Reading different barcode length via RS232

[Guest]

Hello all,

I have a Symbol PDA with a static craddle and I have a long
range barcode scanner that connects the craddle via RS232. I'm using the
SerialCSharp code from Opennetcf.

My situation is that I need to read different lenghts barcodes
with the scanner. I have been trying changing RThreshold and InputLen
properties but I don't get with the solution.

When I read with the scanner I get too many blanks and I have
to make the same read many times to get all the code.

How can I read all the barcode in one time? (for example a
barcode of 10 characters) Is there any way similar to the HandleData method
from the Symbol SDK?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dan Bass]

I must admit I'm struggling to see what you're doing...

What format are the barcodes in?
If the scanner engine is a long range scanner, then you'll struggle to scan
anything close up.
If the scanner is a PDA (i.e. you walk about with it scanning) when are you
scanning then docking, or scanning and trying to pass the data back through
the COM's port directly?
What symbol scanner are you using?
What language are you developing in? (eg. are you using the .Net CF? C#,
EVC++, VB?)

Thanks.

Dan.

 

[Guest]

Let's see if I explain it clear.

The long range barcode reader connect to the craddle of the pda (PPT2800)
via serial port. The barcode are code 39 format.

I'm using C# and the program is for the PDA.

I have installed opennetcf 1.2 and the SerialCSharp program.

I have no problem reading the codes with the pda using the symbol sdk. But
I'm trying to read the codes with the LS3203ER (longrange pistol).

Any idea?

 

[Dan Bass]

It sounds to me like the scanner is reading all the data, but the connection
is only passing back so much. A RS-232 link won't be the quickest
connection. If your timeout is too short, the receiving end will cut out
before the scanner's had a chance to complete the transmission of it's data.

Check for ways to increase the time the port is open for listening for data
before closing...

HTH.

 

[Dick Grier]

Hi,

You have to read data into a buffer (append new data as it arrives), and
parse out of that buffer until some known terminating character is found. I
suspect that this would be a carriage return, but your documentation will
tell you.
remember to clear the buffer that you are parsing from after you have read
the barcode.

Dick

--
Richard Grier (Microsoft Visual Basic MVP)

See www.hardandsoftware.net for contact information.

Author of Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to Serial Communications, 4th
Edition ISBN 1-890422-28-2 (391 pages) published July 2004. See
www.mabry.com/vbpgser4 to order.