4x4 Communications For Outback Australian Travel - UHF, HF, Sat phone, Trackers, PLB

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 109

  • @joeluang8695
    @joeluang8695 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you explaining the ad-hoc nature of two-way radios and for stressing the point of not relying on them solely for emergency communications. There are far too many videos here on youtube citing the exact opposite leading people astray with their lives.

  • @emu4wd
    @emu4wd 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This is a really well researched review of these products. I learnt a bit. Thanks Brett. Steve

  • @Inkling777
    @Inkling777 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for an excellent summary of the options. For people who get stranded, getting through to help can be lifesaving. If someone doesn't make them already, a kit that includes various ways to extend the range. For UHF, that could be a high-gain antenna on a telescoping pole. For HF-SSB it might be a wire antenna that could be strung between trees.

  • @gaj5701
    @gaj5701 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Best thing I ever did for remote 4wd travel was invest in a sat phone. I've got a PLB which is great for long distance hiking (Larapinta, Bibbulmun etc.) however the extra usefulness of being able to actually talk to someone whilst remote in a vehicle is definitely worth it. Whether it's contacting loved ones, booking accomodation or mechanics in the next town, or a remote recovery of vehicle or people, the option of having a conversation can't be underestimated. They certainly aren't cheap, but if you spend a reasonable amount of time remote touring, they could be more useful than a simple PLB. That said, take whatever you can for extra insurance when travelling as it could easily be life or death out in the remote areas 👍

  • @WadeAbout
    @WadeAbout 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great overview Brett and I am very happy to hear you outline the limitations of UHF Comms including antenna selection. Often hear inexperienced people think simply “bigger is best” on antenna selection etc with no thought to angle of radiation and it’s relationship to terrain. After you last video I added the VKS747 channels to my home HF setup for RX only and within a day I heard some old boys having a chat. So it is in use. Cheers. Wade. VK1MIC

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks Wade. I did some free tune myself a couple weeks ago, picking up stations all over the place. Interesting to hear the music from some foreign nation.

  • @canusdominici
    @canusdominici 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I really appreciate your channel and the useful information you provide. Such a change from the “Scariest Bog Hole” people who just seem to rip up the bush with revving engines and useless wheel spin.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks mate, yes nice and slow travel for me.

  • @mikehzz9848
    @mikehzz9848 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brett, a growing number of remote communities are now Optus only. Towns along the Oodnadatta Track all have Optus cells and no Telstra reception. I've got a dual sim phone, Telstra and Optus, for that reason. I'd also warn against people solely relying on satphones in an emergency too as it sometimes takes a fair while and a lot of fiddling to get a fix. The PLB option you described is far superior for emergencies.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for the update! I have heard Optus is trying to make waves and own some regions.

  • @SpectreOZ
    @SpectreOZ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great overview Brett, I would like to reiterate however that *antenna radiation pattern* is as important as angle of radiation, bull bar mounted antennas are somewhat obstructed by the mass of the vehicle, working well out to the front and sides but less towards the rear of the vehicle (especially where most of the structure is presented), close to centre of the roof antenna installations are the optimum with everything else being a compromise, obviously roof mounted wont last long in terrian where it is likely to contact foliage, so a mount on the roof and bull bar provides maximum flexibility.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Indeed, it is quite a science, though didn't want to go too deep in a single video.

  • @dream.lifestyle
    @dream.lifestyle 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review mate. Finally, I found an Australian who knows about our local conditions for CB Radio and Sat phone. Keep up the great work.
    It would be good if you can provide links to retailers who sell all these devices. Keep up the good work and you deserve a GOLD medal for clear explanation of these communication devices.

  • @flor4129
    @flor4129 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You are the coolest guy on TH-cam.
    Its so real an not that much over the top.
    It's just real.
    Ig you ever want to come to Europe, feel free to get in touch !!!
    I would really appreciate to show you some different style places .

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks mate. Who knows where my future travels will take me.

