Underground Mine Communications: A Brief History

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Underground Mine Communications: A Brief History

A reliable and efficient communication system is essential for creating a safe, productive, and efficient mine. The history of materials extraction technology dates back many centuries. However, the era of underground mine communications systems can be traced back to the last century.

Just as above ground, the invention of the telephone triggered the mining communication revolution. Prior to the invention of the telephone, mine shaft communication was primarily based on bells and whistle signaling systems. Mines started to use ruggedized telephones that were connected via cables strung through the mines in the early 20th Century. Although the phones were the same as the ones above ground, they were enclosed in cast iron housings to protect them from the extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, or corrosive environments that can be found in a mine. Most phone systems were either based on a magneto (crank-ringer) format. These systems are still widely used today. They use a party-line format with one telephone per section and additional phones at key locations above or below ground. These systems are easy to set up and maintain due to their hard-wired design. However, miners will often have to stop working in order to use them.

The introduction of hoist-rope and trolley-carrier-based communication systems was made possible by the increased automation of mining in the 20th century. These carrier current systems use electrical connections to drive electric haulage systems. Because they are piggy-back systems, both systems are simple to install and provide strong mechanical strength. They are dependent on carrier frequency.

Radio made underground mine communications possible. Nicola Tesla investigated the possibility of using extremely low frequency (ELF), and naturally occurring minerals in mine structures, as a means of TTE (through-the Earth) communication. In the 1940s, South African gold mines were home to the first successful TTE system. In-mine research of ultra-high frequency and very high-frequency communications (VHF/UHF), began in the 1970s. Wave propagation in mine environments is difficult because of the complex topography, dynamic nature of mining operations, and the elements of the mine structures. Radio signals behave differently underground than in above-ground mines.

The “leaky feeder” mining communication system is a hybrid system, which was developed in the 1970s. The system combines both wired and wireless communication to ensure robust and flexible communication even in difficult mine environments. The backbone of the system is the leaky feeder cable. This is a coaxial cable with sections of the outer shielding that are shaved off during manufacture to allow RF signals to “leak out” (or leak in). It functions as an antenna and provides a communication path for radio transmissions within the mine. A repeater is connected to a leaky feeder cable. This cable is then extended into the mine with line amplifiers and repeaters to compensate the signal loss. Mining communications technology has advanced just as much in the last century as mineral extraction technology. We now have wireless communication systems which allow people on the surface to communicate with equipment and people miles below them, increasing safety and efficiency, as well as safety.

If you would like to learn more about Becker communications contact us today!

Becker Releases New LEAKY FEEDER SYSTEM

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LEAKY FEEDER SYSTEM

The UHF leaky feeder system is designed for rugged outdoor applications where high durability and low power consumption are required. The UHF leaky feeder system is designed to be mounted on a mast or pole and can extend up to 25 feet. As the system is not a mobile device, it extends the transmission coverage area by extending the range of the transmitter antenna. 

The UHF leaky feeder still has a WiFi terminal connection for easy configuration management from an Android or iOS phone or tablet that comes with Becker’s Connect app pre-installed.

Becker Communications recently released a powerful UHF Leaky Feeder System with various features that provide for reliability, robust performance, and maintainability. Leveraging off the successful and original Smartcom®, Becker has now provided an option for all mines to access the world’s premium UHF Leaky Feeder System.

The Leaky Feeder System has been designed with the newest technology available in mind. The new system incorporates the same ground-breaking features as its predecessor, including configurable channel spacing and robust repeat-beaming technology. Unlike some competitive offerings, LEAKY FEEDER uses the latest high-performance modems designed for reliability, resulting in fewer down days and lower maintenance costs.

