Vital Alert Communication - Mining Communication Systems

Vital Alert makes innovative wireless Through-The-Earth (TTE) Communication™ systems that integrate seamlessly with existing mining communication solutions such as leaky feeder and WIFI networks, standard radio handsets, tracking systems and sensors.

Vital Alert provides a reliable wireless link which can be deployed as emergency backup to primary network links, or as a temporary link into new development work areas, or as a cost-effective link into hard-to-reach areas.

Vital Alert's Canary™ Through-The-Earth Communication™ systems deliver real-time two-way voice communications with less than half a second of delay and can simultaneously support two-way data communication over the same link. Miners can use their existing radio handsets or speak directly into the system's headset or handset if they are next to the terminal.

Through-the-earth mining communication systems

Vital Alert Canary™ TTE communication systems are used in a variety of applications in the mining industry:

• Emergency rescue shelter communication - an always-on link for voice and data. Easy to relocate as the shelter moves. Two-way voice and text messaging enable immediate communications with the surface or with surviving networks higher in the mine
• Temporary communication - quickly deploy as a wireless link within the mine, keeping development teams in touch before permanent networks are deployed
• Sensor data - transmit gas and environmental levels in real time from the mine to the surface and within the mine to provide alerts when dangerous conditions arise
• Tracking systems - share WIFI or RFID tracking data with dispatch and rescue teams in real time even when primary networks fail
• Network back-up and extension - wireless link survives when leaky feeder cable gets cut or WIFI nodes are damaged, keeping key areas of the mine connected
• Remote equipment control - reset or reconfigure mine equipment from the mine office or another section using the TTE link to access relays and other controls
• Text messaging - enable text messaging and text-based alerts between mine and surface for convenience and when air contamination makes speech dangerous
• Text-to-voice messaging - text messages can be converted to speech for use with speaker or paging systems
• Voice communication - real-time, two-way voice only 0.5 seconds delay, for critical conversations when every second counts

Wireless TTE link platforms

Vital Alert offers three wireless TTE link platforms to suit your mine environment: Canary™Link, Canary™Link-IS and Canary™Go.

The original Canary™Link system was designed for rugged mine conditions with an IP-67 moisture- and dust-resistant housing and it features a lightweight, compact terminal weighing only 11.5lbs (4.6kg) and is commercially available now.

Canary™Link provides a two-way real time voice and data path compatible with standard UHF / VHF radios, data systems and networks, making it a flexible and affordable TTE option.

Explosion-proof TTE terminals

Canary™Link-IS is ideal for coal mines and other sites requiring permissible equipment. Currently undergoing the MSHA approval process, with a PAR number assigned in late 2011, this product features an explosion-proof terminal weighing less than 200lbs (80kg). It delivers the flexible functionality of Canary™Link, including the two-way real-time voice and data and compatibility with standard mining networks, radios and data systems.

Compact system for wireless mine communications

Canary™Go packs the entire system, including antennas, in four small Pelican cases (two per end), enabling quick tactical deployment on an as-needed basis. Your mine rescue team can carry two <30-pound cases into the mine and immediately deploy a TTE wireless link that can carry their radio conversations to and from the team on the surface.

Canary™ wireless TTE products

Vital Alert's Canary™ wireless TTE products feature:

• Explosion-proof housing (Canary™Link-IS)
• Water and dust resistant - IP67 (Canary™Link, Canary™Link-IS and Canary™Go IP-57)
• Flexible power options 24V DC via AC, DC or external battery (24hr +), internal battery (Canary™Link-IS and Canary™Go)
• Operating temperature: -10ºC to +40ºC
• Humidity: 15%-95% condensing
• Vibration 2Hz-9Hz 3mm
• Shock 250 m/s/s, 6ms duration

Features and benefits of TTE Communication systems

All three Vital Alert Canary™ TTE Communication systems offer:

• Link range up to 1,000ft (305m) for voice, 1,500ft (457m) for data, with additional range possible via repeaters (depending on rock type, ambient noise levels, antenna configuration and other factors)
• Two-way voice support via UHF/VHF radios, or can operate stand-alone with headset or handset, with choice of full-duplex or Push To Talk voice
• Text messaging and text-to-speech options for loud environments and when respirators or self-contained self-rescue systems prohibit speech
• Flexible data interfaces including RS-485, RS-232, RS-422, Ethernet, and USB
• Configurable throughput up to 1 kbps bidirectional
• Compact human-portable terminals

Please contact us for more information and to arrange a demonstration.