Starting the Journey

Solo Ex-Digger · Veteran Member

Starting the Journey

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Solo Ex-Digger, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I don't have the Hema but have heard they are good, so they should cos they cost heaps. All the GPS units can lead you astray at times so be aware of that.

Camps 8 is a must when travelling but also and as well even and equally important is grab a copy of Wikicamps for your phone, iPad or similar. It is interactive and is as good as we, the user make it. It has up to date comments and pics. I check Camps first them " zoom " in on Wiki to check the info. Make sure you add to Wiki as well as you move around.

UHF, is also a must have while travelling. Tune into channel 40 , the truckies and Pilot 's channel and 29 along the Pacific Hwy. For some reason the truckies use 29 there, not sure why. I scan both at all times plus a few others.

As for contacting other like minded travellers I usually mention where I am or will be here on the forum, unless I want some " my time " Just don't give your exact location on the open forum, use PM's for that.

Have a look though all the different sections of this great forum and ask any questions etc in the appropriate one so it can be found easy by you and others later after it has reached the dungeons.

Keep Safe on the roads.

Solo Ex-Digger · Veteran Member

Thanks Dougwe,

From what I can gather, Camps 8 are actually linked to Hema (business links I believe).

I'll have to have another think and chat with my contact at the camper trailer place. She was showing me a "walkie-talkie" type device. Problem is that it only has an effective range of about 10ks.

I am not sure if I want to buy the attached. Going to have a look at it tomorrow. It is cheap and I only want it for a year or so.

I may or may not keep my current RAV4. That is in excellent condition and, according to Red Book, is worth more than the Pajero.

The things I need to think about are expense in fitting out the RAV which are already on the Pajero; cost of rego and transfer of the Pajero.

Any thought you wise ones out there???

aussietraveller · Guru

Welcome to the forum Tony you will meet a wide range of people here who are happy to provide help when needed, regarding the CB radio I have a vehicle mounted and a couple of hand held units, I would not take as gospel what sales people say about the range of a unit they do exaggerate and there a many things that impact on signal strength, one of my friends travels only with good quality hand held unit.
I like Dougwe have found the Camps books good but expensive and now I only use Wikicamps as I have found it to be more up to date and contains more relevant information . Don't forget to visit the nomad shop and get a couple of stickers it helps other nomads identify you.

Enjoy your time out exploring the big playground and here on the forum.

Solo Ex-Digger · Veteran Member

Cheers,

Good idea about the nomad shop. I am much more comfortable with a veh mounted comms unit. I understand that the initial expense to set up is going to be quite daunting, but cost has never stopped me in the past (and never been a major consideration). It is good to be mortgage free and get three pensions!!

I am giving serious thought to changing my veh to a true 4wd and one that is already fitted out with the necessary equipment for an up-to-date cb. The other I have found is also ready for better fitment and has Bluetooth connectivity.

The Camps book does allow for electronic updates.

Still time to come to a final decision. I hope to come to a decision by next weekend and then proceed.

Cheers

pomme · Senior Member

Hi solo Ex-Digger,
For your cb radio needs you may want to look at a a site i often check they seem to be quite reasonable
with the prices, and they also have quite a large range to look at. "Andrews Communications"
I have over the years bought a lot off "icom" radio's they are dearer but you get what you pay for.
Pomme.

Solo Ex-Digger · Veteran Member

Cheers Pomme,

I will check it out. Are you a true Pom? (No offence intended) I was attached to a Brit army unit for 2 years. They were great to work with. The whole Regt turned up at the airport to make sure "their" Aussie got on the plane to go home!!

I remember most of the 2 years - except for the dining in nights and the various traditional nights - Trafalgar Night etc.... Loved the way they sent around a pfoforma to see if you were going to 1. attend and 2. what you wanted for breakfast!!

pomme · Senior Member

G'day tony.
yes i am a pom, hitch-hiking around the world many years ago, working from country to country got to this wonderful country called Australia !!!
Apart from a few jobs overseas have lived here for over forty years, why would i want to live anywhere else, best country in the world.
Pomme.

Solo Ex-Digger · Veteran Member

Hi Pomme,

I was born overseas and I have travelled the world and still call this place home. My overseas postings were great - Cyprus and Thailand - as were my travels (China, Hungary, UK, Vietnam). It seems that you know where home is.

Cheers