Designed & Made in the USA Since 1983
The MobileCollect Wedge Base EVO is the base receiver — the hub — of a MobileCollect Wireless measurement data collection system. It controls the MobileCollect Wireless network, receives measurement data from paired Mobile Module and Remote transmitters, and delivers that data to the connected PC via two selectable output modes: USB Keyboard Wedge, which types measurement values directly into any active application as if entered from a keyboard, or USB Serial, which streams data over a virtual COM port for SPC software and data acquisition applications that read serial directly. No USB driver installation is required for either mode.
Output mode is selected via a hardware slider switch on the rear panel — the same single USB-A port serves both modes. The Wedge Base EVO is the correct base receiver when measurements need to reach Excel, a web-based SPC platform, Minitab, InfinityQS, or any form-based quality system without COM port configuration or middleware. One or three read switch connectors on the front panel accepts a wired foot or hand switch for operator-triggered collection at the base.
For applications requiring a native DB9 RS-232 output to a PLC or legacy system, see the RS-232 Base EVO. For mobile or tablet-based deployments, see the MicroBase EVO USB A and MicroBase EVO USB C.
Output Modes – USB Keyboard Wedge / USB Serial
Output Connection – 1x USB-A with hardware slider switch for USB Keyboard Wedge / USB Serial
Wireless Range – Up to 140 ft
USB Driver Required – No
Dimensions / Weight – 3.60″ × 2.63″ × 1.19″ / 2.75 oz (78.0 g)
Power –  USB powered — no adapter required
Read Switch Connectors –  1x standard (3x optional)
Certifications – FCC (2ACNQB1), IC (12298A-B1), CE, RoHS2, REACH
Includes – 6′ USB cable
Origin – Designed & Made in the USA
Price range: $495.00 through $510.00
The Wedge Base EVO connects to a PC via a single USB-A cable, receives wireless measurement data from paired MobileCollect transmitters, and delivers that data to the host application — either as keyboard keystrokes typed into whatever application field is active on screen, or as a serial data stream over a virtual COM port. A hardware slider switch on the rear panel determines output mode; the MobileCollect Setup Programs recognize and configure the base regardless of switch position.
In Wedge mode, the base registers as a standard USB HID keyboard. No additional software, no COM port configuration, and no IT approval process for a custom driver. When a paired transmitter sends a measurement, the value is typed into the active field: an Excel cell, an SPC data entry screen, a web form, a LIMS entry field, or a custom internal application. The end-of-packet character appended to each value is configurable — CR acts as the Enter key, Tab acts as the Tab key — enabling automatic cursor advancement through a data entry sequence without any operator keyboard interaction between readings.
In Serial mode, the base outputs standard RS-232 serial data over a virtual COM port for SPC software and data acquisition applications that monitor a serial port directly.
Beyond the measurement value itself, the base can be configured to include the following fields in each transmitted data packet: channel number, channel letter, custom text field, transmitter module ID, transmitter custom label, units, transmitter battery voltage, and signal strength. This allows each measurement record to carry full traceability data — operator, gage, channel, and signal quality — to the host application in a single transmission.
A single Wedge Base EVO can receive data from hundreds of paired transmitters simultaneously. Because pairing is managed at the transmitter level rather than through a fixed device registry, the practical limit on transmitters per base is not a hardware ceiling — it’s what is operationally feasible in a given measurement cell. A facility running dozens of operators across a large inspection area, or a system integrator building a high-density SPC collection network, is not constrained by the base receiver. Each transmitter is identified by a unique ID, so data from multiple operators and multiple gage types remains cleanly attributed at the software level regardless of how many transmitters are active simultaneously. Each base receiver connects to one computer station via USB — for multi-station deployments, one base is installed per workstation, with each base managing its own paired transmitter population independently.
The Wedge Base EVO is a desktop base receiver for stationary installations where the base connects to a fixed PC workstation and operators bring measurements to it wirelessly. It is the most versatile output configuration in the MobileCollect EVO base lineup, covering both keyboard wedge and serial output from a single unit.
