Modular Mining Systems 302924-1 WiFi 802.11b/g Radio Network for Mining Vehicles User Manual MLX Hub User Manual

Modular Mining Systems Inc WiFi 802.11b/g Radio Network for Mining Vehicles MLX Hub User Manual

Users Manual

MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 2 of 18 RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AND DISCLAIMER Copyright © 2006 by Modular Mining Systems, Inc. Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Modular Mining Systems, Inc., makes no representation regarding the fitness, quality, design, condition, capacity, suitability, or performance of the equipment or of the material or workmanship thereof and/or compliance of the system with the requirements of any law or regulations, and disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Modular Mining Systems, Inc., shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to property or injury or death to persons caused by any defect or failure in the system hardware and/or software regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or in tort, including negligence, strict liability, or otherwise. Modular Mining Systems, Inc., is not responsible for any losses, financial or otherwise, that the customer, purchaser, or end user (hereafter, collectively, user) incurs nor shall it be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business or investment profits, business interruption, loss of business information or the like) arising out of the use, interruption in the use of, or performance of the system hardware and/or software. User expressly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Modular Mining Systems, Inc., from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including but not limited to: (i) any loss resulting from general or particular requirements of needs of user as defined in user’s originating purchase order; (ii) any damages from loss of use, loss of data, loss of profits, or loss of business arising out of or in connection with the performance of system hardware and/or software; (iii) any loss or damage to property or injury or death to persons proximately resulting from system hardware and/or software, even if entirely due in whole or in part to negligent acts or omissions of Modular Mining Systems, Inc.; and (iv) attorney’s fees and costs. The information described in this document is furnished as proprietary information and may not be copied or sold without the written permission of Modular Mining Systems, Inc. Trademarks (distinctive font) and the Modular logo are trademarks of Modular Mining Systems, Inc. and are registered U.S. trademarks of Modular Mining Systems, Inc. All other brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 3 of 18 Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Modular Mining Systems could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 4 of 18 MANDATORY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALLERS AND USERS Use only antennas supplied by Modular Mining Systems or dealer. Antenna Minimum Safe Distance: 20 cm Antenna Gain: dBi referenced to a perfect isotropic radiator. The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF (Radio Frequency) energy which is below the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) limits. Antenna Mounting: The antenna supplied by Modular Mining Systems or dealer must not be mounted at a location such that during radio transmission, any person or persons can come closer than the above minimum safe distance to the antenna, i.e. 20cm. To comply with current FCC RF exposure limits, the antenna must be installed at or exceeding the minimum safe distance shown above, and in accordance with the requirements of Modular Mining Systems. Antenna substitution: Do not substitute any antenna for the one supplied or recommended by Modular Mining Systems. You may be exposing person or persons to harmful radio frequency radiation. You may contact Modular Mining Systems for further instructions. WARNING: Maintain a separation distance from the antenna to person(s) of at least 20cm. You, as the qualified end -user of this radio device must control the exposure conditions of bystanders to ensure the minimum separation distance (above) is maintained between the antenna and nearby persons for satisfying RF Exposure compliance. The operation of this transmitter must satisfy the requirements of Occupational / Controlled Exposure Environment, for work-related use. Transmit only when person(s) are a least the minimum distance from the properly installed, externally mounted antenna. Professional Installation: This device must be professionally installed.