  • @hilltronic
    @hilltronic 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    best review i have ever seen. technical 100% correct, great done! some personal comments: as always you get what you pay for. I own a thuraya device and its lost money as it is not reliable. i tested the spot devices for a year (based on Globalstar network) and its also not reliable. The only reliable device are the garmin inreach devices. Works always. for a few bucks...

  • @wanderingwes64
    @wanderingwes64 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You can also hire Sat phones for the duration of your travel

  • @davidharper4289
    @davidharper4289 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank You so very much for making the time..........concise, awesome info...........Going round Aus off-road ......lots of help to me in viewing this....Cheers, Davo

  • @leeszalnowski8367
    @leeszalnowski8367 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was a very informative video Brett, good work.

  • @CM-ef8fu
    @CM-ef8fu ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome introduction, thanks mate!

  • @mitchmackenzie3293
    @mitchmackenzie3293 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    fantastic video

  • @MomentsInTheSky
    @MomentsInTheSky 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this video! And that cradle you have for the Garmin in the Landy..!

  • @longrider42
    @longrider42 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Okay, I have to have a Technicians Ham radio license to use both UHF and VHF, here int he states. But I've heard I can get a temporary radio license in Australia. As for HF, I'd need the next license up, the General license to use the 3 to 30 mhz frequencies. But I believe that in the US that is 6 to 10 meters. Both are highly effected by atmospherics. But I am glad too see you really know what your doing.

  • @ethicalfarmer7424
    @ethicalfarmer7424 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent content and well delivered, I recently picked up a Codan NGT AR and will get it up and going (winner, winner chicken dinner!) Happy Travels VK2TGR

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks mate. Be sure to get the firmware updated and your frequencies installed if it's second hand off ebay or like.

  • @LimestoneCoastCustoms
    @LimestoneCoastCustoms 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I Love my Codan HF Radio & Auto tune (NGT same as yours). Nice to see you list the HF Touring Club. A relatively new club of like minded people travelling around Aust. (unfortunately I don't do much travelling) The evening scheduled chats are great even if you don't get involved. I can make phone calls as you say, send texts & with my GPS unit added, I can send a location for which I have set up that my wife gets an email & she can go into my area on the club's website & see where I am on the map (or at least make sure I'm far enough away :-) ) Great video as usual, even if your promos are a bit tacky :-) Cheers!!

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks rod. Good to hear you're using all the radios capabilities. Can't send data on VKS, but as you've seen have other options for that. Cheers

  • @albertjoseph9684
    @albertjoseph9684 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very useful information here! Thanks

  • @vkamateur
    @vkamateur 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tnx Brett.... A simple review, that covered the basics really well.

  • @gumbysenduro6546
    @gumbysenduro6546 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well thought out precise information, great production. :)

  • @steveseiler8782
    @steveseiler8782 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    very informative this video is great for helping Aussies travel safely cheers mate

  • @waynedoeblin6801
    @waynedoeblin6801 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You can spend a lot of cash trying to stay alive Brett,but better be safe than sorry👍
    Great presentation by the way😊

  • @BikerBytes
    @BikerBytes 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information Brett, very useful. Cheers. Jason.

  • @phillipjohnryan7074
    @phillipjohnryan7074 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Brett... concise as usual.

  • @TomHoops04
    @TomHoops04 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’d love to get into HF. It’s just so daunting with the price and all the information being hidden.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's why I purchased a second hand set. If you buy an older model without all the extra whistles, even cheaper. Joining a HF radio club is easy. Loads of material to read off of their websites to learn the basics of HF.

    • @Jay-hr9ci
      @Jay-hr9ci 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mate, I'd love to help you get into it.. its amazing. I can send email, sms, and make phone calls, all from hf radio.

  • @bernardmarden2775
    @bernardmarden2775 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You’re getting good at your talk to camera work now I reckon (I cant even do voiceover on mine). Keep up the good work. Regards.

