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
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
Mobile Platform
Communication System
User’s Manual
Page 5 of 18
About This Manual
This manual contains a description of the MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
Mobile Platform’s Communication System is based in two
components:
• MLX
TM
Mobile Hub
• Bi-directional Amplifier and Cavity Filter
• Omni-directional Antenna
MLX
TM
Mobile Hub
Internally the MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
Mobile Platform
Communication System
User’s Manual
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Bidirectional Amplifier Block Diagram
MLX
TM
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
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
Mobile Hub.
8. Turn ON the MLX
TM
Mobile Hub again.
9. Repeat steps 1, 2, 3 and 5.
10. If everything is successful, the MLX
TM
Mobile Hub has been configured
correctly. If not, please send it to the MMS office to be repaired.
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
Mobile Platform
Communication System
User’s Manual
Page 13 of 18
Hardware Installation and Specifications
MLX
TM
Mobile
Hub
The MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
Mobile Hub. The
device that is being showed is the MasterLink
®
Mobile hub as reference, since
both have the same mounting pattern.
MLX
TM
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
MLX
TM
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
MLX
TM
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
MLX
TM
Mobile
Hub Connectors
MLX
TM
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.
MLX
TM
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 MLX
TM
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
MLX
TM
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
MLX
TM
Mobile Platform
Communication System
User’s Manual
Page 18 of 18
Revision History
Revision Date Comments
------------- December 2006 First issue
A May 2007 Release