What is the operating frequency of your system?
The ACCOLADE system operates at 900 MHz, which provides for the best propagation distance for communications through mine entries, around corners, and down cross-cuts. This frequency also allows for an optimal mix of robust voice and data transmission rates, power consumption levels, and component form factor.
Is your system MSHA certified/intrinsically safe?
Yes, the L-3 ACCOLADE Wireless Mesh Communications System and its components are approved by MSHA for use in underground coal mining environments.
Is your system compliant with the requirements of the 2006 MINER Act?
Yes. The L-3 ACCOLADE Wireless Mesh Communications System meets all of the communications and location tracking requirements as proscribed by the 2006 MINER Act.
Is your system compliant with federal and state mine safety regulations?
In addition to MSHA approval, the L-3 ACCOLADE Wireless Mesh Communications System has received approval from the states of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well.
What is the duration of your system's emergency power supply?
All below-ground Wireless Mesh components have battery backup systems with durations in excess of 24-hours, as directed by U.S. Government requirements, in the event that mine power supplies are disconnected or disabled.
Does your system include a miner locating component?
Yes. The L-3 ACCOLADE Wireless Mesh Communications System can locate miners underground. The locating system is associated with the miner's handheld radio; signal strength data is transmitted via the wireless network and then displayed as location on a computerized mine-map display located in an above-ground operations center.
How/where can I see your system in an operational setting?
L-3 has installed the ACCOLADE Wireless Mesh Communications System in mines throughout the U.S. In addition, L-3 offers on-site mine demonstrations of the ACCOLADE system for prospective clients. Please contact us to schedule a demonstration by calling 877-505-3092, or via email at mine.safety@L-3com.com.
What is the background/history behind this project?
In May 2007, L-3 Communications was awarded a competitive R&D contract by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to design, develop, and produce a prototype ACCOLADE Wireless Mesh Communications System which would be responsive to the requirements of the 2006 MINER Act. This R&D contract was a 19-month, three-phased effort, which culminated in a full-scale in-mine system prototype deployment. The contract ended in 2009.
Who is L-3 Global Security and Engineering Solutions (L-3 GS&ES)?
L-3 Global Security and Engineering Solutions is a division of L-3 Communications Corporation. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington, DC, L-3 GS&ES has more than 2,000 employees throughout the United States and worldwide providing a wide range of technical, analytical, operational, and security services and products to Government and commercial customers. Core capabilities include integrated security solutions and services, engineering and technical services, program management and financial analysis, and an array of Homeland Security/Homeland Defense-related products and services.
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