The team aims to use the latest technology available to try and achieve direct updates to the website from the Polar ice.
CAMERAS
AND COMPUTERS
On a regular basis the team will write reports onto a PDA COMPUTER
and add DIGITAL PHOTGRAPHS and short VOICE
REPORTS. Using custom made CONTACT 3 software,
Conrad and Richard will download this information via a satellite phone
direct to the website.
In addition, a G.P.S. position will be added to the report that will automatically update a daily progress log and map.
Conrad and his wife, successfully tested the system, by sending 45 consecutive reports direct to the website, whilst crossing the Pyrenees from coast to coast this summer.
However
in the Arctic the difficulties of sending reports are immense due to the
extreme conditions. The camera, PDA and satellite phone can freeze and
are very susceptible to moisture. To prevent condensation, all equipment
must be kept in sealed plastic bags and not used until they are all the
same temperature as the inside of the tent (this takes 2-3 hours).
At the end of the day, when the team is exhausted and hungry, it is incredibly
difficult to stay awake an extra hour to send reports. Trying to type
at -25°C, half out of a sleeping bag, is an endurance test.
BATTERIES
Batteries are the core to the system and we rely on Energizer L91 AA lithium
batteries. They operate down to -40°C and offer five times the power
of alkaline batteries. At 14.5 grams per battery, they are light. By combining
8 batteries in a bespoke plastic compartment, we have the lightest 12V
charger in the world. Conrad & Richard will use this to charge the
satellite phone and PDA and take 180 AA batteries for the expedition..
All batteries have to be pre warmed next to the body prior to use.