Use the Wedge Base EVO when:
Do not use the Wedge Base EVO when:
MobileCollect operates on a hub-and-spoke architecture. The Wedge Base EVO is the hub. Transmitters — Mobile Modules attached to handheld gages carried by operators, or Remote Transmitters at fixed measurement stations — are the spokes. Each transmitter is paired to a specific base and stores that base’s network identifiers. Measurement data travels wirelessly from the transmitter to the base, which passes it to the connected PC via USB.
The base controls the wireless network. It is always listening — but transmitters are asleep the vast majority of the time, waking only to send a measurement when a reading is triggered. This sleep architecture means a facility with dozens or hundreds of MobileCollect transmitters generates RF traffic only when measurements are actually being taken. In environments where multiple wireless systems coexist — Wi-Fi, industrial sensors, other 2.4 GHz devices — RM2.4 transmitters are effectively invisible to the RF environment between readings. That benefits every other wireless system in the facility, not just MobileCollect. For a detailed breakdown of how this compares to Bluetooth’s continuous RF traffic model, see Why Bluetooth Fails in Manufacturing.
Multiple bases can operate simultaneously in the same facility without cross-talk — each base operates on a unique Network S/N and PAN ID. A transmitter paired to one base will not send data to any other base, regardless of proximity.
Pairing requires no software for basic deployments. Using the Pair-on-the-Fly method, a transmitter pairs to the Wedge Base EVO in under a minute using only the hardware buttons on each device. The base enters a pairing window on reset; the transmitter sends a pairing request; both devices confirm the link. After pairing, the transmitter begins delivering measurements to the base immediately on the next read trigger.
All transmitters below can be paired to a single Wedge Base EVO simultaneously — a mixed system collecting from handheld gages, a bench scale, and a fixed height gage station operates from one base receiver.
The Wedge Base EVO also supports data collection from Mitutoyo U-Wave, TC, and TM transmitters and CDI CORE and VRS indicators with the embedded MicroRidge RM2.4 long-range radio module, configurable via the Extended Setup Program.
MobileCollect supports over 3,500 precision gages and RS-232 devices from more than 50 manufacturers — calipers, micrometers, digital indicators, height gages, comparators, hardness testers, surface roughness testers, scales, force gages, DROs, and more. Supported brands include Mitutoyo, Mahr Federal, Starrett, Fowler, Sylvac, CDI, Brown & Sharpe, Ono Sokki, Insize, LMI, Ohaus, Mettler Toledo, and many others.
Gage compatibility is determined at the transmitter level — the correct transmitter and gage cable combination connects your specific gage to the MobileCollect wireless system. The MobileCollect Selection Tool contains the full database of confirmed compatible gages and identifies the correct transmitter and cable for your application. Use it to confirm compatibility and configure a complete system before purchasing.
If your gage isn’t in the database, contact MicroRidge — compatibility coverage is continuously expanding and our team can confirm support for gages not yet listed.
In Wedge mode, the Wedge Base EVO registers on the PC as a standard USB HID keyboard. No driver installation is required, and the base can be moved between PCs without re-installing drivers on each machine.
When a paired transmitter sends a measurement, the base types the value into the active field of whatever application is in focus. The operator takes the measurement, presses the read button on the transmitter or foot switch, and the value appears in the target field. The end-of-packet character is configurable: CR acts as the Enter key to advance to the next row, Tab acts as the Tab key to advance to the next column or field. The field separator between data fields is also configurable: comma (default), Tab, or CR.
Keyboard output speed is configurable — fast (~60 char/sec), medium (~40 char/sec), or slow (~20 char/sec) — to accommodate applications or older hardware that cannot process keystrokes at the default rate.
The Wedge Base EVO supports multiple international keyboard layouts for keyboard wedge data entry, enabling global deployment of wireless gage data collection without character mapping issues. The keyboard layout is configured via the MobileCollect Setup Program. Currently supported layouts:
If your region’s keyboard layout isn’t listed, contact MicroRidge — we’re actively expanding language support and welcome requests.
Skip Button — A Mini Mobile Module EVO configured as a Transmit Label Field can be programmed to send Tab keystrokes — or any combination of Tab, Enter, and Space — directly into the active application instead of a gage measurement. This allows an operator to skip fields in an SPC data entry screen, advance through a form, or insert a delimiter between measurement sequences, wirelessly, without touching the PC keyboard. Non-numeric inspection results — Pass, Fail, Good, Bad, or any 8-character ASCII string — can also be transmitted this way, enabling attribute inspection results to route through the same wireless collection system as dimensional measurements. Requires an EVO Base.
