Whats a Bar Code Software Keyboard Wedge?
A Bar Code Software Wedge is a software program that is installed in a PC, to perform the functions typically performed by a hardware Bar Code Keyboard Wedge or RS-232 Decoder (basically, decoding signals generated by Bar Code Scanners, and converting them to alpha-numeric codes). These programs allow connection of an ‘undecoded’ Scanner into a PC RS-232 port, with the PC software performing the Bar Code decoding functions (Not to be confused with DECODED RS-232 Scanners, which include hardware Bar Code decoders and provide decoded data via RS-232 interfaces). Costs for Software Wedges are, as expected, lower than traditional hardware Bar Code Keyboard Wedges, however, hardware versions are far superior. Bar Code Software Wedges have various limitations. For example, when compared with traditional hardware Bar Code Keyboard Wedge or RS-232 Decoders, Software Wedges are: slower, less accurate, sensitive to noise (usually picked-up by the Scanner cable – cables must be short!), and worst