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 5 of 18 About This Manual This manual contains a description of the MLXTM Mobile Platform’s Communication System designed by Modular Mining Systems (MMS). Its use is intended for MMS personnel and clients who may be responsible for the system’s operation. System Description The MLXTM Mobile Platform’s Communication System is based in two components: • MLXTM Mobile Hub • Bi-directional Amplifier and Cavity Filter • Omni-directional Antenna MLXTM Mobile Hub Internally the MLXTM Mobile Hub contains a radio that operates with the standard IEEE 802.11g in the ISM 2.412 to 2.484 GHz frequency band. The modulation schemes used are OFDM for data rates 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps, reverts to CCK for 5.5 and 11 Mbps and to DBPSK/DQPSK for 1 and 2 Mbps. The radio has two ports (Primary and Auxiliary) configured to operate in diversity antenna mode. The diversity antenna mode scans the SNR of each port until one is found to be above a predetermine threshold. Then the radio receives and transmits only for this port (antenna) until it falls below the SNR threshold and the scanning process is again initiated. In other words, the MLXTM Mobile Hub only receives and transmits for one antenna at time. Basic form of scanning diversity Bi-directional Amplifier The Bidirectional Amplifier is designed to be used for IEEE 802.11g standard, providing up to 1W of AGC compensated transmit power and giving low noise amplification in receive mode. It provides spectrally clean power amplification in transmit mode.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 6 of 18 Bidirectional Amplifier Block Diagram
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 7 of 18 Omni Directional Antenna Antenna diversity is an option and not a requirement. If the omni is positioned such that it is the highest point on the vehicle, then multipath is not a problem and a single omni performs 98-99% as good a dual configuration. The disadvantage with omni antennas on many mine vehicles is that they are prone to being knocked off during normal mining operations. Neglecting losses between the amplifier and the antenna (some minimal cable run is unavoidable), the radiated output power from a 6dB antenna would be 36dBm (4Watts). However, actual output power will be slightly less due to unavoidable losses (cables, connectors, etc). Block Diagram Omni Directional Antenna Configuration
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 8 of 18 Tune Up Information No tuning procedure is required by the end user since the RF power that is put in the entry of the amplifier is controlled by firmware (driver) being this less than 20 dBm, limit that permits to the Automatic Gain Control operates correctly in the range 2-20 dBm to obtain 30dBm RF power output as maximum.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 9 of 18 Wireless Network Configuration The Wireless Ethernet adapter will obtain its IP address from the DHCP service. Make sure that the MLXTM Mobile Hub is being covered by the desired RF Wireless Access Point signal. 1. Press Ctrl-Alt-Del to open the “Windows Task Manager” 2. Press Alt-F 3. Press Enter to open a “Create New Task” window and type “cmd.exe” and Enter.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 10 of 18 4. A shell command window will appear, type “wan0config /s MLINK /w 123456789A” and press Enter. Note that the SSID (MLINK) and Wepkey (123456789A) could be different depending of each installation. 5. Type “ping 172.16.1.99” and press “Enter” to do pings to the central server. Note that the central server IP address could be different depending of each installation.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 11 of 18 6. If the ping is successful type “ewfmgr c: -commit” and press Enter. 7. Type “shutdown –r –t 0” and press Enter to shutdown the MLXTM Mobile Hub. 8. Turn ON the MLXTM Mobile Hub again. 9. Repeat steps 1, 2, 3 and 5. 10. If everything is successful, the MLXTM Mobile Hub has been configured correctly. If not, please send it to the MMS office to be repaired.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 12 of 18 Application Loading 1. Open a “cmd.exe” shell window command. 2. Type “net/Hub/All CLASS=truck ID=<name of equipment> OPTIONS=Gps,Truck,MineCare” and press “Enter” Example: 3. To run the application type “resetme” and press “Enter” 4. To reload the application, type “bootme”, press “Enter” and repeat the steps 1, 2 and 3.