MACHINE STATUS RADIO LINK ACTIVE FREQUENCY 915 MHz RANGE 247 m PROXIMITY SAFE TRAM FWD BUCKET ENGINE RPM 1840 BATTERY RVU-SN2024-0019 SIGNAL MONITOR SIGNAL STRENGTH -68 dBm FREQ HOP PATTERN PROTOCOL FHSS/GFSK MSG RATE 10 /sec TX POWER +10 dBm LATENCY 100 ms SYSTEM ID VTX-WX04 PCU-SN2024-0042 VANTEX ELECTRONIC CONTROLS LTD RADIO REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM — UNDERGROUND MINING TUNNEL LEVEL: -3 SECTOR: B-7 OPERATOR SAFETY: PROXIMITY DETECTION ACTIVE 902-928 MHz ◆ IP68 ◆ 450m RANGE ■ ALL SYSTEMS OPERATIONAL
Underground Mining Radio Remote Control

CONTROL
WITHOUT
LIMITS

Radio remote control systems purpose-built for underground mining loaders. Proven at Stillwater Mine and Komatsu USA operations. Designed & manufactured in Burnaby, BC, Canada.

Explore Systems Request a Quote
WX04WX Series CAN Bus
DCR1600 / LH410 / LT350
450mOperating Range
IP68Ingress Protection
WX04 — WX Series CAN Bus SystemDC System — R1600 · LH410 · LT350450m Line-of-Sight RangeIP68 Environmental ProtectionProximity Detection SystemStillwater Mine · Komatsu USABurnaby BC Canada · Global Supply902–928 MHz FHSS RadioWX04 — WX Series CAN Bus SystemDC System — R1600 · LH410 · LT350450m Line-of-Sight RangeIP68 Environmental ProtectionProximity Detection SystemStillwater Mine · Komatsu USABurnaby BC Canada · Global Supply902–928 MHz FHSS Radio
Who We Are

BUILT FOR THE
UNDERGROUND

Vantex Electronic Controls Ltd designs and manufactures radio remote control systems for underground mining equipment. Headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, we supply systems to mine operations worldwide.

Our systems remove the loader's operator from unsupported ground - one of the most hazardous conditions in the mining environment. Providing a reliable, long-range wireless control significantly improves operator's safety without a significant impact on productivity and machine performance.

We support both direct PWM/On-Off controlled machines (R1600, LH410, LT350 series) and CAN Bus controlled machines (WX04, WX11) — offering the widest loader compatibility available.

📡

Radio Control

902–928 MHz FHSS — reliable in challenging underground RF environments.

⚙️

CAN Bus Native

Direct CAN bus integration for WX Series. True machine communication, no workarounds.

🛡️

Proximity Safety

Ultra Wide Band time-of-flight detection warns and auto-shuts down when operator is too close.

🌐

Global Supply

Canadian-engineered systems deployed at mines across North America and available globally.

Our Systems

REMOTE CONTROL
PRODUCT LINE

Three purpose-engineered components covering all major underground loader platforms, built on rugged, proven hardware.

WX Series CAN Bus
PCU WX04
WX04
CAN Bus Radio Remote Control

Engineered for WX-series loaders with native CAN bus integration. Full proportional control seamlessly integrated into WX Series's electronic systems.

Compatible Machines
WX04WX11
  • Native WX Series CAN bus protocol
  • Dual-axis joystick: tram & implement
  • 450m line-of-sight range
  • IP67 PCU · 40-hour battery
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Multi-Platform
RVU DC System
DC SYS
DC Radio Remote Control

PWM and On/Off outputs directly control electro-hydraulic valves and relays. Can be used on R1600 series, LH410 series, and LT350 series machines.

Compatible Machines
R1600 SeriesLH410 SeriesLT350 Series
  • 16 universal PWM/On-Off + 4 On-Off
  • Direct valve and relay control
  • IP68 · -20°C to +60°C
  • Proven: Stillwater Mine
Request Info
Safety Option
Proximity Detection Module
PROX
Proximity Detection Module

Ultra Wide Band time-of-flight ranging between PCU and RVU. Supervisor-programmable warning and shutdown thresholds — no extra equipment for the operator.

Safety Thresholds
Warning ZoneShutdown Zone
  • UWB Time-of-Flight — better than RSSI
  • Warning: propulsion off + horn alert
  • Shutdown: automatic engine stop
  • No extra hardware worn by operator
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System Hardware

PRINCIPAL SYSTEM
COMPONENTS

All Vantex hardware is purpose-built for underground mining environments — IP67/IP68 rated, wide operating temperature range, designed for reliability in harsh conditions.

PCU
Portable Control Unit (PCU)

Handheld transmitter with dual-axis joysticks, 9 buttons, E-stop, deadman sensors, tilt/drop sensor, and 128×64 LCD display.

RangeUp to 450m line-of-sight
Battery40 hours · 12V 1A input
Freq902–928 MHz FHSS
ProtectIP67 · -10°C to +55°C
Weight0.84 kg · 220×130×70 mm
RVU
Remote Vehicle Unit (RVU)

Machine-mounted receiver in polycarbonate enclosure. Translates radio commands to direct machine control outputs.

