Originally posted by alanymarce
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In the recreational market here in Australia, UHF is the predominant radio in use, for use within and between groups. You should have a UHF on Channel 10 when you're crossing the Simpson, to regularly announce your position, and listen out for others who should be doing something similar.
I'm not aware of anybody using VHF on land for recreational purposes - I associate VHF with marine use, or private comms networks, but I'm happy to learn of other uses.
HF is also used recreationally, but I believe it's more for enthusiasts, and I don't believe installing a HF radio into a 4wd is a simple matter. I don't think there's any such thing as "small" when you're talking HF - you might be able to get a remote head mounted in the dash, but I believe there will be a second, larger unit to be mounted somewhere. Again, happy to learn if I'm wrong.
If you're concerned about comms in an emergency, I recommend a satellite phone. Smaller, easier to learn to use. Just make sure you get the right one - some of the cheaper sat phones are not very reliable, and can be more of a hindrance than a help, as people waste precious minutes trying to place a call that isn't going to go through. I rate Iridium as the best on the market.
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