I had come across a post in one of these forums here with codes, which I thought would sove my problem, but I was advised by Rhinobull to open a new thread. I hope I have posted this thread in the right forum.

I am developing an application using Microsoft Access 2000 with VBA codes behind the objects for managing retail sales in supermarkets and grocery stores. I have been searching for VBA codes to transmit data from one of my forms to a Pole Diplay. I have already installed vb 6.0 on my computer and placed MS.COMM Active X Control on the relevant Form for opening the Comm Port. In order to send an output to a Pole Display, I have written the following Code in the On Enter Event of the Text Box named ItemCode:

Dim mySales As String

If isNumeric(Me.TotalSales) then

mySales = Me.TotalSales 'TotalSales is a Visible Text
'box with Enabled Property
'set to No and Locked
'property set to Yes
Else
mySales = 0
End if


MsComm1.Output = Chr $(&H5) 'Scroll
MsComm1.Output = Chr $(&HA) 'Line Feed
MsComm1.Output = Chr $(&H13) 'Cursor on
MsComm1.Output = "TOTAL SALES " + mySales ' Displayed Data
MsComm1.Output = Chr $(&HD) ' Carrige return

As you may be aware, the Pole Display has two rows. when I enter data in my Form, the information is displayed in both lines. I would like the Displayed Data (in the Second Last line Above) to appear in the bottom row of the Pole Display. How Can I accomplish this task?

I shall be grateful to receive advise on a range of Visual Basic Codes I can use to programme the Pole Display to work efficiently. For instance, I need VBA Codes to Clear the Pole Display Screen, to Scroll the information up or left, to show data on the items in the upper row and to show data on total in the Lower Row of the Display

Please help. If possible, give me examples with VBA Codes covering at least the following four aspects:

1. A code for clearing the screen of the Pole Display
2. A code for scrolling data to the left of the Pole Display
3. A code for displaying data on the Upper Line of the Pole Display
4. A code for displaying data on the Lower Line of the Pole Display

The Pole Display has the following specifications:

1. CD5220
2. Serial Port (RS232C) communication
3. Selectable Baud rates 4800 or 9600
4. 40 characters (20 Columns X 2 lines)

The hardware was supplied with a users manual which has only hex codes. However, I am developing my application in Microsoft Access and I would like to place Visual Basic codes in the event procedures of some of the objects (Forms) to send commands to the Pole Display to perform the various functions.

Thanks in advance for your help.


Blessed2bless