Using a Barcode as Keyboard Input - Possible?

[lost in espace]

I have a business timing running races and a friend of mine has written a small Windows program for programming the RFID timing chips. I have an entry box where I have to type in the number and press return. So I type 1 enter, 2 enter and so on. Sometimes the chips don't get programmed and I have to try a few times with the same number.

Is it possible to have a list of barcodes and an enter key character that I could scan, dropping the characters into the text box? This would save me a lot of typing. Or does anyone know of an easier way to sort this without getting the software rewritten?

[droopsnoot]

You used to be able to get "keyboard wedge" barcode scanners. These connect in-line between the keyboard and the PC, and do indeed inject whatever they scan into the keyboard input stream, and can be configured to just stick the text in, or to add an "enter" afterwards.

No idea how or if they would work with a USB keyboard as the "in-line" part probably wouldn't be suitable. Same for a laptop. I would imagine the code would need to be modified somehow to read the USB input.

[lost in espace]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thanks so much midnenginedcoupe I will download and try, brill! And now I know what a keyboard wedge is.

[Mr Pointy]

Get yourself a handheld USB powered barcode scanner from Amazon or ebay & it should work - it did for me although I was using Excel. Something like these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=barcode+scanner&r...

There are recharegable wireless ones available as well but they cost a bit more.

Basically it looks like a keyboard typing the data out with the last action simulating the enter key. I've no idea which one to suggest though so try a cheap one. Just make sure your AV is up to date before you plug it in.

One tip which is Excel specific is to set the direction the cursor moves when the enter key is pressed to suit the page layout. When I was doing it I set the cursor to move right after scanning so I didn't even need to touch the keyboard or mouse.

Just note your barcodes need to be written in a format the scanner can read.

[imck]

I repair and use a lot of Barcode Scanners.

A USB Scanner will be fine for this.
Most of them have the Return after Scan as default. It can be programmed out easily if required.

£10 delivered.
Lightweight units with no moving parts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Datalogic-Quick-Scan-QD...

[cobra kid]

What do they use on park Run events? My daughter has a barcode for when she does it.

[lost in espace]

cobra kid said:

What do they use on park Run events? My daughter has a barcode for when she does it.

I am a run director at parkrun, their kit won't help with my particular issue. Cheers.

[lost in espace]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thanks again midengined coupe, you got the brain working and I found something called Autohotkey that basically makes my 0 key input an increasing number with an enter keystroke. Perfect.


As easy as this script, wish I had thought of this ages ago.

number := 1

numpad0::
sendinput, %number%{enter}

number := number + 1
return