Lockheed Martin is testing a "MagneLink" Magnetic Communication System (MCS) that transmits magnetic waves through the earth without wires. The system could be used by the mining industry to provide voice communication and texting for miners trapped following a collapse or other accident.
Lockheed Martin said its portable, two-way, voice- and text-capable emergency communication system operates at ranges sufficient to communicate from the surface into deep underground mines.
"During the test, MagneLink MCS performed superbly," said Warren Gross, MagneLink MCS program manager. "The system interfaced with hand-held radios similar to the Miner Emergency Radios (MERs) and functioned as a multi-band receiver, establishing communications with multiple MagneLink MCS units without the requirement for the MCS units to be on the same channel to receive transmissions."
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ms2
- In December 2009, the MagneLink MCS Engineering Development Model's functionality for voice and text communications was successfully demonstrated at a commercial mine in Dilliner, Pa.
- In March 2010, Lockheed Martin tested MagneLink MCS at the Contrary Portal of CONSOL Energy's Buchanan Mine in Mavisdale, Va. The system demonstrated successful two-way voice communications to a depth of 1550 feet and two-way text communications to a depth in excess of 1550 feet.
