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HF Radio / Sat Phone / Locator Beacon
Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:07 pm
by Jacko
Does anyone carry any of the above? Looking for advice/recommendations as I do a bit of solo 4wding and figure I should have some way of calling for help should i need it.....
Cheers
Re: HF Radio / Sat Phone / Locator Beacon
Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:11 pm
by Jerry
PM Rick (on here as HJ60), he has HF and an epirb as well I think....
Re: HF Radio / Sat Phone / Locator Beacon
Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:03 am
by IcedJohnno
There is an HF SSB 4x4 radio dude based out of Greymouth, Murray somebody? He has a Yahoo group that I used to belong to.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nz_4wd_radio_network/#ans Not sure that this is still functioning though. He runs commercial 4wd trips too.
The other guy to talk to who is very helpful and keen is Paul White at mountain radio
http://www.mountainradio.co.nz/Paul can ring out from his 60 series for the price of a local call from anywhere in NZ, even under mountains. The beauty of HF SSB.
HF, though not cheap, is WAY more useful than an epirb. You actually get to communicate with the outside world.
Re: HF Radio / Sat Phone / Locator Beacon
Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:59 pm
by mudmike
The one nice thing with an epirb is that is self contained and will take a bit of abuse. an hf radio needs power from the vehicle and the tuned ariel to be intact, a big roll over may make it useless if your alone. Alot of beacon searches are done by helicopter (weather dependant) you do get help fast with the new beacons. The new sat phones are very good and have better coverage than the older ones that were rubbish in the bush or valleys. But cost gets out of hand. some of these can be rented for a trip. Some outdoor sports clubs hire out epirbs at very good rates if you only need it a few trips a year.
Re: HF Radio / Sat Phone / Locator Beacon
Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:56 pm
by dazza85
What ever radio coms you can afford is great and I would say go for what you can afford. as a first line they are always the best option and can often prevent things getting worse.
But... What "mudmike" said,... If you are out on your own and something goes seriously wrong and epirb can be the difference between life and death.
Oh and I would not buy an epirb that does not have the GPS feature
You don't have to know where you are ... they know exactly where you are and that you need help.
And yes there are places that hire them out ... "Mountain Safety" HB branch has 2 that are out more than they are in the office - as a hire item if you set it off the rescue center makes a call to the Admin officer who gives them your number If they can't get the AO or you they initiate the SAR procedure.
my 10cents
Re: HF Radio / Sat Phone / Locator Beacon
Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:20 pm
by BrentC
