Bar Codes (Printer, Scanners, Software)

This is going to sound so basic, I hate to ask... But....how do you create/generate barcodes? I can't find anything in the FMP documentation. Is it as simple as having a "barcode font", so if I auto-generate an order number then in the result field I choose "barcode" as the font? Is there more to it? I've been searching the forum but can't find this most basic question answered. This is new to me and trying to learn how to develop it for a customer. thanks in advance for any help. Steve (Soon to upgrade to 8, server 8, and FMP8 Advanced)

i have been given a symbol spt 1550 and fmp mobile 2.x for inventory control, using the barcode feature. i pretty familiar w/ fmp, pdas and have used the first fmp mobile. however, i cannot figure out what is needed to set up fmp mobile to read the barcode into the application. both manuals really dont say anything. spt manual is really a pilot manual and the mobile manual is very generic. any response(s) would be helpful. thanks

Hi folks, I'm looking to design a complete POS solution in FM7. Currently the plan is to design it for Windows, but OS X isn't out of the questions. The solution will include pretty much everything: - 15" or 17" (ELO) Touchscreen - Customer Poll Display - 2 Track Card Reader and; - Handheld Barcode Scanner - Cash Drawer - (Epson) Thermal Printer WITH cutter (or an easier to program brand?) - 8 Port (or so) Serial Expansion Card - Possibly a liquid cooled CPU because of limited air flow Can any one provide any advice on brands or issues pertaining to speed and integration? The solution will only have about 15 users but half of them will be at…

Hi, I want to do inventory with a handheld palm or similar... is there a way you can do it with let's say Filemaker mobile.. into pda... sync with FmP? Thanks

can someone explain to me how to implement a bar code scanner into a database....my boss would like to add that feature but i don't know how

Need to choose a picture from iPhoto to enter into a container field. Need to intergrate iPhoto with FileMaker 7.

Hello, I am currently maintaining a large inventory of Xray films that I would like to 1) track in Filemaker, and 2) possibly do so via a barcode scanner. Each newly-received film needs to be entered into FMP in order to log and track the inventory. This part I can do seemingly without problems. FYI, there are multiple films per patient per visit, and each film has a different name (Lateral, AP, etc.). The films have to be checked in and out, as they are frequently sent for review. I envision this being a situation whereby the film's previously-generated barcode is scanned, logging the date of check-out, then scanned again once received back in, logging the d…

Anyone implemented this yet. I have font and understand the format have trouble creating calculation. Beyond my skill level frankly but I do a lot of mailing and its a good thing to have. trying not to recreate the wheel if possible. Other issue is what happen when zip is not 5+4?

I have a client that needs to scan credit card information into FileMaker Pro. What is the best scanner for this, and perhaps the best software? I set something up like this a year ago for scanning drivers licenses into FileMaker but it was a bit of a stretch My client would simply like to scan the card and have it populate the appropriate cards in FileMaker. Looking for the easiest and best solution

Has anyone ever done any integration with AutoCAD? I'm looking into what would be required to generate AutoCAD files from FM or to create a parsable file from AutoCAD that can be tabulated in FM. I know almost nothing about AutoCAD but am aware that there is a command window where you can type commands and (I think) add objects via a text string. If so, I may be able to cut-and-paste text between a FM calculation and this AutoCAD window. Alternately, if AutCAD creates challenges, a different CAD program may be an option. Thanks for any guidance.

hi. i bought this barcode reader and i thought to use it to input serial numbers (with barcodes) in my filemaker database. i defined the field as text (and also as number) but when i scan the barcode, i see the serial number for 1 second and it then disappears. is there anyone who had this problem and found a solution? or am i generally doing something wrong? i also want to add that the barcode reader seems to work, because i could input data in a text editor and i see the serial number.

Hi there, I am looking for information on how to open up a cash drawer connected to a USB port. What type of script will do the job right? Any help is welcome

I was wondering if there was a way to make a barcode that would trigger a script?

For anyone who is developing a barcode scanning solution and needs a USB scanner for testing purposes, I've got two HHP 3800 scanners which have come off of a retired factory line at one of my clients. They are very ugly, having been used in a screen-printing sample department for about three years, but work beautifully, and will work with USB or keyboard wedge, and can be had for well below the cost of a new 3800. -Stanley

I recently purchased Peninsula Software's 2DBarcode plug in. I need to encode 13 different fields into the barcode. It's a trade show badge, so I'm encoding firstname, lastname, etc on up through street address to email. I've done a calculation field to put all of this into the datafield that I feed to the plugin calculation, however, I've no idea what delimiter to use to seperate the fields in the calculation result. I don't have a reader yet (on the way, in a few weeks at least), so I can't just check the output using one. I've googled all day trying to find the answer to this but no help there - it must be something as easy as tab-delimited or comma delimited, or m…

Hi, Like everyone else on this post, I'm looking to set up something with a barcoding system. I get the basic idea... the scanning device "types" your alphanumeric code into a field. About the scanners... I'm looking for something that will work with both Windows / Mac. I see most people recommend the HHP 3800. Does this one work well with both? Can anyone recommend some others? The other issue about how it works... What software do you need to actually print out the barcode and match it up with the alphanumeric code you want? I plan on using the barcoding system for id badges as well as printed documents (paperwork and labels) thanks.

