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Re: Inventory System
(cont.)
Then I print labels for the drawers and run a query that resets the PRINT buttons to OFF.
(sample data used for testing the system)
So when I add more parts later, only the new ones with PRINT ON will get printed.
Robert
EDIT: I tested the barcode scanner for fun, it can read up to 10" away without problems. That's very good considering the size of the barcode.
Last edited by Demon; - 4th February 2014 at 16:30.
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Re: Inventory System
Got the bluetooth USB dongle today. I paid about $5.62USD total for a $0.99 item, shipping alone was $6.16USD, go figure.
I tried it out and the laptop and android phone saw themselves properly. Scanning the barcode and sending the data is 3 clicks and the data is received in a HTML file. It comes through the COM12 port. I found an Access utility that can scan COM ports, just a matter of tying it all together.
So at least my idea seems to be holding water.
(Scan of Logic Sample barcode)
Last edited by Demon; - 14th February 2014 at 02:16.
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Re: Inventory System
App sends 150 bytes.
Barcode is easily identified after <a href=".Code:<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"/></head><body><a href="140204102645">140204102645</a></p></body></html>
I don't have to use Windows XP Bluetooth utility to handle things (what I used so far to manually test communications - C:\WINDOWS\system32\fsquirt.exe). The Access COM utility is designed to do it all:
Utility available here:Code:' modCOMM - Written by: David M. Hitchner ' ' This VB module is a collection of routines to perform serial port I/O without ' using the Microsoft Comm Control component. This module uses the Windows API ' to perform the overlapped I/O operations necessary for serial communications. ' ' The routine can handle up to 4 serial ports which are identified with a ' Port ID. ' ' All routines (with the exception of CommRead and CommWrite) return an error ' code or 0 if no error occurs. The routine CommGetError can be used to get ' the complete error message.
http://www.thescarms.com/vbasic/CommIO.aspx
Might as well mention which free app from The Play Store:
MobiScan v2.0.13 lib2.9.26
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...scanners&hl=en
www.manateeworks.com to purchase SDK to build your own barcode app.
Robert
Last edited by Demon; - 14th February 2014 at 03:01. Reason: fsquirt info, ModCOMM and MobiScan links
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Re: Inventory System
you are doing cool stuff !!
if you don't mind me saying
d
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Re: Inventory System
Thanks, too bad I'm banging my head against a wall right now. LOL
The utility I found above is for true RS232 communications, it doesn't handle bluetooth enumerating. I found MScomm32.OCX, much leaner utility but with the same problem, no bluetooth enumerating. I googled "android bluetooth" for fun and it is overwhelming what goes on in the background. I'm hoping I don't need all those features and might be able to make a skeleton interface - I don't need security and all bells and whistles.
So the new plan was to see what it sent back and forth across COM2 and simulate it myself. I can't find a COM port sniffer that can monitor while I transfer a file manually using the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar. Google is literally swamped by HHD "free" serial monitor but it's just a demo screen with NO functionality on the COM ports - something like $60 for pay version. I've scrolled through at least 10 pages of google, mostly HHD using different URLs. Did I mention that HHD floods google with different URLs for the same useless freeware.
I tried Wireshark by Softonic but they force the install of a browser utility. Can't install the free version without that darned browser add-on - not interested.
I tried RealTerm, but it can't sniff while the port is in use. Payware for that SPY add-on.
So I took another angle and tried emulating a keyboard. Windows Accessibility has a feature to use Serial Keys from a COM port, no workie - most likely for true RS232 communication, not bluetooth.
Just tried SmartwedgeLite for bluetooth scanners, it sees the port and phone nicely but it doesn't do anything. The port is green but the phone doesn't seem connected. There's a big barcode on the screen, that is most likely to be scanned to configure the scanner properly (I have a broken handheld scanner that works like that).
So that's where I am. Stuck with a working Access system and an incoming barcode number on COM2. I can't find an interface/module/bridge whatever to close that gap.
Robert
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Re: Inventory System
OK then, I have a Blue Tooth (BT) module (from a few years back) sending serial data that is spit out from my PIC continually @56khz. Now on older pc's I used a BT dongle and my windows8 pc has BT in it already. So you use the SPP.......'serial port profile' on pc which just makes a faux port....(kind of software type port) that shows up in ports available in your VB.....consider VB.net free in visual studio from Microsoft.
And I recently tried an app on my android phone that could also see the data over BT utilizing SPP.
following is hyper-term displaying continuous data over BT, the port is the added port but the baud doesn't seem to matter because it still comes in at different settings !
don
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Re: Inventory System
I tried Microcode Studio Plus Terminal and it says the port is in use or not available. Too bad 'cause I like this one the most.
I tried HID USBwatch to look at the USB side and it says I don't have a serial port on my laptop. I connected a PCMCIA card with RS232 but it didn't help.
I tried MeLabs hyperterm and got it started on COM2 but nothing showed up on the screen.
I tried Windows Hyperterm and got it started on COM2 but nothing showed up on the screen.
I checked Device manager and the bluetooth dongle is connected to COM2 9600 8 N 1.
But I can receive files manually via the Bluetooth Receive File feature without fail.
Lost...
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Re: Inventory System
I don't know how/where to set COM2 as SPP?Originally Posted by amgen
I have Access 2002 on my laptop, it uses VB6.3. I have VB6 Enterprise but I don't have much room left on this aging P4-1900 laptop. I'd really like to stay with VB6 if at all possible....consider VB.net free in visual studio from Microsoft...
Robert
EDIT: I'm trying this tweak now: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1...profile-spp-in
Last edited by Demon; - 16th February 2014 at 20:44.
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Re: Inventory System
Did that tweak, no difference.
At least I know the COM2 properties. Hadn't noticed RFCOMM earlier.
So if I read this right:
https://developer.bluetooth.org/Tech...Pages/SPP.aspx
RFCOMM is an adaption of RS232 via bluetooth. So I guess I can go back to MCcomm32.OCX module.
I have no idea why I can't even get a few bytes of jibberish through a Terminal. The connection is complete, I can receive a file manually via the Bluetooth icon.
Robert
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Re: Inventory System
Real happy I rambled on about this project in this forum.
I had made backups of what I considered "important" on my old laptop and desktop, turns out I missed a few, like this project.
Now to get this up and running on these newer PCs with Win10 so I can finish what I started.
Win 10 really doesn't make things easy for you to change settings. They made it more user friendly, I think they made it incredibly harder to find what seemed so much easier on XP.
My Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a giant paperweight that can't even be used as a boat anchor, cause I'd be fined for polluting our waterways with electronic devices.
Not as dumb as yesterday, but stupider than tomorrow!
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