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Adding barcode scanned text to fields

This is an expansion of this question:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/23114023/Creating-a-list-of-items-on-a-filemaker-record-using-a-barcode.html

I have the script that separates the address into the correct list when the text is scanned and the script is run. Now, I need to find a way to run the script without manually running it. For example, I don't want the user to have to manually press the script button after each scan. Ideas?

Member_2_908359

either you keep the script looping permanently, and have it go ahead one turn each time a code is scanned (using the enter code of the barcode scanner), or you use a plug-in which allows to trigger a script whenever a field content is altered. The one I recommand is:
http://www.softs4humans.com/FMPro_Plugins.html
Ask if any pb to implement it, but that's pretty simple, you use it as the calc. validation of the field.

dswett2

ASKER

Nice plugin, but I can only see event triggers upon field entry or exit (and deletion). I tried the loop, but all I get is a locked up program in an infinite loop. What would the exit loop code be?

Member_2_908359

yes, it will trigger a script when exit the field if data is changed.
so if you issue a tab or enter after your code is scanned in (setup on yr scanner to be done, exists on all barcode readers), it will trigger the script, which should do whatever you need then come back in the original field.
The loop? you need a pause in the middle of the loop when waiting for a new entry, which will be released by the "enter" of the barcode scanner if you disable it in the field actions. then it will do whaterver you need and come back to the entry field.
As for manual exit, either you enable manual exit from the pause in the script or you just scan an enter code you have to have on a separate sheet of paper, or have an extra button to exit.
let me know if one of these methods require an example.

dswett2

ASKER

I'm a barcode noob. What characters trigger tab and enter? How do I program my scanner? It only comes with the scanner, no software or anything...

Member_2_908359

tab = ascii 09, enter = ascii 13
programming yr scanner is not standard, it's all up to the manufacturer, so you need this doc.
Can't you find it on their web site?
It is generally a sequence of several keys you read from a printed barcode sheet supplied with it.
Better units may have a little PC utility to set them up via the USB port.

dswett2

ASKER

This is the part number:
zt-800u

I can't find a manufacturer or a site that has any details on it...

Member_2_908359

from the supplier maybe?

dswett2

ASKER

I got it from a ind. computer store that is now out of business

Member_2_908359

looks like that?
http://www.geeks.com/largePic_All.asp?InvtId=BCSCANNER-USB&Pic=BCSCANNER-USB-unit.jpg
if yes, you could almost buy another one, so cheap...
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=BCSCANNER-USB&cat=SCN
and then you would have a spare one and a fresh doc!

dswett2

ASKER

I've seen that book before!
Let me go look for it. If I find it, what will I use it for? How does it help me?

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Member_2_908359

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dswett2

ASKER

Thanks!

aknasinski

Another option, with some programmable scanners like the Symbol LS2206, DS6608, is that you can set a pre/post-scan key which gets sent with the scanned data. The pre-scan can do a ctrl-1 (or apple-1) to run a script which does a "go to field" and enter "find" mode and then the post-scan performs the actual find along with other logic.