timborn@ihlpg.UUCP (Tim Born) (07/08/85)
I am looking for information about bar codes and bar code readers.
If you have knowledge in this area, I would like to contact you.
If you have pointers to books &/or articles &/or experts, please let me know.
The problem: connect a bar code reader to a micro computer. The term "micro
computer" is intentionally vague, as I have several in mind. Assume each has
a TTL input port.
Related problems: where find a bar code wand?
how to build a bar code wand?
can an HP bar code wand be attached to any old micro?
where do you locate an HP wand (and specs)???
More Related problems: software!
I've found articles in BYTE that describe algorithms for reading
bar codes. They appear to be specific to the PaperBYTE (tm) system that
was used a few years back. Does anyone still use this format?
What about the bar codes on packages (UPC), aren't they a different
format? What is 5-of-9, and all they others? Where can I find
definitions of all these formats, and *why are there so many*!?
tim ("I'm so confused!") born
...ihnp4!ihlpg!timborntj@utcs.UUCP (tj) (07/09/85)
try radio shack, I saw intheir fyler that they have a whole bunch of stuff to attach to the model 100 portable slug that reads all sorts of barcodes and also produces them on dot matrix printers. t.jones
tbul@trsvax (07/11/85)
Why not go down to your local Radio Shack Computer Center and pick up a Model 100? It will read the bar code for you. By now, the computer is inexpensive ($399) and quite useful (built-in modem, auto_dialer, 5 management programs etc) [It is a briefcase computer but the software and hardware will increase the price. This computer ignited the briefcase computer craze and is the leading seller]. tbul @ trsvax
kushnier@NADC.ARPA (07/11/85)
Tim
The Radio Shack Model 100 computer has a Bar Code Reader as an accessary.
Their little instruction booklet gives a brief description of the major codes
used. The only code available for both text and numbers is the 3-9 code.
The Model 100 Magazine uses Bar Code to input programs. This is really not
a very efficient way to do it however. Byte gave up on the idea years ago.
Hope that helped.
Ron Kushnier
kushnier@nadc.arpabrian@sdcsvax.UUCP (Brian Kantor) (07/11/85)
In article <764@ihlpg.UUCP> timborn@ihlpg.UUCP (Tim Born) writes: >I am looking for information about bar codes and bar code readers. >If you have pointers to books &/or articles &/or experts, please let me know. >Related problems: where find a bar code wand? > how to build a bar code wand? > can an HP bar code wand be attached to any old micro? > where do you locate an HP wand (and specs)??? In the original Motorola M6800 (not 68K) applications manual there was a complete construction plan and software, as well as a discussion of principles of a wand-type bar code reader for reading UPC symbols and other bar codes. Unfortunately my only copy got left behind a few dozen jobs ago, so I can't supply the details. Maybe somebody who worked with 6800s might have one. Brian Kantor UC San Diego decvax\ brian@ucsd.arpa akgua >--- sdcsvax --- brian ucbvax/ Kantor@Nosc
foust@gumby.UUCP (07/15/85)
One good reason NOT to run down to your local Radio Shack and
buy the bar code reader is that it costs $99.95, and you only get
the bare minimum of software for the thing. Packages to print
barcodes, and to read them in a more sophisticiated fashion,
cost extra.
What can be in the barcode reader wand itself beyond a phototransistor
and a little shaping circuitry? For $99?
On CompuServe, people have posted their efforts at disassembling the
routines that come with the RS bar code reader.
Has anyone built their own for the Model 100?
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John Foust
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