Emergency UHF comms...

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

In relation to Hutch's trip report experiences... Mrs Hutch and I were talking today and the point of using ch 9 as an emergency communications channel came up.

Has anyone ever used ch 9 for an emergency?

Who monitors it?

:?: :?: :?:

[Drew Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drew]

Channel 9 is the old 27MHz emergency channel, and I doubt anyone seriously monitors it nowadays. (Maybe CREST still exist?) Just Googled them, see http://www.crest.org.au/mambo/

Channel 5 is the emergency channel on UHF. I don't know if anyone monitors it in the city, but it does get monitored some places in the bush. There's a Channel 5 emergency repeater near Forbes, NSW for example.

The fact remains though, if you can hit a UHF repeater, then you could probably make a phone call. In this case, CDMA would have been my next suggestion, but those knobheads at Tel$tra have had their way with it, so NextG is next and it's performance isn't up to what CDMA is AFAIK.

There's EPIRBs - but they aren't very interactive and you might not know if your signal is received for a while. I wonder if an EPRIB would have been the best option in Hutch's case? I guess I would have deployed the EPRIB at the scene and left the most qualified first aider on site, while someone else went to raise the alarm at a nearby farm house. I would make sure when emergency services are phoned they are told an EPIRB has been activated at the site, this will help the chopper locate the area. A GPS fix on the location would be a great idea too.

There's also HF, if you are a member of VKS-737, chances you might be able to get through and they will be able to place an emergency phone call for you. Very few people are set up for this system though. It's worth noting that you wouldn't even have to be a member of VKS-737 in this situation. A MAYDAY call overrides all licensing requirements and MUST be responded to and dealt with. This raises an interesting discussion in itself.

I'm actually in the process of putting together an emergency contingency sheet for my 120, the idea is so an unqualified person knows how to raise the alarm if I'm incapacitated.

So after all my waffle, I guess the order of priority for someone without HF equipment should be mobile phone, EPIRB if available, try the CB (even scanning for a nearby farmer - but it's a time critical situation), go seek help but leave a first aider with the injured.

Drew.

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

Top reply Drew. Thanks - especially with my upcoming trip.

I think your emergency contingency sheet could do with a post - when you're finished - it would make a very useful guide for us newbies.

Cheers
Chippy

[Drew Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drew]

I think your emergency contingency sheet could do with a post - when you're finished - it would make a very useful guide for us newbies.

Talk about dobbing myself in! I was actually thinking of posting something eventually. Problem is I haven't purchased the EPIRB yet, I'm waiting for the 406MHz ones to come down in price. Tight-arse? Nope, just plain run out of fun tickets.

Chip, when are you heading off again, I forget.

Drew.

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

School Holidays begin on Sat 7th July ... and we're outa here !

Cheers
Chippy

[120GXV6 Member Find all posts View Profile Close 120GXV6]

What about a satellite phone?

I carry one with me all the time due to working in areas without standard phone coverage and have used it a couple of times for other people with broken down vehicles outside mobile coverage areas.

Theoretically, they work anywhere that you can see the sky! I have had issues with drop-outs with mine though which is with GlobalStar.

I also carry a 406 MHz EPIRB with built in GPS - to be sure, to be sure! I got this when I was flying and thought the car would be the next best place for it to live.

[Sim Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sim]

What about a satellite phone?

I carry one with me all the time due to working in areas without standard phone coverage and have used it a couple of times for other people with broken down vehicles outside mobile coverage areas.

I'm a bit curious as to who you would actually call if you were in the middle of nowhere ? Where does one go for help when stranded in the bush ?

[120GXV6 Member Find all posts View Profile Close 120GXV6]

Good maps (such as Hema) for outback areas give you a list of contact numbers for

- Police
- Recovery and outside assistance
- National Parks
- Road Conditions
- Weather Information
- Permits

Worst case you can at least contact someone you know and give them all the details - then they can phone around, search internet etc to find an appropriate person to help.

Someone responsible should always be aware of your trip plan and monitor things while you're away anyway.

[fishnut Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishnut]

A lot of years ago, we got stuck - seriously stuck - in an isolated part of the WA goldfields. No-one was close enough for the CB, but we had hired an HF for the trip and with it we managed to find a bloke (in the Pilbara) who put us through to the RFDS who relayed us via sat phone to the local coppers. They came and got us the next day (but not the car), which is a funny story in itself...one day I'll have to share it.

Point is, without it we were screwed, or at least walking for 2 or 3 days! Good investment, the hire-jobby.

a link for frequencies and hire places... http://www.flyingdoctor.net/hfradio.htm

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

I think I can wait 'til Sunday to hear the rest of that story Fishnuts.

I was worried, when I saw your post on the Emergency Comms thread - that you were preparing for the weekend. :lol: :lol:

Cheers
Chippy

[fishnut Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishnut]

Yeah, it's a great story.

But I've some stories about you too! Turns out my missus knows you....

how small the world

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Great reply Drew

Definatly all good ideas for a big trip and a great discussion...

I was asking more about the weekend jaunt into the hills or local countryside, something most people probably wouldn't prepare for above and beyond the old mobile phone and UHF.

Ch 9 being a 27MHz channel was not something I realized or made the link too.

Is ch5 location based as an emergency... I noticed you mention

There's a Channel 5 emergency repeater near Forbes, NSW for example.

or are the ch5 repeaters scattered around the country?

[ChrisCrowie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ChrisCrowie]

If you are looking for information on repeaters and emergency locations try the following link, it will give you state by state their locations and which channel...

http://www.uniden.com.au/AUSTRALIA/n_re ... tation.asp

Cheers,
Chris.

[Chuck Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chuck]

406Mhz EPIRB is about $399.
I just steal mine from the boat 8)

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

If you are looking for information on repeaters and emergency locations try the following link, it will give you state by state their locations and which channel...

http://www.uniden.com.au/AUSTRALIA/n_re ... tation.asp

Cheers,
Chris.

Thanks for that link Chris