Ship
The Terra Nova was the only link with the outside world. After unloading at Cape Evans the Terra Nova was involved in setting up some of the other expeditions. It was the Terra Nova that discovered Amundsen's presence at the Bay of Whales.
In late February 1911 the ship left the Antarctic and headed for New Zealand, exploring some uncharted waters on its voyage. It arrived in Lyttelton on 31 March 1911 bringing mail from those that were wintering over in Antarctica.
After the winter months the Terra Nova returned to the Antarctic bringing fresh supplies, mail and new men. It arrived on 5 February 1912. Scott and those who had gone to the Pole were still returning but there was mail from them that was to be delivered. On 3 January Scott and the final Polar team had written letters that were sent back with Evans, Crean and Lashly. One of Scott's letters was a press release where he stated:
"I am remaining in the Antarctic in order to continue and complete my work"
The Terra Nova left the Antarctic without Scott and his team- they had missed the latest time that the ship could sail but the ship did carry their letters. There was no thought that the Polar party had perished. When the Terra Nova reached Lyttelton on1 April 1912 it brought news that Scott would be wintering over for a second year to finish the scientific studies. The next spring saw the Terra Nova return to the Antarctic, arriving at Cape Evans on 18 January 1913 News that Scott and his party had died did not arrive until 12 February 1913 when the Terra Nova sailed into Lyttelton harbour with its flags at half-mast.
Letters
The days before the departure of the Terra Nova were usually busy as men wrote to their families. Scott had to correspond with his family as well as some of the main sponsors of the expedition. The many letters written from the polar explorers have been used to help tell their story.
Telephone
Scott had showed a willingness to use new technology and he was able to set up a telephone link between Cape Evans and Hut Point. Unfortunately it had been washed out and by 1912 was not in operation.
Human messengers
The role of returning teams on the polar route was the main way of communicating while on the march. Each returning team brought orders, sometimes conflicting ones, as Scott re-assessed his requirements en route. This form of communication was one-way only and illustrates the isolation that Scott and his men were in during their expedition.
Iridium Satellite Telephone
The new Iridium satellite system, operational on September 23 1998, is the first telephone system to have complete global coverage. The system works best in the polar regions. IceTrek will carry 2 Motorolla telephones with spare batteries and solar panel for recharging.
HF Radio Codan Type 6924
The Codan Type 6924 HF radio with di-Pole antenna will be carried to communicate with Scott Base. A fully charged spare battery will be carried and can be recharged with the use of solar panels.
This particular unit has been adapted for extreme cold with modified crystals and silicone cables. The unit was used by the IceWalk North Pole Expedition.
Frequencies used: 2773, 4770, 5400, 8010, 8998, 11553 and 11570.
Argos Transmitter
The Argos system is a worldwide satellite location and data collection system. It operates 365 days a year and 24 hours per day. The Argos processing center receives raw data from polar orbiting satellites then processes messages and calculates locations. The messages and locations are then sent to IceTrek's office in Melbourne, Australia, via the Internet. Any organisations wishing to know the status of the expedition can call the Melbourne office during business hours or log onto the expedition website.
IceTrek will carry 2 x TAT 3 "Adventure" platforms (beacons), one as a primary unit, the other as a back-up (each with battery power for 2 months - 4 months total). These portable units are designed to operate in hostile weather conditions. The platform can transmit sixteen coded messages, an emergency signal if the user should be in trouble, location, and ambient temperature information.
The Argos is also the primary emergency beacon.
Pre-programmed messages
Emergency signal. Evacuate immediately