bar code scanner (Access 2000)

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I would to find out if anyone has the experience using bar code scanner to work with Access. For example, instead of typing in a library book’s long ISBN, if I can scan the code using a scanner into an Access field.

Thanks

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If the scanner can be attached as part of a keyboard wedge, it certainly can.
Pat

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Yes, I’ve done it and it can be rather simple. You want to get a “wedge” type scanner, which is inserted between the keyboard and the PC. The scanner will read the barcode and pass the results back to Access as if you were hitting the keys on your keyboard. The scanner can usually be programmed to include an [ENTER] after the string. Access doesn’t really know (or particularly care) that you are using a scanner to input the data.

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Thanks for the info. Do you have any recommended brand? How much would that be? Do I need to use a separate piece of software?

thanks again

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I set up a system with a metrologic ms9500 with no problem. The only thing you need is a way to print the barcodes. There is an ocx called MAbry that is very good for automatically bar codes.

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I don’t have alot of experience with many brands. I have a client who has had good experience with Wasp readers, but he also has some other ones that have worked fine. You shouldn’t need any other software to read barcodes. YOu may need other software if you want to print them. You can find some free barcode fonts on the internet. I’ve had good success with a 3 of 9 font, but have never gotten a 2 of 5 font to work. There are 3rd party ActiveX controls you can purchase which give you better control over the fonts (and take away the headache of correctly formatting them).

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