Compac Dial Test Indicator
with long ranges / multiple revolutions Are you looking for an indicator with just one revolution? |
Horizontal style indicator |
 | | | | | | | |
These Swiss made indicators are unique with their extended range. Ideally suited for long run-outs or centering where more leeway is needed. Stem attachments T4 (5/32") and T8 (8mm) are included. Other sizes are available. The carbide contact point is .080" Model 215A and 215GA (.0001") have just .004" travel per revolution. This means that the lines on the dial are spaced much further apart making it easier to read. No magnifying glass needed. 
Model 215A (back) and 215GA (front). Each comes with two stem attachments. Notice the large spacing of the graduations on model 215GA making it very easy to read. |
Graduations | Total range | Contact point length | Dial Ø | Model no. | Order no. | List price | Your price |
| | | | | | | |
.0005" | .060" | .72" | 1.06" | 214A | 27707 | 164.00 | 149.00 |
.0005" | .060" | .72" | 1.58" | 214GA | 27708 | 182.00 | 169.00 |
.0005" | .120" | 1.44" | 1.06" | 213LA | 27706 | 242.00 | 229.00 |
.0005" | .120" | 1.44" | 1.58" | 213GLA | 27705 | 259.00 | 239.00 |
.0001" | .024" | .72" | 1.06" | 215A | 27710 | 208.00 | 189.00 |
.0001" | .024" | .72" | 1.58" | 215GA | 27712 | 223.00 | 199.00 |
Optional contact point .031" carbide ball (.72" long) | 018660-11 | | 19.50 |
Additional contact points are available on page 21 | | | |
You may order online by selecting any linked model number. A schematic drawing is available showing indicator dimensions. For tolerances, see below. |
Vertical style indicator |
| | | | | | | |
These rugged Swiss made indicators are unique with their extended range. Ideally suited for jig-bore work, for long run-outs or centering where more leeway is needed. Stem attachment T4 (5/32") is included. Any standard dovetail holders or attachments will fit. Centering holder SCP and SCPA are specifically designed to hold this indicator in its vertical position. The carbide contact point included is .080" 
Model 224A on the left showing the removable stem attachment (T4).
Model 224GA on the right has a large, easy to read dial. |
Graduations | Total range | Contact point length | Dial Ø | Compac no. | Order no. | List price | Your price |
| | | | | | | |
.0005" | .060" | .72" | 1.06" | 224A | 27720 | 204.00 | 199.00 |
.0005" | .060" | .72" | 1.58" | 224GA | 27721 | 218.00 | 209.00 |
.0005" | .120" | 1.44" | 1.06" | 223LA | 27719 | 278.00 | 269.00 |
.0005" | .120" | 1.44" | 1.58" | 223GLA | 27718 | 297.00 | 289.00 |
.0001" | .024" | .72" | 1.06" | 225A | 27723 | 249.00 | 239.00 |
.0001" | .024" | .72" | 1.58" | 225GA | 27725 | 267.00 | 259.00 |
Optional small contact point .031" carbide ball (.72" long) | 018660-11 | | 19.50 |
Additional contact points are available on page 21 | | | |
You may order online by selecting any linked model number. A schematic drawing is available showing indicator dimensions. For tolerances, see below. |
Parallel style indicator |
| | | | | | | |
Compac model 233GLA shown above, with two stem attachments and box. This parallel type has a short dovetail on the far end, and a long dovetail along the under side (not seen). |
Model no. | Graduations | Total range | Travel per revolution | Dial Ø | Contact point length | Order no. | Your price |
| | | | | | | |
234A | .0005" | .060" | .020" | 1.06" | .72" | 27732 | 229.00 |
234GA | .0005" | .060" | .020" | 1.58" | .72" | 27733 | 249.00 |
233LA | .0005" | .120" | .040" | 1.06" | 1.44" | 27731 | 309.00 |
233GLA | .0005" | .120" | .040" | 1.58" | 1.44" | 27730 | 319.00 |
235A | .0001" | .024" | .004" | 1.06" | .72" | 27735 | 269.00 |
235GA | .0001" | .024" | .004" | 1.58" | .72" | 27737 | 289.00 |
You may order online by selecting any linked model number. Only limited quantities are in stock, so you may have to allow 3-4 weeks in some cases. A schematic drawing is available showing indicator dimensions.
