Mahr builds wireless data transmission in MarCal calipers

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2014-06-26 15:53:30

Mahr Federal has built wireless data transmission into its family of MarCal Digital Calipers, making them available for the same price as a typical wired caliper. Using proven wireless technology first developed for MarCator digital indicators, new MarCal digital calipers send data to a small i-stick receiver, resembling a common USB flash drive. MarCom software makes data acquisition even simpler: just take a measurement and transmit your measuring data directly into MS Excel or via a keyboard code into any Windows program without cumbersome cables. It's even possible to apply the 16 EWRi wireless data collection capabilities to existing SPC applications.

New low power data transmission technology has allowed the transmitter to be built into the digital indicator. Integrating the transmitters with MarCal digital calipers eliminates expensive power hungry add-on transmitters that can make gages bulky and interfere with portability, saving hundreds of dollars compared to "add-on" wireless transmitter based systems. Each MarConnect i-stick wireless receiver supports up to eight measuring instruments with a range of up to 12 meters, perfect for most bench-top or workstation applications. And since i-stick receivers are so inexpensive, it's now possible to add a receiver to every workstation in the shop.

With a sleek new-look, MarCal 16 EWRi digital calipers are easier to read with a large clear digital display, and include a number of advanced features, such as lapped guideways, a reference system that retains the zero position setting, and a number of product options and accessories. MarCal 16 EWRi digital calipers are protected against dust and immersion to class IP67. Advanced electronics provide increased battery life and the line is available in a wide range of sizes.

The MarConnect integrated wireless interface is active as soon as the i-stick is plugged in, and each indicator is identified by signal coding in the MarCom software so there is no confusion as to signals. Wireless data transmitters are built into MarCal 16 EWRi digital calipers, so no interface boxes or additional batteries are required. Plus, integrating the transmitters into the caliper's electronics makes the units extremely energy efficient and can extend battery life up to 50% longer than competitive systems.

Integrated wireless gives more freedom of movement. For example, when measuring on or at the machine, or with large work pieces, wired cables or cumbersome add-on modules do not obstruct the gage's use. Successful data transmission is confirmed with a message on the digital indicator's display.

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