Calex Electronics was approached by the construction company responsible for the nine new tunnels and transport links running under Heathrow airport, with a requirement for a custom power supply and communications module for their tunnelling equipment. They needed a compact ,but very strong triple output power supply, combined with a communications interface. This was to power the tunnelling equipment’s laser guiding system and to enable it to be in constant contact with the surface and computer tunnelling controllers.
The power supplies had to be able to stand the heat and vibration of the tunnelling operation and be able to resist being sprayed with water and concrete if caught in the cross fire.
The CE5136 provided all of the features they needed; two 12V supplies, one at 1A and the second at 150mA, with a 5V supply at 4A. Incorporated into the connections for these power supplies were communication links for the control instrument, the blue tooth transmitter and the laser tunnelling guide.
This unit was then encased in a rugged, high visibility yellow housing with durable and easy to use connectors.