| Component |
Photo |
Manufacturer |
Description |
Status |
| Ethernet Bridge Radio Modem |
 |
Intuicom |
900 MHz line-of-sight ethernet communications, used for links over 100km, suited for sites near research stations
(internet access points). Average power draw is ~1.0 Watt. |
Operational since 2004. Normally deployed with Yagi antennas. Communications tested successfully
in Antarctica with Trimble NetRS receiver. Currently deployed in EarthScope PBO network, Antarctic
permanent stations CONZ, MACZ, and COTE. |
| Serial Radio Modem |
 |
FreeWave |
900 MHz line-of-sight serial communications, used for links over 100km, suited for sites near research stations
(with on-site download computer). Average power draw is ~1.0 Watt. |
Operational since 2000. Normally deployed with Yagi antennas. Communications tested successfully in Antarctica
with Trimble R7 receiver. Currently deployed at Mount Fleming (FLM5) and Cape Roberts (ROB4) GPS stations,
and Cape Roberts Tide Gauge (in conjunction with Land Information New Zealand). |
| Yagi Antenna |
 |
Bluewave |
900 MHz line-of-sight serial communications, used for links over 100km, suited for sites near research stations.
7-element 10dB model is typical, however antenna selection is site-specific. |
Functional point-to-point radio link of 100 miles achieved with similar Yagi antenna (Mt. Fleming to Mt. Erebus repeater). |
| Mt. Erebus Serial Radio Repeater |
 |
FreeWave and
Pacific Wireless
TR-900H-120-12 |
Powered by solar panels and gel cell batteries. Allows data retrieval from remote sites to McMurdo Station and Scott Base.
Covers 120 degree swath of Transantarctic Mountains from Cape Roberts to Minna Bluff. |
Operational since 2004 at Mt. Erebus Truncated Cones site. Serves GPS stations at Mount Fleming (FLM5)
and Cape Roberts (ROB4), and Cape Roberts Tide Gauge. Uses FreeWave serial radio modem and Pacific Wireless
horizontally polarized sector antenna. |
| Iridium Data Modem (remote)
| 
 |
NAL Research
A3LA-SA |
Iridium allows 2400bps, suitable for GPS data downloads. Only communications system with global coverage, suited
for the most remote sites where no other communications options are practical. Purchase with audio board disabled
and with threaded standoffs for mounting serial connector. Use SAF5350C antenna, MTR2
antenna mount, and SYN-DC-936 DC-DC power converter with serial connection and 20 gauge power wires.
Average power draw is ~1.0 Watt (when downloading ~ 1MB data per day). |
Operational since 2005 with Trimble NetRS receiver. Currently
deployed in 30+ locations in Antarctica and Greenland for POLENET project and UNAVCO/PASSCAL Remote Stations MRI project.
At present, Iridium/NetRS system must incorporate a timer switch (see below). |
| Iridium Data Modem (base)
| 
 |
NAL Research
A3LA-MPT |
Same as A3LA-SA but with larger case and internal watchdog programming to reboot modem in case of hardware lockup.
Purchase with audio board disabled. Use SAF5350C antenna, MTR2 antenna mount, and HRC-24-7A AC-DC power
converter with serial connection. |
Robust and modular download software allows excellent data retrieval capability. Hub is expandable to download
up to 100 remote sites. |
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