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Today we learned about how to operate a satellite phone. Roy Stehle of SRI Communications gave us a quick overview of the entire system. Several of the research camps are located in remote areas where communication is limited. Iridium is a network of satellites in low earth orbit of roughly 485

This morning we continued our technical training by operating satellite phones. These devices, provided by SRI International, use iridium batteries and 66 satellites over 400 miles above us to provide a telephone signal virtually anywhere in the world. I tried calling back to New Orleans, but had to

The training intensifies as I learn about the satellite phone that I will be using to communicate from the field. The does and don’ts are key to making sure I can let everyone know how the team is doing in far away and remote Kamchatka, Russia. Thankfully, I am once again in capable hands and I will

Today in orientation, we were introduced to satellite phone technology. We all got to go outside and call family, friends, work, or whomever on a satellite phone. Unfortunately, everyone I tried to call was unavailable. But, I could leave a voicemail so I did get some practice. Calling someone on a

Musk oxen are huge, woolly beasts! They look like the kind of creature that would roar into town on a big, loud motorcycle. We got to meet several today at the Large Animal Research Station (LARS) outside of Fairbanks. Apparently they went extinct in Alaska in the 1800's but they have been re

As a birder I enjoy seeing different species in various contexts. While there hasn't been much time during our intensive orientation and training for bird watching, I did have some time before training to snoop around and I've seen a few other birds here in Fairbanks on our field excursions. Some of

Meet Bernie the Ungulate We spent the better part of almost two hours at The Large Animal Research Station In Fairbanks, Alaska to observe and learn about some Arctic ungulates. You're probably wondering what I'm doing in Fairbanks, Alaska touching ungulates, huh? Well, PolarTREC brought me up here

Today Roy Stehle from SRI International in San Francisco came to Fairbanks to teach us how to use satellite phones on our expeditions. We'll use these not only for phone calls but also to send emails and even photos. Roy says these phones are basically cell phones, but instead of using cell towers

So as a teacher, I'm now going to a kind of school. Yes, I've done my time and I've already gone to school for many, many years. But I'm back now, as an adult and a credentialed teacher in Fairbanks, Alaska, attending a training with twelve other teachers. We're here for seven days with our

This is a practice journal entry using a simplified email process using Markdown symbols. I hope it works! Today we learned how to use a Satellite phone. Roy Stehle from SRI Communications, provided us with the information we need to use a satellite phone in the field. For practice, I called my wife