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The vastness of Australia's outback requires particular long distance communications suitable for four-wheel drivers who may wish to have radio contact for emergency/safety use. The page provides a general introduction to the aspects of communication for fourwheel drivers and travellers in remote parts of Australia. Please note the disclaimer at the bottom of the page. Further information sources can be found at the bottom of this page. |
27MHz AM (amplitude modulation) & SSB (single side band) CB is generally limited to a maximum range of approximately 10 to 50km depending upon terrain.
The main application of 27MHz CB is mobile to mobile, base to mobile and base to base. 27MHz is prone to "Skip" where signals may travel many thousands of kilometres but cannot be heard "just down the road".
27MHz is very susceptible to ignition and other man made noises which generally limits its use in mobile installations over large distances.
UHF CB signals are generally line of site giving a range of typically 10 to 40km maximum. By using repeater stations it is possible to greatly extend the range.
Since UHF CB uses FM (frequency modulation) on 477MHz, as compared with AM & SSB on 27MHz, the quality of the signals is improved and noise & interference is reduced. The use of high gain antennas also improves the performance of UHF CB.
The main application of UHF CB is inter-mobile, base to mobile and base to base over limited distances. The use of Selcall allows users to contact other suitably equipped users without the need to listen to other traffic on the channel.
There are no individual User licences associated with operating either 27MHz or UHF CB radios.
Mobile Telephones operate through providers such as Telstra, Optus, Three and Vodafone, the maximum range within a cell is limited to 32km for GSM phones and approximately double for Next-G units (vehicle mounted units - the range is considerably reduced for hand held units).
While mobile telephones now cover around 95% of the Australian population they are primarily concentrated around metropolitan areas, major highways and regional centres. Only about 5% of the outback is covered with cells in and around some country towns such as Broome, Ceduna, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Mt Isa and Port Hedland etc.
Mobile telephones incur a monthly rental charge as well as timed call charges.
Satellite telephones can provide telephone, fax and data communications to almost anywhere in the world.
Whilst satellites can provide coverage to most parts of Australia, the costs (monthly rentals and call charges) are generally outside the scope of the average four wheel drive user who makes the occasional trip into the outback.
Satellite telephones do not provide the "community" based support to travellers that can be provided via HF radio, such as to subscribers via the VKS-737 Radio Network.
Using frequencies in the range of 2 to 25MHz, HF can offer reliable communications over thousands of kilometres.
An important use of HF is for contacting emergency organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Police, Ambulance and Vehicle Breakdown Associations.
Modern radio features allow users to reliably make contact with each other and Base Stations located all around Australia, some radios permit Direct Dial Radio-Telephone calls through VKS-737 Base Stations.
The VKS-737 Radio Network is a HF Radio communications network licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority to serve Australian travellers (land, sea or air). Primarily, they provide safety orientated information, pass on messages and arrange rescue/support for people in difficulties. With their many strategically located bases, they effectively cover the nation.
They provide:
| VKS-737 versus Satellite Telephone in the Outback | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service | VKS-737 | Satellite |
| Monthly Service Access Charges | None | Charged |
| Vehicle to Vehicle Communications | Free | Charged |
| Vehicle to Base Station Communications | Free | Charged |
| osition Reporting & Safety Logging | Free | Charged |
| Message Handling to and from Family and Friends | Free | Charged |
| Daily Weather and Cyclone Reports | Free | Charged |
| Daily Road Condition & Closure Reports | Free | Charged |
| Medical Calls / Assistance | Free | Charged |
| Emergency Calls - Family & Friends | Free | Charged |
| Emergency Calls - Vehicle Breakdown / Accident | Free | Charged |
| Emergency Calls - Medical | Free | Charged |
| General Telephone Calls | Charged | Charged |
The VKS-737 Radio Network issues subscribers with a Licence Authority under Section 114 of the Radiocommunications Act No. 174 of 1992 to use the Network's frequencies for MOBILE Use Only.
