Leaky Feeder
A leaky feeder communication system consists of a cable run along tunnels which emits and receives radio waves, functioning as an extended antenna. The cable is “leaky” in that it has gaps or slots in its outer conductor to allow the radio signal to leak into or out of the cable along its entire length.
Because of this leakage of signal, line amplifiers are required to be inserted at regular intervals, typically every 350 meters, to boost the signal back up to acceptable levels. The signal is usually picked up by portable transceivers carried by personnel. Transmissions from the transceivers are picked up by the feeder and carried to other parts of the tunnel, allowing two-way radio communication throughout the tunnel system.
- Radio waves travel through the air by line-of-sight, making radio communication underground difficult.
- PBE’s Leaky Feeder solves this problem by forming an antenna that is installed throughout the mine, providing complete radio communication coverage.
- Leaky Feeder cable is strong and flexible, so there is no problem installing the network around corners and turns.
- PBE’s Leaky Feeder cable is a type of coaxial cable that ‘leaks’ radio signals throughout the mine.