GageWay Wireless System
Wireless measurement collection for digital gages & RS-232 devices

Choose the Flexible Wireless Solution!

Quick Facts: Universal Mobile Module works with any gage just by changing the cable. Configure a system using 2 types of hardware components: the Universal Mobile Module and the MiniStation configured as a Base, Relay or Remote. Works with calipers, micrometers, digital indicators, torque wrenches, height gages, scales, etc. Universal Mobile Module supports CDI, Fowler, Mahr Federal, Mitutoyo, Starrett, Sylvac, RS-232, etc. Extra rugged design for factory floor use. Universal Mobile Module features highly visible LED user feedback. Use the GageWay Wireless System with any SPC software. Take the Next Steps: FAQs Download Brochure Specifications Discuss your application with us or request an evaluation

In its simplest form, a wireless measurement collection system consists of a MiniStation Base connected to a PC receiving wireless data from a Mobile Module or a MiniStation Remote, or it can be as complicated as multiple Bases receiving data from dozens of Mobile Modules and Remotes.

Why Wireless?
The primary reasons a company would use a wireless system include:

• Elimination of cumbersome cabling issues.

• Provides the flexibility to conveniently take the gage to what has to be measured.

• Reduce human error by eliminating manual data recording.

The GageWay Wireless System is designed to work with any gage and device from any gage manufacturer.  When you purchase a GageWay Wireless System you will not be locked into using a particular manufacturer's line of gages.  When choosing a wireless system, you need to be sure that the wireless system is going to meet your current and future needs by providing you the expandability and flexibility options that you should demand in a wireless system.

Why the GageWay Wireless System?
MicroRidge has been designing and building measurement collection systems since 1983.  The GageWay Wireless System is designed for use on the factory floor, in the lab or any location where you need to connect digital gages and RS-232 devices to a computer through a wireless connection.  The GageWay Wireless System can easily be integrated with any of our GageWay Series of interfaces or with any SPC/DAQ application software.

Flexibility is a key feature of the GageWay Wireless System:

• Assemble a simple or complex wireless system using 2 types of hardware components (MiniStations & Universal Mobile Modules).

• Change the MiniStation to a Base, Relay or Remote by installing new firmware (available at no cost on our web site).

• Connect any gage to the Universal Mobile Module with a simple cable change.

• Works with all digital and RS-232 gages.

• Firmware updates for the entire wireless system are available at no charge on our web site.

• For non-mobile applications consider MiniStation Remotes sending data to a MiniStation Base.

• Works with any computer that has a USB or serial port.

• Integrates with existing gage interface system.

• We designed and built the wireless system, which allows us to be responsive to your special wireless needs.

Durability Considerations
Durability is a very important aspect of the design of a wireless system.  You can have highly advanced features in a wireless system, but if the module connected to your caliper, micrometer, etc. is susceptible to breakage as a result of dropping or rough usage, what good are the advanced features?

The MicroRidge Mobile Module uses a durable plastic injection molded case designed for industrial and manufacturing environments, and is connected to your gage with a flexible cable.  This design does not apply any excessive stresses to your gage if the unit is dropped or mishandled.  The wireless antenna is completely enclosed and protected within the module case.

Some manufacturers have employed a rigid connection from the module to the gage, and individuals using these rigidly connected modules have reported breakage problems with normal use.  Some wireless modules have an antenna wire several inches in length extending from the module, and once gain users have commented how easy it is to break this antenna wire connection.

When selecting a wireless system, it is very important that the design of the wireless module be such that it will easily survive the day-to-day use and abuse that the module will inevitably be subjected to.

GageWay Wireless Components
MicroRidge has designed a family of components so that you can configure the system to meet your requirements rather than forcing you to change your procedures to accommodate a wireless implementation.  The setup for all of the wireless components is achieved through an easy-to-use Windows application.

The major components that can be used to configure a GageWay Wireless System include the following:

• Universal Mobile Module for digital & RS-232 gages from CDI, Fowler, Mahr Federal, Mitutoyo, Starrett, Sylvac, etc.(released December 2007)

• MiniStation Base

• MiniStation Relay

• MiniStation Remote

		Universal Mobile Module The Universal Mobile Module works with all digital gages and RS-232 serial devices just by changing the cable.  Typical gages include gages from CDI, Fowler, Mahr Federal, Mitutoyo, Starrett, Sylvac, etc.  These include torque wrenches, scales, calipers, micrometers, digital indicators, etc.  This module also supports the Opto interface used on several of these gages.  The Universal Mobile Module is intended for the roving inspector or anywhere it is inconvenient to have the gage connected to an interface by a cable.  Read more about the Universal Mobile Module.
		MiniStation The MiniStation supports a maximum of 50 wireless inputs when used as a Base.  When configured as a Base, the MiniStation can receive data from Mobile Modules and MiniStation Remotes.  The MiniStation can also be configured to operate in the Relay or Remote modes.  Read more about the MiniStation.

Selecting Your Wireless Components
To assist you in selecting the components for your GageWay Wireless System, refer to the Selecting Your Wireless Components page.  This page discusses the cable selection for the Mobile Modules and provides pricing for the wireless system components.

Plant Wide vs. Work Cell Wireless Systems
There are multiple strategies that can be used to implement a wireless system.  It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies before you do your implementation.  Listed below are some things you might want to consider with 2 different implementation strategies.

Plant Wide System
A plant wide system would use a single MiniStation Base unit to receive data from multiple work group areas, and send that data to a single computer.  A work group area may be 100's of feet away from the Base.

• The operator will receive an acknowledgement that the data was received, but how will the operator know that the data is being sent to the proper application?

• How does the operator tell the system that measurements need to be retaken?

• It will be difficult for some operators to work with a system in which they get no visual feedback other than data received by the Base.

• It may require additional manpower to manage and keep the plant wide system up and running.

Work Cell System
A work cell is an area monitoring a portion of the overall manufacturing process.  Typically, there is a computer in this work cell used for measurement collection and analysis.  Normally this computer would be connected to a local area network.

• Typically there is a computer in your work area where you are collecting data.

• It is easier to get verification that the data is going to the proper application.

• If you have to modify or retake information, you have more convenient access to your data.

• Today, most of the inspection stations, data acquisition stations, etc. are based upon a work cell type scenario.  Implementing a wireless system in a work cell is typically much easier and less costly.

FCC and Industry Canada Approvals
The GageWay Wireless System has been approved for use in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) and several other regions.  Please contact us about possible approvals for other regions of use.

The radios used in the wireless system operate in the Industrial, Scientific & Medical (ISM) frequency band at 2.4 GHz.  This frequency is typically higher than the frequency used by mobile and cell phones.

 Copyright © 2008 MicroRidge Systems, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Revised August 20, 2008