would add, I am talking about the GME MT410G (PLBS | GME) with integrated GPS to give locational accuracy of better than 100 metres.

Cheers
KarlB