SmartCom is designed to provide seamless communications throughout an underground mine or tunnel. The Leaky Feeder cable acts as a mine-wide antenna. It eliminates the need to install and maintain dozens of hardwired cables and signal wires. The RF signals from the Head End, which is usually located on surface, are transmitted throughout the tunnel network over the Leaky Feeder system.
Normally coaxial cable is designed to keep as much signal as possible within the cable,and to block any external signals and noise from penetrating. However Leaky Feeder cable is designed to 'leak' or radiate the RF signal out,as well as allow signals in from any remote radio transceivers within 50 - 200 meters (depending on system frequency) from
the Leaky Feeder cable. To sustain the RF signal levels over long distances,
Line Amplifiers (or boosters) are inserted along the Leaky feeder cable run, nominally every 350m.Where coverage is required in
a tunnel off the main drive, such as a ramp, shaft or cross cut, Branch Units may be installed.
The Amplifiers are line powered by 12, 24, 36 or 48 VDC as required, via the Leaky Feeder coaxial cable.
SmartCom allows miners to communicate over standard or encrypted commercial two-way radios, monitor and controlelectrical
equipment such as fans and pumps and view video images from strategic locations throughout the mine.
SmartCom provide the option of VHF and UHF bands. The system is reliable and robust, specifically designed for the environment.
UHF versus VHF
UHF offers significant advantages over the traditional VHF solutions commonly used in mines and tunnels. UHF providesmuch greater coverage (up to 200 m from the Leaky Feeder cable compared to 50 m for VHF), greater useable bandwidth,higher data throughput and, most importantly, clearer communications. Although UHF Leaky Feeder systems have a higher initial cost, VHF systems are generally more expensive over a typical Life Of Mine. The reason is simply that less equipment is required for UHF due to the extra coverage achieved. For example, UHF will propagate in to working levels (up to 200 m) thus removing the need to install a lot of branches andadditional cable in to the working level. An added benefit is that you achieve communications at the working face(s) but do not expose the infrastructure to any blasting related hazards. The combination of these benefits significantly decreases the associated maintenance costs to the mine.
UHF also provides greater flexibility in utilising radios, for example combining a CB UHF with a commercial UHF radio.This equipment is less costly than having to install a UHF CB for surface and a VHF radio for underground. Video, Dataand Telemetry also achieve a higher quality than VHF.
Overall, UHF provides superior performance and a more cost effective approach than VHF.
User-Friendly Equipment
Self Testing
Amplifiers include full local diagnostics to simplify the task of maintaining the system in an operating mine or tunnel. Amplifier performance can easily be monitored from a passing vehicle without the need for expensive test equipment. Amplifiers are characteristically spaced every 350 m along the Leaky Feeder cable.+ Diagnostics
Working Levels and Branches
Any mine layout can be accomodated with the Becker Leaky Feeder system. Where additional roadways, travelways or levels require coverage, 3 - way or 4 - way Branch units can be installed. This allows the Leaky Feeder to be split and provide coverage in multiple areas.+ Flexibility
Growing with the Mine
As a mine continues to develop and expand, so too does the Leaky Feeder system. The arterials are extended by adding extra cable and amplifiers as required. Additional power supplies are also required to ensure adequate power is available throughout the system. Power supplies convert the mine reticulated electrical supply (eg. 1,000 Volts) to the system voltage, usually 28VDC. Power couplers connect the DC signal to the Leaky Feeder.+ Expandable
Repairs & Extensions
Leaky Feeder cables need to be extended and sometimes repaired or modified when a mine develops in a new direction. Making quick connections and repairs is therefore important to ensure minimum downtime and reliable operations. The Becker Splice unit accommodates these requirements.+ User friendliness
Leaky Feeder Cable
The Leaky Feeder cable provides the system with the capability to transmit and receive signals in an underground environment. The cable, unlike normal coaxial cables has a majority of the external copper shield removed. This allows signals to "leak" in to and from the cable. + Information Highway
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