Underground Mine Communications: A Brief History

admin Mining Communication
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!

Features of the Kenwood NX-203/303 Safety Radios

admin Mining Communication
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

admin Mining Communication
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!

The Benefits of a VHF Leaky Feeder System

admin Mining Communication
The Benefits of a VHF Leaky Feeder System

Whenever we change something, there could be positive or negative effects associated with such an action. However, when you make changes to improve business processes or increase productivity, then these can have drastic effects on your organization’s overall performance. In this article, we will talk about the benefits of a VHF Leaky Feeder System.

One of the key areas of investment in any mining operation is the feeder systems. These are the systems that feed minerals into the mining equipment and can also be used for storing minerals and treating them before they are loaded into trucks for delivery to customers. Feeder systems can also help ensure that minerals found in a mine are properly treated. This is a crucial element to consider as it could impact production results.

Feeder systems are an important investment for any mining operation. The type of feeder system used can directly impact the overall performance of a mining operation. This is because of these systems’ innovative design and features, which means they have advanced control mechanisms that help increase productivity and efficiency.

As you would expect, with any investment in the mining industry, finding and implementing an effective feeder system requires extensive research. This is because the feeder system needs to be able to provide proper connectivity between the conveyor belt system, mineral storage, and recovery systems, and any other equipment used at the mine. To ensure that all of these systems are connected effectively, it is important to have a feeder system that uses a lightweight, highly durable, and efficient system.

There are many different types of systems available on the market today, but one of these that has become increasingly popular in recent years is a VHF leaky feeder system. This system has several advantages that make them an ideal choice for mining operations.

One of the main advantages associated with using a VHF leaky feeder system in any mining operation is that it prevents any signal leakage. This means that the signal from a high-frequency transmitter will only travel through the system and not around it or outside of it. To understand why this is important, you need to know how a VHF leaky feeder operates within a mining operation.

The VHF leaky feeder system is used to transmit the signal from a high-frequency transmitter located in the control room. The system will then transmit this signal to either a relay or breaker panel at the other end of the system. The signal is then switched on or off based on how far it has traveled and where it is going. The length of this system can be very long, but it will still never travel out of the area in which it was installed.

VHF leaky feeder systems also come with advanced features that make them an excellent choice for several different industries, and the mining industry is no exception. For example, they have been widely used in past years to provide extremely efficient transmission within the oil sector. As well as being able to transmit signals over long distances, this type of system is also capable of carrying a large amount of data in a short period of time.

In addition to this, the VHF leaky feeder system has several other advantages associated with its use. It is very easy to install, for starters, since it does not need to be buried in the ground. This means that you can easily install a comprehensive system in a short period of time without having to dig deep trenches around the area where the system is being installed.

You must find and implement an effective feeder system in your organization before you expect production to increase. This will help improve productivity and efficiency within your organization and ensure that the production targets you have set are met. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a VHF Leaky Feeder System contact us today!

Do Radios Work In Tunnels?

admin Mining Communication
Do Radios Work In Tunnels

Have you ever wondered do radios work in tunnels? Or maybe you’ve tried to use a radio in the tunnels, and it doesn’t seem to be transmitted properly. If that’s the case, then fear not, we’re here to help. After reading this article, we hope that you’ll be able to answer that question for yourself! Let’s jump into it.

Tunnels and underground spaces are notorious for being “radio-shadowed”. This is a term that refers to the inability of a radio signal to propagate properly without obstruction. Due to the construction of tunnels, there is usually a tunnel boring machine or some other large machinery that is in place, which can prevent radio transmission.

Another reason has been that there has been a lot of interference from many sources in the past, including the AMTRAK train. The issue is now resolved, and there are no longer any issues with interference between radio transmission and AMTRAK trains.

We have found to avoid the issue of not being able to use your radio in a tunnel to use a mobile repeater or radio repeater station. A portable repeater or radio repeater station can be housed indoors for indoor use in buildings. Or, they can be mounted on the outside of the tunnel for outdoor use in tunnels.

With a portable radio system found at Becker Communications that is either handheld or mounted on your vehicle, you won’t experience any issues when you’re out on an adventure and exploring.

Also, we recommend that you use a directional antenna to reduce the problem with radio shadowing. This will help to get the signal in the right direction and eliminate interference from other areas of your surroundings.

By using our Kenwood NX-203/303 Radios, you will be able to eliminate interference. If you would like to learn more contact us today!

What is Through-the-earth mine communications?

admin Mining Communication
What is Through-the-earth mine communications?

The through-the-earth mine communications is an innovative tool of communications that we use to connect the people who work in mines and keep them connected to the surface. This way, miners can be aware of what is happening around them, not to be caught unawares when emergencies arise. 

