Simple Serial Data Keyboard Wedge

Sends serial port data to any application (e.g., Excel, Notepad, ERP systems).
Can collect data from Serial, RS232, and RS232-via-USB industrial equipment.
Supports real-time data viewing and custom data handling.

Features

✅ Sends serial data as keyboard input
✅ Works with RS232, USB-to-Serial devices, and industrial equipment
✅ Real-time data viewing for monitoring incoming data
✅ Customizable serial data processing via SerialReaderBase
✅ Supports multiple baud rates and handshake methods

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Compatible Devices

Device Type	Examples
Barcode Readers	Handheld scanners, POS systems
Weighing Scales	Industrial balances, lab scales
Meters	Voltage meters, pressure gauges
Calipers	Digital calipers, micrometers
Sensors	Temperature, force, pH sensors
Custom Devices	Any RS232-based industrial tool

Builds upon https://github.com/pormiston/SerialWedge

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System Screenshot

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How To Run

From GitHub Releases

1. Go to the Releases page: SerialWedge Releases
2. Download the latest Assets from the Assests section on the Releases page
3. Run the application (no installation required)

From Source

1. Clone the repo:

   git clone https://github.com/jglatts/SerialWedge.git

2. Open the SLN file in VisualStudio

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Creating a Custom Serial Reader for the Keyboard Wedge

To implement a custom serial reader, follow these steps:

1. Create a New Class that Inherits SerialReaderBase

Your custom serial reader must be a subclass of SerialReaderBase.
This ensures it integrates smoothly with the wedge system.

Important: The worker() method is essential—it runs in a loop and continuously reads, processes, and sends serial data as keyboard input. Without properly implementing this method, your device will not function within the wedge system.

Example: Creating MyDeviceSerialReader

using System;
using System.IO.Ports;
using System.Windows.Forms;

namespace Wedgies
{
    class MyDeviceSerialReader : SerialReaderBase
    {

        /*
            Constructor for the custom serial reader.
            Calls the base class constructor to initialize the serial port and callback.
        */
        public MyDeviceSerialReader(SerialPort port, UpdateCallback callback)
            : base(port, callback)
        {
        }

        /*
            Serial Port settings (handshake and baud) for your implementation. 
            This will load the GUI with your settings on start-up. 
        */
        public override PortSettings getPortSettings()
        {
            return new PortSettings("XOnXOff", 2400);
        }

        /*
            Initialize serial port settings specific to your device.
        */
        public override void initPort()
        {
            // example usage:
            port.Parity = Parity.Even;
            port.DataBits = 8;
            port.StopBits = StopBits.One;
            port.DtrEnable = true;
            port.RtsEnable = false;
        }

        /*
            Core method for reading and processing serial data.

            This method is called repeatedly in a loop while the reader is running.
            Use this method to customize how data is interpreted and processed. 
        */
        public override bool worker()
        {
            bool ret = true;
            try
            {
                // Read a line of data from the serial port
                string line = port.ReadLine();

                // Process the data as needed
                if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(line))
                    return;

                // Example: Filter out unwanted characters
                line = line.Replace("?", "");

                // Send the processed data as keyboard input
                SendKeys.SendWait(line);

                // Invoke the callback to update UI or logs
                updateCallback?.Invoke(line);
            }
            catch (TimeoutException)
            {
                // No data available
                ret = false;
            }
            return ret;
        }
    }
}

2. Instantiate and Use Your Custom Reader

In frmwedge.cs, you instantiate your reader in the setSerialReader() method

public void setSerialReader()
{
    serialReader = new MyDeviceSerialReader(port, updateLiveInput);
}

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Why This Is Effective