Abstract: A two-way communication system for transmitting command signals to and receiving operating data from a winning machine utilized in underground mining operations. The system includes a send-receive facility positioned remote from the winning machine for transmitting command information to the winning machine. A receiving means is positioned at the winning machine for receiving signals sent by the send-receive facility, and a transmitting means is positioned at the winning machine for transmitting signals corresponding to operating data of the winning machine. The send-receive facility receives the information transmitted by the transmitting means, and a separable memory is separably attached to the send-receive facility for storing such operating data and the command information. Because the memory is separable, the memory may be removed to allow the data contained therein to be analyzed at a remote location.