# Presentation: 795603

## minecom

**mine**com

***The leader in Mine Communications***

## Thank you for the opportunity of speaking before you today on the subject of - 
Wireless Communications and Tracking 
in a 
Mining environment

**Wireless Communications and Tracking **
**in a **
**Mining environment**

## Slide 3

## A brief introduction to

minecom

**mine**com

## minecom holds    ISO9001-2000                              quality assurance certification from SGS

## minecom has offices andfactories in Australia and South Africa, with distributors located around the world.

## We are represented in the USA by-

**a world renown company in the field of mining electronics equipment**

## MineCom has been designing & manufacturing products for the mining industry for the last 19 years

## Leaky Feeder Backbones
Wireless Automations Systems
Personnel & Vehicle Tracking Systems
Block-Light Systems
Heavy Duty Radios
Collision Avoidance
Traffic Management Systems 

**Wireless Automations Systems**
**Personnel & Vehicle Tracking Systems**
**Block-Light Systems**
**Heavy Duty Radios**
**Collision Avoidance**
**Traffic Management Systems **

## “Redundant Communications to protect a mines Assets”

**“****Redundant Communications to protect a mines Assets”**

## ‘ASSET’ 
One dictionary quotes the following –                         An asset is a resource having economic value that a corporation controls with the expectation that it will provide future benefit. 

**One dictionary quotes the following –****                         ****An asset is a resource having economic value that a corporation controls with the expectation that it will provide future benefit.**

## ‘People are Assets’ 
....therefore they MUST be protected, so that they can continue to provide ‘future benefit’ to the corporation they work for 

**...****.therefore they MUST be protected, so that they can continue to provide ‘future benefit’ to the corporation they work for**** **

## ‘Redundancy’ 
Dictionary quotes in relation to Electronics 
+ Duplication or repetition of elements in electronic equipment  to provide alternative functional channels in case of failure   
                                                              + a system design that duplicates components to provide alternatives in case one component fails 

**Dictionary quotes in relation to *****Electronics****** ***
**+ Duplication or repetition of elements in electronic equipment  to provide alternative functional channels in case of failure****   **
**                                                              ****+ a system design that duplicates components to provide alternatives in case one component fails**

## ‘Redundancy’ 
Dictionary quotes in relation to Electronics 	
+ Repetition of parts, or all of a message, to circumvent transmission errors. 

+ Repetition of messages to reduce the probability of errors in transmission                       

**Dictionary quotes in relation to *****Electronics****** *****	**
**+ Repetition of parts, or all of a message, to circumvent transmission errors. **
**+ Repetition of messages to reduce the probability of errors in transmission**  **                     **

## TENDER
Mine Communications System          Moncks Mining Corporation requires a              ‘fully redundant’ communications system for their Moncks No. 1 underground coal mine.                                                                         The communications system                                MUST BE fully redundant                                       i.e. continue to operate under all conditions, including  explosion/rock fall/ cable break Contact – Ed Jones
Tel:- 804-363-7112

_**Mine Communications System**_**          **Moncks Mining Corporation requires a              ‘_fully redundant’_ communications system for their Moncks No. 1 underground coal mine.                                                                         The communications system                                _MUST BE fully redundant_                                       i.e. continue to operate under all conditions, including  explosion/rock fall/ cable break Contact – Ed Jones
- Tel:- 804-363-7112

## minecom introduced                    RINGFeeder®   
the first                          REDUNDANT                                         leaky feeder based communications system                5 years ago

**the first****                          ****REDUNDANT  ****                                       ****leaky feeder based communications system                5 years ago**

## Similar to a Fibre Optic Self Healing Ring Architecture

**...****.if the fibre ring was broken, the traffic would be automatically routed around the cable break.**

## In 2005 minecom introduced                      SMARTReverse                                                   the FIRST                                                 FULLY REDUNDANT                           leaky feeder based communications system

## SMARTReverse                               was originally developed for main line rail tunnel networks, to provide continuous communications under all conditions 

## For SMARTReverse to be                       ‘fully redundant’                    there must be at least                                                           (2) TWO egress points           into the underground tunnel network

## Secondary egress can be via a –
Return Air Shaft
Skip or Cage shaft
Escape way shaft
Vehicle decline
Bore Hole
The bore hole can be as small as 4 inches dia, it only needs to carry one or 2 cables

