3 Tricks for reliably scaling your in-pit wireless network.
Asset Health, IoT, Fleet Management, Productivity Monitoring, High Precision GPS, Safety, Security, Asset Tracking, Communication, Connectivity. There’s a lot happening on your wireless network. It seems the request for more data and more access is nearly non-stop.
How do you scale your network to handle this constant increase in scope?
Autonomous pushing the envelope.
Autonomous Haulage Systems are raising the stakes for reliable wireless infrastructure. These systems represent a step change in the criticality of your wireless network and the spectrum they run on. Any gaps in coverage or issues with latency, jitter, or dropped packets can bring the haul trucks to a stand still causing substantial production losses. As more and more critical systems rely on excellent connectivity, understanding the importance and impact of a reliable and robust wireless infrastructure, and proper spectrum management, is critical to ensuring effective realization of the ROI these application can provide. Is your wireless network up to the challenge?
We have all been there, looking for direction. But what does it take when it comes to the performance of your mining operations?
We all have been through this, looking for direction. No matter if it’s driving the family to a new vacation destination or utilizing technology in mine operations to improve efficiency and safety. It’s all the same, we are looking for direction.
Wireless Networks. Why technology brand never comes first.
While it’s often a desire, there is rarely one technology that fits all. And wireless technology is no different in this context. Selection of the right wireless technology to meet the demands and scale of your environment, applications and data requirements really need to be considered before one starts looking at technology for your business.
This is a process that we typically break into 3 stages. The first stage, the discovery process, covers 3 main specific aspects about your business.
Adding the Smart to IoT helps improve your mine’s ROI.
Simply put, the Internet of Things (IoT) allows businesses to create value by adding intelligence to objects and connecting them to a system that proactively monitors, analyzes and produces valuable outcome.
3D-P Deploys Asset Health at North American Coal’s Sabine Mine
Haul Truck Maintenance Parameters
3D-P and iVolve recently completed the initial implementation of a scalable, affordable, open platform asset health solution at the North American Coal’s Sabine Mine, located in Hallsville, Texas.
Endpoint Manager 1.4.1 and Firmware Updates Released
3D‐P, a leading provider of technology products for the mining industry, is pleased to announce the release of Endpoint Manager 1.4.1 along with the latest firmware releases for the Intelligent Endpoint line.
Endpoint Manager is a software utility that allows administrators to quickly and cost-effectively manage their Intelligent Endpoint™ (IEP) network from a central location. The release of Endpoint Manager 1.4.1 enables the configuration of Intelligent Endpoint functionality in the new firmware release 110715-30, including:
- Broadcast Proxy support for applications such as Modular’s MineCompass moving map display
- Multicast support for applications such as the Terrain Server component of CAT® Minestar™.
- Enhancements to our WLAN Network Interface to optimize the handoff of Intelligent Endpoints as they roam between access points as well as extended security options
- Network Performance Monitoring tools that can provide graphical or a historical view of network performance on the Intelligent Endpoint interfaces
Endpoint Manager also includes an Advanced System Settings configuration tab for an additional “expert” level of remote customization, and tools for creating a second partition on Intelligent Endpoints for data storage.
Customers with an existing Service Level Agreement are entitled to a upgrade their firmware for all their Intelligent Endpoints along with Endpoint Manager 1.4.1 at no charge providing they have already purchased an earlier release.
All firmware loads and software mentioned will be made available to download to qualified customers via the 3D-P ftp site Please contact our Customer Support group via email at support@3d-p.com or here.
For further details, please click here or contact your Account Manager.
Endpoint Manager and new firmware webinar:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx0CvyBYDpc]
A Modern Look at Mining Technology
By Mal Jones, 3D-P’s AsiaPac Sales Manager
Many current pieces of mining equipment weren’t designed with modern networks in mind, so they all speak different languages. When critical information, such as GPS, slope monitoring, dispatching, dewatering, safety, machine health, etc. can’t be exchanged, efficiency, productivity, and safety are impacted.
