Explanation of communication from the expedition in Greenland

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Communications on and from the 2023 Greenland Expedition

Welcome to a new audio post about the 2023 Greenland Expedition. In this post, I discuss the various communication tools we use to keep in touch with the home front and share updates on the website. It is important to note that communicating on the ice sheet is not as easy as in the Netherlands, where we are used to having mobile coverage everywhere.

Satellite phone: our lifeline to the outside world

One of the main communication tools we take with us on the expedition is a satellite phone. This phone works over the Iridium network and allows us to post audio posts regularly, like this one. We already have the main numbers of Basecamp, Rescue Services and the home front pre-programmed into the phone so we can quickly contact them without having to search for the whole number. Although the satellite phone is not as advanced as the smartphones we use every day, it is a reliable way to communicate in an environment without a cellular network.

VHF radio: essential for communication with helicopter pilots

In addition to the satellite phone, we also carry a VHF radio. This lightweight radio allows us to contact a helicopter pilot, should we need a helicopter. This may be because we choose to be picked up or in case of an emergency. The VHF radio is essential for communicating with the pilot during these situations.

Garmin Inreach: a convenient tracker and communication tool

Another device we are bringing is the Garmin Inreach. This device acts as a tracker and allows us to be tracked continuously. The information from the Garmin Inreach is used to update the map on the website. In addition, messages can be sent to the Inreach. Our Basecamp manager sends the weather forecast daily to the Inreach, so we can plan ahead and know what weather to expect. The Inreach can be paired with our smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing us to see all messages on our phones that have been sent to the Inreach.

Iridium Go: a wifi hotspot on the ice sheet

The Iridium Go is another handy little device we have with us. It acts as a wifi hotspot in our tent, allowing us to send footage from our cell phone to the Basecamp manager. This can then occasionally share photos on Instagram, Facebook or with audio blogs. The Iridium Go also allows us to send emails, although this process is very slow. It is similar to the old dial-up modems of old. Despite the slow connection, the Iridium Go is a valuable communication tool for forwarding photos and e-mails.

PLB: Personal Locator Beacon for emergencies

Finally, we carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), an emergency transmitter. This device contains a red button that can be pressed in case of emergency. When the button is pressed and the antenna is pulled out, emergency services are alerted. Although no two-way communication is possible, the PLB is a last resort in the event of an emergency where all other means of communication fail. It is important to note that the PLB is used only for alerting emergency services and not for maintaining contact with the home front.

Importance of communication during the expedition

These means of communication are critical to keeping in touch with the home front, Basecamp and any rescue services. Each team member is responsible for one of these communication devices so that a device is always available. While the technologies may not be as advanced as what we are used to, they allow us to keep the outside world informed of our progress and ask for help if needed.

Closing

Thank you for listening to this audio post about communications on and off the Greenland Expedition 2023. It is fascinating to see how, in an environment without a mobile network, we are still able to keep in touch with the outside world. With the satellite phone, VHF radio, Garmin Inreach, Iridium Go and PLB, we have an extensive arsenal of communication tools at our disposal. We hope these devices will help us safely and successfully complete our expedition. On to the next update!