USB Base

USB Base


Mobile Module on Gage	RS-232 Remote

Mobile Collect

Manufacturing today and tomorrow requires increased efficiency and decreased costs. MobileCollect can be part of that equation because we believe it offers you the best wireless value on the market today. MobileCollect makes it easier to bring your gage to what is being measured, rather than bringing what is being measured to your gage. Collect measurements with handheld gages (calipers, micrometers, etc.) and other instruments, and send wirelessly to your PC.

MobileCollect gives you the greatest range of options and flexibility for wireless measurement collection. MobileCollect offers features and functionality not found in any other wireless system. MobileCollect supports the broadest range of digital and RS-232 gages, scales, and interfaces from manufacturers such as Brown & Sharpe, CDI, Federal Maxum, Fowler, LMI, Mahr Federal, Mitutoyo, Ono Sokki, Starrett, Sylvac, etc. and also - our own GageWay line of interfaces.

MobileCollect has been approved for use in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The radios used in MobileCollect operate in the Industrial, Scientific & Medical (ISM) frequency band at 2.4 GHz.

Measurement collection in all current wireless systems all perform the following basic functions:

Transmitter sends measurements to a receiver.
Receiver sends acknowledgement to transmitters.
Receiver sends data to PC.

A basic wireless system consists of a transmitter (Mobile Module or Remote) and a receiver (Base). With MobileCollect you can also choose from several transmitter and receiver options to fit your gaging and measurement collection requirements.

Transmitters

Transmitters can be Mobile Modules or Remotes. Used to capture measurements from digital and RS-232 gages and devices.

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Bases

Bases receive measurements from Mobile Modules and Remotes and transfer the measurement data to your PC.

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MobileCollect: wireless on the move
Our first generation GageWay Wireless was released in 2006. Since that time, the radio technology has become more highly integrated, which allowed us to introduce MobileCollect with new technology, new features and new pricing, while maintaining full compatibility with the first generation GageWay Wireless.

It is often said that software is never done. All of the software (firmware) in MobileCollect can be upgraded in the field by the user. This upgrade capability helps ensure that your wireless system remains current for many years to come. Many of these upgrades are suggestions we receive from our wireless users. That is why we refer to MobileCollect as wireless on the move.

Check out the MobileCollect Advantages page and compare!

Customers have chosen or switched to MobileCollect because of durability, reliability, flexibility, and lower cable replacement cost. MobileCollect customers include Fortune 100 and 500 companies such as Boeing, Honda, GE, John Deere, Toyota, BMW, Goodyear, Caterpillar, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Pepsi to name just a few.

We encourage you to talk with us as you consider your wireless system so that you can better understand how MicroRidge and MobileCollect are your best choice. Our advantages have been proven by our customers since we introduced wireless in 2006.

MobileCollect advantages are shown below in the areas of Reliability, Cost, Flexibility, Ease of Use, and Service & Support. Other MobileCollect advantages you might consider follow the table.

Reliability
You can have the best price, or the most attractive looking package, but in the end all that matters is reliability on the floor. MobileCollect reliability has been and continues to be proven by our customers.

MobileCollect Advantage	Others Wireless Systems	MobileCollect Value to Customer
In situations where there is heavy RF, significant machinery, robots or electrical noise, MobileCollect is often the only one that works unaffected all of the time.	The technology, RF frequency, internal and/or component design is different. Many wireless gaging systems available today have been replaced with MobileCollect due to these issues.	MobileCollect stays reliable and signals are not lost. Mobile Collect just works without the worry.
Designed so that the battery usually lasts years in most applications with most gages.	Some systems are designed so that the batteries usually need replacing in just weeks or months.	MobileCollect minimizes down time. MobileCollect just works without the worry.
The plastic Mobile Module case is purposefully designed to last and to protect the electronics and enclosed antenna.	Other systems may have the antenna external from the enclosure or they break easily when dropped.	MobileCollect minimizes service time. MobileCollect just works without the worry.
MobileCollect Mobile Modules connect to your gage using what you might call a "flexible" connection and then it attaches securely to the gage of fixture.	Other systems may have a "rigid" connection or the module does not securely or ergonomically attach to the gage or fixture.	MobileCollect is designed to not break and to be easy and intuitive to use. MobileCollect just works without the worry.