Our hospital purchased a new Symbol PPT-2800 Pocket PC / Barcode scanner device. This device runs Pocket PC 2002 and looks like a real rugged piece of equipment. I am building a database to intregrate barcode scanning with and I was wondering how do I make this thing scan!?? I read in an earlier post that their documentation (Symbol) is very obtrusive and they are so correct! It says in the documentation to refer to the "PPT 2800 Series for Pocket PC 2002 for configuring your scanner". Well, there is no steps for configuring it in the book. All it says is 1)Aim the scanner at the barcode and 2) Press either the left, right or center scan trigger. Well, that…

Hi, I saw a product that is supposed to scan a driver's license and place the text in database fields. (www.id-scan.com). I was wondering how this works, and if anyone has any thoughts about how you could go about doing that in Filemaker.... it looks cool. Vandy

Hi, I'm new to the game of input devices with FIlemaker Pro. I have been reading a couple of posts about using digital signatures in FMP. I have a couple of questions... First I see most peopel recommend a HHP pad (or some company like that). Can you use the WACOM tablet to do something like this or do you have to get the POS specific signature pad? And has anyone found it easier to input the signature ina container field? (The posts I was reading seemed to be a little old). Secondly, I see Sony has a fingerprint ID product called the Puppy. It advertises as a device that can help you with password authentication. Can this hardware/software be used in…

I'm writing a solution for my daughter's day care. I want to print an identification badge for each parent with a Bar Code. The parent will be required to pass their ID badge whenever they pick-up or drop-off their child. I've never worked with bar code scanners before. Does anyone have any advice before I start?

Does FileMaker provide possibility to display a record based on input in bar-code form read by a handscanner ? Thanks in advance. G

I had to make barcodes for articles like: 20314sfsf4 20202020 ab1458-c etc etc I used the free 3 of 9 like everybody here told me. If there were characters in the barcode i had to use the extended version. I tried and tried and failed and failed. So i just give the advice why i finally found what the problem was: 1. add a "*" in front and at the end of every barcode. 2. You have to configure your barcode scanner (belgian keyboard etc, caps lock on, enable EAN39, enable ascii. from then on i could read all the barcodes! Peace!

I have an inventory tracking solution that uses a bar code reader as its main data entry devise. I am looking for a solution that will allow the user to scan one bar code and automatically generate a new record. Specifically without the user having to use the enter key or a "new" button. Any and all help and suggestions are appreciated.

We are about to release new hardware orders for kiosk POS systems, I

Has anyone had any experience using this font? It can be downloaded for free from here http://www.storm.ca/~dan/ In the read me, he has instructions on how to create the machine scannable barcode using the font, but I haven't been able to wrap my head around that one. I was wondering if anyone here has been able to incorporate it into Filemaker using a formula to create the barcode with this font? Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks Darron

Hi everyone, i need a barcode solution, for inventory, does anyone a solution example?? Thank

can anyone can tell me if i can dowload templetes from anywhere to use with the DYMO lablewriter printer in filemaker pro when I create a new layout report for lables? I have tried the custom one but I still can't get it right...any ideas? RET

Hi, I found a free barcode font from: Free 3 of 9 Barcode (free3of9.ttf) Created By: Matthew Welch Web Address: http://www.squaregear.net/fonts/ I've installed the font in my System Font Folder. When I am in FileMaker, AppleWorks or TextEdit the font doesn't even show up these app's font list. However, when I am in Illustrator the font shows up in the list, but when I type, nothing shows up on the screen. The kicker is that when I am in Photoshop the font is in the font list and it displays correctly when I type on the screen. I am using all Mac OS X apps, and I can't figure out what the heck is going on. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreci…

Here's what I'm looking for if it exists. I have a school of students, each student gets a number of books when school starts. In the past I had a FM database that had a record for each student and we would connect the scanner to the keyboard/computer and scan in all the books for each student (I had made labels with bar codes for each book - a separate FM DB). Anyway, what I would like to have is a way to go to the pile of books, have a handhelp scanner not connected to a computer, scan in a student name (label??) and then scan in all the books for that student, know when it's the start for a student set of books and know when it's the end and then start the next student…

We have some clients who wan't a tracking system using barcodes. This is what I need to do: -Create a new record and print a lable with a barcode on it,(I think we will use 39) then put lable on item, put item on shelf. -Take item from shelf and scan it to find the record. -1 Scanner will be attached to computer Questions: To generate a scanable bar code in FileMaker do I need to purchase a plugin? If not how do I create the barcode using a barcode font? Any other advice would be great. thanks FileMaker Version: 5 Platform: Windows 2000

I'm building a database to track all the barcodes we assign and use for our products and shipping. We are using the UCC-128 as SCC-14 for shipping full cases of products. How do I get FM to calculate the checkdigit? I need this in the file so I can provide the information to our distributors so they can uploadit into the system.

