New Member, Odd Request 2

[DustinLam]

I'm trying to help my dad set up a barcode scanner that will open a valve on a irrigation system. We're planning on hooking it up to a computer so we can see who scans their card and at what time. We already have the valve system and we have plenty of laptops but I'm just not sure how to have a barcode scanner to do such a thing. I've worked with magnetic strips, (cards to unlock a magnetic lock) but this is an area that I've tried but been unsucessful.

ANY help in the right direction will be a great asset and I thank you in advance.

Thanks,
Dustin

 

[benta]

Do a Google for "point of sales systems".

Benta.

 

[IRstuff]

A conventional barcode scanner, at least the older, serial-port devices, mimic keyboard inputs.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[btrueblood]

Dustin,

Can you write code? Buy a barcode scanner, and as IRstuff suggests, write some code that reads the serial port. Now the tricky part - driving a valve motor from the laptop. You need an output relay board. Try here

http://www.measurementcomputing.com

more specifically, something like the followin might work, depending on the valve motor amperage requirements; you might need to use the output board to drive a larger relay.

http://www.measurementcomputing.com...=874&mscssid=FBUA8HDQ01GC8GBVFHLK2RDL70PBCEDB

They have other devices also, that can output an analog voltage or amperage (4-20mA), which is useful if your valve actuator is a proportional control device.

 

[ScottyUK]

Access control system with a SOV for the water supply in place of the magnetic lock strike?


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[itsmoked]

Here's The Bar Code People. Happens to be in my town.

http://www.barcodehq.com/

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[DustinLam]

Thanks everyone, I hopefully I'll be able to return the favor to everyone.

I'm now a few a step closer to making my millions (yea right)

But I'll keep you updated on progress and if I need any information I'll give everyone a shout.

Thanks
Dustin.

 

[GonzaloEE]

Try managing the serial port with C+Windows API or Java.