FAQ: IoT Automation
Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting
Siren
IoT Control Panel
IoT Hive
FireFly LED modules are engineered specifically for underground mining conditions and are rated:
- IP65 ingress protection
- IK06 impact resistance
Operating temperature range is -40°C to 70°C, supporting both deep underground metalliferous mines and cold climate sites.
The enclosure, mounting design and connector architecture are selected to withstand vibration, dust loading, humidity and routine mechanical exposure typical in development headings and production drives.
FireFly operates across a wide Extra Low Voltage (ELV) input range of 6–60VDC and is typically powered via a +48VDC UPS architecture.
The system is driven by the FireFly UPS Control Panel, which provides regulated +48VDC output and battery-backed power distribution to the lighting strings. In the event of a mains power interruption, the UPS maintains lighting and communications, supporting 4-8 hours of operation depending on load profile.
This low-voltage DC design enables:
- Integration with existing mine DC infrastructure
- Reduced electrical risk underground
- Compliance alignment with ELV frameworks
- Staged deployment in development headings
- Continued emergency illumination during power loss
FireFly can be deployed in both new installations and retrofit environments without requiring high-voltage lighting circuits underground.
FireFly functions as a real-time visual communication layer across the mine site.
Each module supports:
- Red, green, amber, blue and white outputs
- Static, flashing, chase and trailing modes
Lighting states can represent:
- Seismic exclusion zones
- Blast demarcation
- Travel ways
- Active loading areas
- Emergency evacuation routes
- Refuge chamber direction
This reduces ambiguity during high-stress events and improves response times during evacuation or zone reclassification.
Yes. FireFly is designed to scale across extensive underground operations.
FireFly UPS Control Panel can be networked into a site-wide system managed via the IoT Hive platform. The architecture supports level-based, zone-based or mine-wide control, with centralised monitoring and fault detection.
FireFly can operate as a standalone lighting cell, level-based lighting network or a fully integrated site-wide smart lighting system.
Yes. While FireFly adds significant value when integrated with Wi-Fi or BLE networks for tracking and central management, these networks are not required for core lighting operations.
Each FireFly UPS Control Panel can:
- Manage up to 4 lighting strings
- Operate autonomously
- Be controlled locally without network connectivity
The system will continue to provide visual demarcation and emergency functionality even in isolated development areas without digital infrastructure.
Yes. If a network is available, the IoT Hive enables centralised monitoring and site-wide configuration.
If no network is present:
- Users can connect locally to a FireFly UPS Control Panel via wired or wireless link
- Lighting modes and colours can be adjusted from a mobile device
- Emergency activation can be triggered either via software interface or directly at the UPS control panel
This ensures operational flexibility in early-stage development or remote headings.
FireFly is designed to allow DC power and RS485 communications to pass downstream, preventing total string failure in the event of a single module fault.
The system has two failure modes to account for different scenarios:
- If a module is physically damaged
Downstream modules continue operating via internal battery for up to approximately three hours. A fault alarm is immediately issued in the control application. When the damaged unit is replaced, the system automatically discovers and configures the new module, applying the correct colour and mode. - If an individual LED bank fails
Only one bank of three LEDs is affected. The remaining LEDs remain operational. Power and communication continue to pass downstream without interruption. This ensures redundancy at both module and network level.
This ensures redundancy at both module and network level.
Each FireFly UPS Control Panel supplies +48VDC and can drive four individual lighting strings at up to 30 modules per string.
The practical length of a string is determined by:
- DC voltage drop along the cable
- Power consumption of connected modules
- RS-485 serial communications along the string
Because these factors vary depending on module spacing and site design, maximum span is project-specific and should be engineered based on load and cable configuration
FireFly UPS panels include a 48VDC 50Ah battery backup system.
During loss of AC supply:
- Lighting strings remain operational
- Communications remain active
- Runtime is typically 4–8 hours depending on load
Individual modules also contain internal battery support to maintain short-term continuity during upstream damage events.
The FireFly smart lighting system has been entirely designed, developed and manufactured in Australia by the IoT Automation team. Every stage of FireFly’s development has been completed with the underground mining environment in mind. From the initial sketches and consideration of system features to the components selected and circuits designed, reliability and safety have always been the primary concern. We are proud to have secured an international patent on the FireFly system.
The FireFly smart lighting system has been entirely designed, developed and manufactured in Australia by the IoT Automation team. Every stage of FireFly’s development has been completed with the underground mining environment in mind. From the initial sketches and consideration of system features to the components selected and circuits designed, reliability and safety have always been the primary concern. We are proud to have secured an international patent on the FireFly system.
