Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper
with SPC output

Digimatic Model 500-171-20 ... $149.00 order now

The quality of workmanship and the advances in electronics can't be beat by this Digimatic digital caliper with SPC output made in Japan. If you're working in a digital environment, then this gage is highly recommended.

6" model 500-171-20 ... Your Price $149.00 order now

8" model 500-172-20 ... Your Price $199.00 order now

12" model 500-173 ... Your Price $419.00 order now
18" model 500-505-10 ... Your Price $659.00 inquire
24" model 500-506-10 ... Your Price $729.00 inquire
40" model 500-507-10 ... Your Price $1399.00 inquire

• SPC output (for connecting cables see page 175)
• with Absolute Encoder
• includes NIST traceable manufacturer's certificate of calibration
• resolution .0005" (switchable to metric 0.01 mm)
• accuracy: ±.001" for 6" and 8" models
• accuracy: ±.0015" for 12" models
• accuracy: ±.002" for 18" and 24" models
• accuracy: ±.003" for 40" models
• repeatability: .0005"
• maximum response speed: unlimited
• power: SR44 battery
• battery life: 3.5 years under normal operation
• detailed instructions included in multiple languages

Are you looking for something else?

More Mitutoyo Digimatic including waterproof and Solar Powered calipers are available. See page 128.

Installing the battery

The manufacturer includes a battery which must first be installed. Remove the battery cover (don't lose it!) and install the supplied battery with its positive side facing up. The manufacturer's battery may not have the full 3.5 years life expectancy. This might be because no one knows how long the batteries have been in storage. Mitutoyo is careful to point this out.

After installing the battery you will have to set the origin point on the calipers. If you don't, you're likely to see the "E" error display. Simply close the jaws and hold down the "origin" button for more than one second. The display will show 0.00 and you're ready to go.

The battery should be removed if the calipers will be in storage for more than 3 months. Replacement batteries and spare parts are available (see parts list on page 72).

Comparison and absolute measurement

When the power is turned on, the digital calipers work just like normal dial calipers. When the jaws are closed, the reading is zero. Open the jaws and the display will give you the reading in .0005" graduations. Remember that the accuracy is only .001" so the display is somewhat misleading. Digital calipers are no more accurate than standard dial calipers.

You can set the zero at any point on the calipers in order to take comparison measurement. Open the jaws to the size you want, then press the yellow ABS button for less than a second. You'll see the letters INC displayed to tell you it's in comparison mode. (Who decided on these letter combinations?) To turn off the INC, you'll have to press the button for more than 2 seconds.

By the way, did you notice that the resolution (.0005") is higher than the accuracy (.001")? This is true of all digital calipers and most other digital gages as well. The resolution leads you to think that you'll be working with ±.0005" accuracy, but you're not. Don't be alarmed, just keep it in mind.

What's likely to go wrong?

An arbitrary value, or the letter "E" will appear in the display if the calipers have not had the origin set. See instructions above.

"ErrC" is displayed and the display is flickering when the scale surface is contaminated. That means it's dirty or wet with water. Clean the scale, dry it and apply a small amount of thin oil (low viscosity) in order to repel any future water contamination.

"E" at the end of the reading, such as 2.501E, means you've moved the slider too quickly. However, the reading is still correct. (So why do they tell you this?) Slow down a little, next time. It can't hurt.

"E" if caliper is stationary. Same as ErrC.

One more thing: if the faces are bent or worn but the electronics are still functioning, then they can be repaired. However, if the electronics refuse to do anything... add them to your local land fill. Of course, there's a one-year warranty. Keep your sales receipt handy just in case they meet a premature demise.

For more tips on care, calibration and usage of the Mitutoyo Digimatic caliper refer to our general discussion of calipers on page 11.

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This page's most recent revision: 17 December 2007
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