NGT HF Radio Transceiver

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program my NGT myself ?
No. There are two main reasons why end users are not allowed to program their NGT. Firstly the NGT contains a long list of specialised programming parameters designed to make the NGT simple to operate for end users. Programming incorrect settings into a NGT may create problems and ultimately may prevent the transceiver from operating correctly.
Secondly the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) regulations prohibit users from programming a frequency (i.e. channel) into HF radios. Users are only permitted to transmit on channels that they are licensed to operate on. Codan provides training for dealers to ensure their products are programmed and maintained to the highest standards possible.

What is Easitalk ?
Easitalk (Easytalk) is a new and exciting feature for the Codan NGT radio. It revolutionises the way HF radio works by virtually eliminating the annoying background noise that's present on all HF communications. Codan Easitalk uses advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques to remove background noise during reception - presenting the user with a cleaner, more legible transmission and greatly reducing the annoying need to repeat conversations.

What is Selcall ?
Selective calling: A selcall number is like a phone number. This means that rather than disrupting all users, you can selcall a specific station. When a call is received on a channel that is being scanned, the radio rings like a telephone. This removes the need for an operator to continuously monitor each channel. The radio can be programmed to scan several channels at any one time. Selcall is a standard feature of Codan NGTs.

Is it better to use my HF radio during the day time or night time ?
Day time is generally better for HF communications, however with the correct selection of available channels, HF communications can be used during the day time or night time.

What is the maximum power of an NGT ?
The ACA limits the maximum power to 100 watts (PEP) for all mobiles in Australia.

Can I get weather reports on my NGT ?
Yes, the Bureau of Meteorology broadcast daily weather reports mainly targeted at marine users. Various 4WD and HF radio clubs also broadcast daily with weather and other useful information for the outback traveller. In short, if it is being broadcast over a HF frequency your NGT can receive it !!

Can I talk to my friends who are using a UHF 2-Way ?
No. The Codan HF radio transmits in a different frequency band to UHF radio. HF bands are between 2 and 24 Mhz, whereas UHF generally operates between 400 and 520 MHz

How far can I get with my NGT ?
HF communications are designed to operate over vast distances. In Australia the ACA often assign channels that allow communications between Brisbane and Broome and from Adelaide to Darwin. In general Codan NGT dealers will ascertain the operational needs of their customers and apply for channels that will suit their requirements. We even know of users (Amateur operators with special licenses from the ACA) who have transmitted around the world and have received their own transmission a few seconds later.

Somebody told me I need a UHF CB unit as well as an HF one. Doesn't my HF radio go further anyway ?
Yes, your HF radio does travel further than your UHF CB, however HF radios are generally not used for short distance communications (HF transmissions become reliable from about 200+Kms), whereas UHF CB is normally used for short distance communications up to 50+Kms.

What is CALM and is it a private network ?
CALM stands for Codan Automatic Link Management system, or in other words a simple way of getting your NGT radio to automatically choose the best channel to communicate to another NGT mobile or NGT base. Codan developed their CALM system to take the 'guess work' out of HF radio. It revolutionises HF radio to the point where customers simply select a name from the NGT address book and press call. The CALM system finds a suitable channel and alerts the other NGT user that there's a call waiting - it can be as simple as that !
At present CALM has been limited to private networks (e.g. company fleets, government users), however the ACA has recently relaxed its rules governing CALM networks, so we'll soon be seeing private users with CALM enjoying trouble-free conversations with their friends where ever they may be.

The NGT is pretty high tech. Can I talk to people with other types of radio ?
Yes. Although the NGT is a very sophisticated HF radio, NGT users can still communicate with users of other types of HF radio. NGT users receive the extra benefit of Easitalk digital noise reduction no matter what type of other radio is called. The simplicity offered with CALM can only be used by other Codan NGT radios.