Thread: which HF network

I have the Barrett 950 fitted and am with VKS-737.
Mobile 1975.
No particular reason but at the time good service etc.
Be interesting to hear what others are doing now.

When Telstra pulled the dedicated phone lines for the RFDS HF network, VKS737 stepped in and took over handling this.

I don't think this affects contacting the RFDS, if you use another network. After all it would be in an emergency. But it is something to consider, and you will need the appropriate frequencies.

We think VKS737 is overpriced for what they offer. We did not renew as we only travel remotely every few years, there selling point is keeping you number, not over worried about that.

'The bush telegraph' on the other hand has a much more reasonable rate for the year and if you are stuck then VKS737 are obliged to help you

Mrs hh

Originally Posted by The ho har's

'...... and if you are stuck then VKS737 are obliged to help you

Mrs hh

And that is not a good enough reason to support them?

I find all their websites confusing.

Go and get Your Ham Radio licence, there is more frequencies and ppl there than the 4x4 network can ever....

I second Kevin B's post.

I had purchased a Codan and installed it THEN started looking at networks while I monitored their transmissions.

In then end I sold the codan and purchased an amateur radio and obtained the licence for same. I have to agree that the amateur licence allows much more frequency agility.

Anyone who hears a distress or urgent transmission is obliged to respond. So they should. If someone responded to one I made I'd be making sure something was sent to them in appreciation! So I suppose on that basis you don't really need to join a network...unless you wish to use the telephone connect service. But I go away to get AWAY from phones!

Cost? The equipment cost of amateur gear is similar to land mobile stuff, if not a little cheaper (I still can't believe the price of some older land mobiles!!!). The initial course and licence cost for ham radio is a bit more than network access fees but the annual cost is a bit lower, plus I suppose it is a bit of a pain to organise assessments and that sort of thing...

bush telegraphs licence lets you use the hf radio club sceds /frequancys as well as chat with them vks dose not eccept in an emergency
$35 a year .
We had both,and used vks 737 for the majority of the trip as well as there radio telephone service , the beauty of vks 737 is that you can always sellcall a base operator, best word youre mates up on hf tellcalls before...
regards mark