Tunnel Radio on the Road:
- December 2010
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05-10 Northwest Mining Association Convention
Spokane, WA
Tunnel Radio Receives MSHA Approval for MineAx Digital Tracking
Wednesday February 17, 2010
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently issued a new APPROVAL for Tunnel Radio of America’s Model TR MX 332, MineAx RFID Tracking System. The system which works alongside our MSHA Approved UltraComm leaky feeder communication system utilizes wireless readers and high power RFID tag units to provide personnel and/or asset location information on the surface of an underground mine or other facility. Tunnel Radio’s innovative design allows for both voice communication and tracking to operate on a single cable. Our uniquely designed ‘triple reader’ monitors three zones concurrently providing the continuous coverage as required by the MSHA PPL P09 V 01. The system’s capture software provides for secure tag to server communications, personnel location viewable overlaid on a mine map, and detailed history reports. Through our association with HSC Industrial and their distribution network, the system has already been successfully installed in at least 25 coal mines in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. According to Tom Hughes, President of HSC Industrial, the systems are receiving rave reviews from mine managers, safety personnel and miners alike.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW — The MineAx Wireless RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) System provides personnel and/or asset location information to the surface from an underground mine or other facility. Through its integrated network, the MineAx system determines the location of personnel by using receiver nodes in underground mine applications. All this is accomplished via the existing leaky feeder network, no additional cables are required.
The unique feature of the MineAx system is the wireless reader / radio unit. This device collects RFID information as the tag passes within range of the reader antenna system; attaches time stamp and stores said tag data; and when polled via the 2 way radio network wirelessly transfers the tag ID and location data to a capture computer on the surface for decoding and display. Three zones may be reported via a single 3 port reader unit.
Tag information / location data are shown based on actual tag read time, not computer time. Reader units may be located up to 200 ft from the radio network and still provide data connectivity. All collected data are secure. The capture software is extensive and incorporates tabular and map import capabilities. In the mapping mode, personnel and equipment locations may be displayed through the use of a variety of user selected icons.
The reader / transceiver unit is part of a multi component system of reader / transceiver(s), RFID tag(s), head unit, PC and capture software. The RFID beacon transmitter or ‘Tag’ is MSHA approved (#23 A080005 0) Tunnel Radio has been extensively testing the MineAx network in a number of active hard rock and coal mines, and has over 20 permanent installations. It is designed to meet the requirements of the 2006 Miner Act and is MSHA Approved.
DESIGN FEATURES —
High power tag units — 30 dB more power than most competitive systems. This translates into greater range and consistent and reliable reads, even from enclosed cab man trips and pickups.
High isolation long range reader — captures distant tags even during 2 way radio traffic.
Robust data transfer algorithm checksum ensures no captured tag data is ever lost.
One read, one posting design means that each RFID tag transmits a multiple burst ID every few seconds. MineAx requires the capture of only one complete ID pulse to post to the surface computer.
Readers store many hundreds of tags — if reader to surface connections are interrupted, no tag information is lost.
Head unit stores data on USB thumb drive — if the host computer or software is disabled, all history information is securely stored for convenient and secure retrieval.
Reader Range — Reader range is at least 100 to 150 ft each direction, or 200 to 300 ft of coverage per reader. Reader units may be located up to 200 ft wireless from the radio network and still provide perfect data connectivity.
Power Supply — The majority of permanent readers will be AC powered with battery backup (located in the reader.) The back up battery can supply the reader for about 3 days.
Reader Battery Life — Readers that are near the working face can be powered by lithium battery, which lasts approx. one to three months.
Reader Low Battery Indicator — Each reader reports battery voltage to the MineAx server, which notifies the dispatcher in the event of a low battery. A green ‘Online’ text box assures connectivity.
Tag Battery Life — Even with continuous operation, Tag batteries are estimated to last about 2 years.
Tag Low Battery Indicator — When any tag battery is low, the MineAx server notifies the dispatcher of which tag needs to be replaced.
Triple Reader — The new triple reader was designed to be able to provide coverage in primary, secondary, and return air locations, as required by the MSHA PPL.
Wireless Reader — The MineAx network is designed from the ground up, as a personnel tracking system tailored specifically for the harsh mine environment. Tags are water submersible, sealed and very rugged. Readers are housed in a heavy aluminum water resistant enclosure; and may be battery or AC powered.
MineAx Mapping Feature — The versatile mapping software may be viewed overlaid on your existing mine map, or as a tabular display.
Remote Monitoring — The server based software allows for remote monitoring and administration. When connected to a TCP/IP network, this means the capture software may be viewed and modified from multiple (and remote) locations. The software incorporates many advanced features, including:
New tags are automatically entered into database
DXF import
Intuitive interface Alerts for low tag battery, low reader voltage, reader offline, and system offline
Provides detailed history reports
COMPANY PROFILE — Tunnel Radio of America’s headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Corvallis, Oregon. Formed in 1988, the company has regional dealerships in Alaska, Utah, West Virginia and Australia. With over 200 systems installed in mines across the country, their first installation (Greens Creek) is still in full use today. Company President, Mark Rose, has been working in the industry for over 35 years and their employees have nearly 150 years of combined RF experience.
Tunnel Radio’s newest MSHA approved Underground Wireless Communication product, the MineAx ‘Bird Dog’ Tracking System, utilizes the leaky feeder backbone and therefore effectively merges radio communications and tracking throughout the mine. The Systems are simple to deploy and maintain yet are designed for the harsh and rigorous conditions that exist in the underground environment.
If you’d like more information on Tunnel Radio and our products, visit www.tunnelradio.com, or contact us at (541) 758 5637. For West Virginia sales, contact Tom Hughes at HSC Industrial (304) 252 1918.
Tunnel Radio is an authorized dealer for:
