MicroRidge WedgeLink HW Hardware Keyboard Wedge

Measurement Collection Technology
for Today & Tomorrow!

WedgeLink HW Hardware Wedge
Input Data from any RS-232 Device into your PC Application

The WedgeLink HW is a hardware keyboard wedge that accepts input from any RS-232 device. With the WedgeLink HW, you can transfer RS-232 data into any PC application that accepts keyboard input. Some of the more common applications that are used with the WedgeLink HW include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Minitab.

Looking for a software wedge or hardware wedge with Mitutoyo gage input? Checkout the entire WedgeLink Family.

About Hardware Wedges
An advantage of a hardware wedge is that it is simpler to use than software wedges because they are more like a plug 'n play device. In most cases, just plug it in and you are ready to go. For information on connecting the hardware wedges to PC's and laptops, see Connecting the WedgeLink HW Hardware Wedge sections on this page.

Key Features of WedgeLink Keyboard Wedges
The default settings on each wedge when received are configured to output the gage measurement plus carriage return. In most cases, that is what the user needs. All features are controlled by an easy-to-use Windows-based setup program so that you can change the default settings if you choose. If you have multiple units to configure, you simply create a file and transfer it into each of the units. Firmware (the software within the wedge) can be easily upgraded by users in the field to allow for software enhancements and customization.

Supports any
RS-232 device

Setup Program
(Click for larger image)

Supports any RS-232 device.
Specify rules for defining the input packet (end-of-packet character, gap time or send immediately).
Remove unwanted characters from the input packet.
Extract the first numeric field from the input packet.
Single and continuous read modes.
Initiate readings with the read switch on the WedgeLink HW, an optional remote read switch or a send button on the serial device.
Works with serial devices that send continuously.
Define different commands for each read switch.
LED to indicate when RS-232 data has been received.
Simple to use Windows setup program to define the WedgeLink HW operation.
Define prefix and/or suffix strings to be included with the wedge output.
Specify the end-of-packet character to be sent with each data packet.
All power is obtained from the keyboard cable, no separate AC adapter is required.
Connect to the PC/laptop via the keyboard input port or to a USB port via the optional USB to PS/2 adapter.
Serial communications test program (ComTestSerial) included to assist in setup and testing.

What's Included with the WedgeLink HW Hardware Wedge

WedgeLink HW hardware wedge
6' cable for connecting the WedgeLink HW to your PC (keyboard port or USB to PS/2 adapter)
9-pin serial cable (so that you can send configuration parameters to the wedge)
CD with Windows-based setup program, and ComTestSerial (communications test program)
User's Guide (on the CD as well)
Unlimited technical support

WedgeLink HW Back Panel
The back panel contains a DB9 serial port, a keyboard input port, and a keyboard output cable. Refer to the paragraphs below for the best way to connect your hardware wedge to your PC or laptop.

The DB9 serial port is used for downloading configuration parameters and updating the WedgeLink HW firmware. If you do not have a serial port on your computer, you should also purchase a Serial to USB cable.
The keyboard input port (circular connector in upper right corner) is used if you connect a keyboard directly to the hardware wedge.
The keyboard output cable is connected to the keyboard input port on your PC or to a USB to PS/2 adapter.

Connecting the WedgeLink HW Wedge to Your PC
In the past, in order to connect a hardware keyboard wedge to your PC, you would have to perform the following steps:

Turn off your PC
Unplug the keyboard from the back of your PC
Plug the keyboard into the hardware wedge
Plug the hardware wedge into your PC
Restart your PC

You can still perform all of these steps, but a simpler way to connect your hardware wedge to use a $15 USB to PS/2 adapter:

Plug the USB to PS/2 adapter into a USB port on your PC while your PC is on
Windows will recognize this device and no drivers need to be installed (you may need the installation disk for Windows 98)
Plug the WedgeLink hardware wedge into the USB to PS/2 adapter
That's it!

When using the WedgeLink keyboard wedge, we highly recommend that you connect it using the USB to PS/2 adapter. It allows you to easily connect and disconnect the wedge without having to turn off your PC.

Connecting the WedgeLink HW Wedge to Your Laptop
Many laptops have a connector on the back that looks like a keyboard/mouse port. You can plug either a keyboard or a mouse into this port. You can also plug our hardware wedges into this port; however, since this is not a standard keyboard port, the wedge will not properly function unless a keyboard has also been plugged into the wedge.

The best solution for a laptop is to use the USB to PS/2 adapter described above and plug it into one of the USB ports on your laptop.

Upgrade Options
When firmware upgrades are available, they can be downloaded from our Downloads page. Upgrading the firmware is as simple as connecting the wedge to a serial port on your PC, selecting the serial port number in the firmware update software and pressing the Update Firmware button.

Choosing the MicroRidge Hardware Wedges for Your Solution
We design, manufacture and market all of our products. Our focus is on data acquisition solutions that are configurable, flexible and easy to use. In addition, we know that we provide the best pre- and post-sale customer support that you will find. We know this because our customers tell us so.

Revised August 20, 2008