SW for US and OZ

[gjackson]

Allright, I'm going to show my complete ignorance on the subject:

I want to get a SW for the 110 that we can use in the US and in Australia on an upcoming trip. What is most used in the outback? I assume that licences are not transferrable from one country to another or is that not correct?

Any advice on what hardware/training/licence to get that would make compatability easiest would be much appreciated.

cheers

 

[RoundOut]

You are probably aware that the US requires a license to operate a Ham radio station, whether from home, mobile in your vehicle, or a handheld transceiver (HT). The ARRL offers licensing examinations in many throughout the U.S. that are administered by Volunteer Examiners. Search here for a location and date/time convenient for you.

I assume that licences are not transferrable from one country to another or is that not correct?

Actually, Austrailia and the USA have reciprocal licensing arrangements in place... See this link.

Most folks on this forum prefer the 2 meter band radios for their expedition travel communication. I have no knowledge of a preferred band in Austrailia, but a search of amateur radio repeaters in Austrailia, would likely tell you which band to get.

In preparation for expedition travels, my son and I both obtained our amateur radio licenses and invested in an HT for our first radio. Before embarking domestically, we will probably get a mobile for the truck, too. The HT is more for backpacking emergencies than anything else.

I imagine that if one is in the Outback, one would want a very powerful mobile unit with a well-tuned antenna to maximize one's ability to get a signal out. Be sure to know the repeater frequencies nearest your journey's waypoints, and pre-program your unit for those frequencies.

 

[kcowyo]

Cracker, try perusing one of their forums.

I'm not up on international licenses and radios but I do receive their most popular 4x4 magazine, Australian 4WD Monthly. Seems like most of the featured touring outfits in their pages all have some type ranging from AM CB radio (old school) to UHF (ie CB -most common) to NGT HF (calling BFE and beyond) to satellite phones.

 

[gjackson]

Thanks for the info guys! Dave, I may pick your brain if you don't mind as I dive into this.

KC, I was kinda hoping that one of our OZ members would chime in, but that's 'cause I'm lazy and don't like to go surfin' elsewhere!!

cheers

 

[cruiser guy]

I get out and about outside of the USA and Canada as well and I've opted for an Icom 706MkIIG all band radio. It covers the common 2m and 70cm bands as well as the HF bands from 6m and up. I haven't used it yet but I'll post up my experiences once I get it going.
I'm going to use a mag mount antenna for the 70cm and 2m bands and a whip on the front winch bumper with an automatic tuner for the HF bands with a roll of wire if needed to "make" the HF antenna longer.

 

[gjackson]

I'd be interested to see your impressions of the Icom.

cheers

 

[gary in ohio]

The icom 706 MKGII is a great little rig, I have 2 of them, an original 706 and a 706 mkgii. Although very similar the user interface was changed a little and the MKGII the better mobile unit. I have the MKGII in my daily driver. Its great on UHF and VHF and with a tuner work very well on HF with a 12ft whip. I can add a section of whip for a 16ft unit when stationary. 80M is a bit of a stretch for a 12ft whip but I do get usable signals out for my instate traffic nets. Any shorter and you have no radiated single. Works great on 40 -10m. Radio is small and with the remote head can be mounted must about anywhere. I have my above the mirror so my eye's never really leave the road when driving. Here is the view from the driver seat.

Here is the whip side mounted on the rear quarter panel.