3D-P solves these problems with the Intelligent Endpoint™ product line. Now for the first time, all applications can operate across an entire mine on a single high-speed wireless network with modern IP access to all valuable information.
Developed specifically for mining and heavy industrial use, Intelligent Endpoints are ruggedized networking and open computing platforms that provide seamless connectivity, even with on-machine applications not designed for modern networks.
Intelligent Endpoints are based on open systems and designed to be flexible, enabling an operation to connect any manufacturer’s mobile or field systems. And the really good news is 3D-P products allow a mining company to leverage and extend their existing technology investment.
If a certain system or function in a mine wasn’t compatible before, now it can be. The open architecture of the Intelligent Endpoint enables the mine to consolidate their legacy and current technologies onto a single network platform. Intelligent Endpoints gives them a common platform that can be used to provide connectivity to new systems and old, providing uninterrupted, reliable communications for all of the mine’s technology assets. Now the aggregate data from various systems throughout the mine can be instantly converted into actionable information, all to help lower cost of production and improve a mine’s safety.
If you would like more information on modern solutions for a not so modern mining operation, contact us at sales@3d-p.com or visit us at www.3d-p.com
Largest Gold Producer in the Northern Hemisphere Replaced Modular Network with 3D-P Open Source 802.11n Wireless Network.
This Conversion Resulted in 99% Up-Time.
Press Release: Calgary, Alberta, Canada – April 25, 2012: 3D-P, the leading resource for technologically-advanced onboard open-sourced computing platforms and wireless networks, announced today a successful deployment of 802.11n wireless network at a Canadian-based gold mining company. This is the first successful deployment of its kind in a surface mining environment.
The deployment met the demands for higher through-put requirements from intensive data-driven application on board the mobile fleet as well as provided future bandwidth requirements for additional applications.
“This is the future of mining,” stated Sean McClary, 3D-P’s Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. “We are seeing more and more mining companies wanting wireless networks, even those who really aren’t set up for modern technology. 3D-P products are designed to work within those systems. This first installation will be our show piece for mines across the world.”
3D-P uses the most rugged, technologically-advanced onboard open-sourced computing platforms and wireless networks to keep mines, operations and people connected. 3D-P can enable control and visibility of every facet of a company’s mining assets and resources in real-time so companies can boost productivity and up profits.
About 3D-P
3D-P was formed in 1996 to bring world-class technologies to mining and the natural resource industry. Our products increase productivity and decrease costs through the implementation of technology that is proven, reliable and cost effective.
Our team of experts includes Mining Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Telecommunications Engineers, Consultants and Software Engineers that have decades of experience in the Natural Resource industry developing advanced technology systems. We bring that experience to work every day solving your mobile application and wireless network problems. Visit us online to learn more http://www.3D-P.com, and follow our blog: 3dpglobalmining.wordpress.com
Technology Leapfrog
By Hugo Untiveros, Latin American Sales
What to choose?
While today’s technology changes very fast and allows more flexibility when interacting with different players; what and when to pick the technology is the key. However, most of the time choosing the right technology is a task that cannot be accomplished alone or at least without a right partnership.
Meeting your needs
You might have picked the right technology, but how long will it last in a hostile environment as the mining operations?
Reliability is another key factor for success, where humidity, static, lighting, dust, rain, mud, and even snow are just part of the day-to-day scenario. Indoor technology won’t last long in outdoor environments.
Did I mention altitude? Yes, altitude can change how equipment behaves and could have a big impact in productivity. Yes, ruggedness is a must when picking the right technology.
Technology leapfrog
Latin America mining is in privileged position where choosing the right partner with the right experience is an essential step to success. The true partner can point you in the right direction without unnecessary steps; saving you time and effort, which translates into money and money is what makes this business a challenge.
Next time you look for a solution for your mining operations, the first task to complete is choosing the right technology-partner.