No USB driver installation required. The Wedge Base EVO uses standard Windows drivers for both output modes — HID keyboard in Wedge mode, Windows Serial in Serial mode. Eliminates a common IT friction point in facilities with controlled software environments.
Unique USB PID/VID registration. EVO bases carry a MicroRidge Vendor ID (VID: 3774 hex / 14196 decimal) and MobileCollect-specific Product ID (PID: 0834 hex). IT administrators can whitelist the device at the hardware permission level in endpoint security systems — no broad USB class exceptions required. MicroRidge is a certified USB-IF member.
Improved RF performance. At EIRP 2.74mW (4.37 dBm) with a radio duty cycle under 1% typical, the Wedge Base EVO delivers enhanced wireless stability in high-RF-density environments — production floors with multiple 2.4 GHz devices, dense Wi-Fi infrastructure, and other wireless measurement instrumentation.
Increased processing and memory. EVO hardware carries more onboard processing capacity and memory than Legacy bases, improving responsiveness in larger multi-transmitter systems and reducing latency between packet receipt and delivery to the host application.
API access. An API is available for integrating base setup and operational control functions directly into SPC software or MES systems. For more information see the MobileCollect EVO API integration document.Â
MobileCollect transmits measurement data over MicroRidge’s proprietary RM2.4 protocol — not Bluetooth, not standard Zigbee. RM2.4 operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band (2.402–2.480 GHz) and was purpose-built for factory floor measurement data collection: prioritizing data integrity, RF noise resilience, and reliable range in environments with variable frequency drives, welding equipment, and dense Wi-Fi infrastructure. For a detailed technical comparison against Bluetooth in industrial measurement environments, see Why Bluetooth Fails in Manufacturing.
Each transmitter stores the target base’s unique identifiers and includes those identifiers in every transmitted packet. The Wedge Base EVO processes only packets from paired transmitters — no cross-contamination between data streams regardless of how many MobileCollect systems are operating in the same facility. Multiple bases can sit adjacent to each other; each will only process data from its own paired transmitters.
Wireless range is up to 140 ft line-of-sight. Actual range in any installation depends on RF obstructions between transmitter and base. The general installation guideline is to keep at least 80% of the Fresnel zone free of obstructions and to position the base elevated above metal surfaces to maximize the clear RF path. The three-LED signal strength stack provides real-time installation feedback — at least two LEDs illuminated per transmission is the target minimum.
RF channel is user-configurable (default: channel 21). Channels 16–19 overlap with the default Wi-Fi channel 6 frequency range; in dense Wi-Fi environments, selecting a channel outside this range improves reliability. Any hardware bearing the RM2.4 logo is compatible with any other RM2.4 device across Legacy and EVO generations.
The Wedge Base EVO includes one 2.5mm read switch connector on the front panel supporting three trigger options:
Wired Foot Switch — A foot switch connected to the read switch port allows hands-free measurement triggering at the base workstation. When used with Command Mobile Modules or Remotes, a single foot switch press wirelessly commands paired modules to take readings and transmits the results to the host application without the operator interacting with individual gages.
Wired Hand Switch — A hand switch connected to the read switch port provides the same triggering capability as the foot switch in a handheld form factor — useful when foot switch operation is not practical at the measurement station.
Remote Read Switch — A Mini Mobile Module EVO configured as a Remote Read Switch functions as a wireless hand switch. When the operator presses its Read button, the base wirelessly commands all active paired Command Mobile Modules to take a reading simultaneously. This allows an operator to trigger a multi-gage measurement sequence from anywhere in the workspace — without a wired switch at the base and without being physically present at the PC.
The number of wired read switch connectors can be increased from 1 to 3 as a factory configuration option.
Automated wireless measurement data collection directly supports the data integrity requirements of ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5, IATF 16949, AS9100D, and 21 CFR Part 820. Manual transcription of measurement values from a gage display to a keyboard entry field is a documented nonconformance risk — introducing transcription errors, omissions, and operator-to-operator variation that cannot be fully controlled through procedural means. For a detailed look at the operational and quality costs of manual data entry, see The True Cost of Manual Measurement Data Entry. For a broader look at how wireless gage connectivity enables inline quality control, AI-ready data infrastructure, and lights-out measurement collection, see MobileCollect: Manufacturing Automation Enabler.
