Designed & Made in the USA Since 1983
The MobileCollect Digital Remote is a desktop wireless transmitter for stationary digital gages — USB-powered, permanently on, and capable of more trigger flexibility than any other MobileCollect transmitter. Measurements can be initiated by a foot switch or hand switch connected directly to the Digital Remote at the instrument, by a foot switch or hand switch at the Base, or by a direct serial command from your SPC software, MES, or custom control system.
That distinction matters. Where the Command Mobile Module supports local triggering via its Read button or gage cable button but has no foot or hand switch input at the unit, the Digital Remote accepts a wired foot switch or hand switch directly at the unit via its rear-panel read switch input — giving the operator hands-free control of the full measurement sequence at the gage, including single read, continuous read, and TIR modes. For fixed-station applications where the operator needs both hands on the instrument or workpiece, this is a meaningful operational advantage.
The Digital Remote connects via USB to any standard 5VDC USB AC adapter or powered USB port, draws continuous power, and stays ready without battery monitoring, replacement schedules, or the voltage-related failure modes that affect battery-powered transmitters in high-duty-cycle applications. Compatible with digital gages from Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, Sylvac, CDI, and others. Uses the same Digimatic 10-pin (Type D Male) gage connector as the MicroRidge GageWay Pro wired interfaces.
Compatible Gages – 3,500+ devices
Wireless Range – Up to 140 ft
Power – USB powered – 5VDC USB AC adapter (included)
Gage Connection – SPC Gage Cable with Digimatic 10-pin (Type D Male)
Read Trigger – Local foot/hand switch at Digital Remote, foot/hand switch at Base Receiver, or host computer serial command via Base
Read Modes – Single, Continuous, TIR
Certifications – FCC, IC, CE, RoHS2, REACH
Origin – Designed & Made in the USA
$450.00
The Digital Remote attaches to a stationary digital gage via a Digimatic 10-pin (Type D Male) gage connector cable — the same connector used by the MicroRidge GageWay Family of wired interfaces, so the cable inventory is shared across both product families. Once connected and powered, the Digital Remote automatically identifies the attached gage type — no configuration step is required to specify the gage output format. Before the Digital Remote can transmit measurement data, it must be paired with a Base using Pair-on-the-Fly or the Extended Setup Program. Once paired, day-to-day operation requires no software interaction.
The Digital Remote occupies a specific position in the MobileCollect product line: it is the fixed-station transmitter with the most flexible trigger architecture. Unlike the Command Mobile Module, which supports local triggering via its Read button or gage cable button but has no foot or hand switch input at the unit, the Digital Remote accepts a wired foot switch or hand switch directly at the unit via its rear-panel read switch input. This means the operator at the instrument can control the full measurement sequence — single reads, continuous acquisition, TIR sweeps, and defined reading counts — hands-free, without involving the Base at all. When the application also requires Base-side or software-side triggering, those paths are available simultaneously.
From a quality system perspective, the Digital Remote supports the same controlled measurement process as the Command Mobile Module: trigger event → gage acquisition → wireless transmission → data record. The practical difference is that the trigger can originate at the instrument via a wired foot or hand switch, at the Base, or from the process software — whichever fits the measurement workflow.
The Digital Remote supports two independent trigger paths: a switch connected directly to the Digital Remote’s rear-panel read switch input, and remote commands issued from the Base via a switch at the Base or a serial command from the host computer. These paths are independent and can coexist within the same system — the local switch at the instrument handles one function, the Base switch or software handles another.
A foot switch or hand switch connected directly to the 2.5mm read switch input on the Digital Remote’s rear panel gives the operator full hands-free control of the collection sequence at the gage itself. This is the appropriate configuration when the operator is stationed at the instrument and needs both hands free for workpiece handling or instrument positioning — without any dependency on the Base for trigger timing. Available functions:
Single Read — One press triggers one measurement acquisition and wireless transmission. Standard configuration for point-sample inspection.
Continuous Read (Press and Hold) — Holding the switch starts continuous measurement acquisition; releasing the switch stops it. Appropriate for scanning applications where the operator needs live data while repositioning the instrument or workpiece.
Continuous Read (Press to Start / Press to Stop) — First press starts continuous acquisition; second press stops it. Preferable when the operator needs both hands free throughout the entire measurement sweep.
TIR Mode — Combines with either continuous read option above to capture Total Indicator Reading across the measurement sweep. The Digital Remote tracks the full excursion and transmits the TIR value when the stop event is received. Used for runout, flatness, and comparative measurement applications.
Set Number of Readings — Configures a defined reading count for either continuous read mode. The Digital Remote acquires the specified number of readings and stops automatically, without requiring a second switch actuation.
