HARD GOING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 291, 7 December 1929, Page 14

HARD GOING

KEEPING DIRECTION IN ANTARCTIC RADIO’S BIG PART. KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH BASE. (By Russell Owen —Copyright by Sydney Sun and New York Times.) LITTLE AMERICA, Antarctic, October 1. , Navigation in the Antarctic is complicated and must often be based on dead reckoning when on the trail in a storm. When the sun is shining, an observation will be obtained with a theodolite. As an emergency instrument a bubble sextant is employed, which obviates the use of an artificial horizon, which is otherwise necessary when a sextant is used on land. A sun compass will also be used when the sun is shining, as it is not subject to the polar vagaries of the magnetic compass. But when the sky is overcast or a mild blizzard is blowing, progress may be made with the use of the magnetic compass, allowing for the changes in variation, which are rapid near the poles, and the sledge meter which records the distance travelled. This is a wheel on the rear of the sledge which turns a recording dial similar to the mileage recorder on the dashboard of an automobile. The magnetic compass and the sledge meter make possible dead reckoning which may be very accurate, as has been found on many polar journeys.

The compass is carried on a sledge lashed with raw hide and containing no metal. A number of other compasses are also carried, a periodic and pocket compasses.

W atches which have checked all winter to get their rates will be carried, as well as barometers to give altitude, one of which measures to the nearest two feet.

A radio set for sending and receiving is carried by both the supporting and the geological sledging parties so that they may ke*p in touch with the base camp at regular intervals. These sets are light, portable sets designed and built by Howard Mason with the help of Carl Petersen and Harold June. They arc compact and solidly built despite their small size, so that they will stand a lot of jarring on the trail.

Radio schedules will be made so that it will be possible to get in communication with the base at a certain time every day, although it is probable that the sets will be used only two or three times a week to report progress, Except in case of an emergency. The base operator will listen at certain times every day, but there will be no cause to worry about the sledging parties unless a number of days pass without a report. If an emergency arises and help is needed, or if many days pass without a report from either party, it will be assumed, either that its set has been broken or lost or that the party is in trouble.

In any case, one aeroplane will bo ready to fly out in' good weather to learn what is wrong or to take anything in tfie way of food or other supplies or convey whatever help is necessary. When, on the trail, the operator wishes to get into communication with the base, he will set up two high jointed bamboo poles which are held rigidly with guy lines and between which is hung the antenna wire. Leads from this go down into one of the tents in which the apparatus is placed. There may be days in which it will be difficult to erect the poles and antennae because of wind and snow, but once in the tent the operator can work in comfort. The only difficulty is warming up the batteries, and in unusually cold weather the man acting as radio, operator may have to carry some of his dry batteries strapped round his waist for a time so as to warm them enough to make them operate. Dry batteries freeze up quickly in very cold weather, and a flashlight down here will go out of business while one is carrying it. The radio will be invaluable in keeping the base informed of what is going on. It will be the first time that radio has been, used on the trail in the Antarctic, and it might obviate a long period which would otherwise elapse before anxiety as to the welfare of the party would logically begin, although long before that time they might need help. It will also be very useful in transmitting information from the island geological base as to weather conditions at the mountains before the polar flight and in giving instructions as to how to find the best landing place near the inland base, if the ’plane wishes to land there or to establish a flying base near the mountains.