Using bar code scanners with Trilogic Tm plc

[Will Steed]

Is it possible to use the TM plc's with a barcode scanner on the serial input and the excel link software to aquire data to the spreadsheet.  I would like to set up a cheap inventory control system for small parts.  Does this sound like it would be cost effective or would it be better to buy an off the shelf system.  You may not be able to answer that last question, unless someone has tried this before.

Thanks.

Will Steed

[support]

Absolutely! The PLC can easily read data from bar code reader via its RS232/RS485 port. Its second serial port can be connected to the PC and capture data from the PLC into Excel Spreadsheet.

You are right that we can't answer whether there are other more cost effective means of doing it. If you are able to write Excel Macro to open serial port directly to the bar code scanner that will be a more cost effective way. (I am not sure if Excel can access serial port, just guessing... I hope other Excel macro expert can shed some lights on this subject...).