Encoding a Keystroke Character Within A Code 39 Symbology

Description

A key sequence is typically used where the user wants to invoke a specific keyboard action when reading the data from a barcode with a barcode scanner. Requirements to encode a key sequence within a barcode are outlined in the following.

The desired scan output of a barcode using a Wedge barcode scanner needs to have an 'ALT'+C sequence encoded in the data when read by the scanner. The 'ALT' key is represented in a barcode field formula using the '$L' literal string.	Wedge Barcode Scanner
Wedge Reader Conversion Chart. Fig.1	To determine this, refer to the Wedge Reader Conversion Chart (Fig.1) in the Loftware Label Manager User Guide (access through Design32 Help Menu). The 'ALT' keyboard value is represented as ASCII 'FF' in this chart.
Next referencing the ASCII Code 39 Reference Table (Fig.2) in the same guide (access through Design32 Help Menu). The ASCII value 'FF' is represented as '$L' in the Code 39 conversion. The barcode label field formula would have to contain a '$L' & 'C' as part of the formula to produce the required output. In addition the user would need to enable Code 39 Full ASCII on their wedge or serial barcode scanner.   Sample formula: Test_Input & "$L" & "C" & "STATIC"	ASCII Code 39 Reference Table Fig.2

How to Construct a Barcode Containing a Keystroke Character:

1. Create a label and add a barcode
2. Set the barcode Symbology to Code 39 (not Code 39 (Full ASCII))
3. Set the Max # Char to - 15
4. Set the barcode Data Source to Formula
   
   
   
   
5. Create the formula (as shown) using "$M" to represent the 'Enter' (carriage return) key 
   Test_Input & "$M" & "STATIC"
6. Add a text box and name it "Test_input".
   
   
   
7. Go to View | On Demand Print
8. Enter the word INPUT in to the field "Test_Input"
9. Print the the label
10. Test with a barcode scanner that has Code 39 Full ASCII enabled

11. The scan results should show output like this:
    

    Note

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    'INPUT' would be the keyboard entry used when printing the label; the "$M" represents a carriage return, which moves the next data segment, 'STATIC', to the next line in the actual scan output.

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