Helicomm, Inc. and Venture Design Services Inc., have announced their new product called Text Messaging Mobile Communicator, an integral part of MineTracer. This device is a ZigBee-based tracking, monitoring, and emergency messaging system.
Ken Hill, director of sales, Helicomm, expressed, “We believe it’s important for every miner underground to be able to communicate to the surface – especially during an emergency. This certification allows us to move forward with additional 2-way communication capability and continue our mission of improving mine safety.â€
Developed for local and federal regulations, MineTracer incorporates a two-way wireless communication and location tracking system. And with the help of the TMC, miners can maintain two-way communications with the mine office that can record and time-stamp the miner’s location and messages, in parallel. Then, the digital technology offers full details of the message and sender, that includes who, what, where and when of every message sent or received.
According to Eric Pirttima, business development manager, VDSI, “The key accomplishment with this approval is to provide a communication and tracking solution in a single system. There will be no restrictions for use of the TMC device in any hazardous areas of any mine. This technology provides a safer environment for the miners and peace of mind for their families.â€
As per the press release, MineTracer is approved by West Virginia’s Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training for communications and tracking devices as required by West Virginia Legislative Rule §56-4-8.
