Global Satellite Engineering (GSE), a leading satellite engineering solutions provider, is pleased to announce the launch of its MCG-101, an intelligent Iridium PBX [2] that combines email, internet, GPS [3] and telephone, all in one single system. The MCG-101 is a powerful and versatile Iridium communications system and has been developed for the mining industry to provide a secure and reliable source for communication, equipment monitoring and tracking. The system has an intelligent solution for Iridium satellite phones to operate as a telephone, Internet gateway, GPS device, send/receive SMS [4] and attach to other devices through RS232 [5] or CAN bus [6]. The MCG-101 is daisy chainable so that it can connect with multiple simultaneous communications. Installing the unit only requires power, a SIM [7] card and an external antenna. To connect to the internet is as simple as connecting your computer to the Ethernet Port.
Jeff Palmer, Director of Global Satellite Engineering, comments, “In continuing to deliver the latest high quality technology that provides the satellite industry with the most competitive value in the market, we have developed a single channel Iridium PBX that operates anywhere in the world as a telephone, internet portal, GPS and SMS device all in one package. The mining industry relies on secure communication – if the power fails, satellite is the only answer”.
One of the first installations of the MCG-101 has been deployed by a leading International mining organization at their operations in Southern Africa. In this part of the world, the distribution of power is an on-going concern. With approximately 27% of all power being used in mining production, should there be an electricity failure, it could cause a complete shut down in the mines. With more than 10,000 people underground at any one time, power outages are a major problem. Conventional communication can be sustained in a power outage for up to eight hours, and in any emergency, communication is a absolute pre requisite. This is where the 101 has become an invaluable resource as it facilitates communication independent of external factors.
The MCG-101 was installed as part of a disaster management plan. David Lipton, Director of GlobalCom Satellite of South Africa, commented, “The MCG-101 is by far the most significant dynamic and comprehensive all in one voice and data solution to provide communication in case of a disaster. There is nothing else like it on the market at such a competitive price. My client’s primary reason for installing the MCG-101 is for voice applications. The fact that there are data and GPS functionality as well is an added bonus”.
The MCG-101 has been developed with “customizable” needs in mind. Whatever you need, wherever you are, this unique Iridium satellite PBX will allow users to integrate new projects or adapt existing projects, either onsite or offsite over the Internet.
The MCG-101 utilizes 100% digital technology providing clear, true to life audio, and eliminating internal echo problems. The system includes a standard analogue telephone RJ11 interface with a hardware echo canceller so communication has the clarity as if you were on a land line.
The MCG-101 is very portable, weighing just only 4lbs and measures 2 inches high by 8 inches wide by 8 inches deep. Overall, the MCG-101 is the ultimate Iridium telecommunications system available to fulfill the needs and demands of today's mining application. The MCG-101 satellite PBX system innovates with Iridium technology.