MicroRidge Mx Interfaces for Mitutoyo Gages & RS-232 Devices

Measurement Collection Technology
for Today & Tomorrow!

GageWay Mx Interfaces
Direct support for Mitutoyo gages and RS-232 devices
RS-232 and USB outputs

The Mx interfaces were designed for those customers who are only using Mitutoyo gages or gages with Mitutoyo-compatible output. The Mx8 provides customers with a lower cost solution for connecting up to 8 Mitutoyo gages. Both the Mx4 and the Mx8 provide an RS-232 expansion port for connecting an RS-232 device or for chaining the interfaces. If you purchase an Mx4 today and later determine that you really need an Mx8, the Mx4 can easily be upgraded to an Mx8.

Which GageWay Interface is Your Best Solution?
To ensure that you are selecting the proper GageWay interface, take a look at the GageWay Interface Comparison Table to compare the full GageWay family of interfaces.

GageWay Mx4 Interface

Mx4

Mx4 connects 4 Mitutoyo gages to an RS-232 serial port or USB port.
Use the ProCable to connect RS-232 devices.
Contains an RS-232 expansion port (located on back panel) for an additional RS-232 input or for chaining the interfaces.

GageWay Mx8 Interface

Mx8

Mx8 connects 8 Mitutoyo gages to an RS-232 serial port or USB port.
Two of the Mitutoyo ports can also be used for RS-232 inputs by using the LC Cable.
Use the ProCable to connect additional RS-232 devices.
Contains an RS-232 expansion port (located on back panel) for an additional RS-232 input or for chaining the interfaces.

For more information about connecting RS-232 devices with the the LC Cable and ProCable options and to assist you in selecting the right one, go to RS-232 Connection Options.

Features & Benefits of the GageWay Mx Interfaces

Use the RS-232 expansion port for an extra RS-232 input or for chaining the units together.
Comprehensive Windows-based setup software for the PC that allows extensive Mx configuration.
Data parsing that allows you to format the output in the manner you need for your application.
The configurability of MicroRidge gage interface products allow them to be used with any SPC or data acquisition software.
Free software and firmware updates available on our web site.
Mx4 can be updated to an Mx8 at any time.
Durable, flexible and easy to use.
Send data to any software.
24-hour ship (often ships the same day).
Free technical support.
Responsive and helpful customer service.

Communications Test Program

This Windows-based program allows you to test the serial communications between the GageWay and your PC.
The Communications Test Program requires no setup and it's a great tool for initially setting up your interfaces or for troubleshooting when needed.

Digital Gage Support

The 10-pin connector on the Mx interfaces support the standard Mitutoyo cables. MicroRidge also has Mitutoyo-compatible cables for other gages such as CDI, Federal, ľMaxum, etc.

RS-232 Support

If you can connect your serial device to a 9-pin PC serial port, you can also connect that serial device to an Mx interface via the expansion port, ProCable or LC Cable (Mx8 only). For more information about connecting RS-232 devices with the the LC Cable and ProCable options and to assist you in selecting the right one, go to RS-232 Connection Options.

Output Format

Unique output formats can be specified for each channel.
Select from several standard output formats.
Specify a custom output format.

USB Option
If your computer does not have any physical serial ports, you need to create a serial port with a USB to serial cable. Most application software is designed to read data from external devices via a serial port. This means that whether you plug the RS-232 serial device into a physical serial port or into a USB port, it still must look like a serial port to the application software. The USB option from MicroRidge consists of a Serial to USB cable that will convert any USB port to a serial port.

Allows you to connect the GageWay Mx to a USB port.
Allows you to connect RS-232 serial devices directly to your PC for troubleshooting.

Read Switches

Each channel read switch is individually programmed to allow you to get readings from a single channel, all channels or specified channels.
You can control the entire unit with a single read switch.
You do not need a read switch for each channel.

Support

The MxSetup Program sends all parameters to the GageWay Mx and the setup parameters can also be written to a file. If you are having difficulty setting up your equipment, you can email the configuration file to technical support. This is like having the support person sitting right next to you. They can see what you have done and assist you in getting your unit operational.
Since the parameters can be stored in a disk file, programming multiple interfaces is easy. Just get one of the interfaces set up and tested, and once you have the proper configuration merely transfer the files to the other interfaces.

Available for all GageWay Interfaces

Foot switches, hand switches, gage cables, etc. are also available from MicroRidge. See Accessories Store.
Each GageWay interface (except the GageWay SM) is shipped with a 9-pin serial cable and AC adapter for 110 VAC. Included on the CD are the Setup Program and the Communications Test program.
Contact us about International AC adapters are available for 220 VAC @ 50 Hz. See Accessories Store.
Standard Mitutoyo cables can be purchased from MicroRidge or from any Mitutoyo dealer and require no modification. See Cables Store.

Revised August 20, 2008