Leaky Feeder has been a game-changer for us, allowing us to regain control of our communications. The DEPTH™ technology was initially launched in 2010 and has helped over 40% of our customers achieve the highest level of performance possible in their environments. The new LEAKY FEEDER system will provide an option for all mines to access the world’s premium UHF LEAKY FEEDER System,

Features of New UHFLEAKY FEEDER System by Becker Communication

  • Configurable channel spacing (either 2MHz or 4MHz) with or without repeat-beaming technology, giving users the flexibility to adjust their radio systems based on individual requirements.
  • Designed for ease of installation in all types of mining environments, including hard rock mines and deep underground mines. Using a newly developed remote interface adapter, the new feeder system can be installed from an outside controller/monitor location rather than running cable through the mine’s ground system.
  • Offers a standard HS1177 protocol (AMBE II) and utilizes the latest high-performance modems specifically designed for reliability.
  • The new UHF LEAKY FEEDER System offers the best performance and reliability available, requiring fewer repeat-beams than competitive offerings.
  • Offers the same reliability engineering and design as our existing Smartcom product line (including DEPTH™ technology), resulting in fewer down days for customers.

The Becker team is excited to be able to offer another option for our customers to get the most out of their communications system.

How the Becker Communication’s UHFLEAKY FEEDER System is unique from other leaky feeder systems in the market?

  • Repeat-beaming technology specifically designed to work even in the most challenging environments and mine conditions.
  • A proprietary remote interface adapter that allows for easy installations in hard rock mines and deep underground mines.
  • The UHF LEAKY FEEDER System offers configuration options such as 2MHz or 4MHz channel spacing, depending on the customer’s needs.
  • No one likes to be dependent on a single source for communication. Our customers appreciate the redundancy we offer, and they know that this redundancy is of outstanding reliability. The new standard UHF Leaky Feeder System allows users to have that same reliability in every element of their operations.

About Becker Communication

Becker Communication Ltd. is the world’s leading supplier of Plug-N-Play transmission systems for use in the mining and oil and gas industries. Leveraging off the success of Becker’s original Smartcom® software, Becker has gained a reputation for innovation and exceptional performance.

Becker’s product solutions are designed to provide customers with an industry-leading total cost of ownership. By leveraging the latest technology and utilizing proven design techniques, Becker is able to eliminate costly downtime and unreliability issues. If you would like to learn more visit our home page or contact us today!

Features of the Kenwood NX-203/303 Safety Radios

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Kenwood NX-203/303 Radios

Suppose you’ve never heard of a Radioless remote control handheld radio. In that case, I’d like to tell you about the features of the Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios. These are perfect for work, especially if you don’t want to switch between devices!

The Kenwood NX-203/303 radios have a range between 800 and 5,000 yards and have 126 channels. They run on 3 AAA batteries. There is an LED display for the channels or functions, and there are forward and rear-facing speakers. If you use the Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios for work, you will be able to use the flashlight feature to stay safe in low light conditions.

It’s very easy to find a channel in these handheld radios – there’s a frequency readout that shows what channel you are on, so it’s simple to pick the correct channel. With one-touch locking buttons, you can lock on to the existing channel and save this frequency for future calls.

The Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios are great for handling certain situations. They have a high power output, which is perfect for things like cruise control or warning lights.

There’s a keypad lock so other family members or friends can’t give you commands, and there are even alarm settings that will sound an alarm at preset times.

The Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios have a volume control that can be turned up for clearer reception. They also have an automatic squelch.

With the Kenwood NX-203/303 radios, you will be able to use these features:

Automatic number identification (ANI) operation – there are two different ANI systems so that you can choose either one. This means you only need to key in one digit at a time.

Automatic channel number identification (ACK) operation – there are two different ACK systems so that you can choose either one. This means that the radio will automatically store the channel number for future use.

Headset (hands-free operation) – the Kenwood NX-203/303 radios have this feature that allows you to talk on your phone without touching a thing. You’ll be able to walk around and still talk on the phone.

A couple of other features make the Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios easy to use. You can set a timer so that you’ll never miss anything again. There is an adjustable timer that you can use for everything from setting your wake-up call to your reminders.

The Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radio is very affordable, so it will be easy to buy one for your workplace. There are a ton of features, and this is an inexpensive radio.

