High Frequency (HF) Radio

HF radio users require a license from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and require a powerful vehicle mounted transceiver and antenna.  Using select frequencies (1 – 30 MHz) HF transceivers provide communication up to several thousand kilometers in good conditions.  For those traveling in the outback, one of its important uses is the ability to contact the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) in the event of a medical emergency.

A couple of familiar brand names for radio transceivers are Codan and Barrett.

An advantage of HF radio is it can be linked into the telephone system.  You can call out on the radio and, with the assistance of some base stations, talk to a person on a land line or mobile phone.  To do this you will need to subscribe to a direct dial HF radio telephone network service.  One provider is the Radtel HF Network.  They do not allow incoming calls to the radio but provide a ‘Message Service’.

If you do not want a specific license for yourself you can join a radio network that have inbuilt licensing for their own frequencies.  Some practice is required to make calls using this network and this practice should be done to ensure you know how to make an emergency call if needed.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) have a HF radio club that use two base stations.  There is also The Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc., which is a Public Benevolent Institution licensed by the ACMA, that you can join.

If you are new to HF Radio and have little knowledge on the subject there is also a handbook titled ‘HF Radio for Travellers’ by Chris and Michael Aulich you may want to purchase.

Aerials

Care should be taken in selecting an aerial to suit your purpose as the aerial (or antenna) used will influence the transmitting and reception range and the same may be said for its location on the vehicle.  Larger aerials provide better range and are superior for long distance communications.

There is also a ‘vibration factor’, which can fatigue the antenna, for vehicles with diesel engines as well as road surfaces that needs to be taken into consideration when selecting an antenna.  The fiberglass whip aerial on a medium or heavy duty spring may best suit 4WD diesel engine vehicles and outback travelling.

The aerial should be mounted as high as possible so one mounted say to the roof of the vehicle would provide the best range in comparison to one mounted on the front bull bar as the reception from the rear ( behind the vehicle) can be impeded by the vehicle body itself.  However, due to the size of most aerials they are generally located on the wheel arch or bull bar of a vehicle.  Aerials are then connected to the transceiver by coaxial cable.

The HF radio antenna is easily identifiable as it has a larger cylindrical base.

To ensure equipment is working try calling a ‘radio check please’.