Frequently Asked Questions

1. Press and hold the UNITS key.
2. Press and quickly release the DATUM key.
3. The readout will show PG ON, then the first parameter number. (If the readout does not enter programming menu, the menu is locked out by a jumper on the circuit board inside readout. Consult User Manual for your unit or contact factory for assistance.
4. Release the UNITS key. After a moment, the value for the first parameter will display.
5. Press the UNITS key to advance through the parameters.
6. Press the PLUS or MINUS keys to adjust a parameter's value. Press the DATUM key to default a parameter's value.
7. Repeat steps 1-2 to exit the parameter menu.

ProScale can be used to measure any rigid or semi-rigid product from parts .002 inches diameter to 80+ feet long.

When mounted properly, ProScale only changes its reading when the machine actually moves, instead of when a shaft begins to turn. This removes any error due to backlash in shafts.

Unlike optical measurement systems, the accuracy of capacitive and inductive measuring systems are not affected by sawdust or other non-conductive contaminants. Additionally, power consumption is MUCH less than optical measurement systems, which enables ProScale to operate on a single battery for many months (and makes installation easy). Also, ProScale is a solid-state electronic device, so there's very little to wear out. The encoder and scale are designed to withstand shop dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants, and the controls are sealed with a protective cover for long life.

Unlike magnetic measurement systems, there is never a gap to set or worry about. the ProScale system uses a 'captive' encoder to always maintain proper distance between the encoder and the scale.
ProScale's power consumption is much less than magnetic measurement systems, allowing long term use with standard battery power (and making installation and maintenance easier).
Accuracy does not degrade with variation of input voltage.
ProScale can be used next to motors, magnets, and high voltage wiring without errors in accuracy or repeatability.

Standard ProScales have a maximum measuring range of 0 to 284 inches in a single length (custom systems can be made much longer).
If you work in fractions, the ProScale readout has a maximum display range of 399 63/64 inches.
If you work in inches (3 decimal places), the ProScale readout has a maximum display range of +/-999.999 inches. (Newer readouts will reduce number of decimal places to range up, allowing +/- 9999.99 inches or +/- 99999.9 inches.)
If you work in millimeters (2 decimal places), the ProScale readout has a maximum display range of +/-9999.99mm. (Newer readouts will reduce number of decimal places to range up, allowing +/- 99999.9 mm.)
ProScale can be custom built to measure longer ranges; contact us with details of your application.

Most ProScale measuring devices are powered by the Digital Readout. Most of our readouts use (1) CR123 lithium battery. Some readout models are powered by 12-24VDC. Readout models with firmware version P4 can use external power, failover to battery power when external power is off, then resume use of external power when its restored.

ProScales products built with ABSOLUTE technology will not lose their position when turned off or when power is removed. (This includes Model 150 and Model 250, plus any products incorporating these systems.)

ProScale products built with INCREMENTAL technology will not lose their position when the READOUT is turned off, but could possibly lose their position if power is removed*. (This includes Models 190, 290, 390 and 590, plus any products built using this technology.)
*Inductive incremental products made July 2023 or after will retain their position for several minutes after power is removed.

ProScale is compatible with computers using several different protocols. Our SPC equipped readouts output Mitutoyo Digimatic™ signal. This signal can be converted to RS232, RS485, RS422, or an analog 0-5, or 0-10VDC signal using our interface products. Some of our digital readouts have built-in converters as well. Data may also be transmitted wirelessly using ProRF SPC or ProRF Encoder wireless transmitters.

This varies by the ProScale model and how it is built:

• Inductive Series 2 and 2b Incremental encoders have a slew rate of 120 inches per second. (Includes Models 190, 290, 390, 590, and all standard QC products made since 2014.)
• The older absolute technology Encoders - made 1998 to 2022 - have a slew rate of 14 inches per second. (These are standard on Models 150 and 250)

ProScales were designed to be used indoors where the temperature is between 0 - 51ºC (32 - 120ºF). Our liquid crystal displays will not operate well outside these temperatures. Our LED display (requires 12-24VDC power connection) will operate in colder temperatures. Incremental technology ProScales (Models 190, 290, 390, 590) will operate in light splash environments, and the encoder and scale are designed to withstand shop dirt, dust, and all other airborne contaminants.

Consideration should also be given to the effects on accuracy - for any device - at extreme temperatures. (Our GPE readout has CTE monitoring and correction, and can be used for human-tolerable temperature ranges.)

It's possible to retrofit almost any product with ProScale. ProScale operates on a simple principle: one part of a product moves, and other part is stationary. Simply match the stationary and moving parts of your product to the stationary and moving parts of a ProScale, and an installation can be completed. We make several engineered retrofit kits for popular woodworking and metalworking machinery.

No. There are numerous programs and methodologies for implementing SPC. We only provide the data stream.

Any scale we manufacture can be shortened without causing the system to fail or to lose accuracy. Follow the instructions here.

We manufacture and test all of our measuring devices using NIST traceable gage bars. A calibration chart can be generated (using NIST traceable gage bars) for an additional fee. This service is available anytime (shipping charges to and from Accurate Technology apply).

We stopped using the brass type clips in our production cycles in 2012, and it was completely phased out by early 2014. We no longer have stock of the battery clips, but we do still offer a trade-up program. You can take a 25% discount for a new ProScale readout by trading in your old model. (Valid for any product 20 years old or less.)