06070604.txt 07-Jun-00


Subject: Barcode
From: "wzsu" <wzsu@matavnet.hu>

I should update my existing Clipper 5.01 program to handle
  barcode (reading and printing barcode)
Is there anybody, who gives me advice (or source code) ?
Thanks in advance : Susan


Subject: Re: Barcode
From: "Will Chapman" <willchapman@dial.pipex.com>

Susan

As far as reading barcodes is concerned it depends on which
  type of barcode reader you will be using. For example, if
  you are using a wedge-type connection (the barcode scanner
  is on one branch of a Y-shaped cable and your keyboard is
  on the other with the 'bottom' of the Y going into your
  keyboard port you will probably not have to make any
  changes to your code as the data scanned by the reader
  will be interpreted as coming from the keyboard.
If you use a serially connected scanner the best approach is
  to use a software link like comkey that will do the same
  keyboard interpretation job for you. I've used comkey but
  I can't help you find a copy as it was part of someone's
  existing system. My guess is that it is shareware and, as
  such, shouldn't be difficult to find on the Internet.
As far as printung barcodes is concerned, if practical I
  would highly recommend that you try one of the TTF (i.e.
  Windows-based) barcode fonts (code39 is available as
  freeware/shareware) combined with one of the many Windows-
  based labels printing tools available. (You can use these
  barcode fonts in any application that enables you to
  select different TTF fonts).

HTH
Will Chapman


Subject: Re: Barcode
From: Uwe Heyer <uweheyer@my-deja.com>

Hi Will,

I dunno if a Clipper App could have access to TTF.
If not there are printers which knows Escape Commands to do
  that.
e.g. Okidata pinwriters or HP LaserJets and more (and
  Brother P-Touch (with comp. interface) is a nice label
  printer for high quality barcode)
Etimark label printers too (this printers we use for our
  postal pacel service "Deutsche Bundespost" - for hugh
  quantity pacels and very <g> low prices we have to print
  barcodes, company logo (bitmap) and of course plain text
  on labels)

Ahoj
-Uwe


Subject: Re: Barcode
From: darkwood@_NO_SPAM_.dccnet.com (Mike Warren)

Susan,

I recommend using a keyboard interface barcode reader.
  Basically, these things decode a barcode & put the decoded
  text into the keyboard buffer.  Minimal code changes
  needed.
For my application (which prints a lot of barcodes), I spec
  a barcode label printer.  This printer is always loaded
  with labels and is dead-easy for the user, and for me.
I also am a dealer in barcode equipment (readers, printers,
  ANY other POS/AutoID stuff), so I also get to sell
  equipment, and labels.
Let me know if I can be of any help.

Mike