Designed & Made in the USA Since 1983
The GageWay Pro 8 connects eight digital or RS-232 gages to a PC through a single USB cable. Nine dedicated processors — one per gage channel plus a separate communications processor — deliver more than five times the throughput of previous-generation interfaces, with both USB keyboard wedge and USB serial outputs built in. Supports Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, Sylvac, CDI, and any gage with Mitutoyo-compatible output, plus RS-232 devices via the GW-LC Level Converter Cable. Up to nine units can be chained for systems requiring up to 72 simultaneous gage inputs.
Gage Inputs – 8
Output – USB Keyboard Wedge + USB Serial (VCP) + DB9 RS-232 — all built in
RS-232 Support – Yes — all front panel ports (GW-LC Level Converter Cable required)
Power – USB powered — no AC adapter required for USB connection
Configuration – Free Windows Setup Software (GageWay Pro Setup)
Expandable – Yes — chain up to 9 units (Pro4/Pro8 mix); up to 72 total inputs
Gage Compatibility – Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, Sylvac, CDI, and others
Origin – Designed & Made in the USA
$1,150.00
The GageWay Pro8 is the highest-density single-unit interface in the GageWay Pro series. Eight gage inputs connect to a PC through a single USB cable, with each of the eight gage channels served by its own dedicated processor. A ninth processor manages communications with the host — ensuring that sampling speed on any channel is not limited by activity on another. In a benchmark documented in the GageWay Pro User’s Guide, eight Mitutoyo gages running in continuous read mode for 60 seconds produced 5,230 measurements on the Pro8 — versus 984 on the previous-generation Mx8. The User’s Guide notes the count was limited by how many times per second the gages themselves could send a reading, not by interface capacity. That is a 5.3× throughput improvement over the prior generation, directly consequential for applications where cycle time, sampling rate, or SPC subgroup collection frequency are process constraints.
The GageWay Pro8 includes both keyboard wedge and USB serial virtual COM port outputs. Connect via the keyboard wedge port to route measurement data as keystrokes into any application — Excel, Google Sheets, cloud-based SPC platforms, access databases, custom forms. Connect via the USB serial port for direct integration with SPC software such as MeasurLink, InfinityQS, DataPage+, or any COM port–aware data collection application. Both ports are built into the unit — switching between output modes requires only moving the USB cable to the appropriate back-panel port, with no hardware changes or additional purchases required.
The keyboard wedge port requires no driver installation — plug in and it works immediately, with no IT involvement required. The USB serial port requires a one-time FTDI VCP driver install, available free from MicroRidge. The keyboard wedge transfer rate defaults to approximately 72 characters per second and can be reduced to 30 or 8 characters per second for applications or systems that cannot keep pace at the default rate.
Also included: ComTestSerial, a free serial communications test program that displays exactly what data is being sent from your gages and the GageWay Pro interface. It is the fastest way to verify a connection, debug a new gage setup, or confirm RS-232 communication parameters before deploying to production.
Supported gage families include Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, CDI, Sylvac, and any gage using Mitutoyo-compatible Digimatic output. RS-232 instruments from Ohaus, Mettler Toledo, and other serial device manufacturers are supported on all eight front panel ports via GW-LC. MicroRidge supplies interface cables for over 3,500 gage models — interface and cables ship from a single source.
Not sure if your gage is supported? Contact MicroRidge — we’ll confirm compatibility and identify the correct cable before you order.
Digital gages plug directly into the 10-pin front panel Digimatic connectors. RS-232 instruments — serial force gauges, scales, height gages, torque tools, and other serial measurement devices — connect to the same eight front panel ports via the GW-LC Level Converter Cable. AutoBaud detection automatically identifies baud rate and communication parameters for any RS-232 device on a front panel port when connected via a current-generation LC Cable, eliminating manual port configuration. A rear-panel Multifunction Serial Port (DB9) provides one additional RS-232 input or can be used to chain interface output to downstream systems.
Every front panel channel on the GageWay Pro8 has its own dedicated read switch port, independently configurable for trigger function. An eight-gage fixture station can give each gage its own foot or hand switch, route a single switch to trigger all eight channels, or execute a fully custom programmed measurement sequence across any combination of channels — all without host computer involvement. For automated applications, the USB serial port gives the host application complete programmatic control over every read function on every channel.
