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Contact 3.0 gets another write up in Outdoor media
19:04 p.m. EST Feb 2, 2005
The simple, lightweight, no fuss tech of Contact 3.0 is getting recognition outside the Everest yak trail. What used to pack in 2 barrels now fits in a small yellow box, 5 different support call numbers are replaced by one - and you don't even need your webmaster! Or at least you can have him designing all those cool features on your website instead of copy and pasting your e-mails 24/7. Your reports will be in real time, even from high camps - and the summit!
No easier and cheaper way
Launched only 2 years ago, the technology has now served hundreds of expeditions worldwide, latest by almost all South Pole teams, and the Shisha winter climb.
With the 40% faster transmission speed and recent steep drop in prices for Thuraya and RBGAN hardware (check HumanEdgeTech in the links section), there is no easier and cheaper way to cybercast your adventure all the way from BC to the summit! A great climb deserves an awesome story, and nothing beats live! This is how Backpacker magazine puts it in their latest issue:
Do it in real time...
"Ever wish the folks back home could see the sights you're seeing? Now they can - in real time - without leaving their desks. With this field communications system, you can transmit expedition dispatches, photos, video, and audio from anywhere on the planet to any Web site server, all for less than 2.5 pounds trail weight. The key is proprietary software that links up to a digital camera, satellite phone, PDA, and keyboard (all included in the package prize)."
Tests in the Canadian Rockies
"Various hardware packages are available, but we like the backpacker setup which includes a Globalstar Sat phone, Compaq Ipaq 2200 PDA, and SONY DC-P93 digital camera. During tests in the Canadian Rockies, we found the system easy to use and were surprised at the near-instant transmission time. Simply type your message, attach the multimedia files, and hit send. An optional software upgrade (USD 200) will automatically plot your dispatch position to an online map. The system is solar rechargeable and includes all cables, a Pelican case, and software training. (USD 2800, 2lbs, 8oz.)"
Positions on Everest!
That's what Backpacker writes in their Backcountry Tech Special (March 2005). So what's the deal about the positioning for Everest? Oh it's new, it's real, and very, very cool. Check the story on this site later this week.
Backpacker magazine is among the largest outdoor mags in US and packed with gear reviews and destinations for backpacking, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The ready-to-go Everest high camp package Contact 3.0 includes a Web site, expedition e-mail, publishing software, satellite phone, digital camera, PDA, power and more. Just grab the yellow case and go.
The user interface is fast and easy to enable updates from high camps and the summit. You can send images, video, voice and text - all updated instantly on the expedition's Web site. 40% Faster - save on sat phone bill - Contact 3.0 proved to be 40% faster than e-mail in tests.
For Everest, the Himalaya and Pakistan, we recommend the Thuraya satellite phone. For climbs in South America, North America and Australia - Globalstar. For climbs on Baffin Island, Greenland, Antarctica, Africa, NZ and NG - Iridium.
Image of the Contact 3.0 PDA setup, HumanEdgeTech.com
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