OK, a company I'm developing for is a publisher who wants to start a user registration scheme.. 1) First of all we want to be printing cards (a business card stock) from filemaker - not a problem - but does anyone know of any single sided colour laser card printers that are pretty reasonable? I've found ones that print onto plastic cards, but they're too expensive. I don't want to be feeding in business cards into an A4 printer, or to have to feed in an A4 sheet of card then cut them up. I'd like to just be able to put a stack of blank card into a feeder, and run them off. Anyone know of any UK suppliers of these kind of products? You see label printers for

I am a filemaker newbie. I have done programming in Business Basic and Visual Basic but the filemaker scripting interface is very different. My reason for using filemaker for this purpose is I want to put a new application on my Powerbook to use at a trade show: I have a credit card kb wedge reader. The reader outputs plain ASCII text. I have a badge from a previous trade show which uses / as the field separator. I want to scan the trade show badge into a temporary field, parse the data into name, address, etc so I can add a record which will contain all the badge information. (I may have to revise the parsing if the badge from the upcoming trade show organizes…

We have a solution that does evidence tracking for police departments. The program generates a barcode (3of9) based on a calc field. No plugins are used. We use the hhp 3800 usb scanner. We have been ask to use a wireless scanner with our system. Any recommendations?

Can anyone tell me where to get a cable to connect my LCD touch screen monitor to a PC

I have a solution that I am using a 3of9 font and I have calc. the "*" start/stop. Can anyone suggest a USB barcode reader. Thanks in advance

I am trying to make network with 7 Symbol LS 5000 I100. Does anybody know how to do that? Haow can i connect it to FM? Does anybody have the PIN Duagram for Symbol LS 5000 I100 ports? Thank You! FileMaker Version: 5 Platform: Windows 2000

I need to produce a tracking database for part of the local health authority. Initaly it will be a simple database of names and addresses and activitys partaken, This will be manually entered. However they are wanting sometime in the next 12-18 months add the functionality of a swipe card/barcode system so that each patient is issued a card and when they enter the building it is swiped and the database is updated to show who visited when. The same will apply to each activity. This will then be used to produce demographic reports as to who attended when and what facilities they used each time. Any help or recomendations on how to proceed with this would be very gratfully r…

(in reply to Ocean West, thread below , about a year ago) http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=files&Number=67784 Just tried to scan barcodes from LCD screen anyway: Surprise! It is perfectly possible to scan barcodes from a recent TFT screen. Using a cheap Jarltech USB Scanner, i can read on-screen barcodes from a distance: Formac TFT 17" Monitor, Code39/128, 1px per single bar: 1-2 in Formac TFT 17" Monitor, Code39/128, 2px per single bar: 2-3 in Powerbook G3/400 Firewire (Pismo), Code39/128, 1px per single bar: 0.5-1 in Powerbook G3/400 Firewire (Pismo), Code39/128, 2px per single bar: 1-1.5 in 2003 14" Siemens Notebo…

After much toil we finally were able to program CMD+1 prefix and CMD+2 suffix into the reader. And then we adjusted the intercharater delay time, feeling that 15ms was sufficient. Mind you all the development was done on a Powerbook G4. Outcome was brilliant, on Mac. Then, we hooked the reader up to a PC. And we changed the prefix and suffix to PC Keyboard equivalents. That was all we changed! Now when we scan our EAN 13 add/on 5 barcodes and the reader's output is very inconsistent. Sometimes it misses the leading 978, sometimes it only scans starting from the middle, etc... Help! Unfortunately this is a solution that must be deployed on PCs. Anyo…

We have tried many options of getting a space character to work with code 39 font for a bar code. I have used ~, = , _ and nothing seemd to work. Can some suggest a solution to this and where to get the font that would work with the solution?

Lukas Frey STRATEC Medical. Switzerland CH-4436 Oberdorf Tel +41 61 965 63 69 Fax +41 61 965 66 12 E-mail [email protected] made a nice contribution to the FileMaker community with [color:"red"] Freeware EAN-13 fonts and an [color:"red"] open FileMaker teaching file . Here is the URL to download: web page Thank you Lucas and happy FileMaking!