All local read switch functions are defined through the Extended Setup Program.
A foot switch or hand switch connected to the Base’s read switch port — or a serial command from the host computer via the Base — can also trigger the Digital Remote remotely. This path is appropriate when the operator is positioned at the Base rather than at the instrument, when multiple Digital Remotes need to be triggered from a single actuation point, or when measurement collection is orchestrated by process software. Available functions from the Base:
Read Digital Remote — Triggers a single read on a specified Digital Remote by channel.
Continuous Read — First switch actuation starts continuous acquisition on the specified Digital Remote; second actuation stops it.
TIR Read — First switch actuation starts TIR acquisition on the specified Digital Remote; second actuation stops it.
Read All Digital Remotes — Triggers a read across all paired Digital Remotes simultaneously. The number of readings per trigger is configurable.
Host Computer Serial Command — The Base accepts the full MobileCollect command set via USB Serial or RS-232 port. SPC software, an MES, or a custom application can programmatically trigger reads on individual channels, trigger all active remotes, and manage operational parameters without any switch actuation. For IATF 16949 SPC compliance, this closes the loop between the statistical software and the measurement collection event — readings enter the SPC database at the moment of acquisition without intermediate handling.
The Digital Remote’s USB power architecture directly addresses a preventive maintenance and process control liability that exists when battery-powered transmitters are deployed at fixed measurement stations. A battery-powered device at a permanent workstation creates a scheduled replacement obligation and a potential nonconformance vector: battery depletion mid-shift can compromise measurement record integrity if the operator continues recording without a live wireless transmission confirmation. USB power eliminates this failure mode entirely — the Digital Remote is always in its fully-powered operational state at the start of every shift, with no battery voltage to monitor and no replacement interval to track.
Fixed-station applications where the Digital Remote is the correct transmitter include: digital indicators on comparator or indicator stands, height gages at surface plate stations, digital bore gages in measurement fixtures, receiving and incoming inspection benches, final inspection stations where a foot switch controls the collection sequence, SPC data collection workstations, calibration bench instrumentation, functional test stations, and any application where the gage is permanently mounted and USB power is accessible.
Under ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5 (Monitoring and Measuring Resources), IATF 16949, AS9100D, and 21 CFR Part 820 Section 820.72, the requirement extends beyond instrument calibration to control over the measurement process — including collection timing, data routing, and record integrity. Remote-commanded triggering places measurement initiation under system control rather than operator discretion, supporting an auditable, repeatable measurement sequence. USB power removes battery failure as a process nonconformance source. Combined, these characteristics support a measurement process that is controlled, consistent, and verifiable across shifts and operators.
The Digital Remote supports digital gages from all major metrology manufacturers: Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, Sylvac, CDI, and others with compatible digital (data/clock) outputs. The unit automatically identifies the connected gage type on startup — no user configuration is required to specify the gage output format.
The Digimatic 10-pin (2×5 Type D Male) gage connector on the Digital Remote is the same connector used by the MicroRidge GageWay family of wired interfaces. Gage cables from Mitutoyo and Mahr Federal (with Mitutoyo-compatible output) connect directly. Cables for other supported brands are available from MicroRidge.
For RS-232 instruments at a fixed station, the RS-232 Remote is the appropriate transmitter.
The Digital Remote communicates over MicroRidge’s proprietary RM2.4 protocol — 2.4 GHz ISM band, 32-bit encrypted, purpose-built for industrial measurement environments. RM2.4 supports the two-way communication the Digital Remote requires: the Base confirms receipt of each transmitted measurement, and the Digital Remote’s Signal Strength LEDs provide immediate visual feedback on link quality at the instrument. This full acknowledgment architecture operates reliably in factory environments with welding equipment, VFDs, Wi-Fi infrastructure, and competing RF sources — conditions where Bluetooth-based systems produce dropped readings and pairing failures. See Why Bluetooth Fails in Manufacturing for a detailed protocol comparison.
The Digital Remote front panel provides three LED indicator types:
Signal Strength LEDs (3 green) — Illuminate based on received signal strength from the Base on each transmission acknowledgment. Minimum acceptable performance is two LEDs illuminated. A single LED indicates repositioning of the unit or Base is warranted.
Wireless Data Packet Received LED (yellow) — Flashes when gage data is received from the connected instrument and is being processed for wireless transmission.
Power LED (green) — Steady green indicates normal operation. Flashing approximately once per second indicates the unit is in Setup mode.
An unacknowledged transmission — where the Base does not confirm receipt — is indicated by a red LED flash on the Send LED. This per-reading visual confirmation provides operator-observable verification of each measurement transmission without requiring a software connection to be open.