The use of base station equipment, amateur radio equipment or fixed antennas are NOT permitted on the VKS-737 Radio Network. Refer to VKS-737 Conditions of Use (available on the VKS-737 website) for further details.
VKS-737 subscribers DO NOT require an (Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Mobile Outpost Licence (commonly referred to as an RFDS licence) to access the VKS-737 Radio Network frequencies. An Outpost licence does not authorise communication with or within the VKS-73 Radio Network.
Licence conditions do not permit communication between different networks (including the RFDS) except in an emergency.
The RFDS provide emergency services via high frequency radio. The RFDS recommends all travellers to remote areas investigate the possibility of obtaining and using an HF radio. Choose the appropriate frequency for the nearest RFDS control station - your HF set must have an Emergency Alarm Button which will alert an RFDS control station - be it monitored by a human or electronic monitor.
RFDS operate 11 control stations using a large number of frequencies have been allocated to optimise communications under varying conditions. The RFDS frequencies have been assigned specifically to allow the provision of a medical emergency service to people living and working in, and travelling through remote areas.
RFDS frequencies cannot be used from areas where easy access to a fixed telephone is available - this ensures their maximum availability for their intended purpose. However some social use is permitted by licensed mobile users (eg after hours use) - refer to RFDS for details.
An Outpost, Non-assigned Mobile Licence is required to operate on RFDS frequencies - this is obtained from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Other conditions and operating procedures, details of controls stations etc are available in brochures from the ACMA and RFDS and should be obtained if you intend to use these services.
DO...
Remember that selcall is annoying to other users, has NO priority over other radio traffic, and should only be used with discretion. It is an offence to operate a transmitter contrary to licence conditions. |
Distress beacons come in three types. EPIRB's (mainly used for marine situations), ELT's for aircraft, and PLB's (pocket size Personal Locator Beacons). Vehicles and bushwalkers travelling in remote parts of Australia may carry a distress beacon.
Signals from distress beacons can be picked up by passing aircraft and satellites. The Rescue Coordination Centre (AusSAR) in Canberra deals with distress beacon signals. Coverage is Australia wide via satellite.
Every week valuable search and rescue resources are wasted in dealing with beacons that have been activated accidentally and without the owners knowledge because they have not be stowed correctly or travelling companions/children have activated them. If this occurs every effort must be made to contact or relay a message to AusSAR - 24hr contacts are 1800 641 792 or 1800 815 257.
There are severe penalties including imprisonment for any person found guilty of the activation of a distress beacon with the intention of misleading authorities regarding an emergency situation.
The above is just some of the information you need to know - if you intend carrying or depending on a distress beacon then acquire the fact sheet on Distress Beacons from the Australian Communications and Media Authority, www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1690.
A number of companies hire out equipment, both UHF, HF & Satphones. These may be communication companies or four-wheel drive equipment suppliers or camping / outback hiring companies.
Check the Supporting Businesses List (DOC 09) on the VKS-737 website or the Yellow Pages under "Radio Communication Equipment and\or Service". Just ensure you are licensed, understand how to use them and if practical (eg for radios) that they work before you start your journey. VKS-737 base stations are happy to receive a "test call" and this is worthwhile doing to overcome any nervousness.
Australian Communications and Media Authority
Mobile Outpost Licence conditions can be found at ACMA > About ACMA: Publications & research > Publications > Radiofrequency spectrum publications > Radiocommunications papers > Information papers
Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
Australian National 4WD Drive Radio Network (VKS-737)
PO Box 2101 ELIZABETH EAST SA 5113
The information contained herein should not be taken as legal advice or as a substitute for such - it is provided as a general introduction and may change at any time - you should contact the relevant manufacturers, authorities and organisations for complete and current details on operating requirements, limits, and regulations.
Letting others know your movements and travelling with other parties helps minimise risks when travelling in remote areas.