Applied communications

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 80, No. 908, 1987

B.J. CLAUZIER Falconbridge Limited Falconbridge, Ontario

The Falconbridge Limited approach to employing communication equipment is first, to determine what is required in a given situation, second, to evaluate the possible alternatives, third, to select the most suitable hardware and, fourth, to determine what modifications, if any, are required to ensure not only successful implementation but continued low-cost reliability. Two examples are examined. The first situation required remote video monitoring of an acid loadout station. Several alternatives for linking to the remote site were investigated, including hard-wired, slow-scan and microwave. A comparison of these alternatives is shown and an appraisal of the performance of the selected microwave link is presented. The second situation required direct voice contact between the two members of an underground tram crew. Alternative solutions are described and an evaluation of the selected system — SHF portable radios — is presented.

Mots Clés: Communications, Video monitoring, Acid loadout station, Microwave system, Mine haulage, Falconbridge Limited.