Serial or usb port

[rikklaney1]

Don't know if this is even possible, but I had an idea for an assembly line where I work to connect a photoreflective sensor to a pc and use it to trigger a simple yes/no check in access. Has anyone here used a signal from either a usb port or a serial port to set a value in access? Is it even possible?

 

[CJ_London]

It should be possible depending on the program flow. You can use bar code readers that populate a field when an item is scanned which is an external trigger.

Many years ago I was involved in developing a routine that involved taking input from an external device (in this case an analog thermometer) and outputting 'instructions' to other devices (vents) to open or close. We used serial ports (USB's did not exist then) but I cannot remember the code exactly - but I expect you would use the COM API

Take a look at these links to get some ideas how to refine your search

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa231237(v=vs.60).aspx

http://www.thescarms.com/vbasic/commio.aspx

 

[AccessBlaster]

... Has anyone here used a signal from either a usb port or a serial port to set a value in access? Is it even possible?

Barcodes can transmit via USB, Serial or Bluethooth. What your trying to do should be no different, just another simulated keystroke.