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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1978-79: VUWAE 23
D. COMMUNICATIONS
D. COMMUNICATIONS
Event 12a
Early season communications were good both to Scott Base and Vanda. Through preference Event 12 were allocated Compak 8 radios. Which again gave good service, except for a faulty aerial plug. Even though this was tested before leaving Scott Base, the fault developed to the stage of almost nil communication. The testing of radios too close to Scott Base is the probably reason for this fault not being detected earlier. For this reason, it is essential that all radios should be tested every time a party is put into, or shifted in the field by helicopter. This also is a safe measure against leaving radios on helicopters.
Event 12b
The party utilised the same radios (with fresh batteries) as 12a, and encountered the same difficulties with one of them. Having the two radios however, proved useful as one was able to be left at camp, while the other utilised for daytime communications with Scott Base and helicopters while field work was being undertaken.