HF Radio

I still prefer the old Codan HF 9323 Radio with Codan 9350 Autotune antenna

I can not vouch for the multi tap antennas, but the Autotune is great. But agree with Gav that they can chew a lot of power when transmitting.

My antenna is attached to the rear of my 130 tub via a bracket that I made. Initially I had a quick release folding mount, but I could not stop it rattling so I removed it and the antenna is firmly attached to the bracket.

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Originally Posted by 86mud

I still prefer the old Codan HF 9323 Radio with Codan 9350 Autotune antenna

I can not vouch for the multi tap antennas, but the Autotune is great. But agree with Gav that they can chew a lot of power when transmitting.

My antenna is attached to the rear of my 130 tub via a bracket that I made. Initially I had a quick release folding mount, but I could not stop it rattling so I removed it and the antenna is firmly attached to the bracket.

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Thanks, I have a 110 and the door swings into that spot, getting ladder made for the other side...

Still looking for where I will put it..both the aerial and unit itself...
. thanks

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Bit late back to the party - been out. :)

As already mentioned - yes, not radio specific. If your multi tap is like mine it will have VKS-1, VKS-4 etc marked on the taps. Subscribe to those guys and you're sortedMand can start transmitting on those frequencies. You don't need to be subscribed to listen in and this will give you an idea of how well things are working and how it all works. Thier website has a list of radio scheds they run and on what channels and from where. Depending on atmospheric conditions, you could pick up Alice Springs from where you are, but don't expect it to be like talking to your mate in the next vehicle with a UHF. You'll need to 'tune' your ears a bit too when the signal is weak.

Set it up, plug it in and see what you can hear. Once you're ready to go, subscribe so you can conduct radio checks and see how you are transmitting.

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Originally Posted by Expedition 130

If you use the multitap antenna you need to ensure the frequencies of the various taps are identical to the VKS frequencies if you are going to subscribe to them for your mobile licence, from memory there are a number of different multitap antennas available corresponding to the various organisations using HF past and present. It is particularly important to be on the correct frequency when transmitting maybe not so when receiving.

These are the VKS Frequencies

Attachment 120864https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/attach/pdf.gif

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Originally Posted by Michael2

I had a little issue when trying to set up my Barrett. In the settings, the radio thought it was connected to a base station aerial, not an auto tune. Clarity improved as soon as the tech at Barrett (over the phone) thought to check that setting, and talked me through the process. I found their over the phone support to be very good.

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Originally Posted by DeanoH

Yes.

The multi tapped antenna is frequency(s) specific not manufacturer specific.

Another alternative is to use an antenna tuner to match a non tapped antenna to the transmitter. This is commonly built in to marine type HF sets or an external antenna tuner can be used. A bit more 'fiddly' to set up correctly, more of a semi radio amateur solution than a simple plug and play setup. note. for receive only antenna tap is relatively unimportant.


As others have pointed out earthing is very important, particularly on the main 'box' and antenna base. Transmit power is typically in the order of 100 watts so good thick power (and earthing) cable is essential, don't use a crappy little blade fuse use a 'maxi' blade or big cartridge fuse of suitable rating.

Deano :)

Deano :)

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One more question, the antenna I'm looking at is a terlin and is 900mm tall, is this high enough??

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Originally Posted by Redback

One more question, the antenna I'm looking at is a terlin and is 900mm tall, is this high enough??

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Terlin used to make 2 piece screw together antennae - check that you're not just looking at one half of one of these.

Usually stick antennae are around 6 feet - check also that all the freqs that you want are tapped and that there is a wander lead still attached.

Length of the aerial doesn't affect performance so much so long as all of it is there, new aerials are readily available.

According to the Terlin web-site, that particular antenna is not a standard item so presumably a special order of a batch of them, which Terlin will produce in the 900mm length.

The physical length of the fibreglass blank the antenna wire is wrapped around is not an issue. Terlin are a reputable manufacturer and you can be sure that their product is well designed. The 900mm length may be a design parameter chosen so that the antenna can be sent by Australia Post as I think this is their maximum parcel length.

I've been a member of VKS 737 for several years and log in regularly when traveling. I've only ever used channels 1 & 2. The primary and secondary channels. I use an auto tune antenna but keep the fibreglass top section inside the vehicle to avoid loss or damage after a 30 Km backtrack on the Anne Beadell Hwy to find the missing top section which had rattled off due to severe corrugations.

Deano :)

OK we have just bought a Barrett 250 radio and Terlin 4 tap Antenna, just applied for our licence through VKS and once we have that our radio will be released to us from the seller, so standby for some dopey questions[bigwhistle]

Thank you to everyone for your help, it was much appreciated.

Ready and waiting for said dopey questions - I'll learn something along the way as well I'm sure from those with more experience than me. :)

Why are they waiting? Didn't think there was a law in owning an HF radio without a licence - just transmitting with it. You can - and are welcome - to listen in without a licence. I did for quite some time before paying up and actually playing with it properly.

Although it's poor form, in an emergency they will assist someone who is not licenced but is using one. They would probably get hit with a fine afterwards I would think.

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Ready and waiting for said dopey questions - I'll learn something along the way as well I'm sure from those with more experience than me. :)

Why are they waiting? Didn't think there was a law in owning an HF radio without a licence - just transmitting with it. You can - and are welcome - to listen in without a licence. I did for quite some time before paying up and actually playing with it properly.

Although it's poor form, in an emergency they will assist someone who is not licenced but is using one. They would probably get hit with a fine afterwards I would think.

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It is completely legal for an unlicensed or licenced person to transmit on any frequency in an emergency situation, and for unlicenced/licenced operators to respond, even if they are not licenced to transmit on that frequency.

I'm only going on what the guy said to me, I thought it was a bit odd too, guess he just making sure we are genuine buyers, anyway,

Q1; the radio comes with telcall, we have a Spot Device/locator with the ability text to mobile, so is activating telcall really needed for the time we are away?