Micromate™ is Instantel’s latest and it claims most cost-effective vibration monitoring solution to date for blasting in the mining industry. “Ideal for any budget, Micromate provides reliable regulatory compliance monitoring with an ISEE or DIN Triaxial geophone and ISEE Linear Microphone. With so many features at such a reasonable price, the Micromate redefines industry standards for value.” Micromate supports USB 2.0 on both the host and device ports, operating up to 12 MB/sec. External memory sticks, and Instantel compatible printer, modem and a host of USB peripherals are supported. Supported peripherals are automatically identified when connected, and associated commands and functions are made available in much the same manner as with laptop and computers. Micromate also supports Instantel’s AutoCall Home™ feature; when an event occurs the event is immediately captured and is automatically transmitted to the user computer – there is no need to prompt the unit to transmit data.
With the use of a colour touch screen and icon-based user interface, Instantel claims to have set “a new industry standard for efficiency and ease of use.” A key pad compliments the user interface. Whether the user prefers touch screens, key pads, or a combination of both, the Micromate i is intuitive to use and easy to learn. A full display touch screen keyboard makes entry of data and notes convenient and easy, while the unit can also be interfaced to a laptop or computer. Connectors are colour coded for easy identification and installation. Events and unit settings are saved in a reliable on-board, non-volatile memory with ample storage capacity for most applications and up to 1,000 events (with additional optional memory capacity available). Data can be transferred for off unit storage or off-unit data manipulation to a computer or laptop via the convenient USB interface or via use of a compatible modem. Data retrieval can be as simple as copying events to an external USB memory stick (no laptop or computer is required).
The base unit comes with a fully sealed top panel, non-corrosive industrial grade connectors and fully sealed electronics. The base unit housing and connectors provide a water resistant seal. The custom-moulded housings for the geophone and base unit are made of superior impact polycarbonate. An optional protective “boot” complete with faceplate provides the highest level of durability and ruggedness available in Instantel’s product line. A standard lithium ion rechargeable battery pack supports 10 days of typical monitoring. An optional additional battery pack increases monitoring time to 15 days.
Features include USB 2.0 with Host and Device support; USB support for memory sticks, Instantel compatible printer and modem; user Interface: touch screen (icon-based), keypad, touch screen keyboard; support of Instantel’s Auto Call Home for remote automated data reporting/transmission; size small enough to be hand-held; rugged and reliable design; optional protective boot and faceplate; storage capacity for 1,000 events (additional capacity optional); optional printer for immediate in-field printing of reports; and 10 day battery life as standard with 15 days optional.