**Return Air Shaft**
**Skip or Cage shaft**
**Escape way shaft**
**Vehicle decline**
**Bore Hole**
**The bore hole can be as small as 4 inches dia, it only needs to carry one or 2 cables**

## SMARTReverse...NO - only one egress point

**SMARTReverse...****NO**** ****- only one egress point**

**Hard Rock Mine**

## SMARTReverse.......YES - TWO egress points

**SMARTReverse.......****YES**** - TWO egress points**

**Hard Rock Mine**

**Return Path = Wireless – Fibre - Copper Pairs**

## SMARTReverse.......YES - TWO egress points

**Hard Rock Mine**

**SMARTReverse.......****YES**** - TWO egress points**

**Return Path = Wireless – Fibre - Copper Pairs**

## SMARTReverse...NO - one egress point only

**Coal Mine**

**SMARTReverse...****NO**** ****- one egress point only**

## With only one egress point SMARTReverse cannot operate in this mine

**With only one egress point ****SMARTReverse**** cannot operate in this mine**

## Drill a 4 inch bore hole from the surface down to the working level to provide the return path for SMARTReverse

**Drill a 4 inch bore hole from the surface down to the working level to provide the return path for ****SMARTReverse**

**Option 1**

## The leaky feeder cable can then be run from the underground to the surface

**The leaky feeder cable can then be run from the underground to the surface**

**...****and could then be run strung from poles back to the main shaft, which would also provide additional surface cover**

## Alternately the leaky feeder cable could be interfaced to a fibre optic cable (RF to Fibre interface) and run up from underground to the surface

**Alternately the leaky feeder cable could be interfaced to a fibre optic cable ****(RF to Fibre interface)**** and run up from underground to the surface**

**The fibre optic cable could be run in a trench back to the main shaft, however this method would not enhance RF surface coverage**

## Utilise second shaft to provide the return path for SMARTReverse

**Option 2**

## The leaky feeder cable can then be run up the shaft from the underground to the surface

**The leaky feeder cable can then be run up the shaft from the underground to the surface**

**...****and could then be run strung from poles back to the main shaft, which would also provide additional surface cover**

## SMARTReverse

***SMARTReverse***

**OR.....Interface it to the mines fibre optic network**

## The SMARTReverse return path can be via use of a –
Leaky Feeder cable
Fiber Optic Cable
Wireless Link
Even the old faithful -
Copper Cable (pairs)

**Leaky Feeder cable**
**Fiber Optic Cable**
**Wireless Link**
**Even the old faithful -**
**Copper Cable (pairs)**

## The minecom SMARTReverse is a Reversible Bi-Directional Amplifier using custom-built* helical filters to provide selectivity & act as duplexers to provide sufficient isolation between the UPLINK and DOWNLINK paths. 
* in UHF frequency bands only 

*** in UHF frequency bands only**** **

##  Should the cable be damaged, single pole double throw RF switches, with high isolation characteristics ‘electrically reverse’ the normal uplink and downlink RF paths of the Amplifier.

## SMARTReverse is a fault tolerant leaky feeder system that can operate in the harsh mining environment & provide reliable communications                                                    ....on both sides of a damaged cable.

  The direction of the Bi-Directional Amplifier is controlled by the presence, or absence, of a ‘control tone’, which emanates from the SMARTReverse Controller, located in the Head End rack. 

The SMARTReverse ‘control tone’ is transmitted downlink (@141.745 MHz standard) & is amplified or boosted, as it passes through each individual amplifier.

**  ****The direction of the Bi-Directional Amplifier is controlled by the presence, or absence, of a ‘control tone’, which emanates from the**** *****SMARTReverse***** ****Controller, located in the Head End rack. **
**The *****SMARTReverse *****‘control tone’ is transmitted downlink ****(@141.745 MHz standard)**** & is amplified or boosted, as it passes through each individual amplifier.**

## SMARTReverse amplifiers are equipped with ‘drive-by’ diagnostics in the form of ultra bright LED’s indicating the condition of the amplifier to staff as they pass by. 

An optional, PC based diagnostics package is available to monitor key parameters of the amplifiers and power couplers for remote monitoring of the system from a surface control room. 

Windows® based software allows control room staff to monitor the health of the system 24 hours a day.

