CUCC Expedition Handbook

Expedition Handbook

First steps

You've never been to expo? This is what you need to know before packing to come:

Kit list - Things to bring on expo.
Needed paperwork - Things to do to join expo.
Join the online groups - Join the expo email list and chat
Travel - Ways of getting to Austria.
Kit labelling - Gear-tape colours in use.
GPS safety - Get GPS tracks of safe paths on your phone before you leave home.
Map app - Offline prospecting website - Get the website with a map on your phone.

Second steps

This is what it's all about:

Introduction to expo - a 40-year institution
Primer - For new expedition members - the caves we are exploring
SRT Rigging - How to bolt and rig caves on expo. Care of ropes between expos.
Surveying - Why and how we survey caves. (important!)
Surveying - beginners guide - Jump to: Beginners guide.

Communication

Need to get in touch with someone during expo? Look here (See "Join the online groups" above for general comms).

Phone numbers and setup - Topcamp and basecamp numbers, adding credit.
RESCUE - How and when to call rescue. (read before you need!)
Cavelink - The VLF radio system that enables communication between topcamp and underground.

Computing and Cave Surveying

This is a scientific expedition - the Austrian government allows us to wander around the plateau in exchange for cave surveys. Learn how to contribute!

How can I contribute? (even when not on expo) - there's lots anyone can help with at any time.
Expo online systems - Overview of expo server capabilites.
Recording new survey or cave - Expo process for what and how to record. (important!)
Uploading photos - More detailed description on photos management.
Phone GPS - How to record the location of the cave you've found.
Logbook - Adding trip notes and cave descriptions.
Using your own laptop - Minimal setup to download and upload stuff.

New Cave - How to Enter the Data - Straight to step #6 of the online cave data-entry process
Trip report status - Missing .svx's, missing tunnel drawings etc.

Topcamp info

Things that are likely to be relevant at topcamp.

FIRST AID - What is kept at top camp
Lights charging - Power at topcamp (12V) and at basecamp.
Topcamp 'toilet' (important!)
Painkillers etc. - simple drugs on expo
Bivi Rigging - Bivvi rigging guide for topcamp.
Drill battery charging - How to charge drill batts. (important! you could break them)
Solar Panels - Set-up and put-away info.
Garlic Camp - Garlic Camp tarp rigging guide, plus other info

Plateau walking and caving info

Things that are likely to be relevant on the plateau, looking for caves and surveying them.

Weather - What to expect at top camp.
Logbook - Adding trip notes and cave descriptions.
Cave locations - How to get GPS locations of paths & caves onto your phone.
Prospecting - first steps - How to check out a possible entrance safely.
Prospecting guide - Maps of known entrances and potential locations of interest.
Web-based prospecting guide - Web-based prospecting guide. (under construction)
Surface landmarks - Finding places on plateau by taking bearings.
Cavelink - Radio system between topcamp and inside a cave.
GPS fix - Finding places on plateau using GPS-magic (old).
Recording newly found caves - What and how to record. (important!)
Cave photography - Very brief photograpy handbook.

Basecamp info

Things that are likely to be relevant at basecamp.

Basecamp - How to basecamp.
Bierbook - Recording beer and expenses at basecamp.
Basecamp computer - What's the setup, how to use it.
Rope history - Rope usage and retirement policy.
Bank of expo - How to use the Bank of Expo.

Planning to next Expo

Expo Planning Guide - How to plan and orgnise expo.
Expo leader checklist - For leaders: check these before you leave UK.
Expo treasurer's guide - For treasurers: tasks, tips, accounting policies.

History

Primer - For new expedition members - the caves we are exploring
Base camps - History of basecamps
Top camps - History of topcamps

Misc

Photography Guide - vital for entrances and documenting caves.
Travelling cavers phrases - Vocabulary in (German, Spanish, French).