Essential electronics for your Greenland expedition

Preparations for the Greenland expedition

Preparations for the Greenland expedition are in full swing. A major part of this is sorting out all the necessary electronics. Some devices are mandatory; otherwise, you cannot apply for a permit from the Greenlandic government. Others are more nice-to-haves. Here is an overview of everything we are taking with us.

Satellite phone and GPS

Naturally, we are bringing a satellite phone, an Iridium 9555 Extreme. This phone provides a satellite connection, allowing us to make calls even in remote locations. The device also has a built-in GPS and an SOS button for emergencies.

Garmin InReach Messenger Plus

The InReach Messenger Plus from Garmin is a handy little device that allows us to share our location. Those back home can see exactly where we are via the website. The expedition team can also use it to send messages to, for example, the medical basecamp and myself as basecamp manager. Additionally, we can send photos from the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

A PLB is mandatory to bring along. In case of an emergency, this transmitter sends a signal to a service center in America, which can then locate us. Without a PLB, you won’t get a permit for the expedition.

Communication equipment

We also have a VHF radio with us, an old-school marine radio that allows us to communicate on channel 16 with boats on the east side of Greenland near Isertoq. This is the international emergency channel and is always monitored. Additionally, we have a Ground to Air radio for communication with air traffic, such as helicopters or passing planes.

Weather and navigation equipment

A digital thermometer and wind speed meter help us calculate the wind chill according to the standards of the International Polar Guide Association. These guidelines determine at what wind chill it is still safe to head out or when it’s better to stay in the tent. The thermometer is compact, about half the size of an average smartphone.

Smartphone and GPS

Our smartphone is coming along too, mainly to take photos, but also because of the built-in GPS. We use it to log our route and determine our heading, which we then transfer to our compass.

Lighting and power supply

We have a headlamp with us that runs on batteries. To charge all our electronics, we use power banks from Xtorm, supported by a solar panel from the same brand. Xtorm is a Dutch company that provides us with robust cables reinforced with Kevlar, making them virtually indestructible. This was the update on our electronics for the expedition. If you’re interested in joining such an adventure, we’ll take care of everything for you. In any case, you now have an insight into what we’re taking on our upcoming Greenland expedition.