The Wedge Base EVO eliminates manual entry as a process step, routing measurement data from the instrument directly to the host application via wireless transmission. The keyboard wedge output is particularly relevant for quality systems using Excel-based inspection records or web-based SPC platforms — the base populates those existing tools without requiring application modification, database integration, or COM port configuration. For facilities under IATF 16949 or AS9100D third-party audit, demonstrating that measurement data enters the quality record directly from the instrument — without a manual transcription step — addresses measurement data integrity clauses directly.
Basic deployment requires no software for pairing. Using the Pair-on-the-Fly method, a transmitter pairs to the Wedge Base EVO using the hardware buttons on each device — the base enters a pairing window on reset, the transmitter sends a pairing request, and both devices confirm the link. For standard single-read operation with factory default settings, the system is ready to collect measurements immediately after pairing.
The MobileCollect Xpress Setup Program covers the configuration requirements of most deployments: pairing, output format, end-of-packet character, field separator, RF channel, and transmitter labeling. The Extended Setup Program provides access to all parameters including Command Mobile Module active command mode, Remote transmitter configuration, read switch functions, U-Wave transmitter integration, and advanced output formatting. Both are free Windows downloads from MicroRidge.
Important: Use Xpress Setup or Extended Setup to configure a given base and its transmitters — not both. The two programs store parameters in different locations on the devices and operate independently.
Left stack — Signal Strength (3 green LEDs): Illuminate on each received transmission. All three on: strong signal. Two on: moderate signal. One on: weak signal — reposition the base or transmitter if this occurs consistently. Minimum target is two LEDs illuminated.
Right stack — Status:
Full LED code reference is in the MobileCollect Hardware User’s Guide.
Wedge Base EVO 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.Â
What is the difference between the Wedge Base EVO and the Legacy Wedge Base?
— Both support all MobileCollect transmitters and the same USB Serial and Keyboard Wedge output modes. The EVO adds: no USB driver installation, unique PID/VID registration for IT-managed environments, improved RF performance, increased onboard processing capacity, and API access. If upgrading from a Legacy base, all previously paired transmitters can be re-paired to the EVO without transmitter replacement.
What applications can receive data from the Wedge Base EVO in Keyboard Wedge mode?
— Any application that accepts keyboard input. This includes Microsoft Excel, Minitab, web-based SPC platforms (InfinityQS Enact, PQ Systems, Hertzler Quantum), browser-based LIMS systems, Power BI data entry interfaces, and internal quality databases. If the cursor is in a field and the application accepts keyboard characters, the Wedge Base EVO can populate it.
How does the End-of-Packet character affect keyboard wedge output?
— The EOP character is sent after each measurement value. When set to CR, it acts as the Enter key — advancing to the next row in Excel or submitting a form field. When set to Tab, it acts as the Tab key — advancing to the next column or field. Configurable in both the Xpress and Extended Setup Programs.
What is the difference between the Wedge Base EVO and the MicroBase EVO?
— Both support keyboard wedge and serial output and are compatible with all MobileCollect transmitters. The key differences: the Wedge Base EVO is a full-size desktop unit with 140 ft / 45 m range, a hardware slider switch for output mode selection, and a read switch connector for foot or hand switch input. The MicroBase EVO is dongle-sized for mobile and tablet use, has 100 ft / 40 m range, switches output mode via the Setup Program rather than a hardware switch, and has no read switch connector.
How many transmitters can be paired to a single Wedge Base EVO?
— The base supports multiple paired transmitters simultaneously. Mini Mobile Modules, RS-232 Mobile Modules, and Command Mobile Modules with command mode disabled pair via the Global channel with no practical limit on quantity. Command Mobile Modules with command mode enabled, RS-232 Remotes, and Digital Remotes are assigned to individual numbered channels (up to 20).
How is output mode switched between Keyboard Wedge and Serial?
— A hardware slider switch on the rear panel sets the output mode. This is distinct from the MicroBase EVO models, where output mode is changed via the Setup Program.
