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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1993-94: VUWAE 38

Radio Communications

Radio Communications

K040 was issued with both VHF and compak HF radios. The HF radio was emplaced, tested, and remained in standby for duration of stay at Table Mountain, but was not utilised because of the ease of use of the VHF radio. Communications via the Mt. Newall repeater were always adequate and the high gain antenna was not required. On several instances, the battery appeared to become flat prematurely and our signal would weaken such that Scott Base could not receive our broadcasts, necessitating a changing of batteries. It became apparent that one of the batteries failed to hold a full-capacity charge. However, we were able to get enough use from the faulty battery to allow sufficient recharge time for the good battery. Nevertheless, an extended period of cloudy, sun-less weather may have required use of the VHF radio as a backup. Solar panels worked well, but were often difficult to keep in an efficient orientation in the ice and snow. Perhaps a wire frame or backrest with small spikes in the base (to keep the panel from slipping, especially in moderate winds) would be a worthwhile, low-cost, and lightweight component that can be easily added to the panels.

The Comms operators provided excellent service and an efficient link to Scott Base. Their friendly and helpful manner made the radio skeds much looked forward to occasions. News about other events, Scott Base happenings, electronic mail from New Zealand, and a casual chat were much appreciated by all event members. Weather forecasts were not supplied and would have generally have been of little help as frequently the weather was localised.

Details of field movements (i.e., helicopters) were given in advance, but updates on the arrival time were often not available. This was certainly not a fault of the Scott Base Comms operators, but due to the lack of communication from the helicopters. In several instances we were surprised by the sudden arrival of a helicopter. In other instances we had difficulty communicating directly with the helicopters and had to use Scott Base as an intermediary. On the return to Table Mountain on 17 Jan, one member of the party was in the helicopter when communications were attempted, and it was clear that the field party could not hear the helicopter broadcasts for whatever reason, but were well received by the air crew. Both the lack of warning and the difficult direct communication wasted valuable helicopter time.