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Toronto, Canada – NL Technologies (NLT) announces the approval by MSHA for the newest addition to their IS approved family of Wi-Fi access points and network client devices supporting communications and tracking solutions for US coal mines, NetPort-able IS Node.
The NetPort-able IS Node is a dual radio 802.11, four antennae, completely wireless (no fiber) open platform Wi-Fi access point incased in a small and rugged Pelican case, weighing only 13.2 lbs (6 KG). The NetPort-able IS node was originally designed for Mine Rescue operations to allow rescue workers to immediately set up temporary communications networks underground for their search and rescue operations. Mine Rescue staff carry the NetPort-able IS access points underground setting them down at distances of up to 3000 feet (1 km) apart along mine tunnels and then use VoIP handsets or the NLT IS approved 2 way text MessengerTM cap lamp to communicate with each other and back to surface.
In addition to Mine Rescue, the NetPort-able IS Node can be used in day-to-day operations by mines for temporary network extensions standalone or with an existing 802.11 fiber-based network, during Longwall moves or set ups, or to temporarily replace access points that may be down for maintenance. Any 802.11 open standard client devises like VoiP phones, PDAs, laptops, and Wi-Fi tags can run on the network.
Powered by 2 Northern LightTM NiMH batteries with 8 hours of run time, these batteries are easily and safely field changeable in return airways.
“I am thrilled with this approval as it gives our customers even more flexibility in the design of MSHA compliant communications and tracking solutions. Because no fiber is required, the NetPort-able IS node becomes a practical solution for communications in the face areas, where MSHA requires much smaller tracking zones.” says Heidi Levitt, President of NL Technologies.
NLT’s family of MSHA approved products includes two styles of fixed access points, NetPort IS, for main travel ways, NetPort IS 3FR with three Fiber ports, allowing for an additional fiber and access point run off a main loop, NLT MessengerTM IS, a two-way text messenging device in a cap lamp, Wi-Fi tracking tags with Aeroscout, and the NLT Digital Mine software that pulls together tracking, communications, and environmental monitoring in to a single Internet based front-end on a laptop or server.
About NLT – NL Technologies, (NLT) has been designing and manufacturing the Northern LightTM caplamp for the underground mining industry for over twenty years with offices in Canada, Australia and Chile and distributor partners around the world. For more information about NLT’s suite of digital products and cap lamps, go to www.nltinc.com.
