The system’s other segment, the fixed communication node, was approved July 26, 2010. The latest green light completes federal approval on the first-approved wireless communication and tracking system.

Strata CommTrac offers text communication and tracking to within 200 feet mine-wide. It is truly wireless, requiring no external antennas, battery backup systems or hard-wire backbone.

The fixed nodes are stand-alone units, forming a digital mesh network when installed underground. They are powered with four standard D-cell alkaline batteries which have a lifespan of about one year.

The newly approved miner communicators are worn on the person and function as the system’s communicators and tracking devices. They interact with the fixed nodes, transmitting both miner location and identification data for tracking and text messages for communication. All compiled data is sent to the surface via wireless gateway to be monitored, tracked and logged.

Strata CommTrac is self-forming, self-healing and self-monitoring, and its system functions and battery levels are automatically monitored with system alerts.

The system is available now for mine-wide installations.

"The full approval of Strata CommTrac technology is a significant milestone for Strata’s electronic safety division,” Strata Safety Products vice-president and general manager Mike Berube said.

“CommTrac is the cornerstone for future wireless safety products currently in development.”