D. COMMUNICATIONS

A Labgear radio was used and generally gave no problems in communications with Scott Base. On two separate days relay via Vanda Station was necessary due to poor radio conditions at Scott Base.

Two batteries were picked up together with a radio from the Scott Base Post Office. In the field, one battery was found to be dead even though the Post Office had given the assurance that both were fully charged. Problems could have been experienced without a spare battery if the planned field duration had been longer.