CB radios

[jeepthing]

Do many people use HF much these days? I thought for city folk that do the outback trips once every few years, it was more cost (and weight) effective to use a sat phone instead?

[Dave]

Some commercial operators still run HF, and people who go very remote - eg tour operators, Hema mapping people etc. They are expensive, cost to run, and you need to know how to use them (not simple). On the plus side, you can use them for phone contacts through Telstra Radphone, and to contact the Flying Doctors or other emergency services.

These days even the tour operators prefer Sat Phone as they are cheaper and easier to use, and can reach anyone that an HF can reach without needing a big instruction book and luck.

[casey]

my Dad used to have an HF radio in his Landcruiser when he started doing sandalwood harvesting in outback WA in the late 90's.

The RadPhone feature was pretty cool (and was pretty much the only reason he had it). You could call phone numbers over the radio. Eventually he switched to a satphone, it was easier to use, much more portable, and your communications were secure.