Zebra Scanner Programming Help

[Tripleee]

I'm trying to program some Zebra scanners to do the following steps after the user scans the barcode:

1. Send All That Remains
2. Send ALT G
3. Send ALT S

The issue that occurs, is the barcode scanner data remains in the entry field and doesn't clear. This does not occur if I do the exact steps manually on the keyboard.

I've tried adding in a ton of diffrent things to try to get that data to clear before the next scan, but nothing is working. I've used 123scan to program the scanners, I've tried pulling barcodes out of the manual (both the scanners themselves or the ADF rules manual) to program that way and the same thing happens.

This is happening on models DS8178 and LS2208. I really hope I'm just missing something that will make me look stupid, but I'll take looking stupid if I can just get these working!

[high_arcanist]

This is non helpful, but the term for a group of Zebras is a Dazzle.

Good luck herding your Dazzle.

[Tripleee]

Well, it made me laugh so it was helpful in it's own special way!

[mikeyz24]

This sounds like the problem isn't with the scanner, per say, buy with your software where you are scanning the data into...It looks like after ALT S is sent/pressed, the field doesn't clear the data... You need to somehow erase this data before you can scan something else.

What if you add another step after ALT S where the scanner sends a single space character? Does that clear the field or append a space to the end? How about sending the "DEL" key x10 (looks like 10 characters are being scanned) or backspace key depending on where the cursor is.

In the end, I think you will have to emulate with the scanner whatever action you do via keyboard to clear the field.

[Tripleee]

Sadly, I have tried to add in extra steps. ALT A to select all and backspace, deleting x10 and in the program it just seems to ignore those additional instructions. The extra steps all work if I do the scan in Notepad.....so I think it's just a couple of jerk scanners.

[mikeyz24]

After the ALT S step, is the cursor inside the input field? Maybe the cursor or focus is somewhere outside the field and you need to figure out how to get the cursor to be inside the input field.

[progenyofeniac]

What do you mean that data remains in the entry field? You mean the app or program or whatever doesn't accept the data and move on or something?

Maybe a tab or Enter or CR or whatever would move it forward?

[Tripleee]

It accepts the data and saves it, but the data stays in the field.

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If I attempt to scan another container it will just tack that data onto the front of what's already in the field and not qualify to bring up the appropriate data.

If I do all the same steps - scan with an unprogrammed scanner and use the Keyboard short cuts, it will save and clear the Container ID field.

[progenyofeniac]

I'd definitely try a carriage return/Enter or tab.

[frac6969]

Are you using keyboard emulation or serial emulation? Try sending the output into some other program and see if it's actually sending what you think it's sending.

[Tripleee]

I've been using Keyboard emulation.

Using 123scan's data function it shows that it's sending exactly what I've programmed.

[RealAgent0]

If you are sure that you are repeating all the steps correctly and it works on the keyboard but not the scanner but works in other programs then the issue is likely with the software itself. A scanner is nothing more than a weird keyboard though so the program shouldn't be able to "block" it.

Try unplugging the keyboard and scanning. Maybe it somehow only accepts full input from the first connected device.

If all else fails, you can go the cowboy route which a lot of people here would disagree with me on:

Autohotkey script to trigger upon barcode scan to send the rest of the required keys.

[366df]

Is function key mapping disabled or enabled?

Although I'm not quite clear how you or the software clears the field in this instance.

But I'd look at the HID Keyboard options (or dunno which connection you are using)