Designed & Made in the USA Since 1983
⚠️ This Product Has Been Replaced
The Mini Mobile Module M3 (MC-MM-M3) has been retired as of May 4, 2026. It is replaced by the Mini Mobile Module EVO M3E (MC-MM-M3-EVO), which introduces OpenGage Mode, industry-leading battery life with 800,000+ readings, and a new chipset. All existing M3 and M3E gage connectors and RM2.4 Base Receivers are fully compatible with the new Mini Mobile Module EVO M3E.
ℹ️ Federal Maxum, Mahr Pocket Surf IV & Ono Sokki Gage Users
These gages are not supported on the Mini Mobile Module EVO M3E. Please contact sales@microridge.com to inquire about purchasing a legacy Mini Mobile Module M3 to bring your gage online.
The MobileCollect Mini Mobile Module M3 is a compact wireless transmitter that attaches directly to your handheld digital gage and sends measurement data to a MobileCollect Base Receiver — and from there into any PC application or SPC software. The true cost of manual measurement data entry in a production environment is well documented: transcription errors, operator fatigue, and lost throughput. The M3 eliminates all three at the source. Compatible with over 3,500 gage devices across 30+ connector options, it supports virtually every major metrology brand used in production and lab environments.
Note: A gage connector is not included. Order the appropriate connector separately using the MobileCollect Selection Tool.
Compatible Gages – 3,500+ devices
Wireless Range – Up to 140 ft
Battery Life – 500,000+ readings or 3-5 years (CR2032)
Read Modes – Single, Continuous, TIR
Dimensions / Weight – 1.70″ × 1.17″ × 0.59″ / 1.0 oz
Certifications – FCC, IC, CE, RoHS2, REACH
Gage Connector – Sold separately — 30+ options
Origin – Designed & Made in the USA
$280.00
Out of stock
The Mini Mobile Module M3 is a battery-powered wireless transmitter that mounts directly onto a handheld gage. When the operator presses the Read button, the M3 captures the current measurement from the connected gage, transmits it wirelessly over MicroRidge’s RM2.4 protocol to a paired MobileCollect Base Receiver, and the Base forwards that data to the connected PC — appearing in whatever application is running, from Excel to SPC software to a LIMS.
No manual data entry. No tethered cables. No separate data logger. The entire process from button press to data capture takes under a second. For quality engineers managing measurement data at scale, the M3 is a direct control on a known source of nonconformance risk: human transcription error.
As part of the broader MobileCollect system, the M3 functions as a key input device in measurement-driven manufacturing automation — feeding real-time dimensional data directly into SPC, MES, or ERP workflows without operator intervention.
Accurate, auditable measurement data is a foundational requirement under ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, and 21 CFR Part 820. Each of those standards places explicit controls on measurement system reliability, data integrity, and the elimination of transcription error as a nonconformance source. The M3 directly supports those requirements by automating the transfer of gage measurement data from the point of collection to the host application — eliminating manual entry as a process step and the transcription errors, omissions, and illegibility issues that accompany it. The two-LED confirmation feedback on every reading provides the operator with immediate verification that data was both acquired from the gage and received by the Base, creating a closed-loop collection process auditors can observe and document.
The M3 supports digital gages — instruments that output measurement data via a proprietary data and clock signal. This covers the most common output type found on handheld calipers, micrometers, and digital indicators across all major metrology brands.
Supported brands include Brown & Sharpe, CDI, Fowler, Insize, LMI, Mahr Federal, Mitutoyo, Ono Sokki, Starrett, Sylvac, and others with compatible outputs. Use the MobileCollect Selection Tool to identify the correct gage connector for your specific instrument model.
MobileCollect products communicate over MicroRidge’s proprietary RM2.4 protocol, operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band with 32-bit encryption on all transmissions. RM2.4 was engineered specifically for factory floor measurement data collection — prioritizing data integrity, RF noise resilience, and coexistence with other 2.4 GHz traffic in industrial environments. If you’ve evaluated wireless gage systems before and encountered dropped readings, interference issues, or range limitations, those failure modes are well characterized — and they’re largely why Bluetooth falls short in manufacturing environments where MobileCollect is successfully deployed.
Pairing is transmitter-driven: when an M3 is paired with a Base, it stores that Base’s unique network identifiers and includes them in every wireless packet it transmits. The Base processes data packets only from transmitters sending the correct matching identifiers, ignoring all others. In a facility running multiple MobileCollect systems simultaneously, this architecture ensures measurement data is routed precisely to the correct Base with no cross-contamination between systems. Any MicroRidge hardware bearing the RM2.4 logo is compatible with any other RM2.4-capable device, regardless of product generation.
The M3 uses a standard CR2032 3V lithium coin cell — the same type found in watches and key fobs, universally available without ordering from MicroRidge. Battery life is rated at over 500,000 readings based on actual discharge testing. The module powers on when the Read button is pressed and shuts off automatically after transmitting each reading, eliminating idle drain entirely.
