Outback & Marine

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Outback & Marine Communications

Outback Communications Good communications is vital for the outback traveller, who may venture hundreds of kilometres from assistance.  Its most important use is to summon assistance in the event of accident, illness or vehicle breakdown. Other uses include obtaining advice on road conditions, advising trucks of your presence or maintaining communications within a convoy.  The following are the main choices available: UHF CB UHF CB is very popular amongst those who travel on major highways. It is economical and provides excellent local communication, particularly over flat terrain. It is also widely used by farmers and truck drivers, increasing the likelihood of getting help. UHF CB gives car-to-car communication up to about 20 kilometres, depending on terrain.  Where repeaters are available, communication can be extended to 100km or more.  The main deficiency of UHF CB is its limited coverage. In really remote spots there may be no radio-equipped vehicles within range of a typical UHF CB. This is why serious outback travellers carry both a UHF CB and an alternative for long-distance communications, such as HF radio or a satellite phone.  HF radio HF radio is the most popular choice for outback travellers.  It requires a powerful vehicle-mounted transceiver and antenna.   HF transceivers use a selection of fixed frequencies, which allow communication up to several thousands kilometres throughout the day. When teamed up with a UHF CB, effective communication over short, medium and long distances become possible.  An HF radio user requires a licence from the Australian Communications and Media Authority.  If equipped with the appropriate frequencies, users are able to call the Royal Flying Doctor Service.   More routine communication, including passing messages to family members is available to members of the non-profit Australian 4WD Radio Network.   Suitable HF radios cost around $4 000 to buy.  Alternatively they can be hired.  Availability of such equipment is limited to the small number of outback communications suppliers, some of which are listed below. Satellite phone Satellite phones allow communication to the standard telephone network.  They are smaller than HF transceivers and are less susceptible to radio drop-outs that occasionally affect HF signals.  Because of their high initial price and call charges, satellite phones are beyond the scope of most recreational travellers.  They also suffer from the disadvantage of not permitting radio contact with others in the area, as is possible with UHF CB and HF radio.    For further information on radio networks, frequencies, and equipment availability, see the links below. Desert Access Outback Communications Outback Communications Royal Flying Doctor Service Radio Page SAA4WDC Communications Page VKS-737 Australian National Four Wheel Drive Radio Network Marine Communications There are three main types of marine communications equipment.  It is important to choose carefully as one type cannot communicate with the other. 27 MHz marine Often mistakenly called 'marine CB'.  The low-cost of equipment (< $150) makes 27 MHz AM marine popular amongst recreational users.   Communications range is up to 10 - 20 kilometres.  AM marine can sometimes be susceptible to interference from interstate and overseas due to ionospheric conditions.   This equipment is covered by a 'class licence' so an operator licence is not required to use 27 MHz marine equipment.  Note that 27 MHz marine and 27 MHz CB operate on similar but not the same frequencies.  This means that a 27 MHz CB operator cannot talk to a 27 MHz marine user. Low-cost communications for the recreational user VHF marine This is an international allocation around 156 MHz.  Radios are more expensive than for 27 MHz, so VHF finds most use amongst professionals.  However the greater power allowed and freedom from interference make VHF marine communications very crisp and clear. Communications range can extend up to 50 km, with repeater stations available in some areas.  Weather reports are transmitted in many areas on VHF marine.   Transceivers cost around $300. Quality communications for the professional who does not venture far off the coast. HF SSB marine HF SSB marine is used by ocean-going mariners.  Though SSB communications is less clear than VHF FM, the low frequency allows communication over thousands of kilometres.  Equipment and antennas are more powerful, bulkier and more expensive than either 27 MHz or VHF marine.  A must for ocean-going vessels. For further information on marine communications, visit: Penta Comstat Maritime Communication EPIRBS In addition to the various types of radio transceiver mentioned above, are EPIRB beacons. EPIRB stands for Emergency Positioning International Radio Beacon System. These are small radio transmitters that can be set off in an emergency.  They operate on 121.5, 243 or 406 MHz.  EPIRBS can be received by aircraft, which report that a beacon has been set off.  Rescue crew are then sent to the area.  They cost around $300.  Penalties apply for misuse.