The Digital Remote ships ready to operate at factory defaults: single read mode, standard output format, pairable via Pair-on-the-Fly or the Extended Setup Program. No configuration software is required for basic single-read operation using either a local foot or hand switch at the unit or a Base-side trigger.
The Extended Setup Program is required for continuous read, TIR mode, custom output formatting, defined reading counts, and read switch function definition for both the local switch and Base-side switch. Configuration is performed once via USB connection to the setup PC; day-to-day operation requires no software interaction.
Two pairing and configuration paths are available:
Pair-on-the-Fly — Uses the Associate & Test button on the Digital Remote and the Reset button (or power cycle) on the Base. No software required. Appropriate for standard deployments at factory default settings.
Extended Setup Program — Provides access to all configuration parameters including read mode, output format, read switch function definition, and reading count. Required for any configuration beyond factory defaults.
Digital Remote firmware is field-upgradeable via MicroRidge’s firmware update utility. The update procedure is designed to prevent incorrect firmware from being loaded into any MobileCollect device. Firmware updates are available on the MobileCollect firmware update page.
The Digital Remote is compatible with all MobileCollect Base Receivers. For applications using foot or hand switch control from the Base, full-size Bases are recommended — they provide read switch connectors and dedicated Reset buttons that simplify pairing and operational control.
EVO Wedge Base — Desktop Base with selectable USB Serial and USB Keyboard Wedge output. Supports read switch input for foot/hand switch control of the Digital Remote from the Base. Recommended for workstation applications where data routes into Excel, web-based SPC, or Power BI via keystroke output.
EVO RS-232 Base — Desktop Base with USB Serial and DB9 RS-232 output ports. Well-suited for PLC-controlled measurement systems and RS-232-to-Ethernet networked applications.
EVO USB Base — Desktop Base with USB Serial output. Supports read switch input. Appropriate for PC-based applications sending serial commands directly from SPC or custom software.
MicroBase EVO USB-A / USB-C — Dongle-sized Bases with USB Serial and Keyboard Wedge output. Compatible with the Digital Remote. MicroBases do not have read switch connectors, so Base-side triggering requires host computer serial commands. Note that the local foot or hand switch input on the Digital Remote itself remains fully functional regardless of which Base is used.
All MobileCollect transmitters can be paired to a single Base simultaneously, so any combination of the transmitters below can operate together within the same data collection system.
Command Mobile Module — The battery-powered equivalent of the Digital Remote for mobile applications. Use when the gage needs to move with the operator or cannot be located near USB power. Supports remote read triggering from the Base via foot switch, hand switch, or host computer serial command, with up to 20 individually addressable channels per Base. Supports local triggering via its Read button and compatible gage cable buttons, but does not have a foot or hand switch input at the unit. The correct choice when portability is a requirement; the Digital Remote is the correct choice when it is not.
Mini Mobile Module EVO M3E — Use when the operator initiates each measurement by pressing the Read button on the module. No remote read capability and no local switch input. The recommended transmitter for standard handheld measurement collection where operator-triggered data entry is acceptable.
RS-232 Remote — The stationary RS-232 equivalent of the Digital Remote. Use when your fixed-station instrument outputs full RS-232 voltage levels (±5V and above). Features automatic baud rate detection and the same local foot or hand switch input architecture as the Digital Remote.
RS-232 V2 Mobile Module — Use when your RS-232 instrument requires mobility and a battery-powered transmitter.
What is the difference between the Digital Remote and the Command Mobile Module?
— Both support remote read triggering from the Base via foot switch, hand switch, or host computer serial command. There are two key differences. First, power architecture: the Digital Remote is USB-powered and designed for fixed stations where battery dependency is unnecessary overhead; the Command Mobile Module runs on a CR2 battery to support portability. Second, local trigger capability: the Digital Remote accepts a wired foot or hand switch directly at the unit via its rear-panel read switch input, giving the operator hands-free control of single-read, continuous, and TIR modes at the instrument without involving the Base. The Command Mobile Module supports local triggering via its Read button and compatible gage cable buttons, but has no foot or hand switch input at the unit. For a gage that never moves, the Digital Remote is the correct transmitter on both counts.
Does the Digital Remote require a battery?
— No. The Digital Remote is powered entirely by the included 5VDC USB AC adapter. It can also be powered from any USB port capable of supplying 5VDC. There is no battery to replace or monitor.
What trigger options are available at the instrument itself?
