Radio Communications

The Australian outback is very remote and requires particular long distance communications so make sure you are prepared.

What radio should I have?

UHF Radio (Radio Frequency 476.425 – 477.400 MHZ)

   Antenna Base for UHF

Satellite Telephones

Satellite telephones can provide telephone calls, voicemail, text, email messaging, and GPS location data, almost anywhere in the world. They are now a viable option because some are cheaper to purchase than HF Radios. They cost very little to run and provide broader emergency contact because they can be carried when away from your vehicle.

You must remember that Satellite telephones do not provide the “community” based support to travellers that can be provided via HF radio, such as those who are members of the VKS-737 Radio Network, but the satphone can be carried when bush walking, boating etc and thus be available for an emergency.

Want to purchase or hire a Satellite phone the following businesses do so:

Unit 4/11 Clarice Road, Box Hill South, Victoria 3128, Australia

Ph (03) 9898 5988, Fax (03) 9899 4848, International 61 3 9898 5988
Email: rentals@renta2way.com.au

Website: www.renta2way.com.au

CALL NOW 1300 851 591 

24 HOURS A DAY/7 DAYS A WEEK

Rent a Sat Phone
Satellite Phone Sales

28 Churchill Ave
Subiaco WA 6008

Tel: 1300 851 591 Fax: (08) 9315 3099
Mob: +61 (0) 400 997 561

Website: www.rentasatphone.com.au

HF Radios

Hf radios use frequencies in the range of 2 to 25MHz, HF radios offer reliable communications in remote areas. The two most popular brands of HF radios are Codan & Barrett. You have to have a licence to operate a HF radio. Use HF radios for contacting emergency organisations such as the RFDS. Modern HF radio features allow users to reliably make contact with each other and Base Stations located all around Australia. Modern radios can do Direct Dial Radio-Telephone calls through VKS-737 Base Stations. What is the VKS – 737 Radio Net Work? We shall discuss that next.

HF Auto Tune Antenna

   HF Manual Tune Antenna

VKS-737 Radio Network

The VKS-737 Radio Network is a HF Radio communications network licensed to serve Australian travellers (land, sea or air). Primarily, they provide safety orientated information, pass on messages and arrange rescue/support for people in difficulties. With their many strategically located bases, they effectively cover the nation.

You must have a licence to communicate with the VKS network which is available from VKS network. The same with communicating with the the Flying Doctor a licence must be obtained from Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) where you will be issued with what they call a  Mobile Outpost Licence conditions can be found at ACMA

Royal Flying Doctor Service

Sections of Out back Roads Used by RFDS

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. RFDS uses the latest in aviation, medical and communications. Delivering extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia.

The RFDS is a not-for-profit organisation. With support from the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, the RFDS still relies heavily on fundraising and donations. Donations helps to medically equip aircraft, and to finance other major initiatives. Today, the RFDS has a fleet of 60 aircraft operating from 21 bases located across the nation. Providing medical assistance to over 270,000 people every year – that’s one every two minutes.

RFDS Communications

The RFDS provides a HF radio network for both travellers and people residing in rural and remote parts of Australia.

Access to a RFDS radio base may vary from state to state.

The following remote controlled back at Jandakot airport providing state-wide coverage 24hrs.  Voice and Selcall monitoring is available;

Western Australia, Derby, Port Hedland, Carnarvon, Meekatharra and Kalgoorlie.

South Australia – Alice Springs is remote controlled back to Port Augusta, voice and alarm monitoring is available.

NSW – Broken Hill is the only radio base and has voice and alarm monitoring

Queensland – there are bases at Charleville, Mount Isa and Cairns which can be contacted via Selcall, for equipped radios however there is no dedicated voice monitoring service.

You will need an HF transceiver fitted with RFDS frequencies for the area of operations you need to talk to us.  Transceivers are available from a number of suppliers.  An Outpost Radio Licence is also required to legally operate the transceiver and is obtained via the Australian Communications Authority.