4WD MODIFICATIONS – COMMUNICATIONS & NAVIGATION
When you’re touring in remote areas it’s important to know exactly where you are; never ever leave home without navigation equipment or at the very least, maps of the area you’re visiting. In the event of a breakdown or emergency it’s vital that you have a reliable means of communication to call for assistance.
Uniden 600-series UHF hand-held radios
Uniden’s new UH600 radio series are claimed to be built for Australia’s rugged conditions, offering high grade performance in a lightweight, compact design.
Narva wireless mobile device charger range
This specialist automotive electrical and electronics company’s range of wireless chargers can charge a compatible device without the need to plug in a power cable.
Docor Weather app
We’re all familiar with weather radar displays, but this new Doctor App product takes weather radar to a new dynamic level and displays it on your Apple Phone or Watch.
Billy Goat mapping
We’re testing a 2019-release mapping app that promises more free features than any other mapping software.
Polaris Maxx navigation unit
Polaris’ latest Maxx range is designed for maximum ease of use, with a large, adjustable screen and kits that suit many 4WD utes and wagons. We’re testing one during 2019.
Navigation made much easier
You may not know it, but the piece of real estate you’re sitting in has a unique three-word code, developed for a free app called ‘what3words’. That code can be input into a navigation device or mobile phone, allowing a delivery to be made, without the driver’s need for a detailed address and access instructions.
Whatever happened to Galileo
We know that after being shown the instruments of torture Galileo recanted and avowed that the Catholic Church knew more about heliocentricity than he did. Nice people, the Renaissance Catholics. However, this scientific colossus’ name has been applied to Europe’s challenge to the US-owned Global Positioning System (GPS).
Toooair cellular two-way
ToooAir is claimed to be Australia’s first two-way radio style transceiver using a cellular network, providing push-to-talk communication across Australia, using the Telstra network.
40-channel and 80-channel Cb radios are not toys
In February 2017, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) very quietly reversed its decision to make 40-channel UHF radios illegal from June 2017. When the 80-channel spectrum was gazetted, 40-channel radios were banned from sale and were to be phased out. Now they’re not.
Comms Satellite Telephone Communication
We bought our satellite telephones years ago and wouldn’t leave home without one of them; a couple of vehicle breakdowns and medical emergencies during our travels in Australia’s Outback and our best satellite telephone has more than paid for itself.
Comms VKS737 HF Radio Network
Outback Travel Australia relies on the VKS737 network on all bush trips. Contrary to the belief of many, HF isn’t ‘dinosaur’ system, but thanks to recent developments is the communications network of choice for remote area travel and disaster relief.
Communications options in remote areas
It’s much more relaxing in the Outback when you know that reliable contact with the outside world is only a button-push away. However, UHF (CB) radios are great for vehicle to vehicle communication, but near on useless in an emergency if there isn’t anyone close-by that also has one. Mobile telephones are great, when you’re in a mobile service area, but there’s not much service in the Outback or remote areas.
Hema Maps App
Queensland-based Hema has an App for Apple and Android device users that puts detailed outback map data in your lap or pocket.
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