In November 2001 two members set out to do the South and North
Pole back to back without the support of re-supplies.
The expedition had three technology challenges: Building a
PAN (personal area network) in a polar environment, slash the weight of
communication technology to below one kilogram and to develop a new
self-publishing
system for expeditions.
Bluetooth
 The
expedition members used Bluetooth to transfer files between each others
computers and for communication between various technology components.
The purpose of
building a PAN was to eliminate the need for cables. As satellite phones
and handheld computers are dropping towards 200 gr. in weight, a simple
cord can still weigh more than 100 gr.
With Bluetooth radio technology, expedition communication packages could
lose crucial weight and common trouble spots.
The expedition tested file transfers between handheld
computers and wearable computers over Bluetooth . The picture shows the
first image ever transmitted from a Polar region over Bluetooth and
satellite (Iridium).
Off-line publishing system
An off-line publishing system was
created to enable the expedition to publish images, voice and text
straight to
the website, without the support of a webmaster. It was the first ever
daily log and live pictures published from polar expeditions.
In spite of the challenging expedition, the members completed a full,
uninterrupted log
(137 days/137 dispatches and pictures).
Ultra-light expedition technology
 The
final goal was to slash a complete hardware setup, capable of image
editing and web-publishing, from 4 kg to less than 1 kg.
Creating custom
communication software and connecting selected hardware the team initiated the use of small
handheld PDA's with Iridium satellite phone.
The setup has since become a standard for polar exploration and
high altitude climbing.
Self-publishing 137 daily reports and images, transmitting an image via
Bluetooth and PAN, creating a below 1kg expedition communication
setup, and reaching both poles unsupported back to back, the expedition
was a full success. |
