Radio Options
The VDV leaky feeder backbone allows various types of radios to be utilised. Radios are available for personal use, vehicle use and fixed locations. Telemetry equipment and video can also be connected via a radio modem.
Portable Radios
Portable radios allow individual personnel to utilise the VDV radio system. The portable radios available on the market must be designed for operation in the VHF hi-band. Choice of radio type depends on individual preference.
Mobile Radios
Mobile radios, as their name suggests, are designed for implementation in vehicles. The radios utilise external antennas which allow the radio to operate without the attenuation of the surrounding vehicle.
The mobile radios are designed for connection to 12 VDC, on heavy vehicles a converter is required.
Vehicle radios must also be protected from the environment on large open machinery. Typically, a specially designed enclosure is required for the mobile radios on vehicles such as trucks or jumbos. In light vehicles the radio can be mounted in, or on, the dashboard.
Data & Telemetry
Data can be transmitted over the VDV network via an RF modem. The modem converts the data to a format suitable for radio transmission. In this way, equipment can be monitored and controlled. For example, fans and pumps can be turned on or off in response to certain conditions.
Sophisticated control packages can be utilised to ensure the mine operates efficiently, the VDV Leaky Feeder backbone handles all of the information flow.
RF Controls
RF Controls are mobile radios housed suitably for a fixed location, an example being a control room. The RF control contains a suitable power supply and battery backup. The radio and the associated equipment is housed in an enclosure.
The connection to the radio is achieved by an external antenna.
Video
The VDV system is capable of video transmission