DragonFly is a software-controlled smart lighting system designed to deliver real-time situational awareness in underground tunnel and mine projects.
Unlike conventional fixed white lighting, DragonFly uses multi-coloured LEDs and multiple operating modes to visually communicate safe and unsafe zones, emergency states and evacuation routes. Lighting can be controlled at an individual light, zone or site-wide level, enabling it to function as both an illumination system and a real-time communications layer.
DragonFly is specified for use in 6m TBM tunnels and delivers approximately 4,200 lumens with 180 lm/W efficacy, CRI 80 and >5000K colour temperature.
This high-efficacy output supports working-level illumination, while also enabling rapid transition into emergency or inspection modes when required.
DragonFly supports selectable colours including red, green, amber, blue and white, along with operating modes such as static, flashing and trailing.
Through IoT Hive software, sites can define named areas such as specific caverns or adits and apply customised lighting states to those areas.
For example, a blast area can be set to flashing red while adjacent work areas remain in standard white illumination
Each DragonFly module includes an internal LFP battery backup.
During a mains power interruption, the system maintains 20 Lux lighting levels in a 6m TBM tunnel for more than 2 hours, inclusive of indicator states. Wired and wireless communications remain active back to the controller during this period.
This ensures visibility and system connectivity are maintained during critical events.
Yes. DragonFly integrates with underground data and communication infrastructure, enabling coordination with monitoring systems and control platforms.
Yes. DragonFly’s modular design allows for straightforward expansion as underground development progresses.
Yes. DragonFly features a Vehicle Proximity Awareness system and can integrate with AI-powered cameras. It can alert pedestrians to nearby vehicles, and its cameras support license plate recognition to detect unauthorised vehicle movements in restricted zones.
The DragonFly UPS Control Panel is sourced from 110–240VAC mains power and can support two strings of lights with up to 50 modules per string.
The panel can operate as an autonomous standalone lighting cell or connect to IoT Hive to form a site-wide smart lighting network
DragonFly includes an Emergency Activation System. When the emergency button is activated via the Wireless Activation Point, the lighting system switches into emergency mode to provide clear visual alerts.
The system can also include selectable siren tones and pre-recorded voice messages to enhance emergency notifications.
Combined with trailing light modes and zone-based control, this supports coordinated evacuation in underground tunnel environments.
DragonFly is designed to scale as underground projects advance. When a new heading or tunnel extension is developed, additional DragonFly LED modules and control infrastructure can be installed in the new section and integrated into the existing network.
Once installed, the new devices are integrated through the IoT Hive Management Software. The platform allows users to:
- Issue discovery requests for newly installed devices
- Create or modify tunnel or mine-level plans
- Assign lights and control panels to defined or “named” areas
- Monitor the status of each lighting module and UPS
Because DragonFly operates as an interconnected underground network, the new section is incorporated into the existing digital layout, allowing zoning logic and emergency configurations to remain consistent across both existing and newly developed headings.
The FireFly Siren adds an audible alert layer to the FireFly Smart Lighting System. While FireFly lights provide visual communication, the FireFly Siren ensures that critical warnings are heard, even in areas where line-of-sight lighting may be limited.
This dual-layer approach improves situational awareness during blast events, emergency evacuations and operational state changes underground.
The FireFly Siren operates on a 12–60VDC input range with a typical 4W power consumption.
It can be powered directly from compatible DC infrastructure and integrates with the FireFly UPS architecture to maintain operation during power interruptions.
The FireFly Siren is managed through the IoT Hive platform, allowing operators to trigger alerts manually or automatically based on sensor inputs and system rules.
Yes. The FireFly Siren includes an internal Li-Po battery backup that can maintain operation for up to 4 hours during a mains power failure.
This ensures that emergency audible alerts remain available even if primary power is lost underground.
Yes. The FireFly Siren supports up to 5 programmable and fully customisable tones and can be configured to represent different operational states such as:
- Blast warning
- All-clear
- Emergency evacuation
- Restricted area activation
This allows sites to align audible alerts with their established emergency management procedures.
Yes. The FireFly Siren can be integrated with sensors and control logic through the FireFly system and IoT Hive platform.
For example, it can be configured to activate in response to:
- Seismic triggers
- Gas threshold alarms
- Blast sequences
- Manual emergency activation
This enables automated event response rather than relying solely on manual initiation.
