Connecting an RS-232 Device with Level Converter Cable or ProCable

Measurement Collection Technology
for Today & Tomorrow!

Connecting RS-232 Devices
to Digital Gage Interfaces

When using a MicroRidge digital gage interface (GageWay3, GageWay5, Mx4, Mx8), it is not uncommon to require one or more serial inputs in addition to the digital gage inputs. Due to the voltage levels and data format of RS-232 signals, special hardware is required in order to accept and process RS-232 data.

If you only need to connect a single serial device and you are using a GageWay5, Mx4, or Mx8, you can connect the serial device directly to the expansion port.

For connecting RS-232 devices to digital gage interfaces MicroRidge also offers the LC Cable and the ProCable below.

LC Cable

Converts the RS-232 voltage levels to acceptable levels that can be used by GageWay3, GageWay5 and Mx8 interfaces.
Simply provides voltage level conversion and relies on the RS-232 hardware built into the interface in order to process the incoming RS-232 data.
In order to use the LC Cable, you must define the baud rate and communication parameters in the setup program for the appropriate interface.
This solution costs only $45 and can be used with any serial device.

ProCable

Converts an RS-232 input to a Mitutoyo compatible output, and can be used by any Mitutoyo compatible interface.
The baud rate and communication parameters are automatically detected by this cable.
The baud and communication parameters that are detected are automatically stored in the ProCable and will be retained even when the ProCable is unplugged from the interface.
Can be used with the GageWay3, GageWay5, Mx4 and Mx8 interfaces or with any Mitutoyo compatible interfaces that provide a 5-volt power supply on pin 9 (pin 9 is a standard power supply pin for Mitutoyo compatible interfaces).
Contains all of the RS-232 input and processing capability, and does not rely on any special capabilities within the interface it is connected to.
This solution costs $135.

When to Choose the LC Cable Solution:

The interface you are connecting to is a GageWay3, GageWay5 or Mx8.
Your setup tends to be fixed for an extended period of time, and you are not constantly unplugging one RS-232 device and plugging in a different RS-232 device.
You know the baud rate and communication parameters and are willing to use the setup program to configure the interface for your serial device.
You are looking for the least costly solution.

When to Choose the ProCable Solution

If your interface does not support the LC Cable and you need an additional RS-232 input.
You do not know what the baud rate and communication parameters are, and you want the ProCable to determine them for you.
You want to plug and unplug serial devices on the fly. Each of your serial devices has different baud and communication parameters and you do not want to go through any configuration steps when you plug in your serial devices. You can achieve this by using the separate ProCable on each of your serial devices.

Revised July 13, 2008