MineMachine
In 2007, Komatsu Indonesia partnered with SNCTechnologies to develop MineMachine for Komatsu VHMS, a fully integrated hardware, software and communications system that simultaneously, automatically and wirelessly downloads the VHMS data from VHMS enabled equipment and sends it to a server for processing and analysis. Since that time, SNCTechnologies has expanded MineMachine to interface to Caterpiller VIMS, and on-board SANY, Belez, Leibherr, and other equipment.
In order to reduce the costs of implementing a large network, MineMachine has a unique feature which allows it to “hand-off” the data to service vehicles, such as fuel trucks, when they are in the vicinity. This data is then later uploaded to the server when the “hand-off” vehicle is near an access point.
MineMachine Benefits
- Detect Engine Problems Early
- Several Communications Options
- Get VHMS Data Accurately and Quickly
- Eliminate Loss of VHMS Data
- No Large Communications Network
- No Standing Down of Equipment
- Remove Technicians from Dangerous Areas
- Increase Productivity
- Thousands Installed
- Keep Technicians Out of Dangerous Areas
SNCTechnologies has developed the following:
- On Board Equipment
Depending upon the in-pit frequency being used with either a MineMachine Direct (WiFi) or MineMachine OTA M2M+900 (3G/4G/900 MHz) unit is installed on each piece of equipment (truck, loaders, etc.) that VHMS data from. These units generate a strong wireless signal, are constructed for rough mine environments and have been specifically designed and manufactured by SNCTechnologies for this purpose.
- MineMachine Hand-Off System
The MineMachine OTA M2M Hand-Off System is used in situations where the mine does not have 100% communications coverage and some of the equipment, like excavators that are “hidden” from the mine network. To overcome this problem, depending upon the in-pit frequency being used, either a MineMachine OTA M2M+900 (WiFi/3G/4G/900 MHz) or MineMachine OTA M2M (WiFi) unit is installed on the fuel truck or other “hand-off” vehicle.
When one of these “hand-off” vehicles gets within the vicinity of MineMachine enabled equipment, the VHMS data is automatically and wirelessly transferred to the “hand-off” vehicle. There it is stored until the “hand-off” vehicle gets in range of a MineMachine OTA AP access point which is usually located at a fuel depot or on a tower overlooking the mine.
The VHMS data is then uploaded to the access point and then on to the VHMS server for processing. All of this is done automatically and without any operator intervention. The MineMachine Hand-Off System avoids having to build and maintain an expensive communications network.
- MineMachine OTA AP
The MineMachine OTA AP is an access point that is usually mounted on a tower. It wirelessly picks up the data either directly from MineMachine enabled equipment or from a “hand-off” vehicle (usually a fuel truck) and then relays the data to a server for processing.
Detect Engine Problems Early
With MineMachine OTA M2M, you get VHMS data more frequently, wirelessly, and easier so that you can monitor the engine and machine performance through the Vehicle Health Monitoring System (VHMS). No more visiting each machine to manually download the data on a flash drive or laptop. The data is automatically uploaded to your server for reporting by an engine performance analysis program.
SNCTechnologies custom builds the system components to high standards to withstand the harsh environments of a mine site. This includes high temperature and vibrating ratings.
You Don’t Need a Big Network
With the special “Hand-off” technology there is no need for an expensive network covering the entire site. Instead, fuel trucks and service vehicles can be mounted with special M2M units that pick up the data as they roam the mine site and then automatically upload the data when the vehicle nears an access point. It’s all automatic and no operator intervention is required.
MineMachine Hand-Off Software
The MineMachine Hand-Off software is purpose-built and developed by SNCTechnologies for the VHMS download requirement. MineMachine Hand-Off software will store and forward data from heavy equipment but also from another MineMachine Deluxe unit. Thus, with this configuration and capabilities, the required data can “hop” from one unit to another until it arrives at its final server destination and works in many different mine site conditions. The MineMachine Hand-Off software is high capacity, high range, very reliable and at the same time, very easy to install, operate and maintain.
How MineMachine Works
The MineMachine system consists of the following equipment:
- MineMachine Direct
- MineMachine OTA M2M
- MineMachine OTA M2M +900
- MineMachine OTA M2M + 3G/4G
- MineMachine OTA AP
This equipment can be configured in various ways to meet the customer’s specific requirements. The following diagrams are examples of the MineMachine equipment configurations.
Components and Specifications
There are three main components of the MineMachine radio:
- Radio Module
- Cable Harness
- Antenna
MineMachine OTA Direct Specification
- 2.4Ghz WLAN 802.11 b/g/n , 28dBm TX power, -96dBm sensitivity
- Rugged design aluminum case
- High efficiency up to 96% integrated DC/DC converter wide input operation voltage (9-36Vdc)
- Transient surge protection up to 5000W for automotive purpose
- 3A Fast blow automotive OTA Direct blade fuse protection for over current
- Wide range of operating temperature -20o C to 60o C with overheat thermal protection
- Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc network operation mode
- WEP, WPA, WPA2 wireless security
- Up to 150Mbps data rate
- Web based configuration utility
- Ruggedized NMO +3dBm all-weather outdoor 2.4Ghz antenna
- RTNC female antenna port (N-Female type available)
- 3 x Meters Komatsu VHMS interconnection length (customized length available)
- 5 x Meters Antenna jumper cable (customized lengths available)
MineMachine OTA M2M is equipped with 2 Radio interfaces and up to 4 GB storage for VHMS data.
MineMachine OTA M2M Specification
- Intel Atom Processor
- 1 GB RAM, up to 4 GB Compact Flash Card
- 2 x 2.4Ghz WLAN 802.11 b/g/n , 28dBm TX power, -96dBm sensitivity
- Ruggedized design aluminum case
- High efficiency up to 96% integrated DC/DC converter wide input operation voltage (9-36Vdc)
- Transient surge protection up to 5000W for automotive purpose
- 3A Fast blow automotive OTA Direct blade fuse protected for over current
- Wide operating temperature -20o C to 60o C with overheat thermal protection
- Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc network operation mode
- WEP, WPA, WPA2 wireless security
- Up to 150Mbps data rate
- Web based configuration utility
- Ruggedized omni +5dBm all-weather outdoor 2.4Ghz antenna
- +3dBm all-weather outdoor 2.4Ghz antenna
- 2 x RTNC female antenna port (N-Female type available)
- 3 x Meters Komatsu VHMS interconnection length (customized length available)
- 2 x 5 Meters Antenna jumper cable (customized length available)
Installed on the tower, MineMachine Access Point is used to connect to the server.
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