**An optional, PC based diagnostics package is available to monitor key parameters of the amplifiers and power couplers for remote monitoring of the system from a surface control room.**** **
**Windows® based software allows control room staff to monitor the health of the system 24 hours a day.**

## SMARTReverse is presently available in FOUR versions.....

MCA1000SR – VHF band.....150 to 175Mhz

MCA2000WSR – UHF wide band...400 to 500Mhz

MCA2000NSR – UHF narrow band...400 to 500Mhz

MCA3000NSR – UHF wide band...800 to 900Mhz

**MCA1000SR**** – VHF band.....150 to 175Mhz**
**MCA2000WSR**** – UHF wide band...400 to 500Mhz**
**MCA2000NSR**** – UHF narrow band...400 to 500Mhz**
**MCA3000NSR**** – UHF wide band...800 to 900Mhz**

## VHF SMARTReverse Amplifier

**VHF**** *****SMARTReverse***** Amplifier**

**Normal Condition**

**Example**

## UHF SMARTReverse Amplifier

**UHF**** *****SMARTReverse***** Amplifier**

**Normal Condition**

**Example**

## UHF SMARTReverse System

**UHF**** *****SMARTReverse *****System**

**Normal Condition**

**Example**

## UHF SMARTReverse System

**UHF**** *****SMARTReverse *****System**

**Cable Break**

**Forward**

**Forward**

**Example**

**Normal Condition**

## UHF SMARTReverse System

**UHF**** *****SMARTReverse *****System**

**Cable Break**

**Reverse**

**Reverse**

**Example**

## UHF SMARTReverse System

**UHF**** *****SMARTReverse *****System**

**Cable Repaired – system returns to normal operation**

**Reverse**

**Reverse**

**Forward**

**Forward**

**Example**

## UHF SMARTReverse System

**UHF**** *****SMARTReverse *****System**

**Normal Condition**

**Example**

## minecom SMARTProducts

***mine******com**** **SMART**Products*

**Notes:**
Pom potom...

## Many mines only used their leaky feeder communications backbone for voice communications, not realising its full capability and true potential

## Since minecom introduced it’s range of ‘SMART’ products into the market 5 years ago, mines have been adding additional functionality and services to their leaky feeder backones.... 

## ONE cable carries ALL

_**ONE cable carries ALL**_

**VOICE**

**DATA**

**VIDEO**

**TELEMETRY**

**WIRELESS AUTOMATION**

**TRACKING**

## Slide 50

## SMARTAmp Telemetry

**Simply cut the cable and install a *****SMARTAmp***** Telemetry unit offering -****    ****	****	****	****8 x Analogue INPUTS**
**	****	****8 x Digital INPUTS**
**	****	****8 x Digital OUTPUTS**

_**Control/Monitor**_
**Pumps**
**Fans**
**Environmental Sensors**
**Sub Stations**
**Remote Alarms**

## Telemetry

**...****SMARTAmp’s will continue to operate on ****BOTH**** sides of a blast or cave in.**

**Telemetry**

***SMARTAmp***

## SMARTCam Video

**Simply cut the cable and install a *****SMARTCam***** Video camera unit offering -****    ****	****	****	****	****	****	****           ****Real-Time video B & W, colour or thermal images from underground back to the surface**

**MONITOR – VIEW...**
** ****Assembly Points  **
** ****Rescue Chambers **
** ****Conveyor belts**
** ****Sub Stations**
** ****Remote Locations**

## Video

**...*****SMARTCam’s *****will continue to operate on the ****DOWN**** ****side of a blast or cave in.**

**Video**

***SMARTCam***

**X**

## SMARTTrak Tracking

**Simply cut the cable & install a *****SMARTTrak***** Tracking unit offering -****    ****	****	****	****                           ****Real-Time tracking/location/direction of personnel & vehicles underground & on the surface**

**Personnel  Tracking **
**Vehicle Tracking **
**Track Mobile Plant & Equipment**

## Tracking & Location

**...*****SMARTTrak***** readers will continue to operate on BOTH sides of the blast/cave in, cable break.**

**Tracking & Location**

***SMARTTrak***

## SMARTCage Automation

**SMARTCage –**** provides real time Automation or Semi Automation over a Cage and/or Skip   ****	****	****	****	****	****	****	**

**Two Way Voice Communications**
**Emergency Stop**
**Monitoring functions**
**Control functions**
**Knocker Bell**
**Shaft Maintenance**

