Here in Australia we have access to a number of long range communication providers for outback travel. Mobiles and 27mg do noot cut it, and not everyone wants to get an amateur license to use a radio.
With the right radio, we can access a 4WD set of HF frequencies, plus we can get onto the Royal Flying Doctor Service for emergency medical assistance, or we can make "phone" calls via HF to any phone number via RADTEL (Radio Telephone).
The rigs are large, and tend to take a lot of space up, so I thought I'd share the install I just finished.
The unit is a 100W Codan HF radio which I have mounted under the rear shelf system I fitted some time ago. It is totally out of site, and out of the way.
The control head is mounted on the rear left side in a section of spare space! I'm not planning to use this for mobile comms, so putting it in the back works well as I'll be stopped, probably having a beer or two.
The mike fits behind it quite well, and the selcall settings are easy to access.
I've currently got the multi tap whip on the rear bar, but I'm probably going to move it to the front bar where I can see it better and make sure I avoid low trees or branches on tracks.
I have a spare battery in the back which runs this radio, and other electrical gear as well, and everything can be removed in under 15 mins if need be.
Due to the dark tint on the soft top, it is virtually impossible to see what is inside, and the back corner where the head has been put is really hard to see into anyway.
I don't think you guys have anything similar stateside, so just thought it might interest you

 

Cool.....what HF freqs. are allowed downunder without a HAM license...???

We also have, what we call, "phone patch" abilities through some of our repeater systems. Plus an individual HAM can also have a phone patch system of his own in his shack.

 

Here are some of the groups supplying access to the HF network
http://www.hfradioclub.com.au/
http://www.radtelnetwork.com.au/
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Commu...ommunications/
and
http://www.vks737.on.net/


Basically, its from about 2Mhz to around 12.8Mhz and is a great safety net if you are 500 miles from any civilization as can easily occur in the outback.
The RFDS runs medical facilities all over the outback where they fly in and then fly to the next cattle station. They also run medical emergency flights all over Australia.

 

Thanks for sharing! That's some cool stuff!