I am trying to find a scanner that I can program the ctl 1 into to it to fire a FMP script when a barcode is scanned. I was looking at the Wasp CCD LR Kit but they said it could only do a shift ctl 1 which doesn't work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to other scanners that I could purchase? It needs to be able to be put into a stand for hands free scanning. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, John

Hi - hoping someone can help. I developed an Production Scheduling database that made extensive use of barcodes. Other people in my organization have been using it for the past 2 years without any problems. Recently an issue came up that I had to look into but I realized that my computer no longer had the 3of9 barcode font loaded. I'm running Windows 2000 and Filemaker Pro 5.5, but can't seem to figure out where to load my barcode font so Filemaker will recognize it. I put it in C:WINNTFonts -- but when I open FM and try to customize fonts, the 3of9 does not show. Any ideas? Or is there a different barcode font available that I should be usin…

I am currently working on trying to use a tablet pc to capture signatures in my work order/invoices database. All I want to do is: After filling out the work order/invlice, have the customer sign the form on the screen, then when I print the form, the signature will be on it. Does anybody know of how this can be done? I have read posts about using stand alone machine, I am trying to stay away from that solution and woul prefer to use a tablet pc if that is possible. Thanks.

somebody have an inventory example? i am confuse about cantity and how increment o decrement that. i am complety confuse, please help me, give an idea.

I purchased a Unitech MS265 with USB interface to integrate into my FileMaker Pro database only to find that the firmware (v.2.6) didn't support the command (Apple) key. (Mac compatible my tushie!) I went to replace it with the MS690 (that bd from LiveOak among many others reccommended so highly) but was told by Unitech that "MS690 has firmware version 2.9 and it must have firmware verision 3.1 or higher to support the left WIN key or Apple Command key. Only MS210 has firmware version 3.1" Is this true? If you are using a Unitech scanner in a FileMaker/Mac environment, do you know what version firmware you're using? Is anyone else using it straight USB (without…

Encouraged by the fact that their website made a Mac-friendly impression I ordered an Intelliscanner 3000 from Intelli Innovations. And though it scanned flawlessly right out of the box, it turned out that the documentation provided was not Mac-oriented at all. I wanted to trigger a script before and after scanning, but unfortunately the manual only mentioned the codes for emulating the shift-, alt- or control keys, no Apple-key ... The codes for the shift-, alt- or control keys where all in the range from Hex 80 to Hex B1, so I optimistically started trying codes from Hex B2 upwards, and YES, success! It turns out that Hex B4 is the Apple-make code (pressing th…

Hey, Im by no means a developer, or even a filemaker pro user, but I cant seem to find a decent answer to this, or a tutorial, or reference to this. .. Im trying to find some good barcode software that will work/integrate with filemaker pro 6. Im setting up a rather huge database consisting of over 100,000 inventory items. I need a program that can set me up with a dynamic barcode generator, or a simple way to do it within filemaker pro. The database is going to consist of comic books, so I would need a way for the barcode program to set up bar codes in a similar manner to this for marvel comics ie. MAR012345 only that would be a bar code or for dc comi…

I searched the forums, read all the topics on this one, but nothing mentioned about this. Got an answer over in the general forum from Mr. Jaeger in Germany. I build a mock up site to make it easier to understand what I am looking for. Please taka a look. web page I need to attach an Alpha numeric bar-code to a jpg file, or have the jpg # changed to that of the bar-code, or otherwise relate the letter string to the jpg file. Must work on PC. Not necesarely in FM. All related Hard- and Software could be bought. The bar-code reader must be a slot reader. The cards must be sequencialy numbered and I prefer double sided plasic cards. Eltron or F…

Hi all, A client wants me to add a signature capture to an Existing database that would, well, capture signatures for invoices and customer pick ups and store them in the DB. Have not done this before, and was wondering if anyone could offer advice for the best place to start my research. My initial thought is that this would just be a simple container field that would hold a graphic scan of the signature. Was wondering what software/plugind/scanners other people have used to get the data into FM. Preferably looking for a UPS style hand unit- one that the customer could write directly onto the paper invoice and have it captured underneath. TIA -Raz

Hi, I want to build a Filemaker Appication that used to take orders from customer in a restaurant and use touch screen instead of mouse and key board. I wonder do i need any special setpup (software and hardware) in order to maker Filemaker to understand from a finger touch of screen? If I do , then how do I do? Please help and thank you in advance.