Every front panel channel on the GageWay Pro8 has its own dedicated read switch port, independently configurable for trigger function. An eight-gage fixture station can give each gage its own foot or hand switch, route a single switch to trigger all eight channels, or execute a fully custom programmed measurement sequence across any combination of channels — all without host computer involvement. For automated applications, the USB serial port gives the host application complete programmatic control over every read function on every channel.
Foot switch and hand switch trigger modes — per channel:
Custom read switch sequences are a standout capability for fixture applications. A single switch press can execute a fully programmed series of reads across any combination of channels, in any order, with configurable pauses and delays between steps. Examples from the GageWay Pro Setup Program:
Up to four custom sequences can be stored in the interface simultaneously, each up to 150 characters in length. Sequences are defined in the GageWay Pro Setup Program and saved to non-volatile memory — they persist across power cycles without reconfiguration. For inspection stations requiring more than 26 channels in a chained configuration, a channel group option extends addressing up to 72 channels within a single sequence.
Host computer commands (USB serial port only) give the host application complete programmatic control over every read function on all eight channels. Key commands include:
Command | Function |
|---|---|
<RA | Read Channel 1 (A) |
<RH | Read Channel 8 (H) |
<R* | Read all channels |
<BA | Begin continuous read — Channel 1 |
<CA00025 | Get 25 continuous readings — Channel 1 |
<I1A | Begin TIR read — Channel 1 |
<D1B00150 | Get 150 TIR readings — Channel 2 |
<SA | Stop continuous read — Channel 1 |
Host commands are compatible with any application that can write to a serial COM port — SPC software, LabVIEW, Python, custom fixture controllers, and PLC serial interfaces. Commands are identical to those used by previous GageWay interface generations, simplifying migration from earlier MicroRidge hardware. The commands listed above are a representative sample only — the full command set is documented in the GageWay Pro User’s Guide.
Host commands are compatible with any application that can write to a serial COM port — SPC software, LabVIEW, Python, custom fixture controllers, and PLC serial interfaces. Commands are identical to those used by previous GageWay interface generations, simplifying migration from earlier MicroRidge hardware. The commands listed above are a representative sample only — the full command set is documented in the GageWay Pro User’s Guide. For fixture and automation applications requiring custom measurement sequences not listed above, contact MicroRidge to discuss your specific requirements.
Each of the eight gage input ports on the GageWay Pro8 has its own dedicated processor. A separate communications processor manages the host interface — ensuring that sampling speed on any channel is not limited by activity on another. This architecture is essential in high-density fixture applications where all eight channels may be triggered simultaneously or in rapid succession.
Every GageWay Pro8 ships with the free Windows-based GageWay Pro Setup Program. All parameters — read modes, output format, data parsing, RS-232 channel settings, keyboard layout, and trigger behavior — are configured through a graphical interface with on-screen help text on every control. No DIP switches. No terminal commands. No cover removal.
For most digital gage applications, default settings work out of the box and no configuration is needed at all. When advanced setup is required, the Setup Program detects the connected interface, reads its current configuration, and lets you modify and push changes in a single operation. Completed setups save to file — useful for documentation, backup, and replicating a configuration to a replacement unit. Firmware is field-upgradeable via the USB serial port at no charge from the MicroRidge GageWay firmware updates page.
The GageWay Pro8 supports chaining with other Pro8 and Pro4 units. Up to nine units can be chained in any combination. At full configuration — nine GageWay Pro8 units — the system supports 72 simultaneous gage inputs. Setup parameters are saved to file in the Windows Setup Program and can be applied to additional units in a batch, reducing deployment time for multi-station rollouts.
The Pro8 is the correct interface when:
For two gages: see the GageWay Pro2. For four gages: see the GageWay Pro4. If gage mobility beyond 6 feet is a requirement, see MobileCollect for wireless options — or read our guide to gage multiplexers to understand when a wired interface is the right call.
Want to go deeper before you order?
Q: How many processors does the GageWay Pro8 have?
— Nine. Each of the eight gage channels has a dedicated processor, plus one additional communications processor managing the host interface. This architecture ensures full throughput on all eight channels simultaneously.
Q: How fast is the GageWay Pro8 in continuous read mode?
— In a documented test with eight Mitutoyo gages in continuous read mode over 60 seconds, the GageWay Pro8 captured 5,230 measurements — compared to 984 on the previous-generation Mx8 interface. That is a 5.3× throughput improvement.
