36 Layers of communication
Depending on where you intend to go, you’ll need communications that are up to the job. As a starting point you’ll have a mobile phone, but bad luck if you’re using someone other than Telstra. Ask your service provider for a coverage map of the country and you’ll likely discover that there are big chunks without network reception, the dead zones. Telstra’s coverage isn’t complete, or far from perfect, but it’s better than everyone else’s. The next layer is a quality UHF CB (Ultra-High Frequency Citizens Band) radio. With these if you want some distance and clarity you need power and a good antenna. Hand-held units are good for light-duty personal work, but a decent in-car set will punch out a stronger signal, distance enhanced by nearby repeater towers. UHF is great for convoy work, but it’s line-of-sight only, interference comes from hills, buildings, forests and anything else that might be in the way between you and your UHF buddy. For ease of usage and making sure you remain in total contact, nothing beats an Iridium Satphone. Lastly an EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon) offers the ultimate backup when all else has failed. All it will do though is advise Search and Rescue where the distress signal has been triggered, not the nature of the incident and what response is required.