*** BARCOED SYSTEM *** vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by: BARCO, INC. P.O. Box 336 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 Tel:(216) 751-7525 Price: $19.95 - System (Cas. & Barcode) 1.50 - Postage Handling. ------ $21.45 - Complete. ====== -------- DESCRIPTION: Backup! Barcode System ----------- BARCO, INC.'s Barcode System for Users, Programmers, and Publishers is a THREE (3) program system capable of encoding, printing, and reading B3OF9 barcode. The program, BARCOE.BA, is a TWO phase encoder which converts '.DO' files by encoding ASCII values (Model 100 code set) which are not recognized by the B3OF9 system. During the first phase, new data is generated into a pseudo code which emulates the full ASCII set using only those ascii values understood by the B3OF9 system. The second phase then formats the encoded data so that it may be read in sets of 23 ascii values or less, (a restriction of the B3OF9 system for the M100 and compatibles). In addition, each line of 23 values or less is numbered for accuracy and ease of reading. Once encoded, the new file will be dis- played on the main menu as the first 4 letters of the original '.DO' file fol- lowed by two '??' (ie. TEST??.DO). Due to the encoding and line numbering procedure based on the 23 character per line restriction of B3OF9, your encoded '.DO' file will increase in size any- where from two to 3 times its original (depending on usage of lower case and symbols). Since this can not be avoid- ed, the available memory should be 24K or more. Even with a 32K machine, we found that a 6K source code file took up almost 18K after being encoded. Together with the original source file, this alone took up 24K not including the encoder file which is 1744 bytes long. In order to resolve this problem, two features were incorporated to assist in its utility. First, a memory saver option is provided which allows the user to have the original source '.DO' file deleated after the encoding pass but before the formatting pass. This will help to relieve available memory necessary to avoid an 'out of memory' error condition. The second feature is for the otherwise impossible condition where your source file is already a 9+K file and simply will not fit, encoded, in memory as a single file. In such cases, the user must split the source '.DO' file into segments of 3-4K and then encode/format each separately. In order to do this and reassemble the individual segments into a single en- coded/formated file for printing into barcode, there is provided a 'restart number' function. This enables the user to begin the formatted barcode line numbering where they left off in previously encoded segment. The BASIC routines for encoding and formatting are about as efficient as they can be and will be greatly improv- with a machine languare subroutine to be forthcoming in the very near future. Prior to October 1, 1984, purchasers of the first version of BARCOE.BA will be updated at no additional cost. After October 1, 1984, all others will be up- dated upon request for the minimal cost of processing, shipping, and handling. The BARPRN.BA program is the print driver for the system. This routine uses an initialization process neces- sary to load a character/printer con- version routine for printing B3OF9 bar- code segments. This routine only converts the legal character set readable by the B3OF9 system. The printer program will only accept legal B3OF9 characters produced by the BARCOE.BA encoder/format pro- gram. The printer routine will print 21 lines of barcode segments per 8.5"x11" paper. Each line is numbered to the 'left' and directly 'below' the barcode segment so as not to interfere with the wand and reader program. A header/title entry is also printed on the top of each page together with a date, time, and page number stamp. The program will not overrun pages provid- ing the the user begins within 1/2" to 3/4" from the top edge. Careful attention has been given to assure that the print routine will not grow or shrink so as to break across page boundaries. At present, the printer program will run on the Radio Shack DMP series of printers. Other printers will be sup- ported providing potential users sup- ply the required print control codes for their equipment. Having compared the BARPRN.BA with a machine language version, there was no appreciable difference in speed between the two to warrant writing an assembly language routine for dot addressable printers of 120 cps or less. It still takes a while to print out the listing and this will remain until the price and popularity of lazer printers evolves. The third program in the series is the BARCO.BA reader. Destinctive features of this program allow for constant mon- itoring of line numbers always letting the user know if you are reading the correct line. If you are behind the current line, the reader will signify which line number so the user can go to the correct one. If ahead, the reader will signify which line was missed. Meanwhile the reader constantly monitors the next line to read status. On error, the reader sig- nals a spritely high pitched sound fol- lowed by the error message. A valid read is audible by the usual beep emitted by the B3OF9.CO program, which must be present for BARCO.BA to operate (this program is provided with the the Radio Shack Barcode Reader). An additional feature of BARCO.BA is the ability to toggle a reverse video window at the bottom of the screen if the user wishes to visually check in- put during a reading session. This may be toggled from on to off any time during a program run as desired, simply by pressing the <> key. The advantage to leaving the window off is that the user can enter barcode just slightly faster as the program bypasses the extra print loop. Upon completion, the program closes all files and returns to the main menu having written the new source file from the encoded/formatted barcode listing. The length and checksum of each program is as follows: 1. BARCO.BA = 1777 Bytes - 130,813(.DO) 2. BARCOE.BA= 1744 Bytes - 132,618(.DO) 3. BARPRN.BA= 2441 Bytes - 160,808(.DO) ---- TOTAL = 5962 BYTES. ========== USAGE: ----- The stimulous for designing this system is due in part to the fact that upon purchasing the Radio Shack Barcode Reader there was virtually no software available for practical programmer/User applications. Currently there is nothing on the sig that is a complete usable system (other then for labeling). And last but not least, I got tired of waiting for a cheap economical non-erasing non- volatile means of backing up files. Because of the time savings in entering program input from magazines using a barcode/wand system, the popularity of such a system with publishers should be significant. When you think about it, program input does not have to be limited to just the M100 and compatibles. Assembly language as well as other high level langues for various systems could be read by a M100 or NEC 8201 barcode reader for upload- ing to a target applications system. Within the next 12-36 months, perhaps all major popular computing magazines will have their own barcode listings for input by an M100 or similar com- patable for subsequent uploading to say a sophisticated UNIX environment. The possibilities are really unlimited and I believe the success of lap type barcode readers for media transfer to larger systems is inevitable and very affordable even as a totally dedicated task. Correspondence and letters in BARCODE?. Why not!. Throw out the file cabinets and save your correspondant's letters and invoices from barcode media saved to mass storage magnetic media. Paymnt for 'BARCOED SYSTEM': Checks & Money Orders accepted. Please allow 2-3 weeks for per- checks to clear otherwise im- mediate delivery on postal or bank money orders. ANYONE INTERESTED IN A ROM BASED BASIC COMPILER FOR THEIR MODEL 100 OR NEC 8201. If so, please respond by mail to the above address or leave EMAIL at: 73125,677 c/o Gordon A. MacCarthy THANKS. BARCO, INC.