Useful Information About Other Common Devices

Allen Bradley PLCs
Mars MEQ 430 bar code readers
Mitutoyo gages
Opto R-S simplex-duplex adapter used with Fowler/Sylvac calipers
Radio Shack volt meters
Starrett Micrometers
Sunbeam Freightmaster 400 Electronic Scale

Allen Bradley PLCs

Allen Bradley PLCs use a proprietary high-level communications protocol. So, even though they typically communicate through a standard serial connection, you cannot use SoftwareWedge to communicate with them unless you know the specifics of their communications protocol and can implement it in a macro in the target application. Allen Bradley refuses to release the details of their communications protocol, apparently in an effort to force customers to use their proprietary communications software.

Mars MEQ 430 bar code readers

Std Settings: 9600 Baud, _, _, _, no flow control

Mitutoyo gages

Mitutoyo gages do not have RS232 output; however, there are several devices available that will convert the Mitutoyo output to RS232 format and thus allow you to use WinWedge to collect data directly into your favorite Windows program. Mitutoyo also carries a product called the MUX 10, however it is fairly expensive. The two companies that we recommend for Mitutoyo to RS232 converters are:

Gagetalker Corp.
11415 NE 128th street
Kirkland WA 98034-6332
Tel: 206-821-3200 or 800-955-7100
Fax: 206-820-0437

GageTalker makes a product called a GagePort that sells for around $400 to $500. The GagePort has 4 input ports for 4 gages and one RS232 port for connecting to a PC.

Gage Connections
1270-F Rankin
PO Box 99191
Troy MI 48099-9191
Tel:810-585-6716
Fax:810-585-7408

Gage Connections makes a product called a SmartCable that is simply a cable that converts
the Mitutoyo output to RS232. It sells for $169.

Opto R-S simplex-duplex adapter used with Fowler/Sylvac calipers

RTS line must be low (standard is high): set flow control to "Opto-RS"

Radio Shack volt meters

RTS line must be low (standard is high): set flow control to "Opto-RS"

Starrett Micrometers

Std Settings: 4800, E, 7, 1, none.

Sunbeam Freightmaster 400 Electronic Scale

Std Settings: 2400, N, 8, 2, None.

Data Format: <STX> XXX ###.# <CR>

Cable Information: