Create custom shortcut keys?

[NXMold]

In researching barcoding,

I am thinking that by using a "keyboard wedge" type scanner and encoding a custom shortcut key sequence into the barcodes themselves, I can practically print macros on paper. This way anytime a user scans a barcode, with any form open, a function can be called.

Can I make custom shortcut keys like this? Alt+ or Shift+ combinations cannot be used.

 

[Axworthy]

With most keyboard wedge barcode scanners, you can add a prefix to the scanned characters such as an F4 key. You can then use the AutoKeys macro to set the F4 key to open your entry screen and set the focus to the SKU field. This way, you would even be able to scan pre-printed (such as UPC) codes.

 

[NXMold]

I read up on the AutoKeys macro, but it requires key combinations that are not possible with a barcode scanner.

I am using the code 39 symbology, best key combination to encode in a barcode is probably "%%" followed by the lookup data I want passed to my function. It looks like some extended ascii characters are possible... but I don't see a way to correlate them with the allowed autokeys.

http://www.idautomation.com/code39faq.html

I don't want to put keypress code on every form.

 

[NXMold]

Axworthy, I forgot to mention my preference for code-39. While a very limited character set, its also very easy to print. I will have to explore other options that will work the way you suggest.