When battery voltage approaches end-of-life, the M3 provides an unambiguous low-battery warning: the Gage Read LED blinks red 6 times following a successful reading. Frequent use of Setup Mode or firmware updates will reduce total battery life from the rated figure.
The M3 Mini Mobile Module has two bi-color LEDs on its face, visible along the top edge when the module is mounted on a caliper or indicator in the recommended orientation:
Gage Read LED — Flashes red (~150 ms) when a measurement is successfully obtained from the gage. Two red blinks indicate the gage read failed.
Host Accept LED — Flashes green (~150 ms) when the MobileCollect Base confirms receipt of the transmitted measurement. Five blinks indicate the Base did not acknowledge the transmission.
This two-LED confirmation loop gives the operator discrete, unambiguous feedback for both sides of every data transaction — gage acquisition and wireless receipt — without requiring the operator to look at a screen. In a production environment where operators may be wearing gloves or working at pace, that matters. Additional LED codes covering diagnostics, pairing status, low battery, and firmware update mode are documented in the MobileCollect Hardware User’s Guide.
The M3 supports three read modes configurable via the Xpress or Extended Setup Program, effectively adding smart data collection capability to any compatible gage regardless of what the instrument natively supports. A basic digital caliper with no onboard memory or mode control becomes a continuous-read or TIR-capable measurement station when paired with the M3:
Single — One reading per button press. Factory default.
Continuous — Readings taken at a defined interval without repeated button presses. Used in applications requiring sustained data capture.
TIR (Total Indicator Runout) — Captures minimum, maximum, and TIR value across a measurement sweep. Used in runout and flatness inspection applications.
The M3 attaches to the back of a caliper or the body of a digital indicator using the included Dual Lock adhesive strips — a heavy-duty, repositionable fastening system. When mounted in the recommended orientation on a caliper, the LEDs remain visible along the top edge, and both the battery and gage connector remain accessible without removing the module from the instrument.
At 1.70″ × 1.17″ × 0.59″ and 1.0 oz, the M3 is less than half the volume of the Command or RS-232 Mobile Modules, keeping added mass and footprint on the instrument to a minimum.
The M3 uses a user-replaceable internal gage connector that interfaces the module with the gage’s data port via a 6-pin male connection. Over 30 connector options are available in lengths up to 72 inches, specific to the gage brand and output type. Unlike the Command Mobile Module, the M3 does not automatically detect the connector type — if you replace a connector for a different gage output type, you must use the Xpress or Extended Setup Program to specify the new gage type.
Connector replacement requires removing four Phillips screws, observing standard ESD precautions, and swapping the connector. The connector has a small orientation tab that must face upward during installation. Gage connectors are not included with the M3 and must be ordered separately.
Before the M3 can transmit to a Base, it must be paired with it. Pairing stores the Base’s unique identifiers in the module. Three pairing methods are available:
Pair-on-the-Fly — No software required. Uses the module’s Setup and Read buttons in conjunction with the Base’s Reset button.
Xpress Setup Program — Windows-based utility covering features required by most M3 users: pairing, read mode configuration, continuous read, TIR, and module labeling.
Extended Setup Program — Full-featured Windows utility for multi-transmitter systems and advanced configurations.
For most deployments, Pair-on-the-Fly plus factory defaults is sufficient with no additional configuration required.
M3 firmware is field-upgradeable via MicroRidge’s firmware update utility, downloadable from the MicroRidge MobileCollect firmware updates page. The update utility is designed to prevent incorrect firmware from being loaded into any MobileCollect device. The update process involves placing the M3 into Firmware Update Mode via a specific Setup/Read button sequence and completing the upload within the firmware update utility.
The M3 is compatible with all MobileCollect Base Receivers. The following models are recommended for most deployments:
MicroBase EVO USB-A — Dongle-sized EVO Base that plugs directly into a USB-A port. Supports both USB Serial and Keyboard Wedge output modes. Ideal for mobile or tablet-based data collection setups.
MicroBase EVO USB-C — USB-C variant of the EVO MicroBase with the same Serial and Keyboard Wedge output capability. Compatible with modern laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
EVO Wedge Base — Desktop Base Receiver with selectable USB Serial and USB Keyboard Wedge output. Outputs data as keystrokes directly into any active application — Excel, web-based SPC, Power BI, and others — without additional software. Recommended for stationary workstation deployments.
EVO RS-232 Base — Desktop Base Receiver with both USB Serial and DB9 RS-232 output ports. Well-suited for PLC-controlled systems and applications requiring native RS-232 connectivity.
The M3 covers the majority of handheld digital gage applications and is the recommended starting point for most deployments. For applications outside that scope, the following transmitters are available — and importantly, all MobileCollect transmitters can be paired to a single Base Receiver simultaneously, meaning any combination of the transmitters below can operate together as part of the same data collection system.
