VKS737: Post a Message

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This is a developing page....please email the network for answers to questions that don't appear
here (via the tab above). Answers here are concise ! Please contact us if detailed advice is required.

Network	Simply put, what is the Network's role ? The VKS-737 Radio Network is a HF Radio communications network licensed by the Australian Communications Media Authority to serve Australian travellers (land, sea or air). Primarily, we provide safety orientated information, pass on messages and arrange rescue/support for people in difficulties. With our many strategically located bases, we effectively cover the nation.
Licence	Must I have a licence for long distance HF use ? YES ! These radios operate at high power levels, so responsible use is required to minimise disruption on the spectrum. You need to be licensed by the ACMA (see the links page) for the frequencies you intend to use. Subscription of the VKS-737 Radio Network carries inbuilt licensing for our 5 frequencies.
Help	Can I 'expect' the network to help me out if I'm stranded or suffer an emergency ? You can expect us to try our best, but we cannot indicate any particular outcome for your situation! We offer help to all subscribers in remote areas. In general terms, we will do our best to get assistance for your situation, whatever it is. While we can't offer to pay for any services you require, we will expend volunteers' time and network funds (on long distance calls) to get assistance to you. We will also liaise with local area authorities and assist with coordination of their communications where required.
Tracking	Can I have the network 'track' my progress while in remote areas ? In short, no. While subscribers are welcome to advise us of their progress (log in) at any time, we do not have the resources to methodically track and/or monitor your progress. At any particular time during the various regional touring seasons, dozens of network subscibers are criss-crossing each of Australia's states. Our base operators are all volunteers and their various roster patterns makes effective tracking an impractical proposition. Should we be advised that a subscriber is overdue or needs assistance, all of our resources will be applied to the situation, but we need to be contacted by the subscriber or others, to commence the process.
Messages	Is the messaging service worthwhile ? Messages for remote subscribers are treated seriously and methodically by network staff. If subscribers monitor our many daily skeds and they are in communication range, they are most likey to get their messages. We cannot however, indicate any particular outcome in the forwarding of messages. This lack of certainty is mostly due to: - some subscribers not monitoring our skeds (in some cases, for weeks on end !). - deletion of non-urgent messages after 5 days. - HF conditions being unfavourable at times, due to factors that include the subscribers location, plus natural and/or man-made interference. On rare occasions: - network volunteers not being available for skeds. - equipment failure, either from the network or the subscribers side. The above said, we can say that our messages delivery service has been very effective, but only for subscribers who monitor our daily skeds !
Information Supply	Is the information offered on the daily skeds reliable ? Our information is largely gained from State and Federal government orientated agencies ! We do not generate the information, so therefore cannot indicate any particular level of reliability for the information we offer. It is gained from the best sources we can access, but subscribers should not plan to, or venture into un-serviced and/or remote areas of Australia without contacting local area authorities first. While Parks Management and local business people can be a valuable source of remote area travel information, we recommend local police as possibly the best starting point for your enquiries.
Professional advice	Can you give detailed professional level advice on air, should I encounter difficulties ? No. But we will seek to connect you with (or relay to you) professional advice from accredited providers. For example, if medical issues arise, we would seek to get medical assistance on channel, and then you could talk to them direct. Should mechanical issues arise, we would get advice from the relevant roadside service, a manufacturer's accredited dealer, or your nominated expert.
Reach	Can I reach Network bases and other VKS-737 subscribers from anywhere ? There is no simple answer to this... HF conditions vary greatly across the year, and location plays a part too. At times, users can reach clear across the country, at other times much less distance. Factors include antenna type, location, time of day, frequency used, and atmospherics. What is clear is that at any particular time, using equipment in good working order, you can expect to contact a VKS-737 subscribers or one of our bases , via voice or selcall transmissions.
Radio costs	How much do long distance HF radios cost ? New prices are commonly in the range $3000 to $4000. For these prices you get state of the art equipment capable of advanced functions. For simple yet very reliable 'talk' only, the now superceded design, used radios on the second hand market are a good option.