No. The FireFly Siren can operate locally within the FireFly system architecture. However, when connected to IoT Hive via Wi-Fi or BLE, it enables centralised monitoring, configuration and event control.
Wireless connectivity enhances visibility and remote control but is not a prerequisite for basic siren activation.
When connected through IoT Hive, the FireFly Siren can be monitored and controlled alongside FireFly lighting infrastructure.
Users can configure tone selection, activation logic and zone-specific deployment through the same management interface used for lighting control. This ensures consistent configuration across both audible and visual safety systems.
The FireFly Siren is designed to integrate directly with existing FireFly lighting strings and is controlled through the IoT Hive platform to create a unified underground safety system.
However, it is also capable of stand-alone deployment onto mobile machines and fixed plant infrastructure.
The FireFly Siren delivers a high-level audible alert of up to 110dB. It uses an industrial high-powered acoustic transducer designed to provide clear, audible alerts above ambient tunnel noise.
The UPS Control Panel is an intelligent, decentralised power and communications hub designed to drive underground LED lighting circuits.
It provides battery-backed power, manages connected lighting modules and can operate as a standalone lighting cell or as part of a site-wide smart lighting network.
The supported configuration depends on the lighting system deployed:
- FireFly configuration:
Supports four lighting strings at up to 30 modules per string. - DragonFly configuration:
Supports two lighting strings at up to 50 lights per string.
This allows the UPS to be tailored to the specific electrical and operational requirements of each system.
- FireFly system:
Supplies a +48VDC 20A power feed, with 5A per output string. - DragonFly system:
Is sourced from 110–240VAC mains power.
The UPS architecture aligns with the electrical design of the respective lighting modules.
For FireFly systems, the UPS includes a 48VDC 50Ah battery backup, maintaining lighting strings for approximately 4–6 hours when AC mains power is lost.
DragonFly modules include internal battery backup, maintaining lighting and communications during outages.
This ensures continuity of illumination and safety signalling during power disruptions.
Yes. The UPS Control Panel can operate as a standalone lighting cell or connect to a central control server to form a site-wide smart lighting network.
This supports both isolated headings and fully networked underground environments.
Yes. The UPS can drive other brands of LED strip lighting (addressable and non-addressable) and support certain DC-powered communications systems such as selected leaky feeder systems.
The UPS is available in a wall-mounted configuration and features:
- IP65 ingress protection
- Powder-coated stainless-steel enclosure
- External roll cage for protection
- Modular internal design separating communications from AC electrical compartment
IoT Hive is the central management platform that connects to underground UPS Control Panels and enables monitoring, configuration and coordinated control of FireFly and DragonFly lighting systems.
It provides the software layer that manages distributed underground lighting infrastructure through a web-based interface.
The documented server elements include:
- Linux Debian Server
- Web Application
- NGINX Web Server
- MQTT Broker
- SQL Database
- System Monitoring
This structure enables secure device communication, configuration management and monitoring.
IoT Hive allows users to create or modify tunnel or mine-level plans within the platform.
When new lighting modules or UPS panels are installed, users can issue discovery requests to detect the new devices and assign them to defined or “named” areas within the updated layout.
This ensures the digital system evolves alongside physical development underground.
IoT Hive provides electrical circuit health monitoring and system or component fault notifications.
Operators can monitor device status through the web application, allowing quicker identification of affected zones without physically inspecting every module underground.
Yes. IoT Hive enables the creation of “named areas” such as specific caverns or adits.
Devices assigned to these areas can be configured collectively, allowing lighting behaviour to be adjusted in selected zones without impacting the entire site.
Because IoT Hive centrally manages devices across defined areas, configuration changes can be applied simultaneously across selected zones or across the entire underground network.
This allows coordinated lighting responses aligned with emergency procedures
A wired or wireless LAN connection links underground UPS Control Panels to the IoT Hive server environment.
Communication between the server and distributed devices is supported by an MQTT broker within the documented architecture.
IoT Hive supports issuing discovery requests to detect newly installed devices within the underground network.
Once detected, devices can be configured and assigned within the existing digital layout structure.
IoT Hive manages:
- UPS Control Panel status
- Lighting module status
- Device discovery information
- Zone assignments
- System monitoring data
Data handling is supported by the SQL database within the server architecture
Yes. As underground infrastructure expands, IoT Hive allows users to update digital layouts and incorporate newly installed devices into the existing system.
This ensures the management platform scales alongside ongoing development within the subsurface environment.