Mining Publication: The Implementation of UHF Radio Communications and CCTV Monitoring Systems in a Room and Pillar Metal/Non-metal Mine
Original creation date: March 1981
This report describes the design and implementation of UHF radio and closed-circuit television systems in the Black River room and pillar limestone mine near Butler, Pendleton County, Kentucky. Prior to designing the radio system, measurements of signal attenuation on 812 and 466 mHz were made in the slope tunnel and in the straight and level crosscuts in the mine. Two distributed antenna systems fed by two sets of base stations provide approximately 75 pct coverage of the mine. Passive reflectors were used for extending signals into intersecting crosscuts and two-way signal boosters will be used to extend signals to the perimeter and obstructed areas of the mine. Fourteen mine vehicles were equipped with mobile radios with digital identification, alarm, and status encoders. Fifteen portable transceivers also were used. Six closed-circuit television cameras provide surveillance of critical transfer points of the belt conveyor system, the loading dock at the base of the slope, and an ash disposal area in the mine. Two-way radio communication and closed-circuit television have saved considerable work hours, increased production, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced safety. Innovative developments were the use of passive reflectors and two-way signal boosters for extending signals into intersecting crosscuts, development of lightweight signal margin measuring equipment, modifications of mobile digital encoders to automatically send status information from mine vehicles such as numbers of loads of ore delivered, hot engine, etc., and the use of CATV technology for multiplexing audio, digital, and video signals from the surface to the mine.
Authors: RA Isberg, H Kramer, DA Parrish
Contract/MOA Report - March 1981
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10002199
Comsul Ltd. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Final Report Contract No. J0377044, 1981 Mar; :333 pp
See Also
- Development of a Visual Display and Control System
- Leaky Feeder to Wireless Media Converter Device Technology Development
- A Medium Frequency Wireless Communication System for Underground Mines
- Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Metal/Non-Metal Mines
- Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Metal/Non-Metal Mines: Magma Copper Company - San Manuel Mine
- Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Mines
- Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Limestone Room and Pillar Mines
- Technical Services for Mine Communications Research: Task A, Task Order No. 1 - Applicability of State-Of-The-Art Voice Bandwidth Compression Techniques for Wireless Mine Communication
- Theory on the Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Coal Mine Tunnels
- Transmit Antennas for Portable VLF to MF Wireless Mine Communications
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program