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Wireless Data Collection for
Mitutoyo Gages & RS232 Devices |
The GageWay Wireless System is a data
collection system consisting of one or more Base units (MiniStations)
connected to a PC receiving wireless data from multiple Remote units
(Mobile Modules or MiniStations).
The wireless system supports Mitutoyo and RS232 serial devices.
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 offers a reliable, affordable and easy to
use wireless system from the industry leader in gage interfacing!
The GageWay Wireless System has been
designed 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:
Mobile Module, MiniStation configured as a
Base unit, MiniStation configured as a Relay
unit, and MiniStation configured as a Remote unit.
GageWay Wireless Components Summary
Wireless
Components |
Operational Modes |
Range3 |
Remote
Connections |
Remote Mode
Input Source |
Setup
Software |
Upgrade
Firmware
in Field |
Power
Sources |
Size |
Weight |
|
Base |
Relay |
Remote |
|
Mobile Module |
|
|
x |
100' |
N/A |
Mitutoyo gage5 |
x |
x |
Batteries |
1.97" x 1.43" x .64" |
1.3
oz6 |
|
MiniStation1 |
x |
x2 |
x2 |
300' |
504 |
RS232 |
x |
x |
AC
adapter |
4.13" x 2.65" x 1.14" |
6.8
oz |
1
The MiniStation can be configured by the user to
operate as a Base, Relay or Remote.
2 The Remote mode will be available first
quarter 2007. The Relay mode will be available second quarter
2007.
3
The maximum indoor line-of-site range without
external electrical interference. Actual range may vary.
4 The number of
remote connections that can be supported when the MiniStation is
operating in the Base mode.
5 Mitutoyo gage
or any device with Mitutoyo compatible output (caliper,
micrometer, digital indicator, etc.). Gage cable included with
each module.
6 Includes gage
cable and batteries. |
Quick Facts about the GageWay Wireless
System
- Supports digital gages & RS232 devices.
- Highly visible user feedback.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Economical to purchase and maintain.
- Eliminates cumbersome cables.
- Works with any computer that has a USB or serial port.
- Integrates with existing gage interface systems.
- Field replaceable gage cable.
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Mobile
Module
The Mobile Module connects directly to any
Mitutoyo gage (or gage with Mitutoyo compatible output).The Mobile Module is intended for the roving inspector
or anywhere it is inconvenient to have the gage connected
to an interface by a cable.
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MiniStation
The MiniStation supports a maximum of 50
Remotes when used as a Base unit. When configured as a Base
unit, the MiniStation can receive data from Mobile Modules and
MiniStations configured as Remote units. The MiniStation can
also be configured as a Relay or Remote unit.
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Plant Wide vs. Work Cell Wireless
Systems
There are a 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 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 unit.
-
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.
Included with the Mobile Module
-
Mitutoyo gage
cable (959149, 905338, 937387 up to 36"). Customer specifies
cable and length at time of order.
-
Call for pricing on other cables.
Included with MiniStation
FCC and Industry
Canada Approvals
The GageWay Wireless System has been approved for use in the
United States and Canada. MicroRidge Systems has not obtained approval
for operation in other parts of the world. If your need for this
wireless system is for regions other than the United States and Canada,
contact us about possible approvals for your region 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.
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