DRUM Features
- Supports both voice and text communications
- Fully digital communications allows other digital devices (tracking systems, CO2 monitors, etc.) to communicate over the network
- Mobile, ad-hoc network allows for mine-wide coverage
- Repeater spacing—1 mile apart in typical installations
- Fully functional with any VHF/UHF radios—no need to purchase new handsets!
- Supports point-to-point voice range of over two miles underground with only two radios and no repeaters!
- Great for small mines, or for large mines with a need for point-to-point communications.
- Extends the range of leaky feeder with no extra wires or cables.
- Put one DRUM Leaky Feeder Extender at the end of the leaky feeder and the other wherever coverage is needed.
- Voice data from VHF or UHF handhelds will be transmitted from that location to the leaky feeder!
Digital Radio for Underground Mines (DRUM)
Kutta developed the DRUM for the mining industry with funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The DRUM is perfect as an emergency backup communication system in large mines, and can be used as an inexpensive primary communication system in medium and small mines. The DRUM was designed to meet the intent of the MINER Act for a redundant communications system.
Since all DRUM products use current mine infrastructure (pipes, leaky feeder cables, tracks, wire-core lifelines, etc.) to carry data, no expensive installations are required. The DRUM products are hardened and ruggedized to help preclude damage, and they continue working even if power to the mine is lost or shut off.
DRUM Functional Videos
Video #1 - DRUM Repeater Installation: This video shows a typical installation of 2 DRUM Repeaters in an underground mine. One DRUM Repeater is installed on the surface of a mine, and the other is installed underground near the "Working Face.” Once the Repeater Units have been installed, a twisted-pair phone line or wire-core life-line is run the length of the mine to complete the Medium Frequency (MF) link. In some cases, installation of a life-line is unnecessary due to the DRUM Repeater’s ability to couple to existing mine infrastructure (phone lines, pipes, tracks, etc.) Once the installation is complete, the Medium Frequency (MF) link provides wireless, non-line-of-sight communications up to 4+ miles between nodes.
Video #2 - DRUM Repeater Operational Example: This video demonstrates the interoperability with typical UHF / VHF handheld radios and the DRUM Repeater Units. Miners located near the “Working Face” can communicate with those on the surface by utilizing the Medium Frequency (MF) link of the DRUM Repeater units. Communications from the hand-held UHF / VHF radios are converted to Medium Frequency (MF) format by the DRUM Repeater units, and are then propagated throughout the mine environment.
Video #3 - DRUM Portable Operational Example: This video shows the functionality of the DRUM Portable unit in an underground mine. The DRUM Portable units do not require dedicated wiring and provide mobile communication coverage by propagating a Medium Frequency (MF) signal throughout the mine infrastructure (phone lines, wire-core life lines, pipes, tracks, etc.)
Video #4 – Leaky Feeder Extender: This video demonstrates the ability for DRUM Repeater Units to wirelessly extend an existing Leaky Feeder system. This cost-effective solution is implemented by installing one DRUM Repeater Unit near the Leaky Feeder cable, and another deeper in the mining environment. The DRUM Repeater Unit is then able to convert the signal from the Leaky Feeder system to Medium Frequency (MF), send it along to the next DRUM Repeater Unit, and pass it out to a UHF/VHF handheld radio, and vice versa.
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