HF radio use is similar, but there are protocols that must be observed, to keep the system working smoothly. It can be very comforting when you’re in very remote areas to hear a friendly, helpful voice crackling through the HF radio speaker.Īnyone who has used a CB radio is familiar with simplex transmissions, where you make a statement, finish it with the word ‘over’ and wait for a response from another transmitter. There’s often a wealth of track and weather information at the other end of a VKS737 radio and all the subscribers OTA has communicated with have been very helpful.Īnother advantage is the knowledgeable support provided by VKS737 base operators – volunteers who are happy to help with information or relaying messages. One advantage of HF radio over a satellite phone is that communications can be broadcast over many receivers. VKS737 is licensed by the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) and subscribers must comply with all provisions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. The network is managed by administration staff, committee members and volunteers including message coordinator and base station operators. The VKS737 HF radio network was established in 1993 to provide emergency and general radio communications for people who live, work in or travel through rural and remote areas of Australia. Allan Whiting, OTA’s principal has VKS737 call sign 0981 and Darrell White is on 0320. In all these pursuits OTA staffers rely on the VKS737 HF radio network, as well as on satellite phone connection. OTA team members regularly accompany specialists who are opening up new tracks, tracing explorers’ routes or conducting Contrary to the belief of many, HF isn’t ‘dinosaur’ system, but thanks to recent developments is the communications network of choice for remote area travel and disaster relief. Outback Travel Australia relies on the VKS737 network on all bush trips.

Radio network