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Communications, Internet, Computers & GPS |
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This page contains information on Radio communications, HF Basics, Satellite TV, CB Radio and and a general overview written by Board Director Don Eldred on communicating from your motorhome. There is a also a comprehensive Members Access page on Communications in the "A-Z of Motorhoming" technical index which comprises over 90 topics.
The HF Radio Club by Ray Lawson,"Pegray" - on the road, Q1131
HF Basics by Don Crago (S11627). Don is a licenced amateur radio operator and has spent a number of years communicating around Australia and overseas via HF radio and satellite. His article deals with radio propagation and other relative operating details. "HF Radio Propagation is a very misunderstood area for newcomers to HF radio and I've tried to answer a lot of questions as to why radio signals do what they do and why you can talk across the country on one frequency but not talk to your mate 100km away in a three way conversation."
Satellite TV in Australia by Wally Shand, General Manager Videosat Pty Ltd.
"I have been a member of CMCA for quite a number of years, and have operated a satellite TV-equipped motorhome throughout Australia while doing business supplying free-to-air satellite TV to all Australians. This means I have had Satellite TV in our motorhome for the past 16 years and moved through all the technology changes. I have been particularly interested in the mobile aspect of satellite TV in motorhomes and the best ways to ensure great TV viewing no matter the location."
CB Radios, UHF and 27 mHz by Noel Roberts, Q13280, Yeppoon Qld
Reprint from the September 2000 Wanderer
Noel Roberts, P.O. Box 49 YEPPOON Q4703
Packet: VK4ZAR @ VK4WCQ Email vk4zar@free2air.com.au Phone 07 4939 1801
Communications while on the road
Relatives, friends and neighbours can be asked to collect your mail and forward it on to you. Mail can be redirected by the post office or sent in batches addressed to you c/ post office in a town. You can also use a mail-forwarding service such as Landbase.
CB Radio
Most already have a CB radio or at least know the benefits of installing one. They are very useful for convoy or general local chatting and include the AM, SSB and UHF types. The antenna selection and installed position are just as important as the type of CB selected.
HF radio
HF radio has provided communications to outback stations and travellers going off the beaten track for many years through the RFDS with its "mantle of safety" and is experiencing a renewed interest with the formation of a number of recreational radio clubs.
Mobile phones
The digital and CDMA mobile phone services are said to cover 95-97% of the population -- not to be confused with 97% of Australia. Most major highways and large population centres have a service. For those venturing off the beaten track, more and more travellers are using satellite phones.
Radio
On the entertainment side, the more populated areas have numerous AM and FM radio stations, while in the outback Radio Australia and overseas short-wave radio stations are sometimes the only options.
The Internet
Email has become a very popular form of communication. Thanks to a grant by the Federal Government, most libraries throughout the country provide Internet access. Internet cafés are available almost everywhere now, as are local Internet Service Providers (ISP). It is best to get an account with an ISP that provides Web Mail, i.e. email that can be accessed via a web server, as this is generally the only way access to your email can be achieved using an Internet cafe or public libray. Find a list of public internet access facilities via our Links.
Amateur Radio
Amateur Radio has been around for many years, and has a range of frequencies that cover local and overseas operation, and can be a very interesting pastime as well as offering a degree of safety by using the Travellers Nets. For those fortunate enough to have an HF radio, weather reports and charts can be received with the aid of a computer.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
For the more adventurous, are you aware that some TAFE colleges run courses on the use of GPS which help you to understand how to use your equipment to its best advantage and indeed to help you in choosing the best equipment for your needs? Topics might include:
* Understanding and using your GPS effectively (or what you need to know, so that you don't get lost)
* Choosing the right type of GPS receiver
* Manual map reading skills and PC mapping software; and
* The GPS satellite network.