  • @rogermace4516
    @rogermace4516 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative and well done Brett ....... Keep Safe

  • @stephendimech7174
    @stephendimech7174 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really like your shows man

  • @helloimthemailman6566
    @helloimthemailman6566 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done. Great video

  • @adelarsen9776
    @adelarsen9776 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well explained.
    One of the best succinct videos on this subject.
    Good job. Soldier on.
    Cheers from The Funny Farm.
    Oh, nice shots of Sundown there..... I am going there right now myself to play radio.
    7 3

  • @MrLangDog
    @MrLangDog 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cheers from Florida! Good information!

  • @yogandoss
    @yogandoss 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Mate.. eye opener

  • @Digger43
    @Digger43 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative Brett. Thank you.

  • @Subgunman
    @Subgunman 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your are well versed in Comms. Are you an Amature operator as well? If not you could look into getting a license and expand your frequency coverage.
    On HF the frequencies available are seasonal as well time of day dependent, the lower frequencies are best operated after dark while the higher frequencies for daytime ops. You might look into NVIS antennas for short range HF comms. I have found that carrying a spare antenna for each type of comms is always a great safety net when out in the wild. They take up very little room. I don't know if you keep a foldable solar panel system on board but they are helpful if you have a smaller spare battery independent of the vehicle battery in case of a major electrical failure.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      no other frequencies beyond my VKS membership. Not really necessary for my use. Did thing about getting a second manual tune emergency antenna, but have other satellite comms like the SPOT, and likely will buy an inReach for the next trip. Thanks.

  • @Ope676
    @Ope676 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice work.
    Nice touch with the merchandise add hhh

  • @CliveWebbAustralia
    @CliveWebbAustralia 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great advice Brett...

  • @maxcole1961
    @maxcole1961 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks mate lots of good info. Well done.

  • @growthguide
    @growthguide 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video and very helpful

  • @The_Wandering_Woodster
    @The_Wandering_Woodster 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative Brett..Thanks

  • @iggie1439
    @iggie1439 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have most of the equipment you have shown. I like the way you do your programs Brett and will watch all you have. I have only just found you 2023. Are you still out there? This one is 3 years old so I hope your still on the road. Keep Safe Regards IGGIE

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank Iggie. no. travels ended in 2019, then Covid hit. Staying put for a while now. Will still be the occasional weekender when I get a chance to take a holiday.

  • @aevans692
    @aevans692 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    we have an inReach , and they are very good , we it while sailing too ...

  • @oxy-099
    @oxy-099 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great info cheers!

  • @Alan.livingston
    @Alan.livingston 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have been considering a Garmin inreach mini so I can send sms via satellite. Seems to be a good compromise instead of a full sat phone.

  • @kumbackquatsta
    @kumbackquatsta 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    phenomenal video, brett.

  • @wombatone5577
    @wombatone5577 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Spot on Brett!

  • @Mixos_place
    @Mixos_place 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    always informative and easy to listen and understand.Not sure about the shaggy(scooby doo) look though!

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Michael. Just getting a tad relaxed now i'm back on the road.

  • @shakyhandpictures2185
    @shakyhandpictures2185 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the promo!

  • @SalvadorCalaf
    @SalvadorCalaf 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great edit.

  • @CamperKev
    @CamperKev 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Brett. I have the same UHF radios as you. The ICOM IC400 Pro UHF radio normally comes with just 40 channels. Did you have your's upgraded to 80 channels or did you buy it with 80 Channels ? If you had it upgraded, may I ask what that cost ?

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I purchased mine with 80 channels., but I"m sure they can be easilty upgraded. They have room for loads of commercial frequencies. Just find an ICOM service agent.

  • @damonnomad2445
    @damonnomad2445 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Being the kind of traveller you are, well organized, neat, a planner, tech savvy, handy etc. I'm just wondering what was your background (working experience/education). I'm just interested to how your life experience developed you as a traveller.

