We use a combination bar code/mag stripe reader unit from Worthington Data
Solutions (800/345-9220) that is available as either a
pass-thru serial unit or a PC keyboard wedge($499 with the right options).
In our case, the wand is used to read bar code printed on Symphony Tickets
for returning inventory and the card reader passes the mag stripe image to
our SuperChg Credit Card software that lets the 3000 act as a card
authorization terminal.
 
I selected these units because they were fully programmable. To run under
VPLUS, I use an unused escape code sequence (what would be f9) as a
preamble and a RS as the terminator. We have the operator press a
function key to arm the 3k program to accept the input and issue
a FREAD directly to the terminal that looks for the proper f9 sequence
to determine its source.
 
The operator presses an f-key and then swipes the card or bar code. It's
quite seamless and our customers love the functionality.
 
They also have mag stripe only readers, but we have never used those
units because of the additional flexibility the bar code provided.
Gary L. Biggs, N5TTO
[log in to unmask]
214-340-7794
Interex SIG Allbase Chair
 
"Abandon all hope, Ye who Inter(net) here" -- Dante, over the portal to Hell