WedgeLink HW Hardware Keyboard Wedge for RS-232 devices

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WedgeLink HW Keyboard Hardware Wedge

Input Data from any RS-232 Device into your PC Application

The WedgeLink HW is a user-configurable hardware keyboard wedge that accepts input from any RS-232 device. With the WedgeLink HW, you can transfer RS-232 data into any PC application that accepts keyboard input. Some of the more common applications that are used with the WedgeLink HW include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, etc.

A table comparing the WedgeLink keyboard wedges available from MicroRidge can be found on the WedgeLink Overview page.

Key Features of WedgeLink Hardware Keyboard Wedges
All features can be configured by an easy-to-use Windows-based setup program. If you have multiple units to configure, you simply create a file and transfer it into each of the units. Firmware (the software within the wedge) can be easily upgraded by users in the field to allow for software enhancements and customization.

Supports any
RS-232 device

Setup Program
(Click for larger image)

Supports any RS-232 device.
Specify rules for defining the input packet (end-of-packet character, gap time or send immediately).
Remove unwanted characters from the input packet.
Extract the first numeric field from the input packet.
Single and continuous read modes.
Initiate readings with the read switch on the WedgeLink HW, an optional remote read switch or a send button on your serial device.
Works with serial devices that send single or continuous readings.
Define different commands for each read switch.
LED to indicate when RS-232 data has been received.
Simple to use Windows setup program to define the WedgeLink HW operation.
Define prefix and/or suffix strings to be included with the wedge output.
Specify the end-of-packet character to be sent with each data packet.
All power is obtained from the keyboard cable, no separate AC adapter is required.
Connect to the PC/laptop via the keyboard input port or to a USB port via the USB to PS/2 adapter.
Serial communications test program (ComTestSerial) included to assist in setup and testing.

What's Included with the WedgeLink HW Hardware Wedge

WedgeLink HW hardware wedge
6' cable for connecting the WedgeLink HW to your PC (keyboard port or USB to PS/2 adapter)
USB to PS/2 adapter
9-pin serial cable (so that you can send configuration parameters to the wedge)
CD with Windows-based setup program, and ComTestSerial (communications test program)
User's Guide (on the CD as well)
Unlimited technical support

WedgeLink HW Back Panel
The back panel contains a DB9 serial port, a keyboard input port, and a keyboard output cable. Refer to the paragraphs below for the best way to connect your hardware wedge to your PC or laptop.

The DB9 serial port is used for downloading configuration parameters and updating the WedgeLink HW firmware. If you do not have a serial port on your computer, you should also purchase a Serial to USB cable.
The keyboard input port (circular connector in upper right corner) is used if you connect a keyboard directly to the hardware wedge.
The keyboard output cable is connected to the keyboard input port on your PC or to the USB to PS/2 adapter.

Connecting the WedgeLink HW Wedge to Your PC
When using the WedgeLink keyboard wedge, we highly recommend that you connect it to your PC using the USB to PS/2 adapter. It allows you to easily connect and disconnect the wedge without having to turn off your PC. If you are connecting the wedge to a laptop, you must use the USB to PS/2 adapter.

Upgrade Options
When firmware upgrades are available, they can be downloaded from our Downloads page. Upgrading the firmware is as simple as connecting the wedge to a serial port on your PC, selecting the serial port number in the firmware update software and pressing the Update Firmware button.

Revised February 1, 2012