| Why Leaky Feeder
Communicating within an underground tunnel or enclosed environment is challenging, which is why Minecom is proud of its range of highly regarded Leaky Feeder systems.
Leaky Feeder systems overcome problems often encountered with traditional above ground style antennas, such as:
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• can be easily damaged
• are susceptible to corrosion
• are subject to phasing
• can provide inconsistent coverage as trucks, loaders and other equipment
can reflect, deflect or block the radio signals |
How does Leaky Feeder work?
Normal coaxial cable is designed to pass radio frequency (RF) signals from one end of the cable to the other with varying degrees of loss, dependant on the quality. The purpose of the cable’s outer copper shield is to keep as much signal as possible inside the cable and prevent external RF signals and/or interference from entering the cable.
However the external copper shield on a Leaky Feeder cable has ‘holes’ or ‘gaps’, allowing the RF signals to leak out evenly along its length, so they can be picked up by radios nearby. The holes in the Leaky Feeder cable also enable external RF signals to enter and run along the cable.
The basic function of a Leaky Feeder system is to maintain a constant level of signal along a considerable length of Leaky Feeder cable; a solution which is both effective and reliable.
Minecom's Leaky Feeder system
Minecom’s Leaky Feeder system has been engineered to exacting standards, utilising small inline, bi-directional amplifiers to boost the signals up and down the cable. Connection of the Leaky Feeder cable to amplifiers, branches, terminations and other peripherals is quick and easy, with no special tools required.
Minecom offers three levels of Leaky Feeder solutions:
- A Standard System
- A partially redundant Ring Feeder System
- The fully redundant Smart Reverse System
There are many options which can enhance operational capability, with the Head End rack able to be configured for any of the following:
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• Head End
• Diagnostic Head End
• Circuit Breaker Panel
• Voice Radio Base Stations
• Data Radio Modems
• Transmitter Isolators
• Master PLC
• SMARTAmp Head End
• SMARTVideo Video Demodulators
• Radio to Telephone Interface
• Audio Bridge
• Power Supply
• Battery Back Up |
Minecom systems can grow alongside a company's site or operations.
Other Head End rack equipment options offered include:
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• Voice storage & recording units
• Video TV monitors
• Multi-media equipment
• Video & quad switchers
• PC's for diagnostics/telemetry |
Minecom amplifiers can provide:
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• Automatic Gain Control (all models)
• Basic drive-by diagnostics (all models)
• Remote (PC-based) diagnostics (selected models)
• Full drive-by diagnostics, including Automatic Gain Control, amplifier current levels,
Base TX RF levels and uplink Automatic Gain Control (selected models)
• Line Level Compensation (selected models)
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A full range of passive units, including termination units, single branch units, dual branch units, power coupling units, inline antenna units, inline attenuators and joiner boxes are also available.
To see the full range of Leaky Feeder models and options available, browse the brochures (right) or contact us to discuss your requirements.
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ULFC Leeky Feeder Cable