Hi all: I'm an idiot because I managed to program our HHP 3800 scanners last year, but now we've ordered more and I can't get them to recognize apple-make and apple-break (i.e., the command key) and the dweebs at HHP customer service don't help at all. Last year, they got me on the right track in no time at all, but now they just scratch their heads & say "well, this really ought to be working." So, does anybody know the correct way to program one of these things to recognize apple-make & apple-break ($H and $J, respectively, if I remember right): I've already ordered a clone cable from HHP & will end up just cloning the new units off the old ones, b…

Hi there, I have a terminal scanner P460 from Symbol that stores barcodes in memory, and then uploads data as batch job. It connects to my G4 Mac OS X via USB Synapse cable, and dumps the data into SimpleText file on the Mac. I use 1-2-3 Scan software from Symbol that can program scanner and delimit the bar code based on my needs. For instance, my barcode is: 1999923 1 Company 9999 EmployeeID 2 Shift 4 Salary Grade By default the scanner sends the data to MAC as one long string, but 1-2-3 Scan allows me to delimit them as: 1-9998-2-3 1-9999-1-2 etc. Problem is when I import barcodes into FileMaker, there’s garbage in …

I'm really excited about Symbol's M2000 Cyclone Series of omnidirectional scanners. It's the smartest design I've seen for retail checkout. Problem is I want to know if you can program a Mac "Command" key combination as a postamble/suffix before I buy. Nobody I've talked to at Symbol seems to know... they're supposed to call me back eventually. It's so easy with HHP's scanners, you'd think it would be no problem for a big company like Symbol! I tried to make my way through the PDF manual but it's very confusing and the terms seem to be different from what I'm used to on the HHP side. Does anyone have any experience programming Symbol scanners who might be a…

Need to be able to automatically open a cash drawer? Don't waste time and money on serial if you don't have to! Most receipt printers have a port to connect a cash drawer. The one I'm most familar with is the Star TSP600 series. The Mac OS X driver (and obviously the windows version as well) come with a checkbox in the print dialog. If you want the cash drawer to open when you print, simply check the box! I would ASSUME (haven't tried YET) that FileMaker will remember this setting in a printing script. You could have two scripts then, one which would open it (for cash sales), and one which would not (other sales). The cable that connects an APG Ca…

Since bar code fonts are so expensive, I decided to buy a font program to make my own. So last night I created a full Code39 bar code font. The results are better than I ever expected! At size 7, I can fit 12 characters (including start and stop) in 3/4" of width, and it still scans instantly on my HHP 3800i bar code scanner! I'd like to recoup the cost of creating this bar code font so I plan to sell it on my web site. I'm wondering if you guys think the following would be fair: Site License: $120 USD Developer License: $200 USD for every 5 installations. Each installation works as a site license. Customized Font: $50 plus 1 of the above (you choose b…

I am new to this scenario with FMpro...I have FMPro server 6 running on a WIN2K Advanced Server Box...I also have FMPro develop for Mac and Windows. I am trying to build a production tracking system that uses FM and Wasp Barcode systems....anyone have any suggestions for a newbie? I am trying to build a custom product tracking system for a manufacturing facility....Any suggestions or ideas appreciated..TIA

I have tried to create a PDF file for a file of 146 records in FMP.5. After about 70 records the Field(s) become distored or dropped off for one record. Then the printing is OK. It Happens to 2-3 records in any given file. Nothing unique about those records. Anyone run into this problem?

I finally got the firmware on my hand scanner upgraded to support the "Apple" key. I have set it up so that there is a postamble of "Command-1" after the scan. After I scan the barcode, a lookup takes place, and this lookup takes about one second to finish. Problem is that the hand scanner sends the "Command-1" script before the lookup as done... the system beeps at me and never performs the script. I have also put in place the maximum "Interfunction delay" of 445ms... which isn't enough. Any suggestions? Has anyone else had these problems with postamble scripts?

I'm thinking about developing a UPC Bar Code Font, since I know how UPC codes work and what's available now seems to be quite pricey. Would anyone here be interested? I'm primarily concerned about recouping the cost of the font utility (around $1000) and my time. I could save a lot of time by just making it appear as a regular bar code font, but work as a UPC, or I could spend more time on this (especially with the FM calculations) and make it actually look like a regular UPC (longer bars at ends and middle), but charge more of course... what would you prefer? I might even make a Code 39 font if I can figure out how they work...

I know how to construct a valid UPC bar code with various proportionate widths of bars and spaces... so I am looking for a simple font with 6 characters (3 widths of bars and 3 widths of spaces) so that I can make my own UPC's. Or perhaps another way to generate the bars given the proportionate widths? If neither of the above is feasable... is there a plugin for UPC?