Outputs16 universal PWM/On-Off + 4 On-Off
InterfaceRS-485 proximity module
Power24VDC automotive, neg. ground
ProtectIP68 · -20°C to +60°C
Proximity Detection Module
Proximity Detection Module

Ranging module installed on the machine, paired with companion board in PCU. Operator needs no additional equipment.

PrincipleUltra Wide Band Time-of-Flight
WarningPropulsion disabled + horn
ShutdownAutomatic engine stop
ConfigSupervisor-programmable thresholds
Radio Technology

RADIO LINK
SPECIFICATIONS

450m

Operating Range

Typical open space line-of-sight range. Half-duplex, 10 messages per second.

FHSS

Frequency Hopping

Unique pseudo-random sequence per system. Immune to interference and crosstalk.

928

902–928 MHz ISM

ITU Region 2 ISM band. North America approved. GFSK modulation.

10mW

Transmit Power

10 mW. Reliable underground link.

Success Stories

PROVEN IN
PRODUCTION

Vantex systems are operational at active underground mine sites delivering real production results.

01
📍 Montana, United States

Stillwater Mine

One of the world's only primary platinum group metal producers. Vantex's DC System was installed on underground loaders, enabling safer operation in this critical production environment while maintaining full output.

DC SystemProduct
PGM UndergroundMine Type
USACountry
02
📍 United States

Komatsu USA

Vantex WX04 CAN bus system deployed at Komatsu USA underground mining operations. Native integration delivers precise remote control without compromise to machine performance or productivity.

WX04 SystemProduct
WX SeriesMachine
USACountry
Our Advantage

WHY CHOOSE
VANTEX

🎯

Mining Specialists

We focus exclusively on underground mining remote control. Every design decision reflects the realities of underground operation.

🔌

Native Integration

Direct CAN bus for WX Series. Direct PWM/relay for R1600, LH410, LT350 Series. No middleware — true machine integration.

🛡️

UWB Proximity Safety

Ultra Wide Band time-of-flight ranging — more accurate than signal-strength systems. Automatic warning and engine shutdown.

📡

FHSS Radio Link

Frequency-hopping spread spectrum with unique per-system codes. Resistant to underground interference.

🏭

Production Proven

Validated in active production at Stillwater Mine and Komatsu USA operations — not pilot systems.

🔧

Full Support

Commissioning, operator training, and ongoing technical support from our Burnaby, BC engineering team.

READY TO DEPLOY?

Talk to our engineers about your loader model and underground site requirements.

Contact an Engineer
Support

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Q1: What is a radio remote control system for underground mining?

A radio remote control system allows operators to control underground mining loaders (LHD machines) from a safe distance using a handheld transmitter. The operator controls all machine functions — tramming, steering, bucket loading and dumping — without being physically present in the cab or near unsupported ground.

Q2: How does the Vantex system improve mining safety?

Our systems remove the loader operator from unsupported ground — one of the most hazardous conditions in underground mining. By operating the machine remotely, operators are protected from rockfall, ground collapse, and other underground hazards while maintaining full productivity.

Q3: What is the operating range of the Vantex radio remote control system?

The Vantex system provides up to 450 metres line-of-sight range using 902–928 MHz FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) radio technology. The system maintains reliable communication in the challenging RF environment of underground mine tunnels.

Q4: Which mining machines are compatible with Vantex systems?

Vantex offers two system types covering a wide range of underground loaders:

WX04/WX11 CAN Bus System — for WX Series loaders using native CAN bus communication
DC System — for R1600, R1700, LH410, LH514, LH540 and LT350 series machines using direct PWM and On/Off control

Q5: What is the battery life of the Vantex portable control unit (PCU)?

The handheld PCU provides up to 40 hours of operation on a single charge, using a 12V 1A input. This ensures operators can work through full shifts without interruption.

Q6: What is the Proximity Detection Module and how does it work?

The Vantex Proximity Detection Module uses Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Time-of-Flight technology to measure the distance between the machine and personnel. When a person enters the warning zone, the machine's propulsion is automatically disabled and the horn activates. If they enter the shutdown zone, the engine stops automatically. Warning and shutdown thresholds are supervisor-programmable. Operators require no additional wearable equipment.

Q7: Where has the Vantex system been installed?

Vantex systems have been proven in real underground mining operations worldwide. The DC System has been deployed at Stillwater Mine in Montana, USA. The WX04 CAN Bus System is supplied through Komatsu USA and installed at their customers' underground mine operations. We continue to support mine operators and equipment dealers globally.

Q8: How is the Vantex radio system protected against interference?

The system uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology with a unique pseudo-random hopping sequence assigned to each system. This makes it immune to radio interference and prevents crosstalk between multiple systems operating in the same mine.

Q9: How do I get a Vantex remote control system for my mine?

Contact our engineering team at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form on our website. We work directly with mine operators and equipment dealers worldwide to assess requirements and provide the right solution for your specific machine and operating conditions.

Get in Touch

CONTACT
VANTEX

Reach our engineering team to discuss your underground mining remote control requirements. We work with mine operators and equipment dealers worldwide.

📍
Address

662-4974 Kingsway Ave
Burnaby, BC, Canada V5H4M9

✉️
Email[email protected]
⚙️
Products

WX04 — WX Series CAN Bus
DC System — R1600 · LH410 · LT350
Proximity Detection Module

🌍
Service Area

Global — Underground Mining Operations