BarFwd - Barcoder Serial Wedge for Windows

This program is for Windows 2000 or better. It may work on older versions but that has not been tested.

About the program

The program resides in the system tray during normal use, listening on the selected COM port for serial character data and forwards what it reads to the keyboard handler as if the data was typed into the keyboard. It is intended to be used with serial barcode readers, but can be used with any sort of data delivery serial device, including GPS devices.

The program can append ENTER key strokes to each data input to assist in form entry if desired. All data is forced lower case.

This program can be used for a variety of purposes. Including, but not limited to:

• Shipping scans
• Document entry
• Rapid inventory
• Book and DVD listing on eBay via Turbo Lister

Main Screen

Use the minimize button to send the program to the system tray. Use the Settings menu to configure the program for your serial port and test the reader.

Settings Screen

The settings are standard serial port settings. Select the test area and scan and UPC or Tracking barcode. You should see the barcode data appear if the settings are correct and you barcode scanner is connected to the proper serial port. Check the Append checkbox to tell BarFwd to click the ENTER key after sending data to the keyboard handler.

Serial data handling

The program uses the ComPort Library 3.0 packet handler components. Data is delimited by CR-LF. So your barcoder should be configured to send the barcode data without start/stop codes and with CR-LF appended. Other serial devices, such as GPS that send CR-LF after each line will also be handled properly.

Keyboard entry

Keyboard entry is the worst way to handle serial input data. Because data is typed directly into the keyboard handler, it can end up being typed into any application. Streaming serial devices can cause serious problems, including deletion of data. This app should only be used to speed manual data entry. To reduce the risks with automated systems, you need to develop your own application that automatically positions the mouse to the proper field after process of an entry has completed. BarFwd will not do this for you.

Sample Usage: Rapidly Listing Books and DVDs on eBay using Turbo Lister

This program was originally developed to rapidly enter DVDs and books into eBay's Turbo Lister program. Rather than typing each number or title then searching thru the results, a barcode reader is used. Set your barcode reader on a stand or shelf pointing downward. Then, wave the DVD under the reader. This solution eliminates the need for photography and manual data entry.

• Start up BarFwd and configure it for your computer
• Using the test option on the settings dialog, scan a recent book or DVD UPC code.
• Verify that the UPC code is scanned properly
• Now, open Turbo Lister and select New Item
• Enter 617 into the first category box
• Position the mouse to the Search UPC, Title, Director box.
• Scan the UPC code from a DVD
• Click on the Search button
• Turbo Lister should look up the barcode on eBay. If the UPC code is found, it will display the item specifics.
• Check the box marked "Use pre-filled title for item title" and click Done
• The item details, including a photo are applied to the listing.
• Save the item

I suggest you create an item with your most common values, setup for the proper category and save it. You can then right click the item and duplicate it to make copies. Or use the template feature of Turbo Lister if you prefer. Then, just edit one of the copies and scan your item into it.

Sample Usage: Simple Data logger for Serial GPS

WARNING: be very careful. Connecting a streaming serial device to a keyboard wedge like the BarFwd can cause data to be typed into your computer in random locations. Use at your own risk. Be sure to open the text editor before connecting the device!

• Start up BarFwd and configure it for your computer
• Open a text editor
• Connect a serial GPS to the selected COM port

Need a custom version?

Custom programming is available for serial applications at negotiated rates based on the project.
See the contact page for contact info.

Terms of Use

Use at your own risk. No warranty implied or offered. You assume all liability for your use of this program including misuse, bugs, etc. Backup your system before use.

Installation

Download the program to your desktop.

Uninstalling the Program

Delete the program from your desktop. No other cleanup is required.

Download

barfwd.zip Version 1.1 Apr 2010


Article ID: win_barcoder_serial_wedge