Hi, I could be posting this in the wrong forum but since there are people in here that know what they are talking about I choose this one. I was asked to bid on a solution that uses a barcodereader for stock and sales. I've read posts here and it's getting clear on how this all works (with cash drawers, printers etc...) What I'm wondering about is the way you setup the DB that goes alongn with it. My prospect has over 5,000 items in stock, so those can be coded. But if he enters a new shipment, for lets say Item#1, should I (the DB) create one new record where the user can add the volume (say 1000 pieces). What if he sells 500 pieces and get a new shipment.…

I will soon be upgrading my Inventory Management System to utilize a barcoding system. I keep track of various printed materials for a medium sized company and want to print Barcode 39 labels to my laser printer instead of purchasing a specialized thermal printer. I will be printing at a very low volume. Does anyone have a recommendation of where to look for barcode labels? Does Avery make them? I will plan on printing from FMPro. Anything will help, thanks!

I want to share some info with you guys, since I got so much valuable stuff from this forum. After some research it seems like Dymo LabelWriter 330 Turbo is the best solution for thermal label printing in a MAC/PC environment, and it's much cheaper than the other ones. Also a wireless scanner (real-time data entry) may be a cheaper option to a data storage scanner. I'll keep you posted how this pans out. BB

When I print out UPC-A codes from FileMaker it takes sometimes 5 or more swipes with a wand to have them read. Using the same font (Bear Rock TT) in Word, Excell, PageMaker, or InDesign, I have no problems and it reads on the first or second swipe. I've created new layouts in FileMaker and still get have the same problem. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?? Using FileMaker 5.5 on OS 9.2.2.

If Microsoft Word (Windows) can print barcoded labels, there's obviously a postnet barcode font installed on my computer. Now I'm trying to print mailing labels with FMPRO with the +4 ZIP Barcode above the "Name" field, but I couldn't find any posts about how to do this. I'm using FM 6.03 for Windows on an XP OS. Any suggestions, or do I have to buy a plugin? I hate to have to export the file in "DBF" format, then use Word's MailMerge feature to do the printing with the postnet barcode. Kinda defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Thanks. Bob Rann

Does anyone have any experience with a magnetic stripe reader that will handle a pre and post-amble (ie: Command-1)? I've come across one that can send one character before the card data, and one character before the track data (i'm reading only 1 track (#2), so i think it'll work...) with a similar setup for post-card/track. I wanted to check to see if anyone had any experience with this, as I am still VERY new to the barcoding/mag-stripe reading world.... any advice?

I'm wondering if anybody knows how to program an Apple "Command" as a postamble with the HHP (formerly Welch Allyn) 3800 series scanners. I can't find any reference to modifier keys in the manual. I prefer this brand/model for asthetic reasons... the 3800i looks great with those iMacs! Thanks!

Hello, It appears that Bear Rock Technologies is out of business... Anyone know anything about that? I'm trying to use their PostNet barcode font on Mac OS X 10.1.5 in FileMaker 5.5. It won't print-- only the HR (Human Readable) versions print and they're just text. I can get it to print from other apps. I'm activating the font with Font Reserve 3. Any suggestions? Thanks, Greg Parks

We (Right Moves For Youth) run Boys and Girls clubs in many of our local public schools. I'm trying to develop a system where we keep track of the activities of each club member at each club meeting (typically 1/week) so that we can rate their level of progress/participation in our program. I've developed an Excel form for use by the club leader in which all members (along with student ID#s) are listed vertically on the left-hand side. Columns for eight club meetings are provided horizontally across the top. For each member, the club leader would then indicate (under the appropriate column) the specific activity performed by the student using a numbered legend which …

Finally someone ( Waves in Motion) is developing a true bar code reading system for Filemaker Pro. We have been using bar code readers at our point of sales for about 2 years now with Filemaker. This has been doing well but with a few limitations. In order to scan any bar code into Filemaker you must first tab into the field that you are scanning data for. Then you can scan the item and Filemaker will then do the lookups of data. Now this is ok for a few items but for 25 or more items, tabing into the correct field can really slow down work flow. At the grocery store we see the correct way for scanning items into a database solution (hands free scanning), but Fi…

Hello, I am new to FMP and am currently making an inventory/POS software for a client. Basically I want some general advice since i can figure out how to do things after I am told where to look. The inventory is almost done, I have one problem that I am dealing with in another post. The POS on the other hand is a little more difficult. I now next to nothing about POS and know what I would like it to do. I want it so that when someone scans a barcode the item is automatically added to a shopping list in FMP. the cashier should also be able to look for the item in inventory (which is in the same window just above the pos) and add it to the list. I then want to ma…

I'm new to this forum but I have an interest in using Filemaker Pro and collecting data with barcode readers. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but I currently use Videx barcode readers to collect data and import the data into Filemaker Pro databases. Their website is www.videx.com I use Macintosh computers so the reason why I particularly like their products is that I can create custom application using their Macintosh software programs. So I can program the barcode reader to prompt the user, validate scans etc. all on my Mac. In addition the tech support (the few time I have called) is very Mac friendly. I just thought this would be useful for those who wish to …

Hi, Did anyone have any kind of experience with Synbol wireless P370 laser scanner and FileMaker? Its price approaches that of LaserLite MX from Videx, and I'm wondering which is better. Thanks and have a great summer.