— A foot switch or hand switch connected to the 2.5mm read switch input on the Digital Remote’s rear panel can be configured for single read, continuous read (press-and-hold or press-to-start/press-to-stop), TIR mode in combination with either continuous read option, and a defined reading count for continuous read modes. All functions are defined in the Extended Setup Program. This local switch input is independent of — and can coexist with — Base-side triggering.
Can my SPC software trigger readings directly?
— Yes. The Base accepts the full MobileCollect command set via its USB Serial or RS-232 port. SPC software or a custom application can send serial commands to the Base to trigger reads on the Digital Remote by channel, trigger all paired remotes, and manage configuration parameters — without any switch actuation. This enables fully software-orchestrated measurement collection cycles.
What gages are compatible with the Digital Remote?
— Digital gages from Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, Sylvac, CDI, and other manufacturers with compatible digital (data/clock) outputs. The unit automatically identifies the connected gage type on startup. For RS-232 instruments at a fixed station, use the RS-232 Remote.
What gage connector does the Digital Remote use?
— A Digimatic 10-pin (2×5 Type D Male) male connector on the front panel, compatible with the Mitutoyo Digimatic 10-pin connection. This is the same gage connector family used by the MicroRidge GageWay Pro wired interfaces. Gage cables from Mitutoyo and Mahr Federal connect directly; cables for other supported brands are available from MicroRidge.
Do I need the Extended Setup Program to use the Digital Remote?
— Not for basic single-read operation at factory defaults. Pair-on-the-Fly is sufficient for standard deployments. The Extended Setup Program is required for continuous read, TIR mode, defined reading counts, custom output formatting, and read switch function definition for both the local switch and Base-side switch.
How many Digital Remotes can one Base support?
— There is no defined limit on the number of Remote transmitters that can be paired to a single Base — the RM2.4 protocol does not impose a fixed ceiling for the number of devices that can be paired. The practical limit is a function of how many gages make sense in a given measurement cell. The Base can simultaneously support a mix of Remote and Mobile Module transmitter types on the same wireless network — so Digital Remotes at fixed stations and Command Mobile Modules or Mini Mobile Module EVO M3Es on handheld gages can all operate together on a single Base.
Does the Digital Remote support ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or 21 CFR Part 820 measurement requirements?
— Yes. Remote-commanded triggering via foot switch or process software places measurement initiation under system control rather than operator discretion, directly supporting measurement process control requirements under ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5, IATF 16949, AS9100D, and 21 CFR Part 820 Section 820.72. USB power eliminates battery failure as a process nonconformance source, supporting consistent measurement system availability across shifts. Combined with automated data routing from gage to quality records, the system eliminates manual transcription error and creates an auditable, repeatable measurement sequence.
What wireless protocol does the Digital Remote use?
— MicroRidge’s proprietary RM2.4 protocol, operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band with 32-bit encryption. RM2.4 provides reliable two-way communication between the Digital Remote and the Base in industrial RF environments including those with welding equipment, VFDs, and dense Wi-Fi infrastructure.
What are the operating environment limits?
— 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C), up to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing.
Digital Remote (MC-REM-DIG) Specs | |
|---|---|
Part Number | MC-REM-DIG |
Dimensions | 3.63″ × 2.61″ × 1.10″ (L × W × H) |
Weight | 2.70 oz |
Wireless Protocol | MicroRidge RM2.4, 2.4 GHz ISM band (2.4000–2.4835 GHz) |
Encryption | 32-bit |
Wireless Range | Up to 140 ft (40 m), line-of-sight indoors |
Power Requirements | 5VDC USB AC adapter (included) |
Compatible Gages | 3,500+ devices |
Transmitter Connection | 10-pin Digimatic (2×5 Type D Male), front panel |
Gage Auto-Detection | Yes — automatically identifies connected gage type on startup |
Local Read Switch Input | Single 2.5mm input, rear panel — accepts wired foot switch or hand switch at the unit |
Read Trigger | Local foot/hand switch at unit; foot/hand switch at Base; host computer serial command via Base |
Read Modes | Single, Continuous (press-hold or press-to-start/stop), TIR, configurable reading count |
LED Status Indicators | Power On; Wireless Data Packet Received; Received Signal Strength (3 LEDs) |
Output Format | Defined by MobileCollect Setup Programs |
Configuration | Extended Setup Program (for read mode, output format, and read switch function); factory defaults operable without software |
Firmware | Field-upgradeable |
Operating Temperature | 32°F to 122°F |
Operating Humidity | ≤90% RH, non-condensing |
Certifications | FCC (ID: 2ACNQRM2), IC (12298A-RM2), CE, RoHS2, REACH |
Country of Origin | Designed & Made in the USA |
Base Receiver Compatibility | All MobileCollect RM2.4 Base Receiver models (Legacy and EVO) |
