Using an EXTERNAL bar code reader WITHOUT requiring the keyboard

[ralphtrickey]

I am writing a simple inventory tracking program. I want to be able to have people scan items with an external reader and without needing any keyboard entry.

I'd like to be able to use a separate barcode reader to read a barcode and beep or buzz depending on the results of that as well as display an optional on-screen entry.

From my reading, I can't capture the return key and do anything useful like trigger the default button, I also tried setting the suffix to a tab key and have it's onselect action do a lookup and return the focus to the initial field. Neither method seems to work.

Is there any way to get this to work in PowerApps? Again, I want to repeatedly process barcode input without needing to push a button or do anything else. I want to use an external reader and NOT the builtin mobile control.

[ThatAPIGuy]

I just checked on my side and its not working. let me figure it out and I will let you know soon.

[ralphtrickey]

No need, it actually worked on my side although I would have sworn I tried it that way the first time.

Thanks,

Ralph

[ThatAPIGuy]

Oh , great! it's working on my side but only when i move the cursor away (click anywhere outside) of the text input box.

[ralphtrickey]

And that's actually better behavior for me since I can now use the original <tab> character as the suffix and it will only trigger when the whole tag is scanned.

[ThatAPIGuy]

@ralphtrickey

I was just going to suggest you that! 

Glad that its finally working out the way you wanted it to.

[tianaranjo]

I'm interested in doing something similar.  What external barcode reader did you use?

[tianaranjo]

I'm interested in doing something similar.  What external barcode reader did you use?