Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

3 points

Want to use both on screen keyboard and HID keyboard at same time

Has anyone come up with a way to be able to switch back and forth between the on screen keyboard and a paired HID Bluetooth keyboard? In my case, my HID BT Keyboard is a barcode scanner which works great! It is the Serialio scanfob. We would like to use the iPad to create sales orders and some of the fields need to be text and some need to be the barcode info input from the scanner. I have already asked support, and no solutions there other then the eject option on the apple keyboard or turning off bluetooth in the settings. Any ideas will be much appreciated!

iPad, Other OS

Posted on Apr 15, 2010 5:28 AM

41 replies

Dec 12, 2010 5:57 PM in response to jamiepsa

What did you use to make the barcode to do your pairing?

fdf1971

Level 1

4 points

Jan 5, 2011 4:22 AM in response to jamiepsa

This app looks interesting. I will try it when I get back to work - this on youtube somehow seems to achieve both HID Bluetooth and Scanner simultaneously.

Has anyone else had any success with this application.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFVgjAmpHQw

bovined

Level 1

0 points

Mar 7, 2011 11:56 AM in response to fdf1971

the Socket 7X scanners have released a new firmware that will control the OSK with a double-tap of the power button while connected. It is available as of today and I am already testing it now. Works great for anyone who needs it.

tendon

Level 1

0 points

Mar 8, 2011 3:58 AM in response to bovined

where is the Firmware download ?
for shc 7m is running?

bovined

Level 1

0 points

Mar 10, 2011 3:13 PM in response to tendon

It is actually a firmware upgrade and appears to need a physical update from Socket so just contact them directly for info on that. The 7M v3 laser series appear to support it as well. I will try to get more info to post here.

Apr 7, 2011 12:08 PM in response to bovined

Socket posted a video on YouTube showing how to access the onscreen keyboard when using their scanner. There's also a URL in their video with info about their upgrade program. http://www.youtube.com/socketmobile

Feb 6, 2012 11:38 AM in response to jingg

jingg, did you ever find a solution to this? We are in the same boat. We have a web application in which we need to switch back and forth between the scanner and the oskb. Double clicking the on/off button on the CHS 7x doesn't seem to be acceptable to our users. During development it didn't seem like a bad option, but first time users can't seem to make it work. And then, of course, declare "this doesn't work, I'm not using it anymore."

IRMC

Level 1

0 points

Apr 5, 2013 3:10 AM in response to jamiepsa

I have a Opticon OPN2002 scanner. I having the same problem where the os kb is not useable after it is pair with the ipad. if bluetooth is turn OFF, everything is ok.

Even update to IOS 6.1.3 but is not helping.

Anyone have any idea how this can be fix?

rage187

Level 1

0 points

May 3, 2013 12:37 PM in response to IRMC

the opticon 2002 has a button right on the top of the device that calls the OS keyboard. I have had to update the firmware on the Opticon and be on version 6 or later of iOS for it to work. Some of the scanners, it has worked right out of the box.

Once you have the firmware installed, you have to scan a barcode(one time setup) from Opticon, that enables the function. Weird, I know.

Oct 24, 2016 4:24 PM in response to ddaeges1

we've added the ipads to our fleet of forklifts with a LI3678 bluetooth scanner, and we also need to access the onscreen keyboard. our 'quick' fix was to have a print out of numbers 0-9, and some generated barcodes with forklift drivers names and passwords that they can scan into the ipad. OR, just open the battery cover which turns the scanner off and the keyboard appears. once the cover is closed again, the scanner automatically connects again and they are off scanning again. We've tried everything to program the scanner and have sent inquiries to Zebra to help out, and figured it'd be useless to try and get a hold of anyone from Apple support. But the quick fix was to print out a barcode sheet for all our drivers that they could use when they needed to enter certain information.

Nov 22, 2016 8:44 AM in response to slightlyfrustrated2016

Thanks for the quick fix tip.

We too are trying to get better user interaction via iPads and bluetooth scanners. Currently we are evaluating best options from avoiding a native app needing to be developed and instead finding a browser app that just supports a true Bluetooth scanner via integrated SDK as opposed to HID "Keyboard" input mode. So far we havent found exactly what we need.

Want to use both on screen keyboard and HID keyboard at same time