Q: Does the GageWay Pro8 require an external power supply?
— No. The Pro8 is powered via its USB connection to the host PC. No AC adapter is required.
Q: Can the GageWay Pro8 be expanded beyond eight gages?
— Yes. Up to nine GageWay Pro units (Pro4 and Pro8, in any combination) can be chained. Nine Pro8 units support 72 total gage inputs through a single host connection.
Q: What is the difference between the GageWay Pro8 and other gage multiplexers?
— The GageWay Pro8 includes both keyboard wedge and USB serial outputs in the same unit — many competing interfaces offer only one or require a different model for each. Switching between output modes requires only moving the USB cable, with no additional hardware required. All eight front panel ports support RS-232 devices via AutoBaud detection. Each channel has a dedicated processor rather than shared processing resources. The unit is USB bus-powered with no external AC adapter required. Configuration is handled entirely through free Windows GUI software — no DIP switches, no terminal commands, no disassembly. And firmware is field-upgradeable at no charge. MicroRidge has supported gage interface applications for over 40 years and provides direct application engineering support.
Q: Can I connect RS-232 gages to the front panel ports?
— Yes. RS-232 devices connect to any of the eight front panel ports via the GW-LC Level Converter Cable. AutoBaud detection identifies baud rate and communication parameters automatically. The rear-panel Multifunction Serial Port accepts a ninth RS-232 device directly via DB9.
Q: Does setup require any special tools or disassembly?
— No. The free GageWay Pro Setup Program handles all configuration through a Windows GUI — no cover removal, no DIP switches, no terminal commands. For most digital gage stations, default settings work without any configuration at all. Setups save to file and can be pushed to additional units in a batch, which is the fastest deployment path for multi-station control plan implementations.
Also in the GageWay Family:
You’ll also need a gage cable. The GageWay Pro8 requires an interface cable matched to your specific gage model. MicroRidge stocks cables for Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, CDI, Starrett, and others. See the Gage Cables tab above, or contact sales@microridge.com to find the right cable for your gage.
Need to connect RS-232 devices? The GW-LC Level Converter Cable enables any front panel port on the GageWay Pro8 to accept RS-232 serial devices with full AutoBaud detection. Shop GW-LC →
Only need one gage? The single-gage GageWay interfaces are a simpler, lower-cost solution:
Accessories:
GageWay Pro8 (GW-PRO8) Specs | |
|---|---|
Part Number | GW-PRO8 |
Number of Gage Inputs | 8 |
Input Protocol — Digital | Mitutoyo Digimatic 10-pin (Type D Male) |
Total Processors | 9 (1 per gage channel + 1 communications processor) |
Input Protocol — Serial | RS-232 (front panel via GW-LC Level Converter; rear Multifunction Serial Port) |
Output — USB Keyboard Wedge | Yes (HID, no driver required) |
Output — USB Serial / VCP | Yes (driver required) |
Output — DB9 RS-232 | Yes (rear Output Serial Port — Pro4/Pro8 only; requires Power Kit if used as primary PC connection) |
Throughput — Continuous Read | 5,230 measurements / 60 sec (8 Mitutoyo gages; limited by gage send rate, not interface capacity) |
Keyboard Wedge Layouts | USA/Canada (default), UK/Australia, Mexico/Latin America, French, Belgian, German |
Keyboard Wedge Transfer Rate | ~72 chars/sec (default); adjustable to ~30 or ~8 chars/sec |
Baud Rate Support | 1,200 to 57,600 bps |
AutoBaud Detection | Yes (front panel RS-232 ports, requires current GW-LC Cable) |
Configuration | Windows-based Setup Program (no disassembly required) |
Chaining | Yes — 1 Primary + up to 8 Secondary units (Pro4/Pro8 mix); up to 68 total inputs |
Chaining — Secondary Power | Power Kit (ADT-USB-NA-KIT) required per Secondary unit |
Enclosure | Rugged metal |
Firmware Updates | Field-upgradeable via USB |
Compliance | RoHS 2 / REACH |
Compatible Gage Brands | Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Ono Sokki, Fowler, INSIZE, Starrett, Sylvac, CDI, Ohaus, Mettler Toledo, and others |
Warranty | 12 months from date of purchase |
Origin | Designed & Made in the USA |