  • @aussiedrifter
    @aussiedrifter 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Brett, We are getting close to going bush for the rest of our days, (were only in our late 50's mate) & your presentation has been the very
    best one covering the Communication's & Emergency equipment I have seen on youtube. We have our Marine Radio licences but I don't think they will
    be much good in the bush, LOL
    Just one question Mate, which would you recommend as being the best outback form of communication given you could only have/afford one, either a
    HF Radio or a Satellite Phone? also taking into consideration the ongoing financial cost's of having them continually over many years?
    We already have good quality basic equipment a Spot3 & 2 PLB's + AM/CB Radio, 2 x 5W UHF Radios & 2 x 3W UHF Handheld Radios & a Scanner.
    Also (Try NOT to laugh) we carry Marine Flares & Marine Smoke Markers, good in wide open spaces or Dalhousie Springs I reckon LOL.
    We love your work & enjoy seeing the wildlife & what the park system has to offer, excellent for future travels.
    We Wish You Many Safe Travels Mate, Steve.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Steve. I carry flares as well! haha. Well like I say prepaid sat phones are making them much cheaper long term compared to the plans that are available. You'll have direct private access to whoever you need. HF radios though you can buy second hand for the price of a new satphone. then it's only $120 or less per year depending on network. I chose the HF for that reason that it's not costing loads to keep going when I'm not travelling. And some networks have loads of talk time included via telephone interconnect, if you don't mind other people listening in. The benefit of a HF is you can also listen in to where other travellers are and hear their trip reports and what's going on in the touring world. Up to you really how bad you want private direct comms. I just use my mobile when near towns to talk direct, everything else can wait. My parents can send me a message through the HF network skeds if there's something urgent.

  • @MrFastFarmer
    @MrFastFarmer 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video. But I don't know... I can't help but feel we have lost something. I miss the old days of no communications and being truly isolated in the outback.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks mate. You can still be isolated. Just take a sat phone and keep it turned off except if you need to call out.

  • @theduggans1
    @theduggans1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brett, I've recently purchased a pre-owned HF system with AutoTune Antenna.
    I have no means of installing the antenna on the rear of my Mitsubishi Challenger.
    Do you suggest I mount it on the bullbar? There is an antenna mount available, or should I purchase a specific mount/bracket for the antenna?

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You can mount it on the front as long as it doesn't obstruct vision, so passenger side good. Bullbar mount may be ok, but make sure its strong enough to take the weight, such as the bracket welded both sides with a C shape for strength, and not just a rectangular tab with a spotweld, which will fail in time.

    • @gardnep
      @gardnep 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Some states take a dim view to large antennas on the front of the vehicle and it may have to be removed. I think the design rules say a maximum of 32 mm so the base of an auto tuning antenna would fail. Best to put them on the rear.

  • @smudgepost
    @smudgepost 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well that was excellent. Now to spend some money. Edit @12:40 - Fax.. lol when did anyone send a fax :D

  • @patm5165
    @patm5165 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent Video, great information, love the Codan set up. Does Codan operate on amateur radio frequencies?

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Codan can be programmed with any frequencies you are licenced for within the HF frequencies as far as Im aware.

    • @longrider42
      @longrider42 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RoamingTheOutback If I heard you right and I remember right, from my classes I took to get my Tech license. 3 to 30 Mhz, covers 6 to 10 meters.

    • @longrider42
      @longrider42 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      If I heard him right it covers 6 to 10 meters, frequency wise.

    • @gardnep
      @gardnep 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      You nearly always need to have the amateur bands programmed into the hf radio. You can probably listen on amateur but not able to send unless the bands are programmed in to the chip.

  • @Jay-hr9ci
    @Jay-hr9ci 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi mate, are you also a AR operator by any chance? If not, I think you would love it.

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      no mate. Only got a club licence.

    • @Jay-hr9ci
      @Jay-hr9ci 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RoamingTheOutback mate, I'd think you'd enjoy it, I'll send you an email.

  • @kumbackquatsta
    @kumbackquatsta 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    is fax/email/gps/text etc, private and secure, on hf? and it's send and receive? what's power consumption like between vehicle hf and uhf? how much does hardware price compare between uhf and hf?

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I believe data transmissions can be encrypted for security. But you'd have to research this and see what networks allow it and their requirements. Send and receive. Uhf uses little power, HF transmit may use 9-18Amps. Power hungry. UHF maybe $300, HF $1500 used to $3500 or more new.