You can use the Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios with your existing phone lines or cordless telephones – they have multiple features that make them easy to use. They’re lightweight, so you won’t have a hard time moving from one place to another. With one-touch locking buttons, you’ll be able to lock on to the existing channel and save this frequency for future calls. If you need to change channels, it’s easy to do so with the push of a button.

Suppose you use these radio accessories for work. In that case, whether it’s at a construction site or as an electrician, these handheld radios are very easy to operate. You’ll be able to stay in communication with your team – and if you ever have to leave the site, you can do so easily.

You’ll be able to stay safe with these handheld radios when you are out and about. There’s a flashlight feature that will come in handy if you need it, as well as a keypad lock. Suppose other family members or employees give you unwanted frequency commands. In that case, there is a feature that will block them from doing so.

Now you can have peace of mind when you’re in certain situations. The Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radios are advanced and easy to use, and you will be able to put their features to good use.

If you want to get the most out of your handheld radio, the Kenwood NX-203/303 safety radio is a great option. They can be used on almost any frequency and are lightweight so that you can move from one place to another with ease. If you would like to get these radios you can view them here!

Mining Safety Starts With Communication Devices

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Communication Devices

Good communication devices will help you avoid accidents in the mining industry.

If you work in the mining industry, it’s your responsibility to stay safe and be aware of dangers. Good communication devices, such as radios or personal alert systems can help make this possible.

Security personnel in the mining industry use hand signals to communicate. A signal is a special movement that lets others know what’s going on. You can use special hand signals to help avoid accidents in your mining operation. For example, if you’re operating a transport vehicle, you might point your thumb to the right to let others know you’re turning right.

Some companies require miners who work underground to wear electronic communication devices called personal alert systems (PAS). These devices work like radio beepers and can send a signal to let workers know they need to head surface.

A radio is another device that will help keep miners safe. It’s dangerous when miners work underground, where it’s hard to see each other around equipment and buildings. Radio communications allow miners to stay in contact with the surface, which reduces the risk of underground accidents.

Communication devices help to avoid accidents in mining sites. Workers from above the ground or below the surface are susceptible to fragmentation of rock and rockfall, literally raining down on them from above or blast from below. This is why cave in protection systems, such as rock bolting and cage bolting, are needed. When the ground may collapse beneath you, having a communication device that automatically alerts your colleagues to that fact can help save your life.

Fortunately enough, the mining industry has dramatically improved its safety record over the last century. The use of mining communication devices and PAS systems has become more widespread over time. It has helped reduce hazards in mining operations.

Your company should also have an emergency medical plan for accidents and injuries. Another good safety practice is to train your employees on the safe use of the equipment and how to respond to emergencies. They must also know how to use communication devices such as beepers or personal alert systems.

If you’re ever in a situation where you think someone needs help, don’t hesitate to call for assistance. The person you’re calling may be unable to hear or understand what you’re saying due to hearing loss or impaired vision. However, by using a voice transmitter or telecommunicator, you can relay your message to others and they will call for help.

In most cases, a network of beeper devices is able to recognize an emergency situation without the need for an operator to press the button. For example, miners can go underground using their handheld beepers as they descend if a mine cave-in occurs. One person on the surface can also use this as an opportunity to contact others out on foot who can assist in the rescue effort.

Usually, the beeper signals are composed of a number of different tones that tell someone exactly where on a map your location is. The signal considers the surrounding noise, which makes it easier to locate you. Beepers are also useful in areas where there is no cell phone service. The beeper devices will then work as a distress signal or sign that indicates an emergency situation.

According to many statistics, 75% of an employee’s safety depends on communication between them and their supervisors (Ryan & Laughlin, 2009). Therefore, it is important that supervisors understand how to use communication devices (beepers) and PAS systems in the mining industry. The communication devices that can be used are portable or hands-free.

First and foremost, it is important for supervisors to know that they can always contact their employees using PAS systems or other communication devices such as beepers. It is also important to be aware of the consequences of not following safety guidelines when using communications devices such as beepers and personal alert systems. If you would like to learn more about mining radios contact us today!