Does the Wedge Base EVO require an external power supply?
— No. The Wedge Base EVO is powered entirely by the connected USB port. No external adapter is required or included. A 6′ USB cable is included.
What is the wireless range?
— Up to 140 ft / 45 m line-of-sight under typical indoor conditions. Actual range varies with RF obstructions between transmitter and base. Position the base elevated above metal surfaces with a clear line-of-sight path to the operating area.
Can the Wedge Base EVO receive data from Mitutoyo U-Wave transmitters?
— Yes. The Wedge Base EVO supports Mitutoyo U-Wave, T, TC, and TM transmitters via the Extended Setup Program, allowing facilities with existing U-Wave hardware to route that data through a MobileCollect base alongside MobileCollect transmitters.
Does the Wedge Base EVO support ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 measurement data collection requirements?
— MobileCollect wireless data collection eliminates manual transcription as a process step, directly addressing measurement data integrity requirements under ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5, IATF 16949, AS9100D, and 21 CFR Part 820. Removing operator transcription as a source of measurement record nonconformance is a substantive control improvement for facilities under third-party audit. See The True Cost of Manual Measurement Data Entry for a detailed breakdown of the operational and quality impact.
What certifications does the Wedge Base EVO carry?
— FCC, Industry Canada (IC), CE, RoHS, and REACH. Approved for use in the US, Canada, EU, UK, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
What setup software is required?
— The MobileCollect Xpress Setup Program covers pairing and standard configuration for most deployments. The Extended Setup Program is required for Command Mobile Module active command mode, Remote transmitter configuration, U-Wave integration, and advanced output formatting. Both are free Windows downloads. A MobileCollect API is available for programmatic integration.
What are the physical dimensions and weight?
— 3.60″ × 2.63″ × 1.19″ (L × W × H), 2.75 oz / 78.0 g.
What are the operating environment limits?
— 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C), up to 90% relative humidity non-condensing.
Wedge Base EVO (MC-BASE-KW-EVO) Specs | |
|---|---|
Part Number | MC-BASE-KW-EVO |
Dimensions | 3.60″ × 2.63″ × 1.19″ (L × W × H) / 91.4mm × 66.8mm × 30.2mm |
Weight | 2.75 oz / 78.0 g |
Case Material | ABS |
Output Modes | USB Keyboard Wedge (HID) / USB Serial (Virtual COM Port) |
Output Connection | 1x USB-A with hardware slider switch |
Output Selection | Hardware slider switch, rear panel |
USB Driver Required | No — standard Windows HID and Serial drivers |
USB Vendor ID (VID) | 3774 hex / 14196 decimal |
USB Product ID (PID) | 0834 hex / 2100 decimal |
Keyboard Wedge Speed | Configurable: Fast (~60 char/sec) / Medium (~40 char/sec) / Slow (~20 char/sec) |
End-of-Packet Character | Configurable: CR (Enter key) / Tab (Tab key) / None / Custom |
Field Separator | Configurable: Comma (default) / Tab / CR |
Power | USB power — no external adapter required |
Read Switch Connectors | 1x 2.5mm standard; 3x optional |
Left LED Stack | 3x Green — received signal strength (Strong / Moderate / Weak) |
Right LED Stack | Green — Power; Yellow — Data Received; Red — Data Sent |
Wireless Protocol | RM2.4 conforming to IEEE 802.15.4, 2.4 GHz ISM Band |
Frequency Range | Tx: 2.402–2.480 GHz / Rx: 2.402–2.480 GHz |
RF Output Power | EIRP 2.74mW (4.37 dBm) |
Radio Duty Cycle | <1% typical, 4.1% peak |
Wireless Range | 140 ft |
API | Available — contact MicroRidge for information |
Firmware | Field-upgradeable |
Operating Temperature | 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) |
Operating Humidity | ≤90% RH, non-condensing |
Certifications | FCC (2ACNQB1), IC (12298A-B1), CE, RoHS2, REACH |
Country Approvals | US, Canada, EU, UK, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa |
Includes | 6′ USB cable |
Country of Origin | Designed & Made in the USA |
Transmitter Compatibility | All MobileCollect transmitters (Legacy and EVO) |
