External Input: Barcode Reader

[JoshuaAnthony]

Hi,

I have done quite a bit of searching through the help files and can't seem to find out whether it is possible to obtain input from alternate (hardware) devices such as barcode readers? Does anybody know? Perhaps you could even provide a link to the information please?

Thank you!

 

[WayneRyan]

Joshua,

Happy reading ...

http://www.utteraccess.com/forums/access/access563296.html

http://www.barcodes-for-access.com/

http://www.skandata.com/toolbox.html

http://dbforums.com/arch/219/2003/2/685558

http://www.control.com/1026184512/index_html

Wayne

 

[JoshuaAnthony]

Sweet! Thanks.

Do you happen to know any barcode readers that place barcode into keyboard buffer and perhaps attach "between" keyboard and keyboard port so that I don't have to actually replace the keyboard with a barcode reader? I don't want to stuff around with serial port communication if unnecessary...

 

[WayneRyan]

Joshua,

I haven't used them in many years, but if it's serial, the input
will look like it came from the keyboard. They do not take the
place of your keyboard.

If it has another kind of interface, you will get a .DLL with
the routines to call.

Sorry that I can't help you with specifics. Maybe someone
else will come along.

Wayne

 

[JoshuaAnthony]

No, that's enough. Thanks for your help!

 

[uncle-lai]

I have been using a barcode scanner with my Access (and Excel) applications for a long time. The one I use is a hand-held laser scanner with built-in decoder which can decode several types of barcodes. It comes with an adaptor cable (like a 2-headed snake!) which connects to the keyboard port on the computer, the keyboard and the scanner simultaneously. Usually an external power supply is not required. But make sure you get the right connectors (AT or PS2).

I know there are new ones which use USB ports. I had ordered one about a month ago through a distributor (in Vancouver BC) but still have not receive it yet!

There is no need for software setup, the scanner just input data like the keyboard. But there are setup procedures to configure the scanner, such as sending a carriage return key or new line key so that the cursor will jump to the next text box or next line immediately after each scan input. Configuration is done by scanning special barcodes in the user's manual.

If you only read barcodes you don't need to install any software or plug-in. You'll need to purchase barcode fonts for Windows if you want to print barcodes from your Access (or Excel)application. There are many types of barcodes. I use Code 39 in my application because it contains almost all ASCII characters. To use the barcode font is just like using other Windows fonts.

Barcode scanners are really very helpful and efficient, especially when you need to enter a lot of numbers or meaningless IDs.

Hope you find the above information useful.

Peter

 

[bmcdaniel]

Non Printable ASCII Characters

I am trying to use a barcode scanner in Access as well. What I want to do is program a suffix so that the cursor will just to the next field after a string is scanned. I know that the scanner inputs using ASCII but in any office product when you set the TAB (ASCII 09) it turns on Italics, but when used in a basic text editor like notepad, I get a tab after input. How do I go about getting my scanner to forward to the next field in a form.

 

[uncle-lai]

Although I have used the barcode scanner for many years I don't have much experience in programming the scanner. I suppose every scanner comes with a Configuration Guide in which you can find configeuration instructions. All the time I have been using the default factory configuration. By default my scanner jumps to the next field in my Access forms or Excel worksheets after each scan. If you do not have the Configuration Guide try to download it from the manufacturer, most probably you will find a bar-code which can reset your scanner to it's factory default settings, or set the scanner to add a carriage return signal after each scan.

 

[bmcdaniel]

I have tried everything. When I program either the Carriage Return or Tab in ASCII for my scanner. I can scan in notepad and get the correct action. ie: return or Tab. But when I do the same thing in office. it either turns on Italics, or it appears to return to the begining of the line then tab the data in the field over. what doesn't make sense to me is that it work properly in notepad but not in office.

 

[uncle-lai]

Could it be the Option settings of Excel or Access?
Did you contact the manufacturer for technical support?