Pole Display

[nhdee]

I created an Access database POS program (to be used with Access Run-Time) and attached a pole display (EMax). I downloaded the OPOS driver and it generates the test message on the pole display, so I know the pole display works. I put the following vba event code on the home page form:



Private Sub Form_Load()
MSComm1.CommPort = 1
' set port number
MSComm1.Settings = "9600,N,8,1"
MSComm1.InputLen = 0
'opens the port
On Error Resume Next
MSComm1.PortOpen = True
MSComm1.Output = "Welcome"
' set pole message
MSComm1.PortOpen = False
End Sub

I get Run-time error 424 Object required.

1. I have no Com or Active-X Add-Ins: Do I need them for this to run properly & If so what/where????
2. As you can tell I don't really understand MSComm and how I can get the serial Com 1 port to interact with the Access database.
3. Once I get a general message to appear on the pole display I want to be able to have it display the item & price as entered on the OrderDetail Form and then the Total Due; Payment and Change Due from the Payment form.
4. I have seen a PoleDisplay Module, while searching for answers but I don't really know what to do with it:

Option Compare Database
Global Const constPD_VerticalScrollMode As Integer = 18
Global Const constPD_NormalDisplayMode As Integer = 17
Global Const constPD_BrightnessControl As Integer = 4
Global Const constPD_BackSpace As Integer = 8
Global Const constPD_HorizontalTab As Integer = 9
Global Const constPD_LineFeed As Integer = 10
Global Const constPD_CarriageReturn As Integer = 13
Global Const constPD_DigitSelect As Integer = 16
Global Const constPD_CursorON As Integer = 19
Global Const constPD_CursorOFF As Integer = 20
Global Const constPD_Reset As Integer = 31
Global Const constPD_MessageScroll_Start As String = "&H05"
Global Const PD_MessageScroll_Stop As String = "&H0D"


Any guidance in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

[June7]

You downloaded, installed, registered the MSCOMM32.OCX Active X library dll?

It's old but here is one user's experience http://www.excelforum.com/excel-prog...al-device.html

Search web for more.

[nhdee]

Thank you. Is that for Excel only? I am working in Access.

[June7]

It's VBA coding. Library reference is still pertinent.

[nhdee]

Unfortunately this link no longer exists: http://www.yes-tele.com/mscomm.html and when I go to Microsoft's download site I can not find MSCOMM32.OCX. Also is the 32 for 32 bit? if so I would need 64 bit...????

[June7]

I knew the link didn't work. That wasn't why I posted that thread. You are trying something I have no experience with although thought I might have to. So did some searching a while ago. Hit this one http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/serialport.htm. Yes, 32 means 32-bit. I don't know if you will find 64-bit solution.

64-bit is giving me fits. I just had to go run a database from 32-bit machine because code would not work on 64-bit. Apparently ADO Jet 4 connection won't work.

[nhdee]

I found the download using: www.nodevice.com. I will look at your other links tomorrow. Thank You!

[June7]

Interesting, McAfee blocked that site as bad reputation. Our IT department has rather stringent filters but that is the first such warning I've ever run into.

[nhdee]

Apparently Microsoft no longer uses mscomm32. There is a lot of information [vba module and sample code] at this site http://www.thescarms.com/vbasic/commio.aspx to use Windows API calls to control the serial port instead. I have imported the module. I have placed the sample code on my Home Form as an event (Form Load). What do I need to change to make it work with a pole display (com) and my database? How/Where do I call the communication functions contained in the module and put the coding?

[June7]

Not sure. I am guessing have the procedures to set the com port run when a form opens. Then maybe the CommWrite procedure would be called with a button Click event or textbox AfterUpdate event.

[nhdee]

I have got the pole display working however I can't clear it. This is what I have so far that works:

Private Sub Form_Load()

Open "Com1" For Output As #1
Write #1, "Welcome"
Close #1

End Sub

The Pole Display manual has the following information:
Clear to End of Display ASCII = <RS>; DEC = 30 and HEX = 1E

What Access vba coding do I need to make that work?

[June7]

This might require SendKeys. I use:

SendKeys "{ESC}", True

So maybe:

SendKeys "{RS}", True

Well, that errors in the VBA immediate window.

Bing: VBA clear pole display screen

The is the closest I could find http://forums.codeguru.com/showthrea...display-screen

[nhdee]

Unfortunately Send Keys makes my display have a weird character appear across the display screen. I had found that link before as well, not helpful, but thanks.

[June7]

A quick fix until you find better might be just to write a bunch of blank lines to the display until the text scrolls off.