HF radio equipment
High frequency radio equipment is commercially available in most regional and capital cities of Australia. Check the Yellow Pages under ‘Radio Communication Equipment and\or Service’ for suppliers near you. Each radio base uses a different set of frequencies (although some frequencies are common to several bases). Suppliers are able to configure your radio to work in the area you will be travelling in and most suppliers can also offer training and support for the equipment.
Satellite phones
Satellite phones are now commercially available and offer a viable alternative for communication while travelling in the bush. These phones can be used just like normal telephones and can be accessed anywhere in Australia.
Services
Depending on the equipment you use and the services offered by the Bases in your area, you might be able to make voice contact with other radio users, the Base itself, or with any telephone in the world. As a minimum you will be able to use the Emergency Alarm Call Button on your radio to make contact with the RFDS Base nearest to you. Operating hours vary depending on the Base, although a 24 hour emergency call watch is maintained.
Licences
All users of outpost radio services require a licence from The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The ACMA also provides you with a call sign for you to identify calls made from your radio.
Contact: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
PO Box 78
Belconnen
ACT 2616
Licensing and Interference enquiries:1300 850 115
http://www.acma.gov.au
Frequencies
Frequencies and times of operation are subject to change without notice. The primary radio frequency of each station is shown in BOLD print.
|
VJB Derby
|
RFDS Western Operations
|
08 9414 1200
|
5300
, 5360, *2792
|
|
VKL
Port
Hedland
|
RFDS Western Operations
|
08 9414 1200
|
5300
, 5360, *2280
|
|
VJT Carnarvon
|
RFDS Western Operations
|
08 9414 1200
|
5300, 5360, *2280
|
|
VKJ Meekatharra
|
RFDS Western Operations
|
08 9414 1200
|
5300, 5360, *2280
|
|
VJQ Kalgoorlie
|
RFDS Western Operations
|
08 9414 1200
|
5300, 5360, *2792
|
|
VJD Alice Springs
|
RFDS Central Operations
|
08 8952 5355
|
2020, 5410, 6950
|
|
VNZ
Port
Augusta
|
RFDS Central Operations
|
08 8642 5555
|
2020, 4010, 6890, 8165
|
|
VJC Broken Hill
|
RFDS South Eastern Section
|
08 8080 1777
|
2020, 4055, 6920
|
|
VJN Charleville
|
RFDS Queensland Section
|
07 4654 1233
|
2020, 4980, 6845
|
|
VJI Mt Isa
|
RFDS Queensland Section
|
07 4743 2800
|
2020,5110, 6965
|
|
VJN Cairns
|
RFDS Queensland Section
|
07 4053 1952
|
2020, 2260, 5145, 7465
|
|
VZX Firefly
|
Penta Comstat
|
02 6559 1888
|
call
|
* The 2 Mhz frequencies are primarily for night use.