By tracking, relaying, and monitoring situations in real-time through radio or satellite communication systems, people working at ground level can manage potential accidents before any harm is done. 

This technology is currently being used in South Africa for mining and oil industries. It is also used in the military, law enforcement, and security industries. 

When a mine accident happens, the first thing that rescuers will do is stop any traffic from entering or leaving the mine immediately. Any vehicles on site are then evacuated to a secure area not to be harmed during rescue operations. The people who work at ground level are then notified of the situation to take appropriate action.

How does Through-the-earth mine communications work?

Communication is made possible through an extensive array of underground antennas that are placed strategically at different levels. These antennas receive and transmit information from the mine so that authorities know what is happening inside. This way, rescuers can accurately locate people and vehicles down below.

Through-the-earth mine communications use both Radio and Satellite technology to transmit signals from the mine to the surface. The transmitter sends out information while the antenna receives it so that people at ground level are kept informed about what is going on below. The signals are encrypted to ensure that no one down below can eavesdrop on the transmissions.

Through-the-earth mine communications are best used in situations where there is a risk of a collapse or cave-in. An example of this is the case of Deepwater Horizon, which occurred on April 20, 2010, when an oil rig exploded and sank, causing an oil spill. The rescue operations were carried out using Through-the-earth mine communications since it was impossible to carry out a rescue without knowing what exactly was at ground level. 

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig was manned by 126 people, most of whom were brought to safety in lifeboats. The remaining 11 missing workers, however, were trapped down below at the bottom of the sea. Before a rescue operation could proceed, the exact position of those trapped had to be determined. This was when Through-the-earth mine communications came into play as they were used to send a tight-beam signal down through the Earth’s core and locate a worker who had managed to get out of his cabin before it exploded.

Becker Communication’s Through-the-earth mine communications

Through-the-earth communication is a solution for mine communication problems that the Becker Communication Company has well researched. It works in conjunction with a universal translation service to allow people in mines to communicate with the outside world. The firm has also made progress in providing solutions and improvements to its existing service.

Their recent research and development includes “a new, more efficient way to transmit information through a radio to be transmitted from coal seam sensor tags placed into mine workings.”

Conclusion

Communication is an integral part of being able to escape from a mine disaster. However, the techniques that rescue workers use to communicate with each other and the miners depend on their location. Through-the-earth communication and other radio and satellite methods relay messages from rescue workers through the Earth’s crust. The distance between each location can vary depending on how deep in the ground they are, however. 

The most important part of any rescue operation is accurately knowing where all the workers are located. If a worker is found and saved quickly, then it will save more lives and be more effective as an overall rescue operation. It has also been shown that having a tight-beam radio system can make rescuers even safer as it will provide them with clearer communication with other members of their teams. If you would like to learn more contact us today!

What is a VHF Leaky Feeder System

admin Mining Communication
What is a VHF Leaky Feeder System

In the 1940s, American scientist Sidney Darlington had the idea of a VHF leaky feeder communication system. This is one of the most popular communications systems used by ham radio operators all over the world today. VHF leaky feeders are mainly used for long-distance communication, typically between base stations and mobile transceivers; they don’t offer any features like data or transactional capability.

VHF leaky feeder systems are a type of analog modulation technique used for communication between transmitter and receiver. A VHF leaky feeder is a communications system that uses amplitude modulation (AM) processes to link radio stations, base stations, repeaters, and mobile units using modulated carrier wave transmission signals. 

This technique transmits a continuous stream of information from one location to another. The individual bits of information are sampled every 20 microseconds. The information is encoded as audio tone frequencies, which vary in a highly narrow range.

How does the VHF Leaky Feeder System work?

A continuous stream of bits (or digital data) is modulated onto the carrier radio wave using an analog modulation technique. 

A modulator receives the digital information and converts it into an audio tone. The audio tones are then transmitted at the desired frequency (1.8 MHz in this case). Once the receiver detects the transmitted tone, it extracts the information and displays them on its screen. 

Because the frequency of the transmitted tone is constant, any receiver can detect it regardless of its distance from the transmitting station. Thus, a VHF Variable Frequency Modulated (VFm) system consists of a transmitter and a receiver linked together using a leaky feeder circuit. 

VHF leaky feeders work with amplitude modulation (AM). The information to be transmitted is converted into variation in the amplitude of an electrical signal. In the case of VHF variable frequency modulated systems, the information is encoded into the audio frequencies. The AM signal is then transmitted through a leaky feeder that takes time to reach the receiver site. 

When it reaches the receiver, the tone frequency is picked and separated from other noise frequencies before finally displaying it on the screen in bits. This process is known as detection. 

The VHF variable frequency system consists of three parts- transmitter, receiver, and a leaky feeder transmission line that connects both stations. 

