In order to communicate via DF1 to visual basic you will have to have at least RS Linx installed. Once this is done you will be able to use DDE communication via VB to communciate to the PLC. Keep in mind you will have to define all the registers and I/O you wish to monitor via the VB app. I...
You are correct normally barcode readers that are connected to the PLC through serial means (RS232, DeviceNet, Profibus) will transfer the data to the PLC in ASCII format. I am not sure what PLC you are using but it doesn't really matter. You will either have to do some math to convert the...