Scanners, Barcode & Peripherals in general

[NetworkTrade]

I guess this comes under the category of import - though not really....

I have gotten several separate inquiries about using a barcode reader to
ease/speed data entry.....or a magnetic card swipe in a different scenario....

The database size is comfortably within Access's abilities - but I have no
experience with using peripherals such as these for data entry... can anyone
point out some info on this area?

 

[Fred Boer]

Hi:

This link will help:

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/barcode.htm

Cheers!
Fred Boer

 

[NetworkTrade]

thanks....that helps.... any recommendation on a scanner / software is
welcomed....

 

[Fred Boer]

Well, I've used a barcode reader without any additional software; you don't
necessarily need any software besides a barcode font and a "wedge" type
reader. And as for hardware, sorry, I can't suggest anything specific -
maybe someone else will jump in.

HTH
Fred

 

[NetworkTrade]

so if you are not needing to print bar codes - - - only scanning them for
input into a field of Access...

then all you need is the physical scanner?...I guess you USB it into the PC
- or do you T the keyboard input jack somehow to have both....

 

[Fred Boer]

There are different types of barcode reader/scanners. One of the most
common, and easiest to use, is a "wedge" type scanner. It usually is
supplied with a "splitter" cable, which allows the scanner and the keyboard
to be attached to the keyboard port of the computer. This type of scanner
sends the scanned barcode to the comptuer as if it were typed on the
keyboard.

There may be USB scanners, Serial Port Scanners, etc., but I don't know
about them. If you don't intend to print barcodes then, yes, you don't need
a barcode font.

If you want to scan existing barcodes, such as UPC barcodes, etc., then you
will need to be sure that the scanner you buy can deal with them.

I use a simple wedge type scanner with a 3of9 barcode font to create barcode
labels for library books for a small library. I use a Dymo label printer to
generate the barcode labels.

HTH
Fred