The transmitter section consists of the modulator, control, and audio stages. The modulated signal is converted into an audio signal using modulation techniques. The output of the modulator is coupled to the antenna input of the transmitter through a low pass filter and modulator amplifier. The VHF leaky feeder system sends information at varying audio frequencies picked up by an FM detector in the receiver. 

This then scans through menu files or incoming traffic. The FM detector scans the incoming signal and displays transmitted information on the screen. 

The VHF leaky feeder circuit works by sending audio tone frequency (as above). The number of bits in a character or word is sent as a reference frequency picked up by an FM detector. The tuned circuit scans through all frequencies to find the right one once it detects the tone frequency. A bandpass filter separates the frequency from other noise—the extracted bits of information display on the screen. 

These are not used for communications only, but several applications such as code division multiple access (CDMA). CDMA networks work similarly to a VHF system. Like a VHF system, they are much shorter than their analog counterparts since they use digital information instead of audio tone signals.

Becker Varis VHF Leaky Feeder System

The VHF Leaky Feeder System from Becker Communication Company is a type of antenna system that consists of two orthogonal VHF antennas called Spillikins. It operates at frequencies between 150 – 170 MHz (TV) and 175 – 221 MHz (FM). This antenna system is designed for high efficiency in the installation and maintenance stages.

It is possible to point or rotate the two antennas in any direction, thus providing an omnidirectional radiation pattern while still achieving a maximum gain. The system has no main reflector surface, which avoids potential wind loading problems with dishes in high wind areas susceptible to icing or vandalism problems. It also includes a weatherproof case for corrosion protection and easy transportation.

Conclusion

The VHF system is a simple yet effective way of sending data. It is used to send encrypted digital data or any message such as weather forecast, shipping alerts, etc. It works similar to short wave radios, except it uses less frequency bandwidth, and more data can be sent over a shorter distance. This enables smaller transmitters and receivers to be used as compared to the conventional analog systems. If you would like to learn more then contact us today!

Benefits of Mine Radio Systems

admin Mining Communication
Benefits of Mine Radio Systems

Mine Radio systems are a wireless communication system used in mines to transmit data between the various mine equipment such as semaphore, lighting, first aid, and location. It is also used to transmit information to other mining regions through wired or radio line transmissions. 

The use of these systems has become widespread among the mining community due to their reliability and ease of installation. Mine radio systems can be found in nearly any size mining operation, from small coal mines to massive gold mining operations like Barrick.

Advantages of Mine Radio systems

There are several features of mine radio systems that make them a great fit for any mining operation:

  • They are a safe, dependable, and reliable communication system that does not rely on the physical connectivity of wires like other similar systems.
  • The simple installation is often accomplished in only a few hours and requires little technical experience or training.
  • Mine radio systems communicate information to and from any area within a specified radius. They do not require the use of mains electricity or the installation of costly cables into mines.
  • They are flexible in the amount of information available for information purposes.
  • Mine radio systems are a cost-effective communication solution. They often provide greater functionality than wired alternatives that do not offer many of these same advantages.
  • They can be used in an emergency as a backup communication system.

How do the Mine Radio systems work?

As you can see in the above diagram, a transmitter sends a signal to the receiver. The receiver then decodes the signal and displays it on the screen. If your transmitter and receiver are correctly functioning, you will be able to see all of the information that they are receiving from your system. Information sent by these systems can include text information displayed along with graphics like analog clocks or simple designs. 

These radio systems are typically found in smaller operations where people do not have access to computer technology for their operations. Mine radio systems are also very cost-effective as they can be installed in multiple locations within a mine. For example, a mine operator might have a mine radio system installed in the office where employees can communicate with one another or to the control room.

As the demand for these systems increases, so does the size of these mining operations. It is common for many large mining operations to have three or more individual separate installations, each having different functionality and data coming into the system. Many of the larger mines do not even have a system in the office; instead, they use mains power to communicate. 

As you can see, these systems are an effective solution for many different situations in mining operations. As more and more mines begin to implement mine radio systems, it is important for people to understand how they work and their benefits. If you are interested in getting a new mine radio system installed into your mining operation, see us at Superior Tower Solutions.

Becker Communication’s Mine Radio Systems

Mine Radio Systems by Becker Communication is a wireless communication system designed to work in rugged or remote locations. The technology uses electromagnetic waves that are above the ground.

These Radio systems can be found in many different areas; marine, military, mining, forestry, agricultural, and industrial settings. They use very low power consumption and a wide range of frequencies that work well for any application.

Conclusion

These communication systems are becoming more popular in many industries for their ease of use and effective communication. 

With all of the current technological advances, we are seeing many companies turn towards using Mine Radio to increase their employee safety. As you can see, mine radio systems have many important applications in different industries. If you would like to get a new mine radio system installed into your mining operation, contact us today!