Cost
You have choices in wireless systems. MobileCollect costs less on smaller systems and will be less expensive over time for even the largest applications. A significant maintenance cost item that is often overlooked in the initial wireless purchase is gage cable replacement. You will also see below that the MobileCollect can significantly reduce ongoing cable costs and down time due to less frequent cable failure and replacement cost. The prudent purchaser will look at all aspects of the cost of wireless (transmitter, receiver, cable costs, etc.)

MobileCollect Advantage	Others Wireless Systems	MobileCollect Value to Customer
Read button conveniently placed on Mobile Module for easy access. Button rated for 1 million cycles.	Must use read button on the gage cable because transmitter does not have a read button or it is difficult to access.	Significantly reduce maintenance costs and downtime by using the million cycle button on the Mobile Module.
Mobile Module securely attaches to the gage to prevent premature cable failure.	Mitutoyo transmitter has cable attached to the gage but the transmitter is attached in such a way as to cause excessive flexing in the cable leading to premature failure.	Reduced cost and down time due to significantly less cable failure and replacement.
Typically in excess of 500,000 readings so you are talking years of battery life.	Typically less readings from a battery. Some require you to turn the transmitter off when you are done using or the battery only lasts weeks.	Reduced cost and down time due to battery replacement.
Most gage cables available in lengths of up to 72".	Limited length options. Mitutoyo only supplies one cable length.	Allows you to specify the length you need for your applications. If your cable is too short, you put excessive stress on the cable leading to premature cable failure. If it's too long, it gets in the way.

Flexibility
The flexibility of MobileCollect is seen in the broad range of gages supported, expandability and configurability for the largest and the smallest of applications, and in the many features unique to MobileCollect.

MobileCollect Advantage	Others	MobileCollect Value to Customer
One Base can connect hundreds of gages, and you can select the RF channel for communications (15 channels available).	Can connect several gages to a base, but you cannot select the communications channel if interferences arise.	You can eliminate interference between Bases and other wireless equipment through channel selection.
RF Sniffer built into the RS-232 & USB Bases to determine available RF channels.	Not available.	Allows you to configure system on channels not currently being used by other 2.4 GHz radios. More reliable operation.
Broad range of digital gages and RS-232 devices supported from many gage manufacturers.	More limited range of gages. Some only support Mitutoyo.	Supports gages you use now and gages you will use in the future. MobileCollect's unique design allows support for most gages.
Send commands from Base to optional Command Mobile Module for remotely requesting gage measurements.	Not available.	Obtain readings from a gage without needing operator to press button on gage or Mobile Module. Can be useful in gage fixtures and robotics setup.
2 mw transmit power provides up to 135 foot range.	Mitutoyo U-Wave is only rated at 65 feet. Others may offer longer range but are more prone to interference.	Extra power helps to overcome background wireless noise to provide a more reliable system.
Both USB and RS-232 Bases available.	USB only	Greater flexibility in connecting Bases to PCs, PLCs, etc.

Ease of Use
We have designed MobileCollect around the latest wireless technology. This results in reliability and data integrity that makes MobileCollect's ease of use, speed, versatility and range second to none.

MobileCollect Advantage	Others	MobileCollect Value to Customer
Mobile Modules automatically recognize the gage type. Same Mobile Module can be used with broad range of gages.	Mitutoyo U-Wave only supports Mitutoyo gages. Other manufacturers require different transmitters for different models of gages.	Makes it plug 'n play for the user.
Mobiles Modules are ergonomically designed for LED visibility, cable location, read button placement and gage attachment flexibility.	Cable placement is poor, LEDs are difficult to see, read button may be difficult to access, gage cable may interfere with operator using the gage.	MobileCollect is designed by a company whose business is measurement collection solutions and who listens to and understands the needs of the user.
Setup Program not required for most configurations, but features easy-to-use Windows setup software when needed.	Required and/or difficult to install, use and understand.	Saves installation and startup time.
Associate Mobile Module with Base in seconds using buttons on Mobile Modules. No operating software needed.	Must open software and use setup program	Saves time and you can associate new gages quickly on the floor.
Dozens of user selectable formats available for measurement transfer to PC.	Varies from a few to only one.	Varies from a few to only one.
LEDs placed so that acknowledgement received from the base is bright, well placed and highly visible to the user.	LEDs placed so that base acknowledgement is difficult or impossible to see.	With MobileCollect it is very obvious that the base received the reading.

Service & Support
We have strived since 1983 to ensure that our customer service and support are more than excellent. The feedback we continually receive from our customers confirms that. We guarantee that you will have "The Experience of Total Satisfaction" with MicroRidge and with MobileCollect!