  • @adamjones2025
    @adamjones2025 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Let's say my Icom 400pro does not transmit on 5watt more like the full 25watt, this allows me to transmit further and i also have boosted my receiving. Would not recommend this as it is not legal, the unit is setup on high power for repeater channels ONLY.

    • @Jay-hr9ci
      @Jay-hr9ci 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      How have you boosted rx?

  • @aeromech8563
    @aeromech8563 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    G day mate, I've followed you for a while now and just subscribed I have a question I have an amateur radio licence in the uk and when I come back to Aus ( I live in SA) who would be best to contact as I obviously want a ham radio in the vehicle to compliment my AM,UHF& SSB kit also have a PLB cheers73's 2E0OOW 🤘

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      If you want a similiar HAM licence I think you need an outpost licence from acma.gov.au. Otherwise just join one of the HF clubs and you'll be licenced to their frequencies and can chat with their members, but no one else. Although outpost licences i think are only for base stations. HF clubs only for mobile radios.

  • @garygiles63
    @garygiles63 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANKS

  • @RoamingTheOutback
    @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว

    A fairly complete overview of the communications options currently available for outback travel. Visit the companion article here: www.roamingtheoutback.com/2018/01/4wd-communications-for-outback-australian-travel/
    New eBook in Shop: www.roamingtheoutback.com/product/overlanding-touring-4x4-preparation-checklists/
    To prepare your vehicle for an Australian adventure, visit the Expedition Centre at www.expeditioncentre.com.au

    • @charliebrownau
      @charliebrownau 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Please upload your stuff to bitchute before the censorship nazis come for your channel

    • @MiniLuv-1984
      @MiniLuv-1984 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@charliebrownau Not sure if this is the place to ask charlie, but what in this vid would be censored and by who/how?

    • @charliebrownau
      @charliebrownau 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Still in 2019 yet to find a valid reason why the AU goverment forced business's to stop using CDMA and GSM , old CDMA worked for fucking miles in the middle of no where

  • @CaptZenPetabyte
    @CaptZenPetabyte ปีที่แล้ว

    Its a shame that a long distance comms protocol, that is dirt cheap by the way, is completely ignored and it has been around for many many decades ... LoRA-WAN

  • @bradl2636
    @bradl2636 ปีที่แล้ว

    How does HF / club differ from Amateur HAM radio options?

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You're a member of a club and can chat to other members or attend in person events etc. Plus you're limited only to the frequencies the club own. The club also offer assistance in the event of break down etc via radio and can log your position for search and rescue.

    • @bradl2636
      @bradl2636 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RoamingTheOutback But for Tx on club frequencies you still need an amateur license correct?

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bradl2636 no. That's another benefit of membership of a club. You only need to be a paid member of the club to be authorised to transmit on club frequencies. No other radio operators licence required.

    • @bradl2636
      @bradl2636 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RoamingTheOutback Ok that’s interesting I was not aware of that. Thanks..!

  • @6knots6
    @6knots6 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    What was the price of the hf and can u install it yourself

    • @RoamingTheOutback
      @RoamingTheOutback  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      i bought mine second hand for $1450 spend another $700 to update. Can get cheaper restored units, but probably earlier models without as many features. Self install is easy.

    • @kerynbell429
      @kerynbell429 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You can get good deals second hand sometimes I got a older codan and taped whip for 500 dollars. It performs very well but doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles of the new ones.
      About the only feature that I would say is a must is selcall.

    • @6knots6
      @6knots6 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The only other thing is licence, how much how long does it take ect

    • @kerynbell429
      @kerynbell429 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@6knots6 the vks 737 subscription is about $140 a year I think the other clubs may be a bit cheaper but vks is a very good service with good base station operators and well run skeds
      There is no formal training for the 4wd networks like there is with ham radio. But there is a small learning curve on how to use the radio and how propagation works.

  • @mattluszczak6567
    @mattluszczak6567 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    0.01 hi brett.