Hi all, I am about to purchase a scanner system for our FileMaker 5.0 servered solution, and, frankly, I am at a loss. Never used one, and know nothing about it... The scanner proposed is called Intermec ScanPlus 1800 from DeltaOne. There're also offering a LP/TLP 2722/2742 label printer, and a label design software. 1. Does anyone have experience with the scanner/printer/company? 2. Do I really need a special printer for labels, or can I use our existing laser/color printers? Thanks for any useful info! BB

Has anyone had good experience with the use of bar code scanning on a PC/Gateway. I've read a lot about MACs but have found limited chat about PCs. Especially regarding the Unitech MS690?!?

Barcode Help I am trying to set up a simple inventory control list using a barcode reader. I can

I am looking for a wireless barcode scanning solution. I would like a worker to be able to grab the scanner from a recharge/docking base, use it all day scanning bar codes, recording the time the code was scanned and place it in the base at night. Then the data stored can be automatically transfered to a FMP database for later processing. Is there a Barcode scanner on the market that can do this or will I have to get a palm based solution? Can anyone recommend any products I can look at?

Does anyone have information on capturing electronic signatures via a signature pad in FM 5.5? Thanks, any info would be appreciated...

Can anyone tell me what is the smallest barcode font available without too many restrictions that can be reliably scanned. Also can anyone tell me where I can download it.

We have a Dyno printer (330) and am trying to use it with an FMP 5.5 application. I can get my application to print to my HP laser, but not the Dyno. I get an error message showing that there is no printer attached. Yet under printer setup it's there. I'm on a Windows XP Professional using a USB port. Any help you can offer would be appreciated. Thank you.

I am in need of a label printer that will print a large number of labels directly from filemaker pro on a mac or PC. The size of label is very small about 20mm x 10mm. Is such a printer readily available, and is it easy to set up and use for a beginner like myself?

Anybody have any recommendations for Barcode Fonts (code39) for use with OS X? I'm currently using the freeware one by "Paul Andre LeBlanc". It is limited in aspect-ratio adjustment. I am using the "Elfring" fonts on a Win2k computer, however they do not have a Mac version. Thank you. Garry

Hi. I have been looking for a barcode solution for some time now and had no luck. Then I started looking for help on this matter. In one FM Inc. tech article (no. 101309) says: "Neither FileMaker Pro for the Macintosh nor FileMaker Pro for Windows can access bar code scanners that enter data through the serial port on the computer." Is there then no way to plug in a barcode scanner into the serial port and have the code "read" by FMPro? Is there someone who can enlighten me on this matter and how these things are done? Thanks, Reynir.

I have tried to setup a good barcode scanning system with Filemaker but it does not seem to work well. What I am trying to do is setup a retail check out station system like at a grocery store. I want the cashier to scan barcoded items in quickly without any keyboard interaction between each item. Right now when a barcode is scanned the stock number is read into the field but the cursor just sits in the same field and does not move to the next line item in my portal. The only way to get the cursor to move is to hit the TAB key on the keyboard. This slows down the check out process majorly if 100 items are being scanned. Is this possible with Filemaker? Thanks

I have set up a Unitech MS690 scanner with a USB connection to a G3 Macintosh and am able to scan Code39 bar codes into a FileMaker database. Now I'm trying to send a preamble to trigger a script and am having problems. I tried to set a preamble by scanning the function code the manual lists as Apple Make, then an ASCII 1, then Apple Break. I was not really sure what the Apple Make and Break were but thought they might provide the proper sequence for the Apple key. Does not seem to work. I can scan most of the other Functions for Mac out of the manual like the F keys as a preamble and they do seem to trigger fine. Wondering if anyone might have some advice on this.…

Thanks to several tips in this forum, I have been able to complete a bar code system for getting information from our member's cards into a computer. I used trio serial plug in (we have serial Symbol LS1004 scanners) with Filemaker. Now I would like to see if anyone knows of a serial interface using Filemaker mobile??? I want to scan bar codes (3 of 9) into Filemaker. Any more ideas to get a serial scanner to work with Filemaker mobile? RAD DAD

Hi! My first ever forum question anywhere! I run a members club for kids and am using filemaker pro to list the members info. What started as a hobby looking after 100 kids has now grown into someting I can't control (2000 members) The kids have membership cards (currently produced in Illustrator) but I'd like to produce cards with a magnetic strip so I can record their visits to the club and check their membership status etc. Also I'd like to just hit print from Filemaker and have the card produced. I'm totally new to all of this so any help on how to build such a system from scratch would be very VERY much appreciated. I know I need a card reader and printer bu…

I am looking for a solution to a scanning problem. After scanning an integer I would like for the program to advance to the same field in the next record in table view. I am aware that some scanners can be programmed with the Ctrl&Down Arrow function, but many scanners do not have this capability. Is there another keystroke function, script, or other FileMaker capability to force an advancement to the next record after receiving input?

