The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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May 19, 2008

Beckley company offers MSHA-approved tracking tag

Other mining communication systems in works, owner says

By Fred Pace

Hughes Supply and Tunnel Radio of America say the U.S. federal Mine Safety and Health Administration have approved their miner tracking tag.

“Since we can install readers in our approved underground power insertion boxes, we now have a complete communications and tracking system,” said Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Supply in Beckley, the local company that sells the system. “We have already taken several orders for the system and anticipate more in the very near future.”

MSHA approves mining equipment as “intrinsically safe,” meaning to not create a spark or thermal ignition of methane or coal dust in coal mines.

Tunnel Radio submitted applications to MSHA last year for components of the tracking system.

The MineAx “Bird Dog” Tracking and Tagging for underground mines provides the ability to locate people and equipment underground.

MineAx supports multiple modes of data transport including wireless readers via leaky feeder, Ethernet and hardwire, Hughes says.

“This provides for maximum flexibility in design as well as installation,” he said.

In wireless mode, the tag readers can be located anywhere within the leaky feeder radio system coverage area, according to Hughes, thus providing customized coverage for each unique installation.

“Both local and client server computer user interfaces allow tracking of individual workers and equipment throughout a mine facility,” said Hughes.

Hughes says the system capabilities include:

- Wireless readers that may be quickly deployed hundreds of feet from the main cable.

- A wireless “brassing” feature that tracks directionality (movement both in and out of the mine).

- Long-range tracking of personnel and equipment.

- Cost-efficient, full-featured software.

- “First and last-seen” main screen, database driven.

- Provision for use of mustering locations for use in emergencies.

- Compatibility with the TR UltraComm UHF/ VHF leaky feeder backbone.

It offers advanced software with mapping capabilities and many other features, Hughes adds.

“It works over Ethernet or radio network,” he said.

Tunnel Radio’s communications, data and tracking systems enable monitoring of production, personnel and equipment in all types of surface and underground mining environments, including coal and base metal mines, Hughes says.

Hughes said the company continues to make good progress with MSHA on approval for the MCI/ XP reader station.

“We are in the process of getting approval right now,” he said. “We also have other mining communication equipment and systems in the works as well.”

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com

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