Types	What type of radio is best for me ? The answer here is "needs driven"; it depends on which facilities you need. Radios are now available in two basic groups; the older "crystal" controlled units (second hand market) and the modern synthesized units. The old units are very good for talk functions (the most important need), while the modern radios can make phone calls and transmit data such as fax,GPS and email. If you simply want to stay in touch with the daily base station voice skeds while travelling, the "talk -only radio" will be fine. If you would like to contact particular mobiles, and base stations 'out of sked hours', you will need the radios with selcall functions. Should you need to send email, fax and GPS data, you will need the very latest technology. Note: Data Transmission is NOT PERMITTED on VKS-737 Voice Only Frequencies See this form for more information: [ DOC 06 Communications Systems Comparison - PDF download]
Installation	Could I install a modern HF radio ? Anyone used to doing maintenance and lighter repairs to a car should have no problems. Modern radios are usually in several modular parts. The main radio box can go anywhere inside the vehicle, the user-interface unit (quite small) can go in a convenient place for reading, button pushing and microphone use, and the antenna system commonly fits to the rear of the vehicle (bracket required). Wiring it all up requires attention to the manufacturer's supplied detail, but it is no more difficult than any after market accessories such as spotlights, second batteries, or winches etc. If you are not accustomed to such installations, have your dealer do the work.... it's most likely you will be offered comprehensive instruction on use of the radio as well.
Supply	Where can I look at these HF radios ? Many radio communications equipment resellers in Australia cater for long distance HF - check the yellow pages, check our links page, or contact head office for a referral in your area. You might also visit the manufacturers' web sites (our links page; tab above).
Testing	Can I call the network bases to try out my radio ? Yes.....during sked sessions operators don't mind "saying hello" and giving you feedback (a Radio Check), but wait till the operator has covered traffic from remote area travellers. If you know other VKS-737 subscribers, you can arrange to contact them direct, but ensure this is out of sked timeslots. See the RADIO CHECKS link above.
Calling	Can I call other VKS-737 subscribers, at any time ? Yes.....but you must "give way" to sked sessions and any other important traffic (such as bases and authorities assisting with emergencies).
Calling	Can I call non-subscribed users, at any time ? NO ! Authority is given to communicate with VKS-737 bases and other VKS-737 subscribed users only.
Selcalls	What does 'selcall' mean ? Selcall is a system of uniquely identifying particular radio sets (including those at base stations). When two radios have selcall fitted, they can 'alert' each other without alerting other radios on channel, in range. The upshot of this is that you can advise particular base stations or other users that you want to communicate. It should be noted that once on air, all other users on channel can monitor your traffic. Selcall capability also allows you to work directly with telephone interconnects at our bases, thereby making contact possible (conditions permitting) with key network staff and authorities listed in your user manual.
Beacons	What does 'beacon call' mean ? Beacon is similar to selcall, but its only a 'test' selcall. That is, you send out a beacon signal to a particular selcall number, and if that radio is in range, you will hear a revertive signal. The responding radio's user will be unaware that you have tested their radio with the beacon call. A satisfactory revertive tells you that it may be worth trying to establish a voice call.
Antennas	What type of antenna is best ? Autotune antennas auto-adapt to the frequency in use by the radio at any time. Manual 'tap' antennas give high performance levels, but require manual adjustment by the user, each time a new frequency is used (getting out of the car and making the change). Radio manufacturers usually supply matched antennas for mobile radio use. If the original antenna is not available, check with the manufacturer if possible, or contact head office with the radio make and model number.
Using	Are these HF radios easy to use ? The earlier "crystal" controlled units are very easy to use; just select a channel, adjust the tapped antenna, turn it on and go ! The modern radios are very easy to use in voice mode too, but if you want to employ the advanced functions, a little more learning and practice is required. While travelling, it is a good idea to call into one of the bases daily, to gain confidence and ease of operation.
Phonecalls	Can I make direct dial radio-telephone (HF-Tel) calls from my radio ? Yes, but only if the radio has this facility built in AND you subscribe to the HF-Tel service. See the HF-Tel page above. How does the HF-Tel system work ? Simply put, you are supplied with the base details. When you selcall a base, your ID will be recorded, a phone line will be connected and you then dial a phone number using your HF radio's numeric keys. When the other party answers, you are away ! Is HF-Tel service costly ? For costs and details on HF-Tel service refer to HF-Tel page or contact head office for further information. Would a Satphone be better ? See our Satphones page, via the tab above. Also, see this form for more information: [ DOC 06 Communications Systems Comparison - PDF download]