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 13 of 18 Hardware Installation and Specifications MLXTM Mobile Hub The MLXTM Mobile Hub consists of a rugged case to support and base plate made of cast aluminum, which has been anodized and enameled to provide maximum protection from harsh environments. Its physical dimensions are approximately 33.0 by 26.2 by 8.9 centimeters (13 by 10.3 by 3.5 inches), and it weighs 4.7 kilograms (10.4 pounds). The MLXTM Mobile Hub is installed inside the mining vehicle’s cab usually mounted to the wall or on an upright bracket attached to the floor or rear dash. Mounted to the wall Mounted on an upright bracket Important note: The pictures are not showing the MLXTM Mobile Hub. The device that is being showed is the MasterLink® Mobile hub as reference, since both have the same mounting pattern. MLXTM Mobile Hub – Specifications Required Supply Voltage +12 VDC ISOLATED (11.0-14.0) Provided by the MLX™ Power Subsystem Over voltage Turn-Off 14.0-14.5 VDC Protected to 40V Reverse Polarity Protection built in Protected to -40V Operating System Windows XPe Standard Base Model Processor Celeron 600MHz Standard CF (Compact Flash) 1GB Standard SDRAM 1GB PC Card Slot Type II Mini-PCI Slot Type IIIA
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 14 of 18 Automatic Self Heat & Boot Heats to -20ºC and then boots Automatic Cooling Waterproof fan on at +45ºC Short circuit protected fan monitored for current and tachometer Temp Sensor ±2ºC from -40º to +125ºC Internal GPS Trimble SKII 12-channel differential GPS MLXTM Mobile Hub Display Indicators LED ON Blink Rate Off Power Power good -- -- Radio Radio good Indicates time from last received packet No radio detected Radio Assoc Associated with network Indicates time from last association 5 quick flashes = Change of assoc. No association > 2 minutes GPS -- - 4Hz=Differential solution (with # blinks = # satellites in use) - 1Hz=Autonomous solution (with # blinks = # satellites in use) - Once every 5 seconds = No GPS solution No comms with receiver Heater Heat cycle ON -- Heatters OFF Fan Fan ON -- Fan OFF MLXTM Mobile Hub Connectors
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 15 of 18 Connector Description Ethernet Standard 10/100Base-T network connection CAN Provides power output to and data communications with standard CAN devices. Speaker Standard PC Stereo out left & Right signals, Beeper, and Mic In. For future use only Digital I/O Provides two digital inputs for contactclosure-type devices such as foot switches. Also contains standard Keyboard and Mouse signals. USB Universal Serial Bus. Supports ver 2.0 GPS Antenna Type TNC coaxial cable connector for GPS antenna. Power Receives source power Hi-Res Monitor For optional LVDS Digital Interface for 18-Bit LCD panels and RS232 touchscreen interface. GSP Provides 15-V isolated power to the communications port for serial devices. The port contains two RS-232 or one RS-485 ports. Primary Radio Antenna Provides 12VDC power and RF signal to the external Bi-directional. Secondary Radio Antenna Provides 12VDC power and RF signal to the external Bi-directional amplifier through coaxial cable.
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 16 of 18 Bi-directional Amplifier, Cavity Filter and Antenna The antenna have to be positioned such that it is the highest point on the vehicle, then multipath is not a problem and a single omni performs 98-99% as good a dual configuration, providing 360-degree coverage. The antennas brackets are typically mounted on the front left and right deck or handrails as follows: (Front right side) (Front left side) Bi-directional Amplifier, Filter and Antenna – Specifications Horizontal Pattern 360 degrees Vertical Pattern 35 degrees Antenna Gain 6dBi Frequency Operation 2400- to 2484-MHz Supply Voltage +12VDC +/- 5% Provided by the MLXTM Mobile Hub Power Usage 2.6 watts 3.2 watts Typical 100% duty Receive (RX) Gain 20dB (amplifier) + 6dBi of antenna gain +/- 2dB Supply Current <250mA TX to RX Switching 2 uSec Typical Transmit (TX) AGC Gain Wide RF power input 2-20 dBm Maximum Amplifier Output 1 watt (30 dBm) Supply Current <800mA RX to TX Switching 2 uSec Typical
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 17 of 18 Omni Directional Antennas – Radiating Patterns 1. Omni-directional Antenna 6dBi Gain Frequency: 2.4-2.485 GHz Gain: 6dBi Manufacturer: Mobile Mark Model: OD6-2400 Vertical: 25 degrees Horizontal: 360 degrees 2. Omni-directional Antenna 2dBi Gain Frequency: 2.4-2.485 GHz Gain: 2dBi Manufacturer: Modular Mining Systems, Inc. Model: 303300 Vertical: 70 degrees Horizontal: 360 degrees
MLXTM Mobile Platform Communication System User’s Manual Page 18 of 18 Revision History Revision Date Comments ------------- December 2006 First issue A May 2007 Release

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