Thread: Looking for HF radio recomendations advice

Originally Posted by DeanoH

To answer a couple of questions

Yes, I've spent a number of years working (and playing) in the radio, satellite, computer and communications fields.

Second hand HF radio equipment comes up on eBay and Gumtree all the time but like anything else if you're unfamiliar with the gear you could end up getting burnt. With poor antenna/transmitter installation you could literally be burnt. RF burns can be particularly nasty. As a communications tech there's no greater sinking feeling than to get a hot flush on pressing the transmit button.

Info on the VKS 737 HF radio network can be found here.

VKS737: The Australian HF Radio & Radio-Telephone Network !

Note, recent changes to radio licensing laws make it an offence to own or to sell transmitting equipment to someone not licensed to use it so you may need to join (and be licensed) before purchasing equipment.

I consider the Codan 9323 (1993-2003) to be one of the best transceivers available for VKS 737 and general off road use though I'd be a bit wary of the older sets ie. a,b serial numbers. Similarly with the excellent Codan 9350 auto tune antenna, I'd try and avoid the older A, B variants. The NGT is a great piece of kit if you've got $1K+ to spend and a good choice if dash mounting space is limited.

The Barrett 250 (1987-1993) is also a good tranceiver and comes in two variants (same for Codan 9323). The SB 250 with separate 'head unit' or LC without ie. all mounted in one box.

I've used both and prefer the Codan as I reckon it's receiver is comparatively better.

Whilst some of the older sets can be bought quite cheaply I'd be a bit wary of potentially 'trusting my life' to a 25+ year old radio. Radio components age and fail, soldered electrical connections become brittle and fail with age and vibration. If my only remote backup was a HF radio I'd want a reliable one.

But with both a HF radio and a modern satellite phone an older HF set like Codans excellent 8528 (1989-1995) would be less of a risk. Nothing like having a bit of redundancy.

We travel quite remotely and for extended periods and carry two satellite phones plus two HF radios and two complete aerials (and other misc radio gear) which is really a bit over the top. I'll be rationalising shortly so watch the market section over the next week or so.

I've used/installed Motorola Iridium, Inmarsat and Globalstar satellite phones. I found the Globalstar system appalling and would hate to have to rely on it in an emergency. The Inmarsat Thrace and Thrane gear I used was first class but IMO not suited to novice users and a bit more complex to set up. The Motorolla Iridium system is simple to set up and use and has no appreciable lag/echo in transmission/reception. This is because the Iridium satellites are only 100 Km up in a polar orbit whereas the other satellites are in geosynchronous equatorial orbit 30,000 Km above the equator.

A portable HF radio like the (Grey) Codan 6924B, not to be confused with the older green 'Lunchbox' radio which is practically an antique now is a great novice unit. One benefit of a portable unit is that it is not tied to one vehicle and will give you emergency comms when your vehicle is burning or upside down in the creek.

Deano

Sounds like you really know your stuff lots of useful information and things for me to think about now.

I have come across VKS before and thought will have to get a membership with them before heading off as I noticed that gave you a licence to transmit on certain channels.
The reason I am looking is most of my travelling will be alone in remote area and figured it will give me some warning of any onset of bad weather or natural disasters in the area I am travelling like floods or fire that I quite possible wouldn't hear about otherwise the other reason being emergency situation should something happen.
Will probably be looking into a sat phone at some stage too as will be taking the bike with me and would be able to take that with me on the bike, plus I'm not a fan of putting all my eggs in one basket so to speak and would prefer to have more than one option of communication should the situation arise it is required.

Originally Posted by Tombie

Remember too that a charged Sat phone can and will run for quite a while on its batteries...

A HF is at risk from flat batteries on the vehicle, they pull a bit when transmitting...
The antenna is vulnerable in a crash / roll over, as is the power source.
Compared to years ago there is so much 'noise' out there now they are far less enjoyable to use.

A Sat phone will give you a direct call to emergency services, in an emergency you can use data to support a quick web search for nearby services (costs - but then if its an emergency)...


I did plenty of remote area travel and work - sat phone was useless when taken in context of "if I had an accident and couldn't operate it" as I worked solo.

Simple 'check ins' are still the simplest and most effective.

I will be leaving here on xxxxx, travelling this route zzzzz and arriving here on yyyyy... Failure to check in upon arrival should trigger someone to 'raise the alarm'

X2 Tombie, I couldn't have put it better myself.

Plus there has been some great info posted so thanks to all.

Back in the 1980's when I was young, standard operating procedure was to never travel with the HF antenna attached, but between scheds to put it in a PVC tube under the tray, precisely to avoid rollover damage. As for flat batteries, i've have a couple of close calls over the years and HF was no use.

Ditto Spot devices and also PLB'S. Both can be carried on your person and if activated WILL get help to you. I carry both these days and if necessary will rent a sat phone as well.

Cheers

Steve