Icom Satellite Radios Drive Communication for Land Rover Launch
Jaguar Land Rover recently completed a series of Global Media Drives to launch their new high-performance Land Rover Defender, the Octa. The drives unfolded across the diverse landscapes of Africa and the rugged terrain of Scotland, with Icom radio solutions providing seamless communication along the way.
From mapping driving routes to hosting guests, the JLR Global Drive Team had a lot to manage whilst prioritising safety for those involved. The convoy of Defender Octas with over 10 support vehicles navigated on and off-road courses, challenging the design and engineering capabilities of the new vehicles as well as providing the media guests with breath-taking views.
Given the rural locations, achieving consistent reliable communication required some technical planning. For this ambitious task, the two lead support vehicles were fitted with Icom
IC-F5330D VHF Digital Mobile base units connected via Starlink Mini satellite terminals. These were linked to a VPN server back in the UK and the signal was transmitted through an antenna on the vehicle roof rack. Icom IC-F5330D command mic handsets were also connected to the VPN via a local client, with a simple POE switch for power.
This setup provided dependable internet connectivity on the move, even in the most remote locations where cellular coverage was minimal. The Starlink units connected seamlessly via the VPN and allowed full control of the remote radio. This enabled the JLR Global Drive Team’s control room to monitor the simplex channels when on the move and switch to the local repeaters when the guests were at specific stages of the drive.
Complementing the system, Icom
IC-SAT100 Satellite PTT Transceivers provided communication between support vehicles when they ventured beyond VHF range. Monitored at the JLR Global Drive Team control room using an
IC-SAT100M terminal, the IC-SAT100 network included an antenna at the control room which was connected via CAT5 cable.
Technical adviser to the JLR Drive Team and XTravaCom Ltd Director, Richard Mumford, said: “All units maintained constant communication with the central control desk thanks to the system of Icom radios combined with the Starlink portable satellite terminal. Each member of the support team was also equipped with an Icom
IC-F1000 VHF handheld two way radio for immediate local coordination, which also massively contributed to the success of both events.”
Richard Mumford runs XTravaCom Ltd and has been involved since 1996 with JLR, providing communications for many events and product launches across the globe such as the Camel Trophy, G4 Challenge and Land Rover Experience, across a variety of locations such including Iceland, France, Spain and America.
Photo credits: Richard Mumford.
If you would like to know more about Icom radio solutions, contact our sales staff on 01227 741741 or via email at
sales@icomuk.co.uk.
24/04/2025
