Barcode reader

[vikramnayak]

Hello all,

My project is where I need to interface a bar code reader with a mega2560. I have the option to use either a
PS2 or a USB device. My question is, can I use the Keyboard Library to read data from the scanner ?. Is yes, then what is the method to store this value in a variable, since I'll be checking it against a set value.
One more question is, if I use a USB based scanner, then I know I'd have to use a USB Host Shield, but will I have to make too many changes to the earlier program to adapt to the USB addition ?

The keyboard program I'm referring to is :
  http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_libs_PS2Keyboard.html 

[strykeroz]

Hi,

Which barcode scanner are you using?

Geoff

[vikramnayak]

I'm not sure yet...a motorola one, with an rs232 o/p

[PaulS]

My question is, can I use the Keyboard Library to read data from the scanner ?

Probably not. The only Keyboard library I know of makes the Leonardo act like a keyboard. A keyboard is an output device, not an input device.

[strykeroz]

There are also those firmware update for the usb on uno but regardless that's only going to be helpful if the scanner can emulate keyboard input surely?

[vikramnayak]

Well, I've decided I'll be using the Ethernet shield to connect to the scanner. My friend said that the Ethernet o/p on the scanner fires packets of data at an IP. Is it okay to switch to ethernet ?, also remember that the scanner can ship an RS232 option too. PS/2 is outdated.

Which do you think is easier, serial or Ethernet ?

[strykeroz]

Which do you think is easier, serial or Ethernet ?

I think it's a coin toss between them.  Ethernet could be more complex if you were starting with bare tin, but with the well documented libraries and examples available for Arduino networking support I think that evens it out quite a bit.  Once you get the hang of that, ethernet is a solid standard whereas there can be some timing tricks to serial.

I think you could make a strong case either way.

Good luck with your project !
Geoff

[vikramnayak]

Oh thanks,  I may go for the Ethernet.