Ok it's a few months down the road, however I know it's comming!! I'm as new as you can get when it comes to FM, and don't know much more when it comes to bar coding. What I think I'll want is something like I see people in stores using for inventory, where they can scan and type in the amount. I might be blond, but the users of this system, arn't the "brighest bulbs glowing" if you know what I mean. ;-) Its going to have to be easy to use!! If any one can point me to some good reading (books), websites, and companies that carry hardware, it would help. As I see it, when a project is taken on someone is going to bust their rear. It will be the person who sets it u…

I am some real crossroads here. I have written an order entry system that generates PO's automatically and now need to incorporate EDI and ASN's into the system without reentering every order (we are currently using an EDI service bureau and I have someone rekeying everything into FM and then back into the EDI system to invoice and produce ASN's) ADVICE PLEASE? Jeff

I had this happen just the other day. I've used code 39 fonts with previous version of FM without a problem. I know that the barcode previews fine, but prints incorrectly (by comparing the two patterns). At this point I'm not sure if it is a printer driver problem or something with the particular font package. I do know that barcode fonts like to be used at their native size. An 18pt barcode font CAN be scaled to 12 point say, but you must always test to make sure it reads. This may be obvious, but text to be printed in a code 39 font must have a "*" appended to each end (i.e. dog becomes *dog*) to be accepted by the scanner. -bd

Hello, I have a dilemma which I hope I can get some feedback on from you all. I run a growing manufacturing business and I am beginning to run into problems with inventory control, more specifically, doing a physical count at the end of each month to post to the books. We are using Macs along with FM Pro 5. What I am trying to accomplish is to develop a system which will help me track raw material inventories. This would both help me manage purchasing, as well as month end inventory. I need to know if a bar code system would be able to track my inventory in real time. Is it possible to enter an item and then a beginning weight, then track deductions from the ori…

Greetings. New to FM Forums, but not new to Filemaker. I'm the director of an overseas development project and would like to investigate the possibilities of labelling my equipment with barcodes and be able to take inventory of this equipment regularly. Are there any (fairly) easy and cheap solutions for using palm pilots or some such and a barcode wand to do this? In very simple terms I would want to print out barcodes for everything. Then a clerk could go around with a barcode reader, swipe the code and pull up a limited set of info on the item: name, short description, last location, last condition, last time inspected, etc. Said clerk could then make modificati…

Hello, I'm sure I am not the first one to ask this question, but have been unable to get a good answer. I need to know if it is possible to insert barcode fonts into a Filemaker Pro 5.0 layout. I assume that this would have to be a third party solution of some kind. This is for a manufacturing solution where multiple records are produced from a portal and use the auto enter funtion to create an identification number field that is unique and can be used to track that record. I would like the barcode to be used to enter the tracking number in the find mode as opposed to using the keyboard. I hope this makes some sense. Please let me know if anyone has any ideas. Th…

I'm looking for something that will adhere to the back of an oriental rug, either very sticky or iron on(preferable) and that might run through a laser printer. Anybody heard of such a thing?

I'm a newbie to these forums, and I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this question, but here goes. I'm looking to develop a FileMaker solution, where a user can slide a card (in this case a Driver's License) with a magnetic strip, through a card reader, and have the data automatically fill in the proper fields in an FM database. I've built tons of FMP databases, but I've never connected a card reader to a Mac or a Windows machine. Anyone have any idea as to what's involved? I'm hoping this does not involve third party software to receive the data, then export/import using a script. I wish to keep this as simple as possible. I'm just not sure how the data come…

Hello all. I'm gathering info on bar codes and FileMaker... Please post your experiences, good and bad. We are running Macs with FM 5. I'd like to use the codes to scan in/out graphics as they are shipping out, then received back after use. Any suggestions on systems, scanners? Thanks for your help! Jerremy

Hi I'm new here I want to use filemaker to control stock in/out and produce invoices. It's for flowers. (Boxes of). In: Flowers will arrive, their barcode will be scanned and added to current stock levels according to flower type, whilst creating a unique dated entry for itself. Out: Print out new barcodes with our unique reference with 'cost to purchaser'. Scan in on sale subtracting from stock database. Print invoice Add to revenue We get: How many in Cost of each New total stock Unique reference for each new box New barcode with cost to punter Subtraction on sale from main database Invoices Total in Total in cost Total sales Tota…