Keyboard Wedge type scanners work by simulating keystrokes on your keyboard.
They usually plug in to the keyboard port and the keyboard either plugs into them, or into a different port.
USB scanners also typically operate in this fashion (if yours operates as a "serial" scanner you need to read the section on Using Serial Scanners instead).
What you need to know about this style of scanner as apposed to ones that use the serial port, is that they "type" the barcode into a field on the screen as if you had typed it on the keyboard. This means it is important to:
1.
Ensure the target window is "in front" (active and selected), and
2.
Select the correct destination "field" on the screen before scanning something.
Keyboard wedge scanners operate in the same way as a keyboard. Whatever control has the focus of the frontmost window will receive the "keystrokes" generated by the scanner.
Martial Class™ supports the use of "Keyboard Wedge" type scanners, although as the output from serial scanners is easier to "capture", serial scanners are preferred for this use.
How to use a Keyboard Wedge Scannner
As most windows that are relevant to scanning (sales transaction, purchase order, student browser and attendance) do not have many fields that require typing, and generally operate in a point-and-click manner, the screens should typically operate as desired when you use a keyboard wedge scanner.
A good thing to remember when using the scanner is to simply click on the main list that you are expecting the scanned item to appear in before you scan it. This helps to ensure the scanned item is picked up correctly.
Serial scanners do not suffer this limitation, however, they require a dedicated serial port.