## Automation

**...****SMARTCage will continue to operate on BOTH sides of a blast/cave in.**

**Automation**

***SMARTCage***

## minecom offers a range of Passive and Active Tagging Sytems

## ePROX 

***	******	******Personnel Tracking***

***ePROX  ******electronic Tag Boards used to track the movement of personnel around the mine utilise small electronic tags that do NOT require a battery to power them. A range of models are offered with or without LCD displays.***

**Notes:**
ePROX is an electronic tag board utilising passive RFIB technology. ePROX electronic tag boards are available with or without LCD displays and come in a range of sizes to suit the staff levels at the various mines. LCD display versions allow staff to verify their individual location or status as they log in or out. Their name and status will change dependant on the direction that they are traveling in. Any messages in the system for them personally (i.e. John, please telephone extension 346, Harry) of a mine wide nature (i.e. Emergency response team meeting at 1630hrs) will be displays as they tag through. Other warnings can also be display – Blasting at 1400hrs, Level Locked out in preparation for Blasting, Evacuation etc can be displayed on specific tag boards or on all tag boards.

## ePROX  II

***	******	******Personnel Tracking***

**Second generation***** ******ePROX II *****Tag Readers***** *****with***** expanded *****range, reads multiple Tags up to 12 meters away simultaneously.           *****ePROX II***** Tags can be read at speed & DO NOT require a battery to power them.                                                                            A range of Tag Readers and Tags are offered.**

- Up to 12m  read range with this antenna

**Notes:**
ePROX is an electronic tag board utilising passive RFIB technology. ePROX electronic tag boards are available with or without LCD displays and come in a range of sizes to suit the staff levels at the various mines. LCD display versions allow staff to verify their individual location or status as they log in or out. Their name and status will change dependant on the direction that they are traveling in. Any messages in the system for them personally (i.e. John, please telephone extension 346, Harry) of a mine wide nature (i.e. Emergency response team meeting at 1630hrs) will be displays as they tag through. Other warnings can also be display – Blasting at 1400hrs, Level Locked out in preparation for Blasting, Evacuation etc can be displayed on specific tag boards or on all tag boards.

## TelTAG

***TelTAG***
**Personnel  & Vehicle Tracking**

***TelTAG *****electronic personnel and vehicle tracking system utilise small electronic transmitters (tags) that are powered from a miners caplamp, or small  lithium battery to power them. A range of models are offered which can be used for tracking people, vehicles**

**Notes:**
TelTAG is a Personnel and Vehicle tracking system utilising ‘active’ technology. TelTAG is a small RF transmitter transmitting a unique ID code 2 or 3 times per second, and unlike Passive tagging, it does require the use of a battery to power the module. Being a transmitter, the detection range is adjustable from 10 to 50 meters and the reader can read multiple tags. The Tag Reader has built in Diagnostics, triggering alarms both underground and on the surface should the communication link with the PC be lost. Tag Readers can store over 1000 ID’s in memory should the link with the surface be lost, when the link is restored it will transfer ALL stored data to the master PC

## LAMPS 

***LAMPS ***
**Personnel Tracking**

***LAMPS *****IS approved***** *****electronic personnel tracking system utilises small self contained electronic transmitters (tags) that are powered from a small internal lithium battery. Tag readers can be linked by Fibre or Wireless.**

## A rugged vehicle radio designed for open cab mine vehicles –Waterproof – IP66Heavy duty, shock proof12 or 24VDC poweredEmergency Evacuation alarmBack lite LCD display and keypad

**A rugged vehicle radio designed for open cab mine vehicles –****Waterproof – IP66****Heavy duty, shock proof****12 or 24VDC powered****Emergency Evacuation alarm****Back lite LCD display and keypad**

## TermiteFAB

***A rugged wall mounted radio designed for wall mounted installation in underground mine tunnels***

***Waterproof – IP66***
***Heavy duty, shock proof ***
***110/240VAC powered.....OR ***
***Leaky feeder cable powered version***
*** ******Emergency Evacuation alarm ***
*** ******Back lite LCD display and keypad***

## minecom GUARANTEE

**mine****com ****GUARANTEE**
**mine****com**** provides a written guarantee that wherever you install a ****mine****com**** leaky feeder system to an approved design criteria, good quality Voice, Data and Video communications are guaranteed**