Stem attachments T4 (5/32") and T8 (8mm) included. For tolerances see below. |
Free crystal replacement |
| | | | | | |
Crystals get scratched, discolor or crack for one reason or another, but here's good news: if you bought the Compac test indicator from us, we'll give you a free crystal replacement. That's the small print. Here's the big print: - It's a Compac test indicator
- You bought it from Long Island Indicator Service and can prove it
- We'll replace the crystal any time
- For as long as you own the gage
- At no cost except our published shipping and handling charge
|
Compac spare parts |
| | | | | | |
Compac spare parts lists are available on-line. We will gladly e-mail you any parts lists which are not available on-line. Also available: carbide and ruby contact points in various sizes and stem attachments and indicator holders. We are reticent to sell any product for which spare parts are not easily available. After all, we're in the repair business. Fortunately virtually every COMPAC spare part is always in stock and can be shipped immediately. Large orders may require 4-6 weeks. There are no minimum purchases required. |
Compac black dial / yellow dial |
| | | | | | |
Compac model 244BF and other black dial models have been discontinued. It had a black dial and orange hand like the more popular Bestest indicators. Travers Tool may still have a supply of these and is likely to offer them until stock is exhausted. Long Island Indicator has replacement dials and hands for some of these models, and because all other parts are identical to the standard white dial models these indicators will remain serviceable for years to come. Yellow dials are the standard for metric gages in the USA. While most new metric Compac indicators are shipped with white dials, yellow dials can be purchased and installed. |
The not-so-secret code |
| | | | | | |
It doesn't take an Alan Turing to figure out the COMPAC model codes. - G models have large dials
- L models have long contact points
- A models read in inches
- E models are waterproof
- B models have bezel locks
- S models have single revolutions
|
Metric models |
| | | | | | |
COMPAC gages are available in inch or metric versions. The letter A indicates inch readings. It comes from the French word anglais (English).The absence of the letter A indicates metric readings. While many parts are interchangeable, contact points and many gears are not. Check the parts lists carefully. Compac metric test indicators are shown on page 108. |
fe / fges / fu / fw |
| | | | | | |
The manufacturer's inspection reports may use these abbreviations. Here's what they mean, in short. Deviation (fe): maximum error over the entire range of the indicator example: maximum errors are minus .0002" and plus .0004",
therefore (fe)=.0006"
Total Deviation (fges) takes into account the retrace error (fu) added to the maximum error (fe) example: (fe)=.0006" and (fu)=.00015", therefore (fges)=.00075"
Retrace error (fu): (hysteresis) the difference between readings up the scale and then back down the scale. If these points are drawn as a line on a graph then a retrace error will be evident. Repeatability (fw): the inherent error in measurement of the same spot with repeated trials. |
Important calibration information |
| | | | | | |
Compac models are designed to permit a true reading when the angle between the stylus and the reference surface is 0° (ie., they are parallel). Since the dial test indicator is used as a comparator, the angle can usually be set to remain at 0° for all comparisons. However, when the indicator is run through its range while attempting direct readings or for calibration, this angle will of necessity change, introducing the cosine error. In the rare cases when measurement is required with the stylus at an angle other than 0° with respect to the reference surface the readings should be corrected. Refer to calibration instructions for details. All new Compac test indicators come with a calibration certificate from the manufacturer, but they are not NIST traceable. If you need an NIST calibration cert, please specify at time of ordering. We will provide these certs for $20 additional (series 210, 220 and 230 indicators shown on this page only). While Compac test indicators are accurate ± 1 graduation when used as a comparator, they have total allowable deviations over their entire range as follows: |
Compac model | total
range | dial configuration | total
deviation | hysteresis | repeatability | measuring force |
| | | | | | |
214A / 214GA | .060" | 0-10-20 | .0005" | .00015" | .00015" | 0.35N |
224A / 224GA | .060" | 0-10-20 | .0005" | .00015" | .00015" | 0.35N |
234A / 234GA | .060" | 0-10-20 | .0005" | .00015" | .00015" | 0.35N |
213LA / 213GLA | .120" | 0-20-40 | .001" | .00025" | .00015" | 0.20N |
223LA / 223GLA | .120" | 0-20-40 | .001" | .00025" | .00015" | 0.20N |
233LA / 233GLA | .120" | 0-20-40 | .001" | .00025" | .00015" | 0.20N |
215A / 215GA | .024" | 0-20-40 | .0005" | .0001" | .00005" | 0.30N |
225A / 225GA | .024" | 0-20-40 | .0005" | .0001" | .00005" | 0.30N |
235A / 235GA | .024" | 0-20-40 | .0005" | .0001" | .0001" | 0.30N |
Source: Tesa SA, July 2005 |
Repair Service |
| | | |
All spare parts are available and, with 40 years of experience, repairs can effectively be made on any of these indicators. Because we are an authorizer repair shop, we can also take care of any warranty issues which might arise. When making repairs, it's our policy to replace any damaged or worn parts necessary for the full function of the indicator. This way you'll be sure to get an indicator that's as good as new and one you can rely on. If you use a credit card, turn-around is less than one week. For details, including repair costs, see page 30. Also, if you buy the indicator from us, you'll get a coupon good for one free crystal replacement when it gets damaged - for whatever reason. Plus, if you request it, we'll provide you with a short-form certificate of calibration free with every indicator repair. After all, when your instrument comes back, you need to know that it's accurate. |
Contact point length |
| | | |
It is imperative that the correct length of contact point be used with dial test indicators. Test indicators rely on leverage ratios to amplify the readings. Changing the length of the contact point will alter the ratio and result in incorrect readings. The common problem of incremental errors (ie, the readings gradually get worse from one revolution to the next) is most likely due to the installation of the wrong length point. Most manufacturers specify the proper point length in their catalogs. It is not always clear, however, how the over-all length of the point is measured. Compac contact points should be measured from the center of the carbide ball to the far end of the threads. Some end-users purposely install extra-long contact points because their application requires it. If the contact point is exactly twice the length, then the readings on the dial will be doubled. Most .0001" Compac indicators can be fitted with a long point which will make the graduations read .0002" Most manufacturers make indicators designed for use with long contact points. Compac test indicators have the letter designation "L" as a component of their model numbers. Contact points can have a variety of ball diameters typically ranging from .015" to .120" and are available in carbide or ruby (special order). It is highly recommended that contact points fitted with carbide balls be used, especially for .0001" indicators. The size of the ball diameter has no effect on the indicator's accuracy. To find the ordering number for contact points refer to the contact points list on page 21. |
SPI equivalents |
| | | | | | | |
For a period of years, the Compac indicators were sold by SPI using their own model numbers. Numbers such as 201533 may appear with or without hypens: 20-153-3. SPI stopped carrying the Swiss indicators in favor of cheap Asian imports. Although you can no longer get these indicators under the SPI model numbers, you can buy the exact same indicator using the Compac model number. Here are some of the more popular SPI numbers and their conversion to Compac. - SPI 20-153-3 = Compac 223GLA
- SPI 20-143-4 = Compac 213GLA
- SPI 20-145-9 = Compac 215GA
- SPI 20-155-8 = Compac 225GA
|
A word about Compac |
| | | |
In the 1950-60's Compac of Geneva, Switzerland, manufactured the best selling indicator and dial bore gage imports in the United States. These models were sold with the name Alina. They were so well built and such favorites of machinists of the time that, even today, we receive these indicators for repair. In Europe the indicators were sold with the name Parvus. In a misguided effort to build a sturdier gage, the manufacturer changed the models to klunkers that had all the grace of a bread box. These were the short lived IXL series. Just a few years later, they introduced the current Compac models. They have had minor changes in the past 10 years but nothing that affected the over-all look or performance. The Compac indicator is designed to last: sturdier than the Bestest and less costly than the Interapid. It fits perfectly in-between. They are also marketed in the UK with the name Mercer, and previously in the USA with the name SPI. Tesa of Renens, Switzerland, is the current manufacturer of Compac indicators as well as Bestest, Tesatast and Interapid indicators. Swiss made Compac test indicators are featured in the current Brown & Sharpe catalog. |