Command Mobile Module — Use when your application requires the Base or host software to remotely trigger readings rather than the operator pressing a Read button. Supports the same digital gages as the M3 with the addition of wireless read commands, standby modes, and multi-module orchestration from a single Base.
RS-232 V2 Mobile Module — Use when your RS-232 gage application requires mobility. The RS-232 Mobile Module is the battery-powered transmitter for handheld or portable RS-232 instruments where a wired connection to the measurement system is not practical.
Digital Remote — Use when your digital gage is stationary rather than handheld and your application requires the same remote read automation capability as the Command Mobile Module. The Digital Remote is a desktop transmitter powered by USB — no battery required — and is the appropriate choice for fixed measurement stations where mobility is not needed.
RS-232 Remote — Use when your stationary measurement device outputs RS-232 data and your application requires remote read automation capability. Supports automatic baud rate detection and is suited for bench-top or fixture-mounted serial devices at a fixed workstation where mobility is not needed.
Does the Mini Mobile Module M3 include a gage connector?
— No. The gage connector is sold separately and is specific to your gage brand and model. Use the MobileCollect Selection Tool to identify the correct connector for your instrument. Over 30 options are available.
What gages are compatible with the M3?
— The M3 supports over 3,500 digital gage devices across all major metrology brands including Mitutoyo, Starrett, Mahr Federal, Fowler, Brown & Sharpe, CDI, Insize, LMI, Ono Sokki, Sylvac, and others with compatible outputs. Use the MobileCollect Selection Tool to confirm compatibility for your specific instrument model.
How long does the battery last?
— Battery life is rated at over 500,000 readings based on actual discharge testing using a standard CR2032 coin cell. The M3 provides a low-battery warning — 6 red LED blinks after a reading — when replacement is needed. Frequent use of Setup Mode or firmware updates will reduce battery life from the rated figure.
Does the M3 require a power switch?
— No. The M3 powers on when the Read button is pressed and shuts off automatically after each reading. There is no power switch and no idle power drain.
Can the Base trigger a reading remotely on the M3?
— No. The M3 requires the operator to press its Read button to initiate a reading. If your application requires the Base or host software to wirelessly trigger readings, the Command Mobile Module supports that functionality.
What wireless protocol does the M3 use, and why not Bluetooth?
— The M3 uses MicroRidge’s proprietary RM2.4 protocol operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band with 32-bit encryption. RM2.4 was designed specifically for industrial measurement environments. For a detailed technical comparison, see Why Bluetooth Fails in Manufacturing.
How far can the M3 transmit?
— Up to 140 feet (40 meters) line-of-sight indoors. Real-world range depends on obstructions between the M3 and the Base. Metal machinery, walls, and personnel in the RF path will reduce effective range. Position the Base elevated and with clear line-of-sight to transmitters for best results.
Is the gage connector replaceable in the field?
— Yes. Remove four Phillips screws, observe ESD precautions, and swap the connector. If the replacement connector is for a different gage output type than the previous one, reconfigure the gage type in the Xpress or Extended Setup Program before taking measurements.
What read modes does the M3 support?
— Single (one reading per button press, factory default), Continuous (sustained interval-based capture), and TIR (Total Indicator Runout — min/max/TIR across a sweep). Continuous and TIR are configured via the Xpress or Extended Setup Program.
Does the M3 support ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or 21 CFR Part 820 measurement data collection requirements?
— The M3 directly supports the measurement data integrity requirements common to these standards by eliminating manual transcription as a process step. Automated gage data collection removes a documented source of measurement error and nonconformance risk, and the M3’s two-LED per-reading confirmation provides operator-observable verification that data was acquired from the gage and received by the Base. For MSA, SPC, and audit trail requirements, output formatting and data routing are defined through the MobileCollect Setup Programs to match the requirements of your host application.
What are the physical dimensions and weight?
— 1.70″ × 1.17″ × 0.59″, 1.0 oz. Less than half the volume of the Command or RS-232 Mobile Modules.
Does the M3 encrypt its wireless transmissions?
— Yes. All RM2.4 transmissions use 32-bit encryption.
What are the operating environment limits?
— 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C), up to 90% relative humidity non-condensing.
Mini Mobile Module M3 (MC-MM-M3) Specs | |
|---|---|
Part Number | MC-MM-M3 |
Dimensions | 1.70″ × 1.17″ × 0.59″ |
Weight | 1.0 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 |
Compatible Gages | 3,500+ devices |
Transmitter Connection | 6-pin male, sold separately |
Gage Connector Options | 30+ options available |
Read Modes | Single, Continuous, TIR |
Battery | CR2032 lithium coin cell, 3V |
Battery Life | 500,000+ readings |
Buttons | Read + Setup; rated 1,000,000 cycles each |
LED Status Indicators | Gage Read (bi-color) + Host Accept (bi-color) |
Output Format | Defined by MobileCollect Setup